Gangwon FC vs Gwangju FC
Things aren’t looking too good for Gangwon FC at the moment. The Kodiaks have lost their last four games on the bounce, which has seen them fall to the bottom half of the table.
Gangwon coach Kim Byung-soo will be desperate to finally end their losing skid as they face another struggling side in K-League new boys Gwangju FC.
The Griffins are in the midst of their own losing slump, but they should still like their chances of defying the K-League 2020 odds and picking up a big away win at Gangwon.
Talking Points
Gangwon going through a rough patch
What is going wrong with Gangwon? The Kodiaks have lost each of their last four games and are without a win in their last five.
Granted, they’ve had some tough games against title contenders Ulsan, as well as Pohang Steelers and Daegu FC. But they drew against relegation strugglers Suwon Bluewings and were handed a 4-2 beating at home by Busan I’Park last time out.
As has usually been the case with Gangwon, they controlled a good deal of possession against Busan (60 per cent to 40) and also created 17 shots in total.
But for some reason, ‘Byung-soo Ball’ has not been particularly effective in turning those chances into goals this season. After scoring 56 goals last year — third in the league — they’ve only scored 12 in their first 10 games.
Ko Moo-yeol is having a fine season with five goals already in just seven appearances. His career best for an entire season is six goals.
However, newcomer Kim Seung-dae hasn’t quite had the impact that was expected of him when he arrived from Jeonbuk. The 29-year-old forward has one goal and three assists thus far.
Gangwon should once again enjoy the lion’s share of possession against Gwangju, but the big question will be whether they can successfully break them down.
The other big question is whether their defence can keep their opposition out. Gangwon’s backline has already given up 18 goals this season, which is second-most in the league behind FC Seoul.
Gwangju missing key defensive pieces
Gwangju have well and truly fallen back down to earth. After their impressive run of three straight wins, they’ve now suffered three losses in a row.
Granted, all three of their losses came against tough teams in defending champions Jeonbuk, as well as Pohang and Daegu.
Gwangju also weren’t helped by the fact that they were down to 10 men early against Daegu, which was a significant reason why they let in four goals.
But now, right-back Lee Min-Ki and defensive midfielder Yeo Bong-Hun — who was also sent off late — will both be suspended against Gangwon. Their absence will be a big blow to Gwangju’s defence.
However, it’s been Gwangju’s attack which has had a tougher time this season. Despite the best efforts of Brazilian forward Felipe (five goals this season), Gwangju as a team have just nine, which is tied for the third-fewest in the league.
But based on the way Gangwon have played this season, Gwangju should still get some chances on goal, possibly on the counterattack. Young winger Um Won-sang has impressed this season and will look to use his pace to exploit Gangwon’s suspect defence whenever he can.
History
Gangwon and Gwangju have gone head-to-head just 15 times. Gwangju hold the slight edge with five wins to Gangwon’s three. Meanwhile, they’ve drawn seven times. All three of Gangwon’s wins have come at home.
Their last meetings came back in 2017, and all of them ended in draws. In fact, their last five K-League meetings all have been stalemates.
Betting Tip
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Gangwon FC vs Gwangju FC | 1X2 Gangwon FC @ 2.10 |
| July 12, 18:00 (GMT+8) |
The SBOBET odds have Gangwon FC installed as slight 2.10 favourites to win at home, while Gwangju are priced at 3.25, with a draw at 3.35.
This match between two struggling sides is quite a tough one to call as it can legitimately go in any direction. But let’s go with the home side to pick up a much-needed win.
As bad as their K-League 2020 results have been of late, Gangwon are still a good team. Remember, they were the ones who put an end to defending champions Jeonbuk’s perfect start to this season.
After getting thrashed by Busan, expect a strong response from Byung-soo’s side against Gwangju as they finally put an end to their losing skid.
| A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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