Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors weathered an actual storm to edge out a victory last weekend, claiming a 2-0 win at home to a previously in-form Incheon United. It took fifteen minutes for the hosts to score their first of the evening, with recently signed forward Bak Jae-yong turning in an effort on his debut. After having set up Bak's goal, his 30th K League assist, Han Kyo-won would then glance in a header minutes before the interval to create what would become an insurmountable lead for the visitors. The win saw Jeonbuk climb up into third and five points off of second-placed Pohang Steelers.
Suwon Samsung Bluewings, on the other hand, saw their recent shoots of promise stall at the hands of crosstown rivals Suwon FC in what had the elements of an early relegation six-pointer heading into the fixture. A goal from Lars Veldwijk and an excellent finish from Lee Seung-woo saw Suwon FC saw them bring an end to Bluewings' unbeaten streak. Prior to Round 25, Suwon had gone unbeaten in five, winning their last two.
Team News
Manager Dan Petrescu has tended to keep things straightforward since taking the helm, harnessing the talent Jeonbuk has available in a 4-4-2 formation and it would seem unlikely to change here. Bak Jae-yong and Rafa Silva are likely to start up top once more while Han Kyo-won will be hoping he can retain his spot on the right and build on his strong showing with either Moon Seon-min or Song Min-kyu taking the other flank. The manager has no suspensions to be concerned with and has most of his squad available for selection.
Suwon's manager Kim Byung-soo had been finding joy in his preferred 3-4-3 formation in recent weeks until seeing his momentum stall in the Suwon Derby last Saturday. Last week also saw the manager hand a debut to his new striker Popó who could keep his place in the lineup as he adjusts to his new surroundings. Newly signed Jeon Jin-woo from Jeju United has also featured regularly since making the switch, starting out on the left, while another of Kim's new acquisitions, Japanese midfielder Kazuki Kozuka, has taken up residence in the centre of the park since his move from J.League outfit Kawasaki Frontale.
Head-to-Head
This weekend will see the 90th meeting between the two sides across all competitions with Jeonbuk having won 36 to Suwon's 31. This season has seen the sides draw one match in Jeonju and Jeonbuk claim the three points in Suwon. Their previous fixture in Jeonju saw the hosts take a 1-0 lead through a Cho Gue-sung penalty before a stunning second-half effort from Maxwell Acosty levelled things. Suwon last tasted victory against Jeonbuk in May 2021, coming out 3-1 winners at Jeonju Castle.
What to Watch
Jeonbuk's Bak Jae-yong
Making the mid-season switch from FC Anyang and being handed Cho Gue-sung's number 10 shirt, Jeonbuk manager Dan Petrescu has already shown faith in newly signed forward Bak Jae-yong. The 23-year-old was deployed alongside Rafa Silva in attack and took his opportunity well when Han Kyo-won played the ball to him in the penalty box. With 82 minutes in his first match, and having been entrusted to start in a recent friendly against PSG, there is hope that Bak can build on the promise shown and the six goals he has already scored for FC Anyang in the first half of this year. With a struggling Suwon Bluewings side in front of him this Saturday, the youngster will be hoping he can keep the momentum going.
Fans in countries with K League overseas broadcasting rights can follow the game live on television. More information can be found
here.
Alternatively, the match is also available for FREE on
tv.kleague.com.
