This week’s match of the round sees Suwon FC go up against Gangwon FC. For the hosts, they’re looking for their first win in Final A action, and in a wider sense, a first victory since August. Over a 1-0 defeat to Gimcheon, Suwon created an xG of just 0.36 from seven shots, but looked reasonably solid defensively with 13 high recoveries, 37 interceptions, 44 of 75 defensive duels won, and an xGA total of 0.76 from four shots faced.

As for Gangwon, a 2-1 away defeat to Ulsan HD meant their title hunt was officially over. However, thanks to results elsewhere, the Bears can finish no lower than third, confirming a record-high K League 1 finish. It’s been a season of positives for Yoon Jong-hwan’s men, who have scored 61 times from an xG of 52.96, conceded the fewest shots in the division (8.6 per 90), and could well end up playing in the AFC Champions League Elite for the first time in their history next year.

This season, Gangwon hold the advantage in this fixture, having beaten Suwon in their first two clashes in 2024. However, a 95th-minute Choi Kyu-baek equaliser for Kim Eun-jung’s men back in September prevented the Bears from making it a treble.

Successfully winning their third consecutive K League 1 title, Ulsan HD will be looking to keep the momentum flowing when they travel to Seoul. The Horangi were good value for money in their 2-1 home win over Gangwon last time out, where they created an xG of 2.11 from 10 shots (five on target), made 12 high recoveries, 46 interceptions, 43 accurate passes to the final third, and won 61 of their 85 defensive duels. Now unbeaten in nine league matches (seven wins, two draws), the aim for Ulsan will be to extend their good domestic fortunes further.

This week’s opposition for Ulsan, FC Seoul, come into Sunday on the back of a 1-1 draw against Pohang Steelers. The capital city side couldn’t find a second breakthrough despite taking 10 shots, having 26 positional attacks, an xG tally of 1.51, and making 29 accurate passes to the final third, but know they still control their destiny when it comes to a top-four finish. Nevertheless, in Round 11, Ulsan were 1-0 winners at Seoul World Cup stadium, and are currently unbeaten in 21 meetings with FC Seoul (15 wins, six draws).

As Pohang Steelers seek their first win post-split, an in-form Wanderson is likely to play a key part for the team. Per 90, the 35-year-old averages 8.81 recoveries, 4.42 interceptions, 2.02 progressive runs, 4.41 passes to the opposition penalty area, 5.54 passes to the final third, 10 duels won, and draws 0.94 fouls. With two goals in his last three league appearances too, there’s no reason Wanderson can’t inspire his teammates to at least one Final A victory.

Up next for Pohang is Gimcheon, who stayed firm in third following a 1-0 win against Suwon FC. Efficiently, the military side have scored 51 times from an xG total of 51.34 this season, while conceding just 38 times from an xGA tally of 42.63, and a per 90 average of 8.95 shots faced. That, and Gimcheon have won their last two meetings against Pohang, which includes a 2-1 triumph at the Steelyard in Round 25.