Jeonbuk to stage all-out war to remain on top

Striker Lee Dong-gook celebrates his goal against Costa Rica during his friendly at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul, Tuesday. / Yonhap

By Nam Hyun-woo

After recent consecutive international matches, K-Leaguers have finished their national duty and returned to assist their clubs in tight races for either the title and survival in the top-tier division.

With two games remaining before K-League Classic split into top six and bottom six, league leader Jeonbuk Hyundai are facing a tough schedule of three games in nine days.

They will face the eighth-placed Incheon United on Saturday in the league 32nd round, the Seongnam FC on Oct. 22 in a FA Cup semifinals and the Suwon Samsung Bluewings on Oct. 26 in the 33rd round, the final game before the split.

The games will likely be one of the most crucial points of this season for Jeonbuk, who are aiming a double of winning the league and the FA Cup.

Jeonbuk are in a three-game winning streak and maintain a comfortable five-point lead against the runner-up Suwon. However, there are still two games before and five more after the split. Given Jeonbuk have to compete with other top five teams after the split, they want to earn as many points as they can against relatively lowly ranked clubs.

Incheon United goalkeeper Yoo Hyun has been named the MVP of K-League 31st round for his savings in his side’s 2-1 win against defending champ Pohang Steelers. / Courtesy of K-League

Also, Suwon's momentum is threatening Jeonbuk. Suwon have not been defeated in 10 K-League Classic games since August.

Another potential worry for Jeonbuk coach Choi Kang-hee is Incheon goalkeeper Yoo Hyun, who was named the MVP of K-League 31st round for his savings in his side's 2-1 win against defending champ Pohang Steelers. He denied 11 shots on target during the game.

Under such a situation, the return of four men who were summoned for FIFA's match day will be favorable news for Choi. Jeonbuk have released three Korean footballers ― league goal leader Lee Dong-gook, midfielder Kim Kee-hee and Han Kyo-won ― for the national squad which played Paraguay and Costa Rica in friendlies earlier this month. Also, Australian defender Alex Wilkinson played for his national side.

While Jeonbuk, Suwon and Pohang secured their spots in the upper group, Jeju United, FC Seoul, Jeonnam Dragons and Ulsan Hyundai are vying for remaining three tickets, with Seoul and Jeonnam to clash on Saturday.

Jeonnam, who had managed to evade relegation past seasons, are seeking to move into the top six this season, thanks to the solid performances by forwards Lee Jong-ho and An Yong-woo.

The forward duo's contribution to the club has been huge this year. The two combined 14 goals and six assists.

As they were absent for the Incheon Asian Games, however, Jeonnam were hit hard, recording one win, one draw and four losses in six games, and not showing a sign of recovery, suffering one draw and one loss after the two returned.

FC Seoul are also not in a good mood, recording one win, two draws and two losses in recent games. FC Seoul apparently have to pin their hope on their forwards who scored seven goals in three recent games against Jeonnam at the latter's home.