Gangwon go into Wednesday’s K-League 1 match versus Incheon United winless in three straight matches. The Kodiaks are second from the bottom of the standings and desperately need a win to move away from the relegation places.
Incheon United are fifth in the 12-team league. The Mariners are in a good position in the standings, but they are not in good form. Incheon United failed to win five of their last six matches in the K-League 1.
Manager Jo Sung-hwan needs to find a win against Gangwon at home in midweek.
Wins against Gangwon have not always been forthcoming for Incheon United. The Mariners have a record of 2W-1D-3L across the last six encounters.
The good news for Jo is that Incheon United are unbeaten in back-to-back matches versus Gangwon.
Last season, the Mariners claimed a 1-1 draw away to Gangwon. Earlier this season, the Mariners went to Gangwon again and won 1-0.
The reverse fixture saw Kim Jun-Yub scored in the 87th minute to give Incheon United the win.
The last five games between these Korean rivals have been close with under 2.5 goals scored. Based on form, there could be more goals on Wednesday in Incheon, however.
Incheon United saw three of their last five games end with more than 2.5 goals.
Last time out, the Mariners lost 2-1 to Jeju United. Two of Gangwon’s last three matches finished with over 2.5 goals scored. The Kodiaks were beaten 3-1 by Pohang Steelers at the weekend.
Both Incheon United and Gangwon are in similar form despite being separated by nine points in the table. The Mariners picked up five points from the last six games with a –3-goal difference. Gangwon picked up five points from the last six games with a goal difference of –6.
Incheon United’s home form could come into play on Wednesday. The Mariners have a record of 3W-4D-2L at home with nine goals for and eight against. Gangwon’s road form has been atrocious. The Kodiaks have an away record of 0W-4D-3L with six goals for and 12 against.
The Mariners have scored 18 goals this season with 11 of those strikes coming from striker Stefan Mugosa. The Montenegrin has played 129 times for Incheon United, scoring 65 goals.
Gangwon have scored the league’s second-fewest goals. Kim Daewon leads the side in scoring with five strikes.
Incheon United are unbeaten in back-to-back games versus Gangwon and should post a second win of 2022 versus the Kodiaks. The Mariners should pick up a 2-1 victory at home and potentially move into the top four.