The team with the least points and a confrontation between 1st and 2nd place. The first ‘East Coast Derby’ of the season between K-League 1 leader Ulsan Hyundai and undefeated Pohang Steelers will be held.
Ulsan, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, and Pohang, led by coach Kim Ki-dong, face each other in the 8th round of the ‘Hanawon Q K League 1 2023’, which kicks off at 4:30 pm on the 22nd at Ulsan Munsu Stadium. This is the first East Coast Derby of the season. Ulsan (18 points) is in the lead, followed by second place Pohang (15 points). Both teams are recording the fewest runs side by side, conceding 6 runs in 7 games.
‘Defending champion’ Ulsan ran 6 consecutive victories in the opening season. In the 7th round against Daejeon Hana Citizen, the streak was interrupted by a 1-2 loss, but the ups and downs in performance were not great. Even before Daejeon, there were no additional goals, but Ulsan’s performance was excellent. Ulsan did not commit a single multi-run in seven games this season.
The Ulsan team was convened on the 18th and is preparing for the match against Pohang in a calm atmosphere. It is also positive that Bakko, who was sluggish in the beginning, has regained her skills. 2nd line options are expected to diversify. However, center back Jeong Seung-hyun and tall striker Martin Adam, who missed the match due to a minor injury, are uncertain. It seems that coach Hong will decide whether or not to participate after checking the physical condition of the two until the end.
Pohang also had a good start. 4 wins and 3 draws in 7 matches, it is the only club that has never lost in K-League 1. This is the best early performance since the 2013 season, when they went undefeated in 11 matches (6 wins, 5 draws). Coincidentally, Ulsan was the team that broke Pohang’s undefeated streak at the time. 메이저사이트
Pohang has a solid central defensive line from Alex Grant to Ha Chang-rae. Also, the new face quickly melted into the team. Baek Sung-dong has already scored two goals, and Kim In-seong also scored his first goal of the season in the 7th round against FC Seoul. In the midfield, the combination of Kim Jong-woo and Oberdan is getting better as the match goes on. Pohang has won all matches (4 wins) this season in which two or more goals were scored. In addition, Pohang’s strengths are coach Kim Ki-dong’s flexible strategy and excellent mercenary skills.