Preview: Incheon United vs. Suwon FC – Can Incheon Finally Build Some Momentum?

Incheon finally picked up a win last weekend, beating Gangwon 2-0 in Chuncheon. Goals from Kim Junyeop and Hernandes sealed the win and gave Incheon their first points away from home this year. This weekend they face a resurgent Suwon FC team, fresh off an impressive win over Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Will Incheon be able to build on last week’s performance, or will Suwon make it three wins in three?

Recent Form

Last week’s win for Incheon was their first in a month, and only the second of the season, following a 1-0 victory over Jeju United in Round 3. Since then Incheon have recorded two defeats and a draw, conceding seven goals without reply. The win over Gangwon was important for the team and the fans, following a season start that was below pre-season expectations. With teams starting to find form and the league table taking shape, the Blue-Black will be looking to press on a pick up some more points. Difficult games against Ulsan and Pohang are on the horizon, so getting some more points on the board is vital. 

This weekend, Suwon FC are in town and Incheon fans will expect a difficult game, however, the Suwon defence has proven itself vulnerable during the season so far, and the home team will look to exploit that. Incheon have only conceded one goal more than Suwon this season, so that will be something coach Jo Sunghwan looks to take advantage of. Last time out, Suwon beat Jeonbuk by a single goal, and the attacking force of Lars and Murilo will need to be dampened if Incheon are to be successful.

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Seunghwan the Tinkerman?

Incheon have heavily rotated their team in the last few weeks, particularly in goal. Incheon used Lee Taehee against Daegu and Jeonbuk following the 5-0 reverse at Gwangju, before switching to Min Seongjun for the Gangwon game. Min performed well and kept a clean sheet, meaning he should be in line to feature for a second time in Incheon colours this weekend. Kim Yeonsu has played two of the last three games, replacing captain Oh Banseok, and has staked a claim to feature more often with some good performances. Lee Myungjoo is still injured, so the centre of the park is likely to see the pairing of Shin Jinho and Moon Jihwan once more.

Up top, Gerso returned to the XI last weekend after a spell on the bench, and youngsters Park Seungho, Kim Minseok, Hong Sihoo and Cheon Seonghoon have all featured to a varying degree in the last three games. Kim Minseok has looked more dangerous going forward and it would be good to see him start, although Jo Seunghwan seems to prefer him off the bench.

From an Incheon point of view, one wonders whether the constant rotation is also hindering the team's performance. It will be interesting to see what changes - if any - are made this week. 

Head to Head

Incheon go into the game with only three wins in the twelve meetings between the clubs. Suwon have registered four, and there have been five draws. Last season, the three games yielded only 2 points for Incheon; one at home and one away, with Suwon managing a win in between. The last Incheon victory was a 4-1 win in March 2021.

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Where to Watch

Fans inside Korea can watch games on Coupang Play and JTBC Golf & Sports. Fans overseas can watch this game for free on K League TV. Fans in countries with K League overseas broadcasting rights can also follow the game live on their television.