Key Matches in the Key Races: Alternative K League 1 Round 31 Preview

The 2025 K League 1 season can be broken into a handful of key races, perhaps even fewer, with the title race as good as sewn up, and the automatic relegation spot firmly in one team's hands. But what are the key matches in the key races this weekend? An alternative preview looking ahead to 2025 Hana Bank K League 1 Round 31.

Race for the Top 4

Gimcheon Sangmu (2nd) vs. Pohang Steelers (4th)

Saturday 27th September - 16:30

The race for second place is extremely tight, with just a point separating Gimcheon, Daejeon, and Pohang. The two North Gyeongsang clubs, Gimcheon and Pohang, meet this weekend in what could be an early decider for the K League 1 runner-up spot - or at least give one team a psychological advantage heading into Final A. Gimcheon ended a run of back-to-back losses last time out by earning an impressive win away to champions-elect Jeonbuk. Pohang, meanwhile, eased past relegation-threatened Jeju SK 1-0 thanks to Lee Ho-jae's 13th goal of the season, to keep the Steelers in good form with just one loss in five and three wins to their name. 

Pohang will be looking for more of that same when they make the short trip to Gimcheon, having controlled possession against Jeju and earned an xG of 1.27 from 17 shots and eight on target. Gimcheon, though, having topped the soon-to-be-crowned K League 1 champions, will be a much sterner test. The army side stormed Jeonju Castle, registering 16 shots with eight on target. The teams have enjoyed a win each in this fixture this season.

Watch live on K League TV: here

[READ: K League 1 Round 30 Wrap-up]

Race for Final A

FC Anyang (8th) vs. Gwangju FC (6th)

Sunday 28th September - 16:30

Mathematically, FC Anyang could still finish in Final A this season, their first ever in K League 1. The Violets' home fixture with Gwangju FC this Sunday will be key for Ryu Byung-hoon's men in their bid to at least avoid the drop, but also stake a claim for a late push into the top six. The Griffins, though, have their talons latched onto sixth place currently, despite the heavy 3-0 loss to FC Seoul last time out. But Gangwon, in seventh, are level on points and bearing down on a place in Final A themselves. Much like many of the Round 31 fixtures, Sunday's match is something of a six-pointer. Gwangju boss Lee Jung-hyo will be expecting a reaction to the comprehensive loss to Seoul, while Coach Ryu will be encouraged by the clean sheet at the Munsu last time out, and his team's run of four unbeaten. Gwangju emerged victorious, however, from the two previous fixtures this season, both by the same 2-1 scoreline.

Watch live on K League TV [ENG]: here

Relegation Battle

Jeju SK (11th) vs. Suwon FC (10th)

Sunday 28th September - 16:30

A relegation six-pointer if ever there was one. Jeju SK are looking to recover from three straight losses and a run of seven without victory when welcoming Suwon FC to the island on Sunday. Suwon returned to winning ways last time out, easing past Gangwon in a 1-0 victory to move within two points of safety. Kim Eun-jung's men currently sit three points above Jeju, meaning a win would go a long way in ensuring the Castle Park club at least avoids ending the season in the bottom two places. 

Given the recent form of the two sides, six losses between them in their last five outings, earning all three points is imperative. Jeju simply must improve in front of goal; they managed just one shot on target against Pohang in Round 30 and against Anyang the round before. Suwon are good in front of goal, with 4.9 shots on target per match on average this season. The two teams have high xGA values of 47.2 (Jeju, 2nd) and 44.9 (Suwon, 3rd), but judging from the two previous meetings this season, there may only be one goal in it. Jeju ran out 1-0 winners at Castle Park in May and on the island at the end of March. Suwon fans, though, will remember a 5-0 win over Jeju in August last year.

Watch live on K League TV [ENG]: here

[OFFICIAL: K League 1 Round 31 Preview]

Worth a mention...

FC Seoul (5th) vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (1st)

Saturday 27th September - 19:00

Jeonbuk missed the chance to seal the K League 1 title this weekend owing to their home defeat to Gimcheon Sangmu last time out. However, continuing their impressive unbeaten run in the capital, which stretches back to July 2017, would at least ensure the champagne can be put on ice in time for a pre-split celebration. FC Seoul have their own work to do, too, not just delaying Jeonbuk's return to glory. Kim Gi-dong will be hopeful that his players can build on the 3-0 win over Gwangju in the previous round. Currently, FC Seoul sit fifth in the table, five points behind the top four, but a first home win over Jeonbuk in eight years would at least edge them closer to a Final A finish, which, at present, will be the utmost priority. Rectifying the discrepancy between xG and actual goals scored remains homework for Seoul, with 49.0 the highest in the league, but with 40 goals scored, despite leading the league for 'big chances,' with 64, and Jeonbuk second with 59. The last two meetings between the two teams in the capital ended 1-0 to Jeonbuk, both this seaso,n with one coming in the Korea Cup. 

Watch live on K League TV [ENG]: here

Where to Watch

Watch all matches live and for free on TV.KLeague.com. English commentary provided where indicated.