Preview: Incheon United vs Suwon Bluewings

Incheon United will be looking to build on their first win of the 2020 K League season last weekend as they host struggling Suwon Bluewings. A win for Incheon will drag Suwon into the relegation battle, whilst a win for Suwon could doom Incheon. This relegation six-pointer should be very interesting.

Last Time Out

Daegu FC 0 - 1 Incheon United

Bottom of the league Incheon United picked up a long overdue first victory of the season, beating a tough Daegu FC last Sunday evening.Referee Kim Woo-sung took a strict approach to the game from the outset booking players from either side within the opening fifteen minutes. During this period the game was pretty close with Incheon having the better of the exchanges, including a disallowed goal. On the half hour mark Stefan Mugosa opened the scoring with a cool side-footed strike from the edge of the box, his fourth of the season. A clash of heads shortly after delayed the game for over five minutes and the half slowed down until the break.

The second half was nearly all Daegu pushing for an equalizer. On numerous occasions Incheon keeper Lee Tae-hui saved his side from danger, including one save using his face. Brazilian Edgar Silva had many openings to level but Lee Tae-hui was always ready. In the end Incheon defended deep and held on for a vital three points.

Suwon Bluewings 1 - 3 Jeonbuk Hyundai

Suwon Bluewings slipped to their eighth defeat of the season on Saturday, against title challengers Jeonbuk Hyundai. Jeonbuk took control early on and went ahead after just over twenty minutes. Han Kyo-won scoring the opener. Jeonbuk then extended their lead ten minutes later via a Kim Bo-kyung finish. The half finished with Jeonbuk two goals up and Suwon looking for fresh ideas.

The second half was a little more even as Jeonbuk slowed the pace and both sides made changes. Sadly for Suwon the game was basically over in the seventieth minute when new Jeonbuk forward Gustavo added a third for the visitors. Adam Taggart broke free in the final stages to score a consolation for Suwon. Not a great day at the office for the Bluewings.

Previous Meetings

Incheon United and Suwon Bluewings clashed earlier this season with Suwon picking up a narrow 1-0 win that afternoon. four times last season. A Yeom Ki-hun penalty was the difference.  Last season Suwon won the first two games winning 3-1 and then 3-2. Incheon picked up a vital 1-0 win in August and then the final game ended 1-1 with Myung Jun-jae scoring an injury time equalizer for Incheon.

Incheon last beat Suwon at home all the way back in 2013, with Lee Hyo-gyun scoring a late winner that cold December afternoon. Suwon beat Incheon away just last season, winning 3-2 including a brace from Aussie Adam Taggart.

Over the years Incheon and Suwon have played each other forty-eight times with the victories dominated by Suwon winning twenty-eight to Incheon's six, with only fourteen games ending in draws. Suwon in fact have a seventy-six percent win rate at home against Incheon.

Team News

Neither Incheon nor Suwon will have any players missing this weekend due to suspension.

Incheon appointed former Jeju United manager Jo Sung-hwan as their new boss a few weeks ago. It seems unlikely that there will be many changes in the starting lineup and/or tactics for Saturdays key game, following the win over Daegu last weekend.

Incheon still have a few injury concerns and players lacking the fitness to play a full ninety. Captain Kim Ho-nam still can't complete a full ninety. Brazilian winger Gustavo is practically ready for a return to the squad following a couple of weeks of fitness training. Finally top scorer Stefan Mugosa will miss two or three games due to an International call-up which will require him to quarantine for two weeks on arrival back in Korea.

Adversary

Suwon Bluewings had a disappointing 2019 league season, finishing in the bottom half. However they found FA Cup form and eased to victory in the final against third tier Daejeon Korail over two legs. So far this season they've struggled again in the league and have dropped out of the FA Cup as well. They are in danger of joining Incheon in the relegation battle if things don't improve quickly.

Watch out for Australian forward Adam Taggart. His twenty goals during his debut K League season was rewarded with a recall to the national team. He's scored four against Incheon last season. Also keep an eye out for Canadian defender Doneil Henry, the former Vancouver Whitercaps man has already impressive during his outings for Suwon during 2020.

Who To Watch

Firstly upfront; Currently the Incheon top scorer is Montenegrin Stefan Mugosa with four. Which is almost half of the clubs tally of nine for the season. Also keep an eye out for young star Ji Eon-hak has had a much improved second season in Incheon, showing fantastic stamina and an eye for goal too.

Moving into the midfield; recent resigning Elias Aguilar had a fantastic first half against Gwangju including scoring a superb solo goal. He was once again great against Daegu last weekend controlling the game in the middle of the park.

Finally at the back, keeper Lee Tae-hui played a his first game of the season last weekend and was wonderful. Big questions on why he wasn't playing prior to last weekend? Also at the back on-loan
Oh Ban-suk made the K League team of the week along with Tae-hui, so he'll be important this coming weekend as well.

Prediction

Incheon took a step forward last weekend beating Daegu on the road, and despite fans not being in the stands this coming weekend they'll be looking to build on that success. Suwon are struggling and could drop into the relegation battle with Incheon if they lose this relegation six-pointer. So it's all to play for this coming weekend.

Incheon based on form should have a strong chance of picking up a win over a struggling Suwon on Saturday. However Suwon are generally solid at the back, whilst Incheon at the leagues lowest goal scorers. So in the end I see this being a close game but ending in a draw. Honestly either side could edge it, it will be a close one.

Predicted Score: Incheon United 1-1 Suwon Bluewings