Alarming Slump for Gwangju as Legend Returns
Gwangju host a couple of tasty K League 1 clashes this week as Jeju United and Suwon Samsung Bluewings both look to plunge the Yellows into further misery at the bottom. Can Kim Ho-young inspire a reaction back on home soil or will Gwangju's soft underbelly be exposed once more?
Returning Home
After a well publicised lengthy barren spell at their new home, Gwangju may be relieved to return to domestic comforts after three straight defeats on the road. Having lost four on the bounce, two home fixture in four days presents the Yellows an optimal opportunity to climb off the bottom of the Hana 1Q K League 1 table. Two top-half side visit with Jeju United landing from the Island on Wednesday before in-form Suwon Samsung Bluewings arrive on Sunday. The last time Gwangju hosted two games in such a short spell back in April, they claimed a morale-boosting six points.
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| Yeo Reum playing for Gwangju last season. |
Another making a return to Gwangju is the club's all-time legend and top appearance maker (187) Yeo Reum. Signed by Nam Ki-il in the winter, he is sure to receive a warm reception at a club he is revered. Yeo Reum's current side Jeju sit sixth having only lost four all season. One of the Tangerines' numerous draws this term came against Gwangju, with Felipe netting in a 1-1 draw in March. Gwangju's recent form against their Sunday opponents Suwon in unenviable, winning just one in the last 10 meetings in all competitions.
Kim Ho-young has opted for three different central midfield pairings in Gwangju's last three outings with Kim Won-sik tasked with forming a new partnership on each match day. 29-year-old Kim has remained the only constant in the middle with Lee Hui-gyun, Kim Bong-jin and Lee Soon-min all tested alongside him.
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| Kim Won-sik leading out his side Vs. Suwon FC in April |
Gwangju seem to lack an all-rounder in the mould of Yeo Reum in midfield. The Yellows current options tend to be either attacking or defensive minded, which lends itself to a lot of tinkering depending on opposition. Winter signing Reis however, has been allowed regular game time in the number 10 position, with Gwangju's three in their 4-2-3-1 formation regularly switching places behind Felipe.
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Eom Won-sang's Return
While the centre of the park may not be a reliable outlet of late, Eom Won-sang's return from injury was capped with a goal at Incheon last weekend as the 22-year-old made just his eighth appearance of the season. Enjoying a breakthrough campaign in 2020, it appeared good business to keep hold of Eom in the winter but so far his season has been blighted by injury. With namesake Eom Ji-sung on the opposite wing, Gwangju looked dangerous on the break at the Sungui Arena, only for defensive frailties to rear their ugly head at the other end of the pitch.
Eom played a full game for the first time since mid-March last time out and rewarded Kim Ho-young's faith in him by netting his second of the season. Yet to score at home this season and having only featured there twice against title contenders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Ulsan Hyundai, Eom will be keen to show his faithful fans what he can produce once more.
⚽️ 25’ GOAL | Incheon United 0-1 Gwangju FC
— K League (@kleague) May 15, 2021
💛 Gwangju's dynamic duo are at it again as Felipe and Eom Won-sang team up to open the scoring in Incheon!
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