Seoul vs Incheon United

A battle for the K League 1 playoffs is heating up as underperforming Seoul take on Incheon United at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Seoul’s indifferent three-game K League 1 form (W1, D1, L1) leaves them one point shy of the playoff zone ahead of this round. Although their chances of reaching the playoffs are realistic, a run of three winless home league matches (D1, L2) is hardly inspiring. Yet, the hosts will seek a comeback after a disheartening 2-1 defeat to Ulsan Hyundai in their most recent home outing. Things are not looking bright, as An Ik-soo’s men have failed to get on the scoresheet in their last three top-flight H2Hs on home turf (D1, L2), all of which featured under 1.5 total goals. After netting in three consecutive competitive home games, Seoul should at least feel confident about breaking their scoring drought against Incheon.

Meanwhile, since an enthralling 2-2 home draw with Daegu in mid-May, Incheon United have alternated between winning (2) and losing (2) across their last four league outings. All four results (win/loss) in that sequence saw the winner score the opener, highlighting the importance of a flying start. But the ‘Mariners’ are winless in their last four K League 1 fixtures on hostile turf (D2, L2), conceding precisely twice on each occasion. Moreover, a lack of the ‘bounce-back’ ability has seen Incheon go down on both top-flight travels in which they conceded the opening goal this season (L2).