It's Gyeongin Derby Time again, as Incheon United host rivals FC Seoul

Both Incheon United and FC Seoul will be looking to bounce back from midweek defeats when they clash on Saturday evening in the first Gyeongin Derby of 2021. Incheon have a strong home record against Seoul, and have won the last two derby games heading into this encounter. Can they make do it again? Or will Seoul take home the spoils?

Recent Form

Starting with the hosts for this weekends derby game Incheon United. Incheon have had a mixed start to the 2021 season losing twice and winning once. They started the season with a narrow defeat on the road to Pohang Steelers, but then followed that up with a home win over Daegu FC. They however lost during the win to league leaders and ACL holders Ulsan Hyundai.

FC Seoul have experience a very similar start to their season as Incheon. They lost on the opening day to defending champions Jeonbuk Hyundai. However they then smashed Suwon FC at home three-nil. But couldn't maintain their form as they lost to Seongnam by a late single goal on Wednesday evening.

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What to Watch

Starting again with Incheon United they have struggled a little going forward so far this season, but that might change on Saturday as star forward Stefan Mugosa is hopefully going to be included in the squad for the first time this season. He historically has linked up well with midfielder Elias Aguilar, and should pair well with Brazilian Negueba up in the final third.

 

Incheons weaknesses were exposed on Tuesday evening as they defensive line continues to try and gel. But sadly small mistakes lead to two penalties during the week. These mistakes ultimately cost them the game and can't happen again.

 

Looking at Saturday's visitors to the Sungui Arena next in the form of FC Seoul. Seoul on paper have an impressive looking midfield line. They proved they can play dangerous attacking football with their defeat of recently promoted Suwon FC last weekend. However they can struggle for consistency it seems.

 

Still with the likes of former premier league star Ki Sung-Yeung, as well as young star Na Sang-Ho and experienced pair Osmar and Park Chu-Young. They will be a dangerous force in the upcoming Gyeongin Derby and will more than likely force Incheon to setup a defensive approach to guard against a possible drubbing.

Who to Watch

 

Often the strikers get all the credit because they score the winning goal, or it's the keeper for pulling off a wonder save. However at the moment for Incheon United one of their standout players is defensive midfielder Moon Ji-hwan. To be honest he isn't the prettiest of players and he isn't going to be receiving any Christmas cards from opponents any time soon. He is a no-nonsense type of player who gets the job done. He was named man of the match in Incheon's win over Daegu FC last weekend as well as in the K League team of the week. In a derby game like Saturday's he will be an important asset for Incheon United.