Preview: Suwon FC vs Ansan Greeners

Strugglers Suwon FC host an out of form Ansan Greeners in a Gyeonggi-do derby on Monday evening in the K League 2, with both city rivals looking to reverse a recent run of defeats.
(Image via K League)


Match: Ansan Greeners Vs Suwon FC
Venue: Suwon Civil Stadium
Kickoff: Monday May 21st, 19:30 KST

Last Time Out

Ansan Greeners suffered their second defeat in as many games as Busan IPark put three past the home side. Ansan were poor throughout, although a sudden sense of urgency in the final five minutes allowed Choi Hojoo to net his fourth of the season.

Suwon suffered their third defeat on the bounce away at Seongnam last weekend with all the players on the scoresheet being present or former Magpies. Yeon Jeun gave Suwon FC the lead when he put into his own net midway through the first half. It looked like a resurgent Bucheon would climb back to the top of the K2 until Seo Bomin equalised with twenty minutes remaining, before scoring from the spot in injury time to give Seongnam a massive three points. Seongnam remain undefeated in the K2 this season, condemning Suwon to their seventh defeat of the season.

Ansan lie 5th in the table, level on points with Busan on 15 points who presently occupy the final play-off spot. Suwon are second from bottom, on 9 points.

Previous Meetings

The two sides met in April at the Wa Stadium when an early Choi Hojoo penalty gave Ansan a 1-0 win. This is the sixth meeting of the two teams in the Greeners era, with Ansan having won three of the previous meetings and the other two ending in a draw.

Team News

Raul Terragona continues to be the major absence for Ansan as he recovers from a knee injury. In regards to formation, manager Lee Heunsil changed from his regular 3-4-3 for the Greeners last time out against Busan, going for a 4-1-4-1 with Shin Ilsu as the holding midfielder and Conneh up top. However, expect Ansan to revert to their more attack minded formation for this one.

Prediction

Ansan's early season flourish looks to have ended, and with the continued absence of Raul and the struggles of Jang Hyeokjin, they are finding it difficult to worry other teams. Suwon however, have tailed off even more since the beginning of the season, with just one win in their last five. Suwon deploy an aggressive 4-2-1-3 system, which might be overwhelmed by Ansan's midfield. Both sides need a win, but they might have to settle for at least arresting their recent form by sharing the spoils.

Score Prediction: Suwon FC 1-1 Ansan Greeners

Interview with Raúl Tarragona

Ansan Foreign Supporters Club members James Walsh and I were fortunate enough to speak with Ansan Greeners' forward Raúl Tarragona after his side's 3-1 defeat to Busan IPark. While currently suffering with injury, Raúl offered his thoughts on team's progress and chances this season, as well as revealing which side of Liverpool he aligns himself with. You can watch the video in full below