K League Preview: Riding High on AFC Champions League Victory, Gwangju FC Aims for Upset to Enter Title Race Group; Jeju United’s Lim Chae-min and Rice Set to Return

September 22, 15:30, K League Round 31, Gwangju FC hosts Jeju United at home.

The home team, Gwangju FC, won their last match 2-1 against Pohang Steelers. In the midweek AFC Champions League Elite League, they secured a resounding 7-3 victory over Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos, significantly boosting morale. Head coach Lee Jung-hyo’s popularity in Korea is soaring. Prior to the AFC Champions League, he repeatedly emphasized that the team’s most significant task was to avoid relegation, hoping to catch up with Pohang in the final three rounds of the regular season and enter the title race group.

In terms of personnel, starting full-back Du Hyun-seok, who recently underwent surgery, is still recovering and will not play in this game. Foreign player Victor unfortunately got injured during training in the recent international break and is expected to be out for an extended period. Midfielder Park Tae-jun has recently suffered from an ankle injury and is unlikely to play in this match. Forward Lee Kyu-hee, who played for 63 minutes in the midweek AFC Champions League, is suspended and will definitely miss this game. It is expected that foreign player Mikael Tadesse will start as the striker. He came off the bench in the midweek AFC Champions League and only played for 30 minutes, so his stamina should not be a concern. The other two main players, Gabriel and Lee Hee-gyun, also only played for about 30 minutes. Foreign player Assani has been in excellent form recently and poses a significant threat on the right flank.

The away team, Jeju United, lost 0-4 to Daegu FC in their last match and has now confirmed their drop into the relegation group, facing the harsh reality of a relegation battle.

In terms of personnel, long-term injury victim Choi Yong-jun continues to recover and will not play in this game. Nam Tae-hee, who joined in the summer window, has yet to fully recover from his injury and is doubtful for this match. Recently renewed goalkeeper Kim Dong-jun has experienced a dip in form. However, there is good news: center-back Lim Chae-min, who previously played for Shenzhen FC in the Chinese Super League, has been back in normal training for some time and is likely to return for this match. Lim Chae-min had previously struggled with jaw injuries, losing seven kilograms due to difficulty eating, but his weight has gradually recovered recently. Another piece of good news is that Brazilian attacker Rice is back after serving his suspension. His return could alleviate the team’s attacking issues. Notably, Rice previously played for Gwangju FC, and his performance today against his former club will be worth watching.

In terms of historical encounters, Gwangju FC has won three consecutive matches against Jeju United, giving them a psychological advantage.

>>”>For more predictions and analysis for this match, click >>>