FC Seoul ended the 2019 K-League 1 season with a third-place finish and qualified for this season’s AFC Champions League. Now, the red and black will aim to do better and fight for the K-League 1 title this season.
Although they finished in third place, Seoul did end the term a massive 23 points behind both Jeonbuk and Ulsan. Can they get closer to the top two this time around?
Gangwon ended 2019 in sixth place and 29 points off of the top spot. However, they did end the campaign just three points behind Seoul. Gangwon’s biggest issue was defence having conceded 58 goals which was the third-most of the league’s 12 teams.
The Kodiaks ended last season unbeaten in nine of their last 11 home matches. Gangwon’s form against Seoul was excellent last campaign. The teams played five times in all competitions in 2019 with Gangwon going unbeaten in four of those five fixtures.
Seoul’s last win against Gangwon came last April in the K-League 1.
The fixture finished 2-1 in favour of the red and black.
Four of the last six matches between the two clubs saw over 2.5 goals scored and the opening match of the season should once again see these sides combine for more than two and half scores.
There is some belief that Gangwon may not be as strong this campaign. The side has signed only one foreign player which is Takahiro Nakazato. In comparison, Seoul have flashed the cash and go into the season with four foreign signings.
Although Seoul have some very good foreign talent, their most significant player could be Park Chu-Young. The one-time Monaco and Arsenal player is 34 but still an important part of Seoul’s attack. Young had seven assists last term.
Jung Seung-yong tallied six assists for Gangwon. Goals could be in short supply for the team although they did tally 53 goals in 2019. Foreign player Nakazato isn’t a goalscorer for the club but will be used to get the ball forward into attacking positions.
On paper, Seoul have the players and potential to win the K-League 1 title. However, the club must be far more consistent on the pitch. The consistency starts on Sunday with a trip to Gangwon. Four of the last six matches between the sides saw Seoul get a result,
The two sides have combined for 19 goals in their last six games and Sunday’s fixture should see goals scored between them. Seoul should start the campaign with a win as both teams combine for over 2.5 goals scored.