07 May 2020, by Carl Lewis

K-League Preview & Stat Pack

The K League 1 season begins tomorrow after obvious delays due to the effects of Covid-19. Importantly the season will be reduced to 27 games with all games (initially) will be played behind closed doors.

This K League 1 season seems like it will be once again who can challenge Jeonbuk Hyundai. Ulsan Hyundai is certainly their foremost rival on paper. The relegation, however, seems more open with no obvious gap between midtable clubs and the relegation strugglers when looking at the last few seasons.

Championship

Defending champions Jeonbuk Hyundai remain the favourites for the league title and will be the one to look out for. Pushing them should be Ulsan Hyundai who were on top after 33 games before eventually losing in the Championship Group stage. FC Seoul, Suwon Bluewings and Pohang Steelers are expected to be in the top half of the table but perhaps not fighting for the title.

Relegation

Seongnam FC might suffer this season and should be involved in a relegation battle. Gwangju FC could also find life hard in the top tier, especially considering their proposed new stadium has been delayed. Just above the relegation zone could be the likes of Sangju Sangmu, Busan I’Park and Gangwon FC. 

Key stats from last season

Jeonbuk Hyundai and Ulsan Hyundai were the top scorers in the league with 72 and 71 goals respectively.

Besides the relegated clubs, Gangwon had the worst defence in the league and conceded the most goals (58), followed by Incheon (54) and 

Friday 8 May

13:00 – Jeonbuk Motors  v Suwon S Bluewings 

There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 8 of Jeonbuk FC’s last 9 games (K. League).

Jeonbuk FC have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 6 matches against Suwon Bluewings in all competitions.

Jeonbuk FC are undefeated in 17 of their last 18 home matches (K. League).

Jeonbuk FC have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 3 home matches against Suwon Bluewings in all competitions.

Saturday 9 May

07:00 – Ulsan  v Sangju Sangmu Phoenix 

Ulsan Hyundai have seen over 2.5 goals in 5 of their last 6 home matches against Sangju Sangmu in all competitions.

Ulsan Hyundai have scored at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 home matches against Sangju Sangmu in all competitions.

Ulsan Hyundai are undefeated in their last 5 matches against Sangju Sangmu in all competitions.

9:30 – Incheon United  v Daegu FC 

There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Incheon United’s last 6 games (K. League).

Daegu FC are undefeated in their last 7 away matches (K. League).

Daegu FC are undefeated in 10 of their last 11 matches against Incheon United in all competitions.

Incheon United are undefeated in their last 6 home matches (K. League).

12:00 – Gwangju  v Seongnam Ilw 

Seongnam FC have failed to score in 5 of their last 7 away matches (K. League).

There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Seongnam FC’s last 8 away games (K. League).

Gwangju FC have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches against Seongnam FC in all competitions.

Sunday 10 May

07:00 – Pohang Steelers  v Busan I Park 

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Pohang Steelers’s last 6 games (K. League).

Pohang Steelers are undefeated in 11 of their last 12 matches (K. League).

Pohang Steelers have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches (K. League).

09:30 – Gangwon FC v FC Seoul 

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 10 of Gangwon FC’s last 12 home games (K. League).

Gangwon FC have scored at least 2 goals in 11 of their last 12 home matches (K. League).

FC Seoul have failed to score in their last 3 matches (K. League).

Gangwon FC have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 3 home matches (K. League).