K-League: Steelers Look to Snap Winless Drought Over Daegu

Daegu FC vs Pohang Steelers

Two of the top-five finishers from last season are set to collide in Match Day 2 of the K-League as Daegu FC host Pohang Steelers.

Daegu, who finished one point behind fourth-placed Pohang in 2019 despite not losing to them in four games, began their new campaign with a drab goalless draw against Incheon United.

Meanwhile, Pohang Steelers made a strong start as they defeated newly promoted Busan I’Park 2-0 at home.

The K-League 2020 betting odds have Daegu as the slight favourites at home, but Pohang certainly have enough quality to steal a point or three.

Talking Points

Daegu’s dangerous Brazilian duo

Daegu did not have the greatest preparation ahead of this season. Not only did they lose Korean international goalkeeper Jo Hyeonwoo on a free transfer, they also had to cope with the sudden departure of manager Andre Gaspar.

The Brazilian boss stepped down from his position in January after contract negotiations with the board were unsuccessful.

Assistant coach Lee Byunggeun has taken over as the caretaker and saw Daegu play out a goalless draw against Incheon United in his first match in charge.

Daegu failed to find a breakthrough despite having more possession (54 per cent to 46) as well as more total shots (13-9) and shots on target (5-1).

Despite the fact that they did not score, Daegu remain quite a dangerous attacking side and look primed to make more K-League 2020 highlights during their home opener.

They kept hold of star midfielder Cesinha — who famously did Ronaldo’s trademark celebration in front of the superstar during a friendly last year — amid speculation that he might move on in the offseason.

The Brazilian had a brilliant 2019 season as he scored 15 goals (third in the league) and added 10 assists (tied for first).

Meanwhile, fellow Brazilian Edgar also scored 11 goals as the two combined for 26 of the team’s 46 total goals last season.

To provide more support to their two Brazilian stars, Daegu also added veteran striker Dejan Damjanovic. The 38-year-old Montenegrin is a three-time K-League top scorer and the K-League 2012 MVP.

However, it should be noted that Daegu did not fare too well at home last season. They won just six of 19 home games, with eight draws and five defeats.

Pohang find a way to replace Wanderson

Pohang Steelers made a fine start to the season as they handled newly promoted Busan I’Park, 2-0. They just edged out Busan in terms of total shots (14-13) but had a significant edge in terms of shots on target (6-1).

Pohang suffered a major blow in the offseason as star attacker Wanderson left for Saudi Arabia. The Brazilian was a legitimate MVP candidate after scoring 15 goals and adding nine assists.

But they didn’t seem to miss the Brazilian against Busan as Stanislav Iljutcenko and Aleksandar Palocevic were both on target. Iljutcenko, who previously played for Duisburg in Germany, will likely keen to watch the big matches in Bundesliga’s return this weekend, headlined by the Revierderby.

The foreign duo were crucial to Pohang’s marked improvement last season after a slow start, and they will be even more important now that Wanderson is no longer with the team.

Manuel Palacios is also expected to play a major role in Wanderson’s absence. The Colombian winger was one of the stars of K-League 2 last season as he scored nine goals with six assists.

Pohang Steelers will look to improve upon their disappointing away form last season. They won just six of their 19 away matches, with 10 defeats — tied for the second-most in the league.

History

Daegu did very well against Pohang last season. They went undefeated in their four overall meetings; they won the first two games 3-0 and 2-0 before playing out goalless draws in the next two games.

Historically, though, Pohang have had the edge over Daegu; they have won 10 of their last 19 meetings. Daegu have come out on top five times, while they have drawn on four occasions.

Betting Tip

	Daegu FC vs Pohang Steelers	Draw 1X2 @ 3.15
	May 16, 03:30 GMT+8

SBOBET odds have Daegu FC priced at 2.35 to get their first win of the season at home, with Pohang Steelers placed as slight underdogs at 2.99. Meanwhile, a draw is 3.15.

Despite Daegu’s success against Pohang last season, the two sides were — and still are — evenly matched. And with their respective struggles at home and on the road, I anticipate another close contest that results in a stalemate.