After seeing their three-point lead slip after their defeat to Suwon FC in Round 36, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors swiftly returned to winning ways last weekend with a 2-0 victory away to FA Cup Finalists Daegu FC. The Sky Blues, who are also contending for AFC Champions League qualification, had a number of opportunities to take the lead but it would be the visitors who broke the deadlock with centre-back Hong Jeong-ho converting from a corner. Substitute Moon Seon-min would then go on to double the lead for the Green Warriors in the closing minutes with a deftly executed chip over Daegu goalkeeper Choi Yeong-eun. With title rivals Ulsan Hyundai playing out a scoreless draw to Suwon Samsung Bluewings in a slightly later kick-off, Jeonbuk would finish the weekend two points clear at the top with a significantly superior goals scored tally, meaning that a draw should be enough to clinch the title this weekend.

Jeju United also picked up three points last weekend after tasting defeat in Round 36. The Islanders played host to Suwon FC in a tightly contested affair. Jeju looked to have taken the lead through Gerso Fernandes in the first half, only for the goal to be disallowed for a foul in the build-up by youngster Kim Bong-soo. However, despite some scares from Suwon, Jeju were able to find a winner late on in stoppage time with Joo Min-kyu heading in to score his 22nd goal of the campaign. With Daegu's defeat to Jeonbuk, Jeju now need a victory to claim 3rd spot and hope that the Sky Blues lose their match with 2nd placed Ulsan Hyundai.

The biggest issue for Jeonbuk manager Kim Sang-sik is the absence of both Kim Jin-su and Ryu Jae-moon who miss this match after both collecting their fifth yellow cards of the campaign last weekend. It means experienced defender Choi Chul-soon is likely to fill in at left-back while Paik Seung-ho will be expected to make up for Ryu's absence in defensive midfield. The manager may also consider recalling Moon Seon-min to the fold after having scored in each of the team's last two outings. In regards to injuries, Kim will continue to be without Choi Young-jun, Kim Min-hyeok, Sasalak Haiprakhon and Kim Seung-dae for this fixtu

Jeju United manager Nam Ki-il has been fairly consistent with his team selections this season and looks unlikely to make any major changes to the side that defeated Suwon FC last weekend. Central midfielder Kim Bong-soo could be switched out to make way for more experienced personnel in Lee Dong-soo but, having been performing well recently, Kim may well keep his place. While Jeju have no suspensions to deal with, they will likely continue to be without Kim Hyun-woo, Lee Chang-min, Kwon Han-jin and Oh Seung-hoon through injury.

Over their 83 previous encounters across all competitions, Jeonbuk have held the edge over their island opponents with 43 wins to 22. However, Jeonbuk and Jeju's three matches this season have all ended in draws with their last meeting finishing with two goals apiece from strikers Joo Min-kyu and Gustavo. During their last visit to Jeonju, Jeju took the lead in the 45th minute through Jung Woo-jae but the Green Warriors were able to call on Stanislav Iljutcenko to level proceedings on the hour mark,

While Jeonbuk do have the strongest backline in the division this season, they do come into this fixture with notable absences in their defence. Kim Jin-su's 4th-minute yellow card against Daegu FC means the home side head into this clash without their first-choice left-back and will likely have to call upon the experienced Choi Chul-soon to deputise and fill the space vacated. On top of that, despite the clean sheet in the last round, centre-back Koo Ja-ryong is normally not considered the first choice partner for Hong Jeong-ho. In front of this defence, manager Kim Sang-sik has been playing two defensive midfielders in Paik Seung-ho and Ryu Jae-moon but, with the latter also suspended for this match, and Choi Young-jun out with injury, Paik Seung-ho will be tasked with adding cover to that backline alone.

This sets up areas for Jeju United to try and expose as they seek out their much-needed win. While Golden Boot leader Joo Min-kyu is undoubtedly a major threat in attack, Jeonbuk could also find the likes of Gerso Fernandes a difficult striker to handle. Fernandes' habit of lurking between the midfield and defensive lines before utilising his pace to dart forward and latch on to passes played over the top could cause problems for the Champions and may well prove a key aspect to keep eyes on this weekend.

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