FA Cup Preview: Gwangju FC vs Andong Science University
K League 2 side Gwangju host minnows Andong Science University in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday night, knowing that a win would see them just three games from the final. While a potentially tricky tie against Suwon Bluewings or Pohang Steelers awaits should they progress, a run deep into the competition is not beyond the realms of possibility for the Yellows.
Manager Park Jin-seop was also left bemoaning VAR as his side were initially awarded a penalty kick for handball before seeing it taken away from them after the referee had checked the footage. The 42-year-old boss opted to make some changes to his starting eleven that have been putting in consistently good performances this season. Rustam Ashurmatov made his full league debut partnering Lee Han-do at the back with Yeo Bong-hun preferred to Lee Si-young at right back and Willian Barbosa coming in on the wing.
Highlights: here
Andong Science University 4 - 1 Gyeongju University
Set to play Wideok University before their much-anticipated trip West to face professional side Gwangju, Andong enjoyed a comfortable victory over Gyeongju University in the 2019 North Gyeongsang University League last week. With a style focused on high pressing from the off, Andong reportedly out-ran their opponents who could only muster a stoppage time consolation.
Central defender Jeong Ho-gun headed home from Yeo Kyo-won's free kick early on to set the tone for a dominant performance. Lone striker Gang Min-seung then added a brace, with his second a powerful strike from range. Andong's talisman Gang was involved again for the fourth as they converted a late penalty.
Considering the shaky nature of his defence against Anyang the other week, manager Park may also re-shuffle his defence once more for the Cup. Winter signing Rustam Ashurmatov has been patient on the bench this season, while Lim Min-hyeok could still do with more game time to get up to match fitness. Should the Yellows take a comfortable lead early on, expect some youngsters to appear from the bench such as promising striker Kim Ju-gong or midfielder Son Min-woo.
Likely to stick with a back-three partnership of Jeong Ho-gun, Lee Sung-hwi and Ho Un-hwan, Andong may be forced to swap out some of their more attack-minded midfielders if they are hoping to keep Gwangju at bay.
Playing with wing backs in a 5-4-1 formation in recent games could be clever and vital preparation for a Gwangju game where they are expected to be sitting and defending in their own half for the majority. If they are set to counter attack, Yun Yeong-woo and Yun Ju-hun will be the pair expected to bomb on down the wings during breaks for the visitors.
As is usually the case in these sorts of fixtures, fitness may be an issue for the amateur Andong hopefuls. Used to playing in their local University league against other Gyeongsan-do teams, this bid to enter FA Cup folklore has seen them rack up a total of 944 kilometres on the road so far, including two trips to Yongin. Keen to make sure they do more than just make up the numbers, not many would complain about the distance covered should Andong pull off a major shock.
Who to watch
Having been given time to settle into Jeollanam-do life by his manager, new winger Willian is starting to establish himself at the club. In an FA Cup game that his side should win comfortably, it could be opportunity for the Brazilian to grab his first goal for the club. With the majority of a season in the Greek Super League behind him at former club Panaitolikos, the 25-year-old should not need much time to get up to match fitness.
A diminutive right-footed winger, Willian was afforded a full 90 minutes of trying to break down a stubborn Daejeon defence. Hoping to strike up a good understanding with his fellow countryman Felipe, he will have to show some creative spark against Andong should be keep his place in the side up against teammates Lee Hee-gyeon and Om Won-sang who impressed in Gwangju's opening games.
Prediction
While it will undoubtedly be a second string that Park Jin-seop elects to put out as he did against Jeolla rivals Jeonnam Dragons in the previous round, they should be far too strong for a side many rungs on the ladders beneath them. By far Andong's toughest test of a memorable FA Cup run, fitness should be the
Predicted Score: Gwangju FC 5-1 Andong Science University
Live Stream: Instagram
FA Cup 4th Round Preview: here
Last Time Out
Gwangju 0 - 0 Daejeon Citizen
Gwangju saw their lead cut at the top of K League 2 last weekend after a goalless draw with Daejeon Citizen. The Yellows were left frustrated by visiting keeper Park Ju-won who made a couple of fantastic saves to deny the Gwangju strike force claiming all three points.Manager Park Jin-seop was also left bemoaning VAR as his side were initially awarded a penalty kick for handball before seeing it taken away from them after the referee had checked the footage. The 42-year-old boss opted to make some changes to his starting eleven that have been putting in consistently good performances this season. Rustam Ashurmatov made his full league debut partnering Lee Han-do at the back with Yeo Bong-hun preferred to Lee Si-young at right back and Willian Barbosa coming in on the wing.
