Gyeongnam FC welcomes a well-rested Chungnam Asan outfit to the Changwon Football Center on Sunday evening. The hosts will be hoping to capitalize on Asan's not having played a game since they picked up a creditable draw away against Daejeon Hana Citizen in early May. The visitors will be chomping at the bit to get back out on the grass so the clash has all the ingredients to be a good contest. K League United's Gyeongnam FC columnist James Edrupt previews the match.
Match: Gyeongnam FC vs Chungnam Asan Venue: Changwon Football Center. Changwon. Kickoff: Sunday, May 23rd, 2021; 18:30 (KST)
Recent Form
The Reds ripped up the form book last weekend and took home all three points against then table-toppers FC Anyang. The only goal of the game came from the unlikely source of left wing-back Kim Dong-jin just seven minutes after the interval. Kim guided the ball home expertly at the back post after a wonderful move from the visitors. Kim timed his run well and uncontested the former Daegu player met debutant Jin Se-min's cross from the right sweetly to put Seol Ki-hyeon's men in front. The Violets threw everything at the visitors but the Changwon-based side held on to pick up a welcoming three points.
Newly formed Chungnam Asan last played a competitive fixture against Daejeon Hana Citizen on the 1st of May. The clash ended 1-1 in Daejeon. The Owls got their noses in front just five minutes before the interval through free-scoring midfielder Kim in-gyun. Kim showed great technique keeping the ball down to fire home on the half volley from six yards out for his fourth goal of the campaign. The hosts came out on the front foot after the break and leveled matters on 57 minutes through former Gangwon winger Lee Hyeon-sik who deftly flicked a header into the goal following a free-kick whipped into the penalty area. It was Kim's first goal for Daejeon in twelve appearances.
Jin Se-min has given Seol Ki-hyeon a selection headache after a promising debut
The Reds surprised everyone by opting for a new-look front line last out. Giving debuts to 21-year-old striker Kim So-woong and 22-year-old center forward Jin Se-min. The latter marked his debut with an assist but it was their link-up play and willingness to work for the team that caught the eye. Manager Seol Ki-hyeon has shown he is not afraid to drop the so-called more senior players in the squad for one's that impress in training. Age and seniority mean nothing to Seol.
Key operator just behind the forwards, Brazilian Hernandes wasn't included in the matchday squad against Anyang. He had a slight knock and was deemed not safe to be risked. With no further setbacks, he should be good to go on Sunday. Fellow countryman Willyan on the other hand is nursing a troublesome hamstring problem that he picked up on his return to the side just a fortnight ago. It is unknown when he can return to the first team. Gyeongnam performed very well last time out and looked very organized. Seol may play it safe and opt for a similar lineup on Sunday.
Chungnam Asan
Manager Park Dong-hyuk has been very coy on his team news. There's not a lot to go on in terms of players who are available or not. The club just resumed training this week after quarantine. It seems they are more than happy to be on the pitch after the layoff but the lack of match fitness will be a concern before the clash this weekend. It's a bit difficult to predict the lineup as everyone is pretty much out of form football-wise; they have only had indoor conditioning sessions to keep them in shape the past few weeks. They do boast some exciting players in the Brazilian duo of Matteus Alves and Alex Sandro. Both had started to show some good signs before their unwanted break. With the ever-present Park Se-jin marshaling the troops in the backline they will prove a tough nut to crack for the hosts.
What To Watch
Gyeongnam need to turn their home form around sooner rather than later.
Three of Gyeongnam's six defeats to date have come at home this season, against FC Anyang on the opening day, Busan IPark, and more recently Jeonnam Dragons. In all those matches they have been thoroughly outplayed by the opposition. The Reds seem to play with a lot more freedom away from home. The team seems nervous to be playing in front of their own supporters. Gyeongnam on the whole dominates possession in the majority of their matches. They need to be more clinical and ruthless if they are to climb the division and get into the playoff positions. The team have the players in the team to get them playing free-flowing football at the Changwon Football Stadium again. The squad would have gained huge confidence from beating FC Anyang last Sunday. There is no reason why they can't continue that good form into Sunday's clash. With only two defeats in seven matches and the majority of the squad getting into full match fitness things are looking up for Seol Ki-hyeon's men.
Just when Gyeongnam look like they've cured their home discomforts, they hit the self-destruct button
This has all the makings of a very open game as both teams play quite expansive football. Asan have been out for three weeks so fitness may prove an issue as the game progresses into the final twenty minutes. Gyeongnam are seeking to continue their good momentum and may have just too much in their arsenal for the Owls to keep at bay over the ninety minutes. This one could have goals in it and it has all the cogs in the place to be a fascinating battle all over the park.
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