Pohang Steelers vs Jeonbuk Motors

Pohang Steel Yard is the venue as Pohang Steelers and Jeonbuk Motors go head-to-head in a blockbuster K League 1 contest.

Three goals beyond the 70th minute saw Pohang Steelers overcome a 2-1 deficit in a goal-glutted 4-2 home win over Jeju United last weekend, ending an underwhelming run of back-to-back winless league outings (D1, L1). With a playoff berth virtually in the bag, the ‘Steelers’ come into proceedings in high spirits, looking to post a third consecutive top-flight win over Jeonbuk. Kim Gi-dong’s side can draw further confidence from their stellar form at the Pohang Steel Yard, having won six of their last seven competitive home outings (L1). Pohang’s two most recent home triumphs have notably seen them score 3+ goals and yielded a two-goal margin. They also broke the deadlock in the first half on both occasions.

On the other hand, Jeonbuk Motors opened the scoring in the 13th minute against Suwon last weekend, which proved enough for a narrow 1-0 home win and the continuation of their eye-catching five-game unbeaten run in all competitions (W4, D1). However, the visitors have blown hot and cold on hostile turf lately, registering partial success across their last six competitive travels (W2, D2, L2). While their recent travel sickness may spark skepticism in Dan Petrescu’s camp, Jeonbuk’s impressive record of four wins on their last five top-flight visits to Pohang (L1) should settle the nerves. But a slow start may lead to the Warriors’ demise, considering they’ve lost four out of five away league games after conceding first this term (W1).