Saturday will mark the 94th meeting between these two sides across all competitions, with Jeonbuk edging the total number of victories by 38 to Pohang's 33. The Green Warriors also came out victorious in the last encounter between the pair, winning 3-1 in the Final A straight.

In four meetings last season, Jeonbuk won two, Pohang won one and the remaining game finished in a draw. Pohang's single victory last year came early on in the season, with a 1-0 win in Jeonju thanks to a Jeong Jae-hee effort.

Jeonbuk manager Kim Sang-sik may already feel the pressure mounting given his side's somewhat underwhelming start and this has only been compounded further by the injuries to both Kim Jin-su and Paik Seung-ho who will both remain out of action for several weeks. On top of that, Jeonbuk continue to nurse Lee Dong-jun and Jun Amano back to full fitness but doubts remain if they will be ready for their return this weekend.

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A turning point for Kim Sang-sik?

While it has been somewhat of an underwhelming start for Jeonbuk, further compounded by the fact that their likely title rivals Ulsan Hyundai have began the season perfectly, there is hope for Kim Sang-sik's side that things may soon turn around. 

Despite having only scored four, Joenbuk have the third-highest xG in the division (6.36) and the third-most shots (51) albeit with low accuracy (37.3%). However, there have been flashes of their potential as they look to bed in a new attacking set-up, a set-up that has been plagued by inconsistency in these opening rounds through injuries.

Injuries to Lee Dong-jun and Jun Amano have hindered Kim Sang-sik from allowing his first choices to build up chemistry while pre-season injuries to Gustavo and Rafa Silva has left them playing catch up upon their return. Factor in Andre Luis' winter arrival who is also trying to find his place in this side and the challengers for positions who currently reside on the bench such Moon Seon-min and Han Kyo-won, and perhaps it is understandable that the Green Warriors are still lacking chemistry in the starting eleven each week. Having had an international break to resolve issues though, and the talent at his disposal, Saturday's home fans will be expecting a turn in their fortunes.

While Jeonbuk may point to indicators of better things to come, Pohang are already experiencing them. Pohang have netted just six times, yet they have posed serious questions of sides through their build-up play. 

The Steelers currently top the division for crosses, 1 vs 1 dribbles, touches in the penalty box and, somewhat subsequently, are the first for drawing fouls from their opponents. While there were concerns pre-season about how the departure of Shin Jin-ho would affect the side, it seems like manager Kim Gi-dong has continued to utilise his remaining personnel to instigate his attacking vision.

It is therefore no surprise that they have started this season so brightly and, having finished third last season, will be hoping to prove their title credentials by seeing off one of the regular contenders this Saturday.

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