K-League: Winless Daegu Do Battle with Military Men

Daegu FC vs Sangju Sangmu FC

Sangju Sangmu have made a surprisingly strong start to the new K-League season. The military men are riding high in fourth place in the standings after winning back-to-back matches.

The Firebirds will fancy their chances of claiming a third-straight win as they take on struggling Daegu FC.

Daegu remain winless after three games, and with the status of their star player in doubt, could have another tough time against an in-form Sangju side.

Talking Points

Daegu star’s status in doubt

Daegu are still searching for their first win of the new season. After back-to-back draws against Incheon United and Pohang Steelers, they suffered a 2-0 defeat in a tough away match against Jeonbuk Motors.

There’s no shame in losing to the defending champions, who were the heavy favourites according to the K-League 2020 betting odds.

After out-shooting their first two opponents, Daegu were limited to just two total shots against Jeonbuk.

Manager Lee Byunggeun set his side up in a more conservative formation to try and make things tougher for Jeonbuk. But while Daegu didn’t concede too many clear-cut opportunities, the champions still had the superior quality and came away with a comfortable win.

The absence of Cesinha also played a major part in Daegu’s struggles to produce many K-League 2020 highlights. The Brazilian playmaker, who had 15 goals and 10 assists last season, was ruled out with a thigh strain, and his status for this upcoming match against Sangju remains in question.

Daegu have scored just one goal through three games and could struggle once again if Cesinha is not around to orchestrate the attack.

Their other Brazilian, 33-year-old striker Edgar, has the team’s only goal thus far this season and must step up in case Cesinha misses out once again.

Sangju Sangmu continuing last year’s success

Sangju Sangmu have bounced back well from their heavy 4-0 defeat at the hands of Ulsan Hyundai in their opening match of the season. They’ve since won back-to-back matches against Gangwon and Gwanju.

After being on the defensive for much of the game at home against Gangwon, Sangju were the aggressors against Gwanju. They enjoyed 55 per cent of possession while getting off 13 total shots (eight on target).

Manager Kim Tae-wan, who did such a great job keeping the side away from a relegation scrap last season, has done well to get a much-changed squad to look so solid at the back. After conceding four goals against Ulsan, they have kept back-to-back clean sheets.

Centre-back Kwon Kyung-won, who was part of Jeonbuk Hyundai’s title-winning run last year, has settled in quickly at the heart of Sangju’s defence.

There’s more good news for Sangu as their trio of under-22 stars — forwards Oh Se-hun, Jeon Se-jin and Kim Bo-sub — are set to return.

The three have missed the team’s first three games after sustaining injuries in a car accident as they were going to get tested for the coronavirus before the start of the season.

In their absence, Kang-Sang Woo has been one of the team’s standout players thus far this season. The 26-year-old midfielder was on target in both matches and scored the winner in their 1-0 victory over Gwanju after just six minutes.

Meanwhile, Moon Seon-min — who also arrived this off-season from Jeonbuk as he begins his military duty — is one of the most talented young players in the league and is capable of making a major impact on a match.

History

Daegu and Sangju were evenly matched in their three fixtures last season. Both sides won one match apiece at home, then drew the last meeting 1-1 at Sangju Civic Stadium.

But since Daegu’s return to the first division in 2017, they have had the slight edge on Sangju. Daegu have won four of their last 11 meetings, with five draws and only two defeats.

Betting Tip

	Daegu FC vs Sangju Sangmu FC	Sangju Sangmu FC Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 1.86
	May 29, 18:30 GMT+8

SBOBET odds still have Daegu priced as favourites at 2.05 despite Cesihna’s unclear playing status. Meanwhile, Sangju are 3.50 to pick up a third consecutive win, and a draw is 3.30.

The Asian Handicap market offers more interesting odds, though. Sangju +0.50 is priced at 1.86, which means that either a draw or a Sangju victory would win the bet.

So while picking up a third straight win might be too much for Sangju, they have a better shot at getting all three points than Daegu, especially if Cesinha is missing once again. And at the very least, Sangju have the defensive solidity to come away from Daegu Bank Park with a point.