Korean K-League
2020-05-23 - Suwon Bluewings vs Incheon United
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: South Korea: K League
Saturday 23rd May 2020 - Kick Off 4:30pm
British Time: 8:30am
Preview
These two teams both finished in the bottom half of the K League last season but make no mistake one of those was a huge surprise. For three seasons in succession the Suwon Bluewings had played in the Championship Round of the K League while Incheon United have now finished in the bottom half in six straight seasons.
Failing to reach the expectation levels in the League was a blow for Suwon, but there was not the managerial change some would have hoped for after the Bluewings won the Cup and returned to the Asian Champions League. That success has meant there is still a real feeling this squad is capable of a top six finish at the very least, but Suwon have lost both games played in the League this season including blowing a 2-0 lead against Ulsan this past weekend.
The eventual 2-3 defeat to Ulsan would have hurt and Suwon have also lost two Asian Champions League games before that competition was suspended. It all means the pressure is back on Lee Lim-saeng who had plenty of fans calling for his head at the end of last season even with the Cup success behind them.
The only positive for Suwon through the opening games in 2020 is that they have been competitive and played at a very high level. The two League defeats have come against the two teams that ran away with the K League lead last season, while the Champions League is clearly going to be a step up in competition for teams in this Division.
However when you tally it up the 5 straight losses in all competitions going back to last season are going to create problems for the squad and the manager in particular. Suwon have only won 1 of their last 6 home League games and they have been beaten 3 times in that run, although all of those defeats have come against teams that eventually finished in the top three last season.
Things should be more comfortable this weekend when facing Incheon United who have been up against it for a number of seasons now. The side have always done enough to avoid being dragged into the relegation zone, and back to back goalless draws at least means they are putting the points on the board early this time around having made a slow start twelve months ago.
Goalless draws against Daegu and Seongnam will give Incheon United some confidence, although there is still some real room for improvement. Most are expecting the team to push clear of the relegation zone much earlier in 2020 than they did in 2019, but a top six finish for the first time in seven seasons is a long-shot.
A strong end to 2019 helped them avoid relegation and the side have only lost 1 of their last 11 K League games. Even away from home Incheon United have proved to be a stubborn team to break down with a single loss in 6 on their travels, although it should be pointed out that they have not scored in their last 3.
Suwon Bluewings had beaten Incheon United twice in a row at home, but it was the visitors who escaped with a 0-1 win last time these two met here.
Prediction
If Suwon Bluewings could have hung on for their win over Ulsan this past weekend it could have been a real turning point for their under fire manager. However the 2-0 lead became a 2-3 defeat and another loss on Saturday might mean curtains for Lee Lim-saeng's time here.
That is going to put some pressure on his team, but they are at least facing an Incheon United team who have been a touch goal-shy early on this season.
Add in the fact that Incheon United have failed to score in 3 away games in a row and you can see why Suwon are favourites, although odds on quotes look very unappealing.
Goals might be in short supply though and backing one of these teams to fail to hit the net looks the more appealing price to me than the home win. 5 of the last 9 Suwon home games would have seen that happen, and it has also occurred in the last 4 Incheon United games played away from home.
It also happened when these teams last met here and is my bet for this fixture.
The Pick :
Suwon Bluewings 1-0 Incheon United
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back Both Teams to Score- NO at 1.92 with BetVictor
