Korean K preview: Daejeon goalkeeper continues to recover from injury, Pohang dual-core encounters suspension
At 15:30 on October 26, Beijing time, in the 34th round of the 2025 K-League competition, Daejeon Asiana Citizens sat at the home team court to face Pohang Ironman.
The home team Daejeon Asiana Citizens defeated Jeju SK in the last round, winning two consecutive games and remaining unbeaten in the last four games. The team is currently ranked third in the standings, and the injury problem is gradually easing. Coach Huang Shanhong is determined to win tickets to the AFC Champions League.
In terms of personnel, goalkeeper Li Changgen continues to recover from injury. His absence does have an impact on the team's ability to fight. Bosin, who has been injured for a long time, is also unable to play, which affects the team's midfield strength. Central defender He Changlai suffered a minor injury and is doubtful for this game. Foreign aid central defender Anton may return to the starting lineup. The two national-level full-backs have regained their competitive form; Japanese foreign aid Masatoshi Ishida is known as the "Autumn Man" and always shows his best competitive form in autumn.
The visiting team Pohang Ironman defeated FC Seoul in the last round and is currently ranked 4th in the standings. Coach Park Tae-ha, who recently got a new contract, is also fighting for an AFC Champions League ticket. In the AFC Champions League 2 in mid-week, the team made a substantial rotation. Players who had recently returned from injury and who had become reserve players were given the opportunity to play.
In terms of personnel, the team's dual-core team suffered suspensions, which had a considerable impact on the lineup's paper strength. The team's midfield engine Oberdan is suspended and will definitely miss this game. Oberdan's running ability is undoubtedly the best in the team. When the competitive state is good, the Brazilian often ranks among the top three in the running list of the K-League competition. No. 5 Lee Ho-jae, who has greatly realized his potential this season, is suspended for this game and will definitely not be able to play. Lee Ho-jae currently scores 15 goals, ranking second in the scorer list, only 1 goal less than top-ranked Sabbagh. He occupies a large proportion in Pohang's attack. The old injured number Wanderson is still recovering from physical competition and will not be able to play in this game.
In terms of battle record, Daejeon has 2 wins and 1 loss in three games this season, giving it a slight advantage. It is worth mentioning that Pohang has been unbeaten in the last 13 away games against Daejeon, with 10 wins and 3 draws. The last time he lost to his opponent in Daejeon was back in 2006.
