K-League: Jeonbuk Seek Revenge Over Sangju Sangmu

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors vs Sangju Sangmu FC

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors are firing on all cylinders at the moment. After going three matches without a win in July, they’ve reeled off four wins on the bounce to keep pace with rivals Ulsan Hyundai at the top of the K-League.

The defending champions will now have the chance to match their season-best run with five straight wins as they host Sangju Sangmu.

The military men have been inconsistent of late, but they defied the K-League 2020 betting odds by beating Jeonbuk in their first meeting this season, so the champions will be wary of the threat they present.

Talking Points

Jeonbuk attack becoming more potent

Jeonbuk are in such fine form at the moment. After an impressive win over a dangerous Daegu side, they emerged victorious in their matchup against second-from-bottom Suwon Bluewings to extend their winning run to four games in a row.

Jeonbuk were so clinical in front of goal in that match as they converted three of their 10 shots. Kim Bo-Kyung scored the second goal for Jeonbuk as he continued his fine scoring run; the 30-year-old midfielder has now scored four goals in his last three games.

Gustavo also got on the scoresheet for Jeonbuk against Suwon. The Brazilian has been just what Jeonbuk have been missing this season: a reliable goalscoring striker. He scored on his debut and already has five goals in five appearances for the club.

Jeonbuk’s attack, which didn’t look all that impressive early in the season, is finally clicking and producing more consistent performances. They’ve scored at least two goals in each of their last four games. Prior to that, their longest such streak was two games.

Meanwhile, their defence remains one of, if not the best in the league. They’ve conceded just 10 goals in 16 games, tied for the best defensive record with rivals Ulsan.

Jeonbuk have been terrific at home all year long. They’re undefeated in seven games, winning six and drawing just one. They’ve also conceded only three goals at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium, two of which came in a 2-2 draw with Seongnam.

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Sangju Sangmu set to lose star players

Third-placed Sangju Sangmu suffered a setback as they lost 2-1 to a suddenly resurgent FC Seoul side that’s now won three games in a row. Sangju took the lead early through Park Yong-Woo, but Seoul stormed back to steal the victory.

It was a disappointing result for the military side, who dominated 56 per cent of possession and had 10 shots on target (13 in total), but they could only score once against the league’s leakiest defence.

After winning four matches in a row — highlighted by that big win over Jeonbuk — Sangju’s recent K-League 2020 results have been quite inconsistent. They’ve won just two of their last six matches, with two losses and two draws.

Meanwhile, Sangu Sangmu coach Kim Tae-wan is about to lose a number of key players on the 27th of August when their military service comes to an end.

Among those players slated to return to their parent clubs is Kang Sang-woo, who has been Sangju’s star attacker this season. The 26-year-old has played and started all 16 games and leads the team with seven goals and five assists.

It was Kang’s penalty which turned out to be the winning goal in their 1-0 triumph over Jeonbuk last month.

Sangmu will have Kang for one more game, though, and they will need him to break down a resolute Jeonbuk defence.

History

The head-to-head history between Jeonbuk and Sangju Sangmu has been quite one-sided. Before losing to Sangju last month, Jeonbuk had beaten the military side in five of their last six meetings.

And over the last decade, Jeonbuk have utterly dominated. They’ve claimed 18 wins to Sangju’s two, with five draws. Jeonbuk’s veteran striker, 41-year-old Lee Dong-Gook, scored in all three matches against Sangju Sangmu last season, including two late game-winning goals.

Although, Sangju did steal a win over Jeonbuk at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium back in 2017.

Betting Tip

	Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors vs Sangju Sangmu FC	Under 2.50 @ 2.05
	August 23, 5:00(GMT+8)

Unsurprisingly, the SBOBET odds lean heavily toward Jeonbuk, who are big 1.50 favourites to win at home. Sangju are priced at 5.80 to do the double over the champions, while a draw is at 4.20.

The signs point to another Jeonbuk win, but for those looking for added value, take a good look at the under.

After their recent setbacks, Sangju will likely be set up to sit back and try to frustrate Jeonbuk. And as their first meeting this season proved, they are capable of doing just that. Meanwhile, Jeonbuk’s impressive defence is unlikely to give up too many chances against Sangju.