Preview: K League 2 Round 16

The last round of pre-World Cup domestic fixtures is due to take place this weekend with all 10 K League 2 sides in action. With the title race wide open, current league leaders Seongnam entertain last year's playoff finalists Busan IPark, Asan Mugunghwa host an in-form Seoul E-Land. At the other end of the table, the bottom two go head-to-head when Suwon FC welcome FC Anyang to Castle Park. All this and more in your comprehensive guide to K League 2 Round 16.
(image via K League)

Saturday 9th June

Bucheon 1995 (3rd) Vs Daejeon Citizen (7th)

Bucheon's run of four games without victory was put to an end last time out when Jung Gabsuk's men dispatched struggling Suwon FC at home in a 4-1 win. The win, along with Seongnam's defeat to Asan, meant that Bucheon are now just three points off top spot. Daejeon, meanwhile, are on a run of three without a win having lost two and drawn one. Last Sunday Daejeon shipped two goals in the injury time to lose to Gwangju, despite taking an 86th minute lead, then on Wednesday the Purples drew 1-1 with Ansan Greeners having gone ahead just before half time. First choice 'keeper Kim Jinyoung is out but star man Shohruh Gadeov and first choice centre back Yun Junseong are both back from suspension.

From Soccerway.com

Full Preview: here

Asan Mugunghwa (2nd) Vs Seoul E-Land (8th)

After an impressive win over Ansan Greeners last time out, Seoul E-Land make the short trip to Asan, looking to make it two wins on the spin for the first time this term. E-Land are in the midst of some indifferent form, losing a game before winning the next. Asan, meanwhile, picked up a hugely important and impressive win over league leaders Seongnam to blow the title race wide open as the World Cup break approaches. A win for E-Land could see them knocking on the door of the playoffs when league action returns, a win for Asan would put pressure on the Magpies as they look to win automatic promotion.

From Soccerway.com

Columnist Michael Redmond previews the game: here

Ansan Greeners (5th) Vs Gwangju (6th)

Ansan Greeners looked to have thrown away their positive start to the campaign following a run of one win in seven that included four defeats. However, given how tight the K League 2 table is, an Ansan win this Saturday could see the Green Wolves jump into the playoff places, should results elsewhere go their way. However, of Park Hansil are to pick up their first win four, they will have to do so without the suspended Raul Tarragona who was given a straight red during the 1-1 draw away to Daejeon. Saturday's visitors to the Wa Stadium, Gwangju, make the trip on the back of two straight wins and have set themselves the challenge of making it three heading into the World Cup break.

From Soccerway.com

Columnist Mike Brandon previews this one: here

Sunday 10th June

Suwon FC (9th) Vs FC Anyang (10th)

The bottom two go head-to-head at Castle Park on Sunday evening when Suwon FC take on FC Anyang. Neither side have enjoyed a particularly fruitful first 15 rounds, none more so than Suwon who were tipped by many to be one of the front runners for promotion this term. Gaffer Kim Daeui has recently come out in the press and taken responsibility for the current situation after continued pressure from some sections of the Suwon support. However, Australian defender Adrian Leijer is available for selection again having served a one-match ban, as are Park Sejin and Lee Kwangjin who all sat out the defeat to Bucheon. FC Anyang, meanwhile, have started to find some form and are on a run of four games unbeaten with two wins and two draws. A win for the Violets would see Ko Jeongwoon's side leapfrog Suwon, moving them off the foot of the table.

From Soccerway.com

Prediction: Suwon FC 1-1 FC Anyang

Seongnam FC (1st) Vs Busan IPark (4th)

League leaders Seongnam will be looking to get back to winning ways when they face Busan IPark this Sunday evening. The Magpies fell to a 4-2 defeat against Asan Mugunghwa, a result which subsequently narrowed the gap at the top of the table to just two points between first and second, three points between first and third. A win for Busan wouldn't be enough to propel themselves any higher up the table but would certainly give hope to themselves and the chasing pack as the domestic season heads into the World Cup break.