Matches of the Round
Only three points separate 3rd and 6th place in the league but in Seoul and Jeonnam's case, it is only one point which differentiates the two. Jeonnam will make the journey to Seoul for the second time this season, after a stalemate earlier on in the year. Seoul has slightly better form leading into this one with three wins, one draw and one loss. Compared with Jeonnam's two wins, two draws, and one loss. Seoul also claimed victory the last time the two met. A 2-1 victory in Gwangyang was a heavy factor to how they have managed to stay in the playoffs for so long.
Seoul would only need a draw in this one, as long as Daejeon win or draw their game against Gyeongnam. For Jeonnam, they have to win to get into the playoffs. Jeonnam are the lowest-scoring team within the four fighting for the last two spots and they are facing off against the second-best defence amongst the four. Jeonnam are not known for scoring goals as they are a more defensive side. They will hope for a repeat of their game against Suwon three rounds prior, when they put four goals past the 2nd placed side. For Seoul, they are shaking off a 3-2 loss against the champions and newly K League 1 promoted side Jeju United. The Leopards went three goals down before bringing it back to 3-2.
Gyeongnam (6th) Vs Daejeon Hana Citizen (3rd)
Daejeon Hana Citizen returned after their two-week hiatus in the K League. They saw off FC Anyang 3-0 in the Daejeon World Cup Stadium. Daejeon will only have three rest days to recover before their trip down to Changwon to face off with Gyeongnam. Gyeongnam are still in with a shot of the playoffs. They need to beat Daejeon to leapfrog into 3rd place. It will then be the outcome in the capital, to see if they manage to keep hold of the home venue advantage.
Gyeongnam fell short in the last round 2-1 to Suwon FC and have been having a pattern of win one week and lose the next in recent results. The former K League 1 side were looking to bounce straight back into the top tier, along with Jeju United. The side has failed to really set the league alight like the Islanders have. The fans may have expected more from the side in their first season back in the second division. Both Daejeon and Gyeongnam have had rollercoaster seasons. Daejeon have really failed to find the form they had earlier on in the season.
For Gyeongnam's case they had some fine form in August, winning four games in a row. Apart from that, their wins have come a little few and far between. Recording nine wins, nine draws, and eight losses. This game could be a late push for promotion for either side, or it could be the final call in their up and down season.
Team of the Round
Every side who are in the running for the Playoffs have had experience in the top flight of Korean football, apart from one. Seoul E-Land played their inaugural season back in 2015, when they bowed out of the first playoff game against Suwon FC. Seoul have never reached such heights since. In the past two seasons, the Leopards have finished last in the K League 2 and things looked bleak. However, this year has been a transformation for Seoul. They brought in established manager Chung Jung-yong and young exciting players.
Players of the Round
The Brazilian attacker has been part in parcel the reason why Daejeon are in the position they are now in the 2020 K League 2. Luis has a keen eye for goal, scoring 14 goals this year. He is a threat up top which has contributed to almost half of the team's goals this year. Luis is a strong attack-minded player who will not be afraid to run against Gyeongnam's defence. Gyeongnam have conceded 37 goals so far this year, and they will have to put a good performance in to stop that growing further.
K League 2 Top 6
K League 2 Round 27 Fixtures
Lee Jong-ho (Jeonnam Dragons) due back 2021*
