Preview: Daegu FC vs Gangwon FC

Tenth-placed Daegu FC host Gangwon FC at Daegu Stadium this Sunday just three weeks after the Sky Blues beat Gangwon 3-1 in the heart of Gangwon Province. The win was the stepping stone to four wins in a row in all competitions. Will Andre’s side pull off another upset at home and get Daegu firing again or will Gangwon maintain their top six position? Daegu FC correspondent Muyeol Jung and Gangwon FC correspondent Steve Price preview the game.
(image via K League)

Last Time Out

Daegu FC travelled to Jeonju World Cup Stadium on Wednesday after the 2-0 defeat at home against Ulsan at the weekend. Andre played his strongest side as possible in spite risking fatigue within the squad with a subtle change in line up. In a 3-4-3 formation, Edgar returned to the starting XI for the first time in a month and what happened thereafter was perhaps could have been predicted.

In first half, Daegu effectively deprived Jeonbuk of the ball in a well maintained formation and delivered the ball upfront quickly. Fortuitously, Daegu were awarded a penalty after Choi Bo-kyung handled the ball whilst challenging Edgar in the air. Composedly, Ze Roberto converted from the spot.

In second half, Jeonbuk made two changes by bringing on Brazilian winger Lopes and towering striker Kim Shin-wook instead of Lee Jae-sung II and Adriano. Just a few minutes into the second half, thirty-nine-year-old striker Lee Dong-gook bagged two goals in the blink of an eye.

Highlights can be found here

Gangwon FC made the long trip the south to face off against the second-placed Gyeongnam FC. This clash was hyped as the meeting of the league's two top scorers, Marcão for the hosts and Uroš Ðerić for the visitors. It was the visitors who took the lead first by a goal from Hwang Jin-sung, but were then reduced to 10 men as Diego was sent off for a second bookable offence.

In the second half, Gyeongnam defender Kim Hyun-hoon equalised with a header, the Club’s 600th goal, before veteran forward Kim Hyo-ki gave the hosts a 2-1 lead. However, just a few minutes after taking the lead, Gyeongnam were also down to 10 men as Marcão was sent off for using his elbow in an aerial challenge with Gangwon defender Valentinos.

Highlights can be found here

Previous Meetings

Since Daegu FC were promoted to K League 1 ahead of 2017, two teams have clashed five times so far. In 2017, Daegu won once and lost twice to Gangwon. The records in 2018 are much favourable to Daegu; Andre's side earned the first three points from Gangwon when they hosted Gangwon at Daegu Stadium this April. Furthermore, three weeks ago at Chuncheon, Daegu began their run of three consecutive wins by beating Gangwon 3-1.

Team News

Daegu have no players suspended, but do have a couple of players who are still a doubt. First of all, it’s very unfortunate for Daegu to lose their irreplaceable winger Jung Woo-jae who picked up an injury in the previous game. The former Chungju and Seongnam man he fell on his back in a clash with Lopes that, initially, did not seem to be that serious as as soon as the free kick was given to Daegu, he got up immediately and returned to his position. Afterwards, however, he was seen laying on the pitch, appearing to be in too much pain to be able to continue. Jung was side-lined due to a back injury in 2017 and so this injury might be a relapse of an underlying condition. Lim Jae-hyuk or Ko Jae-hyun are likely to step in. Elsewhere, Cesinha and Cho Suk-jae are also unlikely to feature on Sunday.

In more positive news for Daegu fans, Japanese midfielder Tsubasa, who joined from Polish outfit Legia Warsaw II during summer transfer window, made his debut during the defeat to Jeonbuk. Daegu have suffered from lack of creativity and quality in passing in the midfield area and, even though it was only a 20-minute cameo, Tsubasa showed his qualities.

Nishi Tsubasa in action against Jeonbuk. (Credit: Daegu FC)

In goal, Cho Hyun-woo’s replacement, Choi Young-eun, has been doing well, despite some fans’ initial concerns. However, the 22-year-old first year professional showed some weakness in  his decision making and aerial ability. Considering that Gangwon are likely to line up with towering forward Uroš Ðerić, this might be an area of concern.

The Adversary

After their seven-nil win over Incheon, Gangwon crashed back down to earth with a two-one defeat against Gyeongnam. Aerial balls were once again Gangwon’s kryptonite with the first goal they let in under Kim Byung-soo coming from a set piece to the far post, and the second coming after Marcão hit the post with a header from range. Although to give the Gangwon defence credit, they did deal with Marcão quite well, employing Uroš Ðerić to cope with the threat from Marcão during set plays. Gangwon’s goal came through a well timed pass to Jeong Seok-hwa who cut back and squared the ball to Hwang Jin-song to score. Gangwon had other chances too and might feel a bit unlucky to come back from Changwon with no points. Kim Byung-soo will be forced into a change against Daegu as Diego picked up a red card for two bookable offences.

By Steve Price

Prediction

Daegu will extremely keen to get away from the relegation battle because only three points separate Daegu and Incheon in eleventh. However, Gangwon, after two Gyeongsang away trips in a row, may be feeling the fatigue somewhat.

Daegu FC 2-1 Gangwon FC