Final A Match of Round 37

Gangwon FC (6th) vs. Ulsan Hyundai (1st), Sunday 16th October - 14:00

The situation is clear: a point in this game for Ulsan Hyundai will crown them champions of Korea for the first time since 2005. Standing in their way is a resurgent Gangwon FC team, who have been able to offer strong performances in the last few weeks as a potential spot in next year’s Asian Champions League remains on offer. The Bears are four points behind Incheon in fourth, which could become a continental spot depending on the result of the FA Cup Final in a few weeks. They’ll need to win their final games, and hope Incheon United and Jeju United drop points in order to leapfrog them. With this in mind, they aren’t likely to just roll over and give the game – and the title – to Ulsan. If Ulsan are to win the league this weekend, they’ll be made to fight for it.

Final B Match of Round 37

Daegu FC (8th) vs. Gimcheon Sangmu (11th), Sunday 16th October -16:30

Cesinha’s 81st-minute goal on Wednesday night against Suwon Samsung Bluewings was enough to give Daegu FC the win, and in likelihood, confirm their place in the league next year. Whilst they are in pole position to avoid a play-off game, this isn’t mathematically confirmed and they’ll need a point from this game to officially get over the line. At the same time, Gimcheon Sangmu’s draw in Seoul last time out kept them in touching distance of Suwon Bluewings in 10th place, and still mathematically able to overtake FC Seoul in ninth. They’ll be looking for a win this weekend to keep this dream alive. 

For the first time this year, the team who finishes second-bottom must face the runners-up of K League 2, whilst the team finishing 10th will play the winner of the third-fourth-fifth placed play-off. With this in mind, one would consider that third bottom of the league is potentially far more advantageous than second bottom. Gimcheon can’t afford any more slip-ups, and Daegu will be looking to finish with a flourish at home.

Team of Round 37

Suwon Samsung Bluewings (vs. Suwon FC, Sunday 16th October – 14:00)

Defeat at home to Daegu FC on Wednesday night has left Suwon Samsung Bluewings staring down the barrel of an end-of-season play-off in order to maintain their top division status for next year. This weekend, they face city rivals Suwon FC at home, and must win in order to have any chance of avoiding a play-off game. Bluewings will need to look to the experience of players like Dave Bulthuis and Lee Ki-je, and the energy of youngsters like Oh Hyeon-gyu, to guide them. 

With two games to go and a five-point gap between Bluewings and Seoul, even a win could turn out not to be enough come the end-of-play on Sunday, depending on results elsewhere. The only silver lining for Bluewings could be that their neighbours have already confirmed their survival and so will have less to play for in this game.

Player of Round 37

Kim Dong-heon, Incheon United (vs. Pohang Steelers, Sunday 16th October – 19:00)

Whilst Incheon United are sitting in fourth in the league, the table doesn’t tell the whole story. Before a 3-1 win over Jeju in midweek, the Durumi had failed to score in 360 minutes of football and have been reliant on their strong back-line to prevent draws from becoming defeats. This season, Dong-heon Kim has claimed the number one position for his own and has put in a number of impressive performances. He leads the league in save percentage and the number of saves per game, and has been a vital cog in Incheon’s success.

It only stands to reason that this weekend, when Incheon face Pohang, that he is likely to be called on once again. Pohang, currently in third position, are only three points ahead of their opponents and will look to cement their Asian Champions League place with a win. For Incheon to have a chance of defeating the visitors, they’ll need their young shot-stopper to be on the top of his game once again.

Elsewhere in K League 1 Round 37

This weekend could make Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors’ final weekend as champions, a title they’ve held without disruption since 2017. If the monopoly is to be broken, it’s unlikely that Jeonbuk will give up without a fight. This weekend they travel to Jeju Island to face Jeju United – who themselves are looking for points to maintain the fight for fourth. Jeonbuk will need maximum points to have any chance of retaining their title, whilst a defeat in midweek for Jeju leaves them four points behind Incheon United in a potential Asian Champions League spot. Striker Joo Min-kyu is chasing the golden boot and should he score or provide an assist this Sunday, it will be his 150th combined goal and assist in K League.

Following their relegation last weekend, Seongnam FC will only be playing for pride when they travel to the capital to face FC Seoul. After a difficult season, the Magpies will be looking to give something back to their supporters, whilst also preventing Seoul from officially confirming their safety. For Seoul, a point could be enough to ensure top-division football next year, but a win would guarantee it.

[READ: 2022 K League 2 Round 44 Preview]

K League 1 League Table

K League 1 Round 37 Fixtures

Sunday 16th October

#GANvULS: Gangwon FC (6th) vs. Ulsan Hyundai (1st) - 14:00
#SuwonDerby: Suwon FC (7th) vs. Suwon Samsung Bluewings (10th) - 14:00
#JEJvJEO: Jeju United (5th) vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2nd) - 16:30
#DAEvGIM: Daegu FC (8th) vs. Gimcheon Sangmu (11th) - 16:30
#INCvPOH: Incheon United (4th) vs. Pohang Steelers (3rd) - 19:00
#SEOvSFC: FC Seoul (9th) vs. Seongnam FC (12th) - 19:00

Luke Evans
KLeague.com Contributor