Match of the Round

Kim Sang-sik's Jeonbuk have failed to beat Jeju in K League 1 this season. Fortunately for them, they only require a draw on Sunday to retain the title. Looking for their fifth consecutive season finishing atop the league, three score draws against the Tangerines this season demonstrate how close their encounters have been. In their last meeting on the island, Joo Min-kyu bagged a brace and stoppage time equaliser, adding to a tally that will see him collect the K League 1 golden boot this season. At the age of 31, the former Ulsan Hyundai and Seoul E-Land striker shows no signs of letting up. Alongside him, Gerso Fernandes, Ahn Hyun-beom and Jung Woo-jae will all represent a threat on the break, with Jeju scoring in their last six straight games on the road.

This time last season, Jeonbuk defeated Daegu FC to lift the trophy on home soil, hoping for a favour from Lee Byung-geun's side this time round should they slip up. Three consecutive home wins suggest that confidence will be on their side, although they have played just once in front of their own fans since September in the league. That was potentially the all-decisive 3-2 last-gasp victory over rivals Ulsan in Round 35, which allows them the two-point advantage they hold at the summit. While the Champions boast strong options in attack with manager Kim switching between Stanislav Iljutcenko and Gustavo in recent weeks, they also have Hong Jeong-ho in defence. Nominated among the end of season awards candidates, Hong ranks fourth in the division for interceptions and fifth for shots blocked. However, Jeonbuk will be without fellow defensively-minded players Kim Jin-su and Ryu Jae-moon this weekend.

[READ: Still to be Decided on Final Weekend]

Team of the Round

Having defeat Jeonbuk on their own soil to progress in the Asian Champions League, Hong Myung-bo's Ulsan Hyundai host old foes Daegu FC knowing that even a resounding win may not stop the celebrations starting in Jeonju. With the title out of their hands heading into the final day, Ulsan fans and players alike will face the agony of listening out for updates from elsewhere as they try to focus on the task at hand. Their opponents Daegu also have plenty to keep themselves occupied. Ahead of an FA Cup Final second leg with Jeonnam Dragons, Daegu will be keen to secure Asian Champions League football early with a third-place finish. Equaling or bettering Jeju's result will see them finish third, although a defeat and draw for the Tangerines would see Daegu slip to fourth by virtue of Jeju's bountiful goals scored column. 

Having succumbed at the semi-final stage in their other two competitions this season, Ulsan's vociferous support would likely forget previous shortcomings in a flash should they claim a first K League title since 2005. With a full squad available to them, the Horangi will look to in-form striker Oh Se-hun for inspiration after netting three in his last two home outings. Behind the 22-year-old, Ulsan boast a wealth of attacking talent with Lee Dong-jun nominated for K League awards this season, while Valeri Qazaishvili is the only player to attempt more dribbles than Jeju's Gerso Fernandes this season. Vako, as he is known, and Yoon Bit-garam also rank as some of the only attacking-minded players in K League's most accurate passers of the ball this season. A win and a Jeonbuk loss is the only realistic chance Ulsan hold this weekend, although mathematically an 8-0 victory and 0-0 in Jeonju would suffice. 

Player of the Round

Jeju United's left wing-back Jung Woo-jae is one of just four players to feature in all 37 games this season in K League 1. Starting in 35 of those, he sits alongside Lee Ki-je (Suwon Samsung Bluewings), Jo Hyun-woo (Ulsan Hyundai) and Kim Young-kwang (Seongnam FC) in that statistic. Former Daegu player Jung stuck with Jeju in their exile to the second tier last season and is being fully rewarded now as the Tangerines look to make a return to Asian Champions League football. 

K League 1 Table

K League 1 Round 38 Fixtures