Highlights: here
Andong Science University 4 - 1 Gyeongju University
Set to play Wideok University before their much-anticipated trip West to face professional side Gwangju, Andong enjoyed a comfortable victory over Gyeongju University in the 2019 North Gyeongsang University League last week. With a style focused on high pressing from the off, Andong reportedly out-ran their opponents who could only muster a stoppage time consolation.
Central defender Jeong Ho-gun headed home from Yeo Kyo-won's free kick early on to set the tone for a dominant performance. Lone striker Gang Min-seung then added a brace, with his second a powerful strike from range. Andong's talisman Gang was involved again for the fourth as they converted a late penalty.
Team News
Park Jin-seop is likely to give those pushing for a start a chance to shine. Those who are given an opportunity to impress know that it could lead to first team league appearances, as the Gwangju boss showed by keeping faith in some of those who played well in the 1-0 defeat of Jeonnam in the third round. One of those who has seen his involvement increase thanks to the FA Cup run is recent signing Willyan Barbosa, who is expected to start on the wing once more.Considering the shaky nature of his defence against Anyang the other week, manager Park may also re-shuffle his defence once more for the Cup. Winter signing Rustam Ashurmatov has been patient on the bench this season, while Lim Min-hyeok could still do with more game time to get up to match fitness. Should the Yellows take a comfortable lead early on, expect some youngsters to appear from the bench such as promising striker Kim Ju-gong or midfielder Son Min-woo.
Likely to stick with a back-three partnership of Jeong Ho-gun, Lee Sung-hwi and Ho Un-hwan, Andong may be forced to swap out some of their more attack-minded midfielders if they are hoping to keep Gwangju at bay.
The Adversary
Famed for churning out the next generation of nurses, dentists and defenders of cyber terrorism, football may not be the first priority of Andong Science University. However, three narrow victories have catapulted them into the fourth round. Drawn away in every round of the competition so far, their reward for defeating Daedeok Winner Star, Yeoju Sejong and Yongin University is a trip to face the K-League 2's front runners.Playing with wing backs in a 5-4-1 formation in recent games could be clever and vital preparation for a Gwangju game where they are expected to be sitting and defending in their own half for the majority. If they are set to counter attack, Yun Yeong-woo and Yun Ju-hun will be the pair expected to bomb on down the wings during breaks for the visitors.
As is usually the case in these sorts of fixtures, fitness may be an issue for the amateur Andong hopefuls. Used to playing in their local University league against other Gyeongsan-do teams, this bid to enter FA Cup folklore has seen them rack up a total of 944 kilometres on the road so far, including two trips to Yongin. Keen to make sure they do more than just make up the numbers, not many would complain about the distance covered should Andong pull off a major shock.
Who to watch
Having been given time to settle into Jeollanam-do life by his manager, new winger Willian is starting to establish himself at the club. In an FA Cup game that his side should win comfortably, it could be opportunity for the Brazilian to grab his first goal for the club. With the majority of a season in the Greek Super League behind him at former club Panaitolikos, the 25-year-old should not need much time to get up to match fitness.
A diminutive right-footed winger, Willian was afforded a full 90 minutes of trying to break down a stubborn Daejeon defence. Hoping to strike up a good understanding with his fellow countryman Felipe, he will have to show some creative spark against Andong should be keep his place in the side up against teammates Lee Hee-gyeon and Om Won-sang who impressed in Gwangju's opening games.
Prediction
While it will undoubtedly be a second string that Park Jin-seop elects to put out as he did against Jeolla rivals Jeonnam Dragons in the previous round, they should be far too strong for a side many rungs on the ladders beneath them. By far Andong's toughest test of a memorable FA Cup run, fitness should be the
Predicted Score: Gwangju FC 5-1 Andong Science University
Live Stream: Instagram
FA Cup 4th Round Preview: here
No comments:
Post a Comment