Preview: Busan IPark vs Daejeon Citizen

Busan IPark host Daejeon Citizen on Monday evening as the ever-unpredictable K League 2 continues into Round 11. Busan were the victors when these sides met in March, but the Royals have been unpredictable since then and now sit seven points behind leaders Anyang. Daejeon, meanwhile, will be looking to end a three-match winless streak on their first trip to Gudeok Stadium this year.

Match Overview

Busan IPark (7th) vs Daejeon Citizen (2nd) 

K League 2, Round 11 

Monday, 10th May - 19:30 KST

Recent Form

Busan IPark lost to Gimcheon Sangmu last time out, a Cho Gue-sung header enough to hand the military team all three points. Busan were outplayed in the first half but vastly improved in the second, and coach Ricardo Peres will take heart from the manner of his team’s performances since switching to a 3-4-3 system last month. 

Daejeon Citizen, meanwhile, have somewhat stalled after their run of four straight wins in early spring, and have now failed to win any of their last three. Last time out they were denied the three points by a 74th minute equaliser from Jeonnam’s Jang Soon-hyeok, after Park Jin-sub had given Daejeon an early lead.

[READ: Time to Move On: What's Next for Son Heung-min?]

Team News

Busan IPark captain Kang Min-soo could make his first appearance of the season after recovering from injury, while midfielder Lee Rae-jun returns from suspension. Centre back Valentinos Sielis is a doubt after going off injured in last weekend’s win over Bucheon.

Who to Watch

Park Jeong-in

Busan’s 20 year-old forward has shown flashes of his potential since his move from Ulsan Hyundai at the turn of the year. Park has two goals to his name so far this season, and his partnership with striker An Byong-jun has been one of the highlights of Busan’s opening weeks to the season. 

While initially thriving in the hole behind the central striker, since Busan switched formations, Park has drifted into more of a right wing role. Although not always a prominent figure in matches, Park’s contributions are often vital, his neat interplay with An Byong-jun and his clever movement around the box creating space and opportunities for teammates. Park scored his first K League goal against Daejeon back in March, and he’ll hope for another on Monday.