Seoul vs Suwon

Seoul World Cup Stadium forms the backdrop for a lopsided K League 1 showdown between Seoul and Suwon.

A 2-1 loss away to Jeonbuk Motors last time out brought Seoul’s decent-looking four-game unbeaten K League 1 run to a halt (W1, D3) as they conceded more than once per league match for the first time in eight outings. But a three-point lead on 7th-placed Gwangju means the hosts are still in firm control of their playoff hopes, though a dismal run of three draws from their last four home league fixtures (W1) doesn’t bode well. Still, Seoul World Cup Stadium has been a fortress this season, with Seoul only losing once in ten home league games (W5, D4), largely thanks to their rock-solid defense. An Ik-soo’s men have conceded an average of 0.8 goals per home league match, the joint-best record alongside Jeonbuk Motors.

On the other hand, Suwon let a 2-0 lead slip through their fingers in a gut-wrenching 2-2 home draw against Incheon United last time out, as their hopes of reigniting their faltering playoff pursuit suffered a hammer blow. That result condemned the visitors to a fifth consecutive K League 1 fixture without winning (D2, L3), with all but one of those outings seeing Kim Do-kyun’s side concede multiple goals. If that’s not enough to dampen Suwon’s spirits, they head into proceedings as the division’s worst travelers, having accrued a league-low five points from nine top-flight trips to date (D2, L6). Indeed, three of their last four away league games have seen them go down by an identical 3-1 scoreline, barring a 2-1 victory at Suwon Bluewings in early June.