Preview: Seoul E-Land vs Bucheon 1995

After a lengthy number of months, Seoul E-Land finally picked up their second win of the season on Sunday. The Leopards took down Jeonnam Dragons in Round 21 of the K League 2 season. A more testing task now awaits them this week, as they face off against 7th placed Bucheon 1995. It is perhaps an ask above the level they faced last weekend, but Seoul will at least be playing this game once again in their Seoul Olympic Stadium home. 

Overview

Via Soccerway

Last Time Out

Seoul traveled down to Jeonnam on Sunday evening looking to finally shake a nine straight game loss. They set up in a 3-4-3 formation, in an attempt to take the game to the Dragons. Both teams were open at times in the game, and Seoul looked the side who defended slightly better. On the half-hour mark. Won Ki-jong, who was playing up top for Seoul E-Land, blasted the ball in from close proximity. It was a well-worked cross from Choi Jong-hoan that met Seoul's number 18, and the capital club were 1-0 up.

The second half had more of the same. Jeonnam did have a few chances, but mainly some off-target shots, and desperate Seoul tackles stopped them from getting onto the scoresheet. As the full-time whistle blew, The Seoul players fell to their knees, some in exhaustion, some in disbelief. The side, after 106 days, had finally recorded another win the K League 2.

Full Time: Jeonnam Dragons 0-1 Seoul E-Land

[READ: Full Match Recap]

It would have been completely understandable if Bucheon 1995 went into their game against FC Anyang a little nervous in the last round. FC Anyang destroyed league leaders Gwangju FC 7-1 the week prior, a team undefeated before to the fixture. FC Anyang found themselves sat in 3rd in the league, slowly creeping up behind Busan IPark. As Bucheon 1995 made the trip across town over to FC Anyang, it was the home team who got the first goal in the game. The goal, however, was a penalty right on the stroke of half time. A very rash tackle by Kim Jae-woo on Kim Sang-won caused for a call for the stonewall penalty. Alex converted for the Purple side, and they went into halftime 1-0 ahead.

Passion shown by Kim Won-min, as he secured a vital point for FC Anyang against Bucheon 1995 in Round 21 of the 2019 K League season.

The second half brought a more entertaining 45, as Bucheon equalized in the 76th minute. Jung Taek-hoon equalized the game from a beautiful cut inside and a powerful strike which caressed the inside top of the net. Momentum was back in Bucheon's favor. The away side then went ahead in the game in the 82nd minute. This time it was their turn to be awarded a penalty. This time it was Anyang's number three Choi ho-jung on Jang Hyun-soo which made the call. Nilson converted for Bucheon, making it the second Brazilian on the scoresheet.

Bucheon had only eight minutes to hold onto a win, but it wasn't to be. in the 2nd minute of four minutes of added time, Anyang struck again. A lofted ball into the box was chested down to Kim Won-min to score the dramatic equalizer. Both teams came away with a point apiece, after a hard-fought tie between the two.

Full Time: FC Anyang 2-2 Bucheon 1995

Highlights can be seen here

Previous Meetings

The last time the two sides met, was back in a Monday night fixture back in June. Seoul made the journey to the Bucheon Stadium for a very interesting game between the two teams. Bucheon dominated the game in the first half, with Lim Dong-hyuk making it 1-0 only 25 minutes into the game. A poorly defended cross into the box by a free-kick, saw the ball roll between Kim Young-kwang's legs. Bucheon kept pushing Seoul and putting on the pressure. Bucheon were unlucky to go into the second half, only 1-0 to the good.

The second half brought a lot more goals between the two sides. Only six minutes after kick-off Bucheon made it 2-0 with a goal from Marlon. The Ecuadorian, with a beautiful touch and control, volleyed the ball in to make it double for Bucheon. The game was put to bed only 10 minutes later. To add insult to injury, it was ex-Seoul E-Land defender Gam Han-sol who made it three. A cross leaving him the only player in the box shows how far Seoul have actually come defensively.

One thing noticeable from Seoul E-Land this year is, that when they go three down in a game, they then suddenly decide to play some football. This game was no different. Park Seong-woo in the 86th minute, pulled a goal back from a head a yard away from the line. In the second minute of injury time, Wesley Alex scored the second. The Brazilian has a knack of scoring late in the game for Seoul and is becoming an influential player in the dying minutes of matches. A third goal was not to be, however, and Bucheon came away with all three points. Based on performance, Bucheon truly deserved the points due to Seoul's terrible defending. However, if Bucheon didn't lack in concentration so much in the final twenty, they may have run out with a bigger scoreline.  

Full Time: Bucheon 1995 3-2 Seoul E-Land

[READ: K League 2 Round 22 Preview]

Team News

Seoul went into the game against Jeonnam Dragons in a 3-4-3 formation, a rather puzzling one giving their defensive record in the league. This was all part of the plan for Seoul, as they heavily relied on the midfield tracking back and helping the defense when needed. Choi Jon-hoan, who was originally on the left-wing position, has been influential for the side, since his arrival in the transfer window. He found himself running up and down the right-hand side. Starting in a defensive right-back position. It was his cross which leads to the goal in the game.

Seoul E-Land recorded a famous victory against Jeonnam Dragons in the last round of the 2019 K League 2.

Captain Kim Min-kyu was leading the play in the middle of the park and was also not afraid to take some chances in the game. Although off-target, his chances were knocking on Jeonnam's door in the last round. Duarte was the only foreign player to start in the game and looked promising in beating players in the game. Duarte has confidence on the wing, and his first goal for the club is coming. Seoul does not have any suspensions in this game. They may, however, be without Byeon Jun-beom, due to a clash of heads in the last round.

The Adversary

Bucheon 1995 have not been in the best form as of late. Their shared points with Anyang could be seen as a positive, but the side have only won one game in the last five. The side relies on Kim Ryun-do to score for the side, with six goals this season. Marlon, who scored against Seoul in the last game, is suspended in this tie. Picking up a yellow card in the FC Anyang game.

Bucheon will also be without Ahn Tae-hyun for the same reason. Ahn Tae-hyun has not missed a game all year for Bucheon, and it will be interesting to see how the side will respond in his absence. Nilson is also a strong starter and will feature in defense against the Leopards.

Prediction

It felt like a cup final on the weekend when Seoul finally picked up their long-awaited win. Fans were in jubilation, and a massive weight would have been lifted due to the result. It was also achieved at the best possible time, now with a run of five straight home games in Seoul. The Leopards will hope to keep the momentum and show the K League that they are not down and out. Bucheon are a side sat in 7th but are slightly drab over recent weeks.

They will look to get back on track, and facing a Seoul E-Land time they have beaten time and time again, might be a good time for them to do so. This game on Sunday evening maybe the highlight of the weekend, giving the nostalgia of playing back in Jamsil, the importance of points for both sides, and the recruitment of fans for the Leopards. If you are based in Seoul, make sure you find time to get down to this one.

Predicted Score: Seoul E-Land 1-1 Bucheon 1995

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