K League Preview: Incheon United’s Ace Returns but Goalkeeper Concerns Loom, Pohang Steelers’ Away Performance Needs Improvement

At 18:30 on August 24th, the 28th round of the K League sees Incheon United host Pohang Steelers at home.

The home team, Incheon United, lost their last match to Daejeon Hana Citizen and are only one point above the relegation zone. With only one win in their last five games (four losses), the team is struggling, and new manager Choi Yong-kun has only brought about a slight upturn since his appointment.

The team has been transitioning from a three-man defensive system to a four-man backline, a process that may cause some “growing pains,” as some center-backs are more accustomed to the previous three-man setup, while some wing players are better suited to wing-back roles rather than full-back positions. The good news is that midfielder Shin Jeon-ho thrives in this system, performing much better in this formation.

In terms of injuries and suspensions, the biggest positive is the return from injury of ace winger Gerso. The team has scored only three goals in their last four matches, and Gerso’s return will enhance their attacking threat from the flanks and alleviate their recent goal-scoring woes. Australian center-back Delbridge remains sidelined, and former “super-sub” Song Si-woo will also continue to be absent. Unfortunately, first-choice goalkeeper Lee Bum-soo is injured and unlikely to play in this match, with backup goalkeeper Min Seong-jun lacking experience, which poses a concern for the goalkeeper position.

The away team, Pohang Steelers, won a crucial three points in their last match, defeating Ulsan Hyundai 2-1 thanks to a late winner by Kwon Chang-hoon. However, they remain at the bottom of the league table with two wins and three losses in their last five games. To climb out of the relegation zone, they need to produce more convincing performances.

In terms of personnel, newly signed central defender Yeom Ji-yun, who was acquired after much effort during the summer window, is injured and will definitely miss this game. It is expected that Hong Jeong-ho and Park Jin-seop will partner in central defense. The summer transfer window saw significant investment in the team’s attacking options, with Andriyko, loaned from Chengdu Rongcheng, scoring twice and assisting once in his last four appearances. The addition of Lee Sung-yu and the retention of Song Min-gyu have bolstered the forward line on paper, coupled with the impressive return of long-term absentee Kwon Chang-hoon, making the team’s attack promising.

In the two encounters between the sides this season, Incheon United have the upper hand with one win and one draw. Incheon United, who average just 1.07 goals per game this season, managed to score five goals against Pohang Steelers in these two matches. Pohang Steelers have only managed one draw and six losses in their last seven away games, indicating that their away form needs improvement.

>>For more predictions and analysis, click >>>