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K리그1・2의 최신 소식을 모두 확인 할 수 있는 공간입니다.

Preview: Pohang Steelers Vs. Incheon United

league 2021.02.26   I   조회수 1086



Pohang Steelers will open their 2021 Hana Bank K League 1 season with a clash against Incheon United at the Steel Yard on Sunday, February 28th. Will the Steelers start the season on a positive note against an Incheon side which flirted with relegation in 2020? K League United Pohang Steelers columnist Shibajee Das previews this opening weekend clash.   

Opening Weekend Form

Last season, Pohang Steelers picked up a comfortable 2-0 home win against Busan IPark on the opening matchday. In the last five seasons, Pohang has managed to pick up two wins, suffered two defeats and drew one of their opening round clashes.

Incheon United, on the other hand, had started their 2020 campaign with a 0-0 draw at home to Daegu FC. The Blue Black have drawn two and lost three of their last five opening weekend matches. In fact, the last time Incheon won their opening league match, was way back in 2010. 

What to Watch

Pohang Steelers

It will be intriguing to see how Pohang will cope without their top two goal scorers from last season - Stanislav Iljutcenko and Aleksandar Paločević. The duo has departed for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and FC Seoul respectively. The onus will be on Song Min-kyu and Manuel Palacios to provide an attacking threat to the opposition. 


The defence would also have a new look to it. Ha Chang-rae and Kim Kwang-suk have moved on, with Samuel Pungi and Alex Grant looking to fill the void. Due to the lack of pre-season matches this term, it is tough to ascertain how Kim Ki-dong will line up his troops for the opening match which is what keeps everyone guessing around.


Incheon United   

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Incheon will be looking to get their season off to a fast start. A fast start would mean getting wins right from the off. Montenegrin international Stefan Mugoša is a key player again and his goals will be vital to Incheon staying up or maybe take the next step forward. But the clubs all-time leading scorer is ruled out of this match and isn't due a return until early next month.


Midfielder Elias Aguilar has signed a permanent deal to stay on, whereas Harrison Delbridge and Negueba have been roped in to strengthen different ends of the pitch. Oh Jae-suk and Oh Ban-suk's arrivals will provide further solidity at the back, as Incheon will aim to start the new season on the front foot.

Who to Watch

Kim Kwang-suk

After a 19-year association and more than 400 league matches, legendary centre-back Kim Kwang-suk bid goodbye to Pohang Steelers to join Incheon United in the close season. The 38-year-old has seen and won it all. Kim was a member of the Steelers' 2013 league-winning squad and had conquered the continent when he won the AFC Champions League in 2009. He also helped Pohang to three FA Cup titles among other honours.


This season, Kim Kwang-suk has swapped the red and black for the black and blue. It will be interesting to see if he is drafted into the starting lineup against his beloved club. Can Kim Kwang-suk keep aside his golden memories and inspire his side to victory on Sunday?




Pohang Steelers vs Incheon United has been selected to be aired by K League's overseas broadcast partners, details of which can be found here and is available to watch on K League TV here

Shibajee Das
K League United Columnist

K LEAGUE