Preview: FC Anyang vs Jeonnam Dragons

Anyang's unbeaten run stretches to seven games, which all started with the two to one victory over Jeonnam Dragons. With Jeonnam getting a surprising 1-1 result with Gwangju on Saturday, could the dragons put an end to the run they started?

Last Time Out

Suwon FC 1-1 FC Anyang
The first half was difficult for both sides, with the difference in styles and fitness issues for key players seemingly taking a toll on the quality and rhythm of the game. The only significant highlight from the first half was the sending off of Henri Anier. The Suwon striker was given a yellow card for a late challenge and eight minutes later he saw another yellow card for dangerous play. With Suwon reduced to ten men so early in the game, Suwon sat back further trying to survive till half time.

The second half had an injection of life when Anyang become desperate to take advantage of their extra man. With Anyang switching their style to abusing the flanks, extra gaps were formed in the midfield. This caused a lot of chances to fall Anyang's way. However, at crucial moments players seemed uninterested in talking with each other, which led to mistakes and clashes in positions. These spurned chances looked like they could have been costly for Anyang, but in the last ten minutes. Kim Won-min collected the ball outside the area and unleashed a shot that had enough power to glide in at the far post for 1-0.

With his 'Ronaldo' celebration finished, it looked like Anyang had won another game. Only for VAR to disrupt the celebrations, after a last minute push by Suwon to get a goal. A high boot was given as dangerous play and a penalty was called. Up stepped Baek Sung-dong and with all the pressure on his shoulders to secure a ten man Suwon team a point, he dutifully placed the ball past Yang Dong-won for 1-1.

Full match highlights can be found here.

Jeonnam Dragons 1-1 Gwangju 
Jeonnam successfully held a 1-1 result with Gwangju on Saturday. The first half was very similar to that of the Suwon vs Anyang game. With both sides cancelling each other out, Jeonnam tried to use their height and long ball ability to penetrate the Gwangju defense, but were held throughout the first half. The majority of the highlights of the first half were tackles and incidents off the ball, but in the dying seconds of the first half. Lee Han-do scored a goal from three yards out, after an in-swinging corner was delivered and dealt with poorly by the Jeonnam defense, he had the perfect chance for the opening goal and he made no mistake.

Jeonnam would not be denied forever, and eight minutes after the second half kicked off. They had equalized through their aerial skill. A long diagonal ball finds it's way into the box after three successive headers, and a poor shot it is deflected into Jeong Jae-hee's path. He calmly guides the ball into the net for 1-1. Gwangju thought they had scored the winning goal later on in the game, as Felipe headed home. After all the celebrations were done it's pulled back by VAR for a foul by Felipe. With VAR striking off the goal, the game became very tight and the defensive ability of both sides was tested. It resulted in a fair draw that Jeonnam will feel slightly happier about.

Full match highlights can be found here.

Previous Meetings

The last time these two teams met was the turning point in the Anyang season. The 2-1 victory was a decisive loss for Jeonnam as a few games later the manager Fabiano Soares was relieved of his position. The game saw two goals from Anyang's creative players with Palacios and Alex getting onto the score sheet. Jeonnam were unfortunate not to have gotten any points from this game. They had a goal disallowed by VAR for a foul off the ball and a very harsh penalty decision given against them.

The game was very entertaining for spectators and neutrals alike with the clash of styles, both teams were well prepared and if it wasn't for a few moments of luck the game could have ended differently.

Team News

Anyang have a few concerns heading into this game, Kim Sang-won who has featured 20 games for Anyang this year. Picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Suwon meaning he is banned for this fixture. Palacios who has been key to Anyang winning is a possible doubt, as he looks like he's slightly injured. He should feature but expect his game time to be limited. Other members of the squad are carrying a few knocks but should be capable of completing ninety minutes.

The Adversary

Jeonnam are under performing this year. Their biggest issue has been scoring goals, they've currently scored only 18 goals all season in the league and it's taken a toll on their results. Despite the last five games being relatively positive with two draws, two losses and one win. Jeonnam have only scored four goals in five games and two of which came against one of the worst defenses in the league.

For Jeonnam to improve their attack simply need to perform better, they're having a good season defensively with only conceding 29 goals. However, they're struggling to turn games from a draw into a win which shows in their recent performances. If they can inspire their attacking talent to be slightly more consistent then look for Jeonnam to rise up the league table.

What To Watch

Whenever these two teams face each other it is normally always an entertaining affair with both sides scoring and controversial moments for the spectators to enjoy. The game will be played at a fast pace featuring high defensive lines and counter attacking football that almost guarantees goals. Anyang are still one of the deadliest teams in front of goal this year with 16 goals in five games.

In addition, an important factor for this match is the fitness of players, with the temperature creeping up and fatigue of playing every game for some players starting to take it's toll. Jeonnam showed their skill on the flanks in recent weeks and with Anyang's arguably best defender Kim Sang-won being banned, this could be a element that Jeonnam could exploit. It will be vital that coaches use squad rotation to stay fresh, this could lead to some more inexperienced players getting game time. This could have some influence on the outcome.

Prediction

Anyang will be looking to get their first victory out of three games, and will look to put the disappointment of the last game behind them. Jeonnam on the other hand will be looking to play for an away draw and keep their playoff spot dream alive. Expect a high scoring affair between these two teams but a slight advantage to the home side.

FC Anyang 2-1 Jeonnam Dragons