Preview: Daegu FC vs Sangju Sangmu

With three games to spare, Daegu FC have secured a place in K League 1 for next year thanks to Jeonnam’s 1-0 loss to Gangwon. However, the Sky Blues need to keep this momentum alive until the FA Cup Final in December. Meanwhile, Sangju Sangmu sit dangerously in 10th, three points ahead of relegation playoff-placed Incheon. Can the Sky Blues keep this momentum alive, or will the Soldiers widen the gap from the relegation spot? Daegu FC Correspondent Muyeol Jung previews this clash.

Last Time Out

Daegu FC 1-1 FC Seoul

Daegu FC hosted winless in 12 FC Seoul at Blue Arc last Sunday. As expected, the visitors were desperately going for the win, while the hosts were sitting back and defending. A clearly fatigued Daegu were faced with a couple of chances to concede, but Korea international goalkeeper Jo Hyun-woo constantly rescued Andre’s side. In the second half, Seoul’s endless effort was rewarded with a goal. Captain Go Yo-han, who returned from a two-game suspension, put the ball into top corner where Jo was unable to reach.

After going 1-0 down, Daegu Manager Andre quickly made changes to his starting XI. Just three minutes before the clock about to hit 90 minutes, Cesinha levelled the game with a beautifully struck free-kick. The ball went in after hitting the underside of the bar. Afterwards, the visitor once again tried to add another, but they couldn't find a way past Jo Hyunwoo.

Highlights: here

Incheon United 2-1 Sangju Sangmu

With relegation competition heated, Sangju made the long journey to Incheon. This was a must win game to both teams. From the beginning, the hosts fiercely went for the win and half way into the first half, they took the lead through Nam Joon-jae. In the second half, Incheon's Mugoša quickly doubled the lead. Afterwards, the visitors also kept on pushing for a goal but they failed to register.

Just seven minutes before the final whistle was gone, creative midfielder Yoon Bit-garam dribbled away through a congested area before adding a wonderful consolation goal. However, the Soldiers failed to add a second of the afternoon.

Highlights: here

Previous Meetings

For this season, both sides have met three times in the league with two wins for Daegu and one win for Sangju. It was Daegu who claimed a victory from the latest clash which was played in Sangju Civic stadium on 22nd September in which Daegu massacred them 5-2 through explosive performances from their attackers.

Head to head, both sides have clashed each with other 17 times with during which Daegu, have nine wins, Sangju two, and six draws.

Team News

Daegu are able to come to this match with less pressure after they automatically secured a place in K League 1 for next year. Unlike significant concerns among fans in the first half of this season, the Sky Blues came back much stronger post-World Cup and dramatically bounced back with some astonishing performances.

Approaching this game, Daegu have no suspended players but with some usual absentees like Jung Woo-jae and Ze Roberto due to injury. In Andre’s selection, there is a great amount of uncertainty, even though he often takes a very stubborn approach. The FA Cup Final is still almost four weeks away and three more league games to play and so to what extent he rotates his squad remains to be seen.

However, there is also clear motivation to them. This game will mark the last K League home game which will be played in Daegu Stadium as they are set to move to a brand-new football specific stadium ahead of 2019. In addition, Daegu have not had many great results at home  this year (five wins from 18 games) compared to those on the road (seven wins from 17 games), so they will be looking to sign off on a high note.

The Adversary

There are three matches ahead of them; Daegu, Gangwon, and Seoul. For the Soldiers, it is certainly good to take on Daegu and Gangwon back to back who will perhaps be anticipated to have less motivation after becoming mathematically safe. However, the situation does not look bright.

Sangju’s top scorer, Shim Dong-woon with eight goals is reportedly out due to injury after he collided with the Incheon United goalkeeper in previous game. Since the World Cup, Sangju have just three wins from 21 games.

When the Soliders come down to Daegu, they will not have any suspended players. Yoon Bit-garam will likely spearhead in attack along with newly recruited players Kim Kyung-joong, Song Si-woo, and Park Yong-ji. Kim Min-woo and Shin Chang-moo are expected to start on each flank.

Prediction

Even though Daegu have already accomplished their goals, they will be the favourites to win by a narrow margin considering Sangju’s recent performances.

Daegu FC 2-1 Sangju Sangmu