Daegu FC and Gwangju FC hunt for first win of the season

Two citizen clubs Daegu FC and Gwangju FC will go head to head this Wednesday evening on the hunt for their first three points this season. K League United's Daegu FC correspondent Muyeol Jung previews the clash.

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Daegu FC
Lee Byungguen's side retreated from Sungui Arena empty handed after a 2-1 defeat to Incheon in an unconvincing manner. Simply, the lads looked all over the place, disorganised, while lack of depth in the squad and a lack of creativity massively hindered them from creating any clear-cut chance in the final third. Meanwhile, off the pitch, the club has come under a massive attack from fans after the controversial news about Jung Seungwon's contractual case. The club immediately denied the allegation made by the player's agent, but overall, the club are in a catastrophic state at the moment.

More update on Jung Seungwon's case (as of 09/03/2021)
After his loss in the #KLeague's committee ruling, things are going from bad to worse for both sides. He and his agent could have gone to the KFA for appeal through official route, but his agent spoke to the press and claimed https://t.co/WRR5gW4Kha

— Daegu_freak (@Daegu_freak) March 9, 2021

Gwangju FC
Kim Hoyoung's side suffered a second straight 1-0 defeat at home after losing at Suwon Samsung Bluewings on the opening day. However, considering the way they played against title contenders Ulsan Hyundai, forcing fantastic saves from Jo Hyeonwoo, the atmosphere in the Yellow's dressing room would remain rather positive than being dire. Kim Jong-woo and Yoon Bo-sang look good additions in the middle of the park and in goal respectively, both settling in quickly, while boss Kim would certainly love to get his first win in charge.

[READ: Gwangju should take heart from Ulsan defeat]

Team News

Neither side have any suspensions for this Wendesday's clash, but there are some notable players out.

For the home side, two towering strikers Edgar and Park Gidong and defender Hong Jungwoon will be out injured, while Kim Wooseok (suspected injury), and Jung Seungwon (contractual problem) are unlikely to feature. For Gwangju FC, talisman Felipe, who has missed the first two games of the season, could potentially make the squad. Yeo Bong-hoon is also a slight doubt with the versatile full back being subbed off on the stroke of half time against Ulsan. 

What to Watch

In which position Kim Jinhyuk start?
With towering forward Edgar and Park Gidong out with injuries, the Sky Blues had to make do with playing youngster Oh Huseong or unexperienced Jung Chiin upfront. However, none of them were as influential as the gaffer had wished for, but defender Kim Jinhyuk stepped up and scored the equaliser twice in a row and become the sole scorer in the team this season.

Daegu FC's Kim Jinhyuk celebrating his first goal of the season at home

The gaffer said in the post match interview "without them[Edgar and Park Gidong] capable of holding up the ball and dominating in the air, we had such a big difficulty in build up." He added "It is going to take time until we gel together".

The boss didn't give any further details on his game plan going forward, but judging from how things developed so far, it is highly likely that Kim Jinhyuk might start up front. In this case, Kim Jaewoo will likely take a place in one of the back three along with Jeong Taewook and Jo Jinwoo.

Can Gwangju find the back of the net?
Although Gwangju's lads haven't been able to open their account this season yet with the Yellow's prolific striker Felipe out, their spearhead actually look pretty sharp and exciting.

Gwagnju FC Kim Jongwoo (R) is challenging for the ball

Particularly, former Suwon Bluewings midfielder Kim Jongwoo has been a good acquisition for them. The midfielder had disappointing seasons with Suwon Bluewings with a chronic injury in the last couple of years, but he really showed a strong performance against the Sky Blues a couple of years ago.

In the last two games, he looked so determined and sharp, threating Ulsan's goal with shots from distance. He can easily take advantage of space in between defence and midfield with his skills and shot ability from distance.

Who to Watch

Yoon Bosang (Gwangju FC)

Former Jeju United goalkeeper Yoon Bosang returns to Gwangju FC ahead of this season after three years away including the military service in Sangju and immediately demonstrated his shot stopping skills in two straight defeats. In fact, he hasn't been on the radar for many fans, but his shot stopping ability is almost as top as other national team goalkeepers and it might be huge obstacle for struggling Daegu lads.