Pohang Steelers vs Ulsan Hyundai

Pohang Steel Yard forms the backdrop for a mouth-watering K League 1 showdown between Pohang Steelers and Ulsan Hyundai.

Pohang Steelers’ confidence could be at a record-low after their 1-0 lead turned into a 3-2 defeat at Daegu in the Korean Cup quarter-finals. Back to K League 1 proceedings, they will be aiming to improve an underwhelming four-match form (W1, D2, L1) and bounce back from a two-game winless league streak (D1, L1). Despite Pohang’s rotten patch, they have been fun to watch. Their last six competitive matches have featured both teams on the scoresheet, with five producing 3+ overall goals. Another high-scoring affair could be the order of the day, as 11 of their last 12 top-flight home meetings with Ulsan have contained over 2.5 goals.

In the meantime, Ulsan Hyundai needed penalties to overcome lower-league outfit Bucheon 1995 in midweek Korean Cup action. Fatigue could be catching up with the current league leaders, who have blown hot and cold over the last three top-flight outings (W1, D1, L1). But they have not been anything if not consistent on hostile turf of late. Since a 1-0 defeat at Suwon Bluewings in early May, they have strung together four away league triumphs, three of which came by 2+ goals ‘to one.’ Ulsan’s unparalleled fighting spirit has seen them come from behind to win three out of four away league fixtures in which they concede first this term (L1).