Jeonbuk Motors vs Daegu

Jeonju World Cup Stadium forms the backdrop for a handsomely-looking K League 1 showdown between Jeonbuk Motors and Daegu.

A 2-0 home win over league leaders Ulsan Hyundai last time out maintained Jeonbuk’s patchy form in the K League 1, with their seven previous games in the competition fluctuating between different outcomes (W3, D2, L2). But the hosts can draw confidence from going from back-to-back home league defeats to two consecutive two-goal margin victories. Both those wins saw them score beyond the 80th minute, highlighting the potential for a late goal festive. Indeed, an early lead won’t necessarily guarantee success for the ‘Warriors,’ considering they’ve gone winless in both home league outings this season when leading the at break (D1, L1). Yet after beating Daegu in four of their last five top-flight H2Hs on home turf (D1), their bid to close a one-point gap on the playoff zone looks safe and sound.

Unlike their hosts, Daegu’s recent league form promises great things for the visiting side, as they’ve claimed three wins in their last five matches (D2), keeping a clean sheet in each victory. However, their overall form in the 2023 K League 1 campaign (W6, D6, L4) calls for caution, especially considering they could surrender the fifth place to their hosts in case they lose at Jeonju World Cup Stadium. Manager Choi Won-kwon must be optimistic, though, after his men strung together three league triumphs on the road following a five-match winless away start (D3, L2). Defensive resilience has been the main ingredient of Daegu’s recent resurgence on the road, with each of those three wins yielding a clean sheet.