South Korean K1 League GW3 Preview

South African striker Lars Veldwijk helped reigning champions Jeonbuk Motors to secure maximum points in dramatic fashion with a leaping header that beat Busan I’Park’s goalkeeper in injury time during their 2-1 victory. While Brazilian number nine Junior Negao inspired Ulsan to a brilliant second-half performance that saw them turn a 2-0 first-half deficit, into a 3-2 win in the game of the weekend at Suwon Bluewings.  

Jeonbuk Motors and Ulsan are expected to go head-to-head for the title this season and are the only teams to pick up two consecutive wins. Now, on to this week’s action and our selections that will hopefully make us some cash.

Friday 22 May

Pohang Steelers 13/10
Draw 43/20
Seoul 21/10
(12:30)

Pohang Steelers were correctly tipped to draw last week at 2/1, a 1-1 draw against Daegu on their travels and return to home soil hoping to add to their four points from two matches. Seoul midfielder Han Chan-Hee scored the goal of last gameweek that bagged all three points in a 1-0 win at home to Gwangju. Take Pohang Steelers to win their third consecutive match against this opponent at 13/10.

Saturday 23 May

Suwon Bluewings 8/10
Draw 5/2
Incheon United 31/10
(09:30)

Suwon Bluewings come off two losses but will be raring to go after facing the top two teams in the league. Goalkeeper No Dong-Geon will have to improve and move past the error that cost points against Ulsan last time out. Incheon United drew goalless in back-to-back games and will be hoping new-signing Stefan Mugosa can hit the back of the net. However, I can’t see Suwon Bluewings losing this one at 8/10.

Gangwon 19/20
Draw 22/10
Seongnam 28/10
(09:30)

Gangwon were expected to draw away from home last week but fell to a 2-0 loss at Sangju Sangmu. Central-defender Lim Chai-Min needlessly gave away a penalty that saw them trail and chase most of the match, poor considering their impressive 3-1 win the previous week. Seongnam held on for a goalless draw against Incheon United and will be hoping new-signing Tomislav Kis will be fit to make his first appearance for the club. Gangwon won two of the three meetings last season and Kim Byung-Soo’s team is tipped for the win.

Sangju Sangmu 12/10
Draw 22/10
Gwangju 22/10
(12:00)

Sangju Sangmu play hosts to Gwangju after beating Gangwon 2-0 on home soil. Moon Seon-Min was drafted by the military and netted his first goal of the season after leaving his club, the champions Jeonbuk Motors to serve his country. Gwangju are rooted to the bottom of the log with two defeats and are yet to score. The visitors will be hoping Brazilian Felipe can help solve their goal-drought, however, I don’t see the hosts losing this one. Back Sangju Sangmu for the win at 12/10.

Sunday 24 May

Jeonbuk Motors 15/20
Draw 5/2
Daegu 7/2
(09:30)

Lars Veldwijk announced himself to supporters of the champions in style. When Busan I’Park equalized, Portuguese coach, Jose Morais sent on the towering striker who won him the match with seconds left to play. Daegu come off two draws, Brazilian Edgar Silva with their first goal of the campaign during their 1-1 draw against Pohang Steelers last time out. Take Jeonbuk to motor on at 15/20.

Ulsan 9/20
Draw 31/10
Busan I’Park 11/2
(12:00)

Ulsan lead the pack with two wins and have scored seven times, while Busan I’Park come off two losses and have only scored once. This clash doesn’t get more straightforward. Junior Negao has already bagged four goals for the hosts and is expected to get on the scoresheet again. Add Ulsan for the win at 9/20 to all weekend multiples, but if you are searching for an exotic, take them on the (-1) Handicap at 12/10. 

TREBLE @ 6/1

Suwon Bluewings Win 8/10
Jeonbuk Motors Win 15/20
Ulsan (-1) Handicap 12/10

Written by Bryan Naicker