Final A Match of Round 38

Pohang Steelers vs. Gangwon FC, (Sunday 23rd October – 15:00)

With the title picture settled, the only positions in Final A that can realistically alter are fifth and sixth; with Jeju United and Gangwon FC respectively both on 49 points. Pohang should be safe in third; three points and six goals ahead of Incheon United – who play Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. With that in mind, this game should be an interesting battle between two attacking teams looking to finish the season on a high. Both teams have goals in them and play attractive football. Kim Dae-won and Shin Jin-ho, both nominated for the league’s MVP award, should feature too.

Final B Match of Round 38

Suwon Samsung Bluewings vs. Gimcheon Sangmu, (Saturday 22nd October – 15:00)

Despite their position, a very good win over Suwon FC in Round 37 means that if results go their way, Suwon Bluewings will avoid a relegation play-off at the expense of FC Seoul. To have any chance of that happening, they need to concentrate on beating Gimcheon Sangmu. The Soldiers haven’t lost in five matches, but critically, haven’t won since beating Incheon in the regular season. As Gimcheon are confirmed to be in an end-of-season play-off game, they might rest players ahead of that. 

Expect Bluewings to go all-out to gain the three points they need to stand any chance of finishing ninth. Their performance against Suwon FC might arguably be their best of the season, with pace and determination they attacked and fought throughout. There’s a lot of battle in this side, and now is the time their fans need to see it.

Team of Round 38

FC Seoul (vs. Suwon FC, 22nd October – 15:00)

Going into K League Final, FC Seoul didn’t look like they’d be in trouble. They managed to amass over forty points during the regular campaign. Traditionally, this should be enough to prevent relegation from becoming a realistic possibility. However, no wins in Final B games has left them in need one last big performance.

Going into their Round 38 game, Seoul need to attack Suwon FC from the off, in much the same way as Bluewings did last weekend. A good start, and it could turn into a comfortable afternoon for the team from the capital, however the longer it takes for them to get going, the more the pressure will build and the more that Suwon FC could find their feet. Despite not needing anything from the game, Suwon will be relishing the chance to finish the season with a win.

Seven goals in his sixteen games since signing for FC Seoul has emphasised the importance of Stanislav Iljutcenko in this Seoul team. Heading in to the final game, and with Seoul in need of a win, his quality, experience and leadership could have a huge effect on the outcome. He’s known to pop up with goals out of nothing, whether getting his head on a corner, or taking a chance from balls that drop to him in and around the box. Goals win games, and Seoul will be looking for Big Stan to lead the way.

Player of Round 38

Joo Min-kyu, Jeju United

Jeju United striker Joo Min-kyu is gunning for the K League Golden Boot. Sitting on 17 goals for the season, two clear of Jeonbuk's Cho Gue-sung, Joo's place at the top of the K League scoring charts looks secure. But, the 31-year-old will want to make sure by finding the back of the net this Sunday in Jeju's match against his old club, Ulsan Hyundai. Joo hasn't scored against Ulsan this season but he managed to score three last season. Should Joo Min-kyu finish as top scorer again this year he will be the first Korean player to win back-to-back golden boots and first player since Dejan Damjanović who won it from 2011 to 2013.

At a Glance: Final-Position Permutations

With the title decided, here’s what needs to be settled further down the table:

1st - Ulsan Hyundai are K League Champions
2nd - Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors will finish second in the league
3rd - Pohang Steelers will finish third unless Incheon score seven and beat Jeonbuk
4th - Incheon United will finish at least fourth and play in ACL if Jeonbuk win FA Cup
5th - Jeju United need to better Gangwon's result to finish fifth
6th - Gangwon FC need to better Jeju United's result to finish fifth
7th - Suwon FC will finish top of Final B
8th - Daegu FC need a point to confirm eighth place but are safe from relegation
9th - FC Seoul need to win to ensure safety, bettering Suwon's result will be enough
10th - Suwon Samsung Bluewings need a win and Seoul to draw or lose and outscore Seoul
11th - Gimcheon Sangmu will be in the playoffs, a win would seal 10th
12th - Seongnam FC are already relegated

Elsewhere in K League 1 Round 38

Seongnam’s final game in K League 1 for the time being with be at home to Daegu on Saturday. With nothing on the line, as Daegu are already safe, it could be a good opportunity for both teams to use players that they expect to be around next season. 

Ulsan play at home to Jeju United on Sunday and it should be a carnival atmosphere that culminates in Ulsan lifting the K League 1 trophy at full time. It should be a full-house on the East Coast for this one.

Deposed champions Jeonbuk face Incheon United this weekend with nothing on the line and an FA Cup on the horizon. Of all the matches this weekend, this could be the most anti-climactic. Incheon will field a team similar to last weekend against Pohang, with some younger players in the squad, and Jeonbuk would be wise to do the same. The first game of their two-legged FA Cup Final takes place next Thursday, 27th October in Seoul.

K League 1 Round 38 Fixtures

Saturday 22nd October (Final B)

#GIMvSSB: Gimcheon Sangmu (11th) vs. Suwon Bluewings (10th) - 15:00

#SFCvDAE: Seongnam FC (12th) vs. Daegu FC (8th) - 15:00

#SUWvSEO: Suwon FC (7th) vs. FC Seoul (9th) - 15:00

Sunday 23rd October (Final A)

#JEOvINC: Jeonbuk FC (2nd) vs. Incheon United (4th) - 15:00

#POHvGAN: Pohang Steelers (3rd) vs. Gangwon FC (6th) - 15:00

#ULSvJEJ: Ulsan Hyundai (1st) vs. Jeju United (5th) - 15:00