Jeju United Vs Gangneung City - 7pm, Wednesday, 13th May 2009 (Jeju World Cup Stadium, Seogwipo)
Jeju will be odds on favourites to beat National League side Gangneung City on Wednesday in the first round of the Hana Bank FA Cup.
Located in Gangwon province, Gangneung is a popular tourist destination for Koreans. The football club was formed in 1999 and whilst relatively successful in the National League have never made an impression in the FA Cup.
Gangneung last reached the second round of the cup in 2002 when they beat the University of Ulsan 2-1 thanks to an extra time goal from Oh Ju-Po. That year they went on to lose 3-2 against Seongnam Ilhwa. In fact, Gangneung are yet to beat a non-university side in Korea's premier cup competition.
However the side have had a successful start to their National League season and find themselves in second position with 11 points from six games. They will also be buoyed by the knowledge that a win against Jeju would bring them three million won in prize money.
Jeju will be anxious to avoid a second successive defeat in the first round after embarassingly losing 1-0 at Changwon last year. With a home draw this year and if they win a second round tie against either Busan or Ulsan Mipo to look forward to, United will be optimistic of a good run in the cup.
Jeju reached the semi finals in 2007 before losing 2-1 to Pohang, if they can just go that step further and win the competition this year, they will enjoy Champions League Football in 2010 and the possibility of trips to the likes of Japan, China, Uzbekistan and UAE.
In the event of a draw, the match will be decided by penalties.
Previous meetings:
Whilst Jeju United have never faced Gangneung City, their former identity Bucheon SK beat the National Leaguers 3-0 in the 2005 FA Cup first round thanks to extra time goals from Hong Ju-Wan, Agostinho Petronilo De Oliveira Filho and Kim Dae-Hyun.
Team News
With a busy schedule throughout the month of May, coach Arthur Bernardes has confirmed he will be sending out a second string side for this FA Cup fixture. Jeju's key players will be rested in preparation for the important home match against Daejeon Citizen on Sunday.
Keep an eye out for:
Attacker Go Min-Gi (10) is the second highest scorer in the National League so far this season having scored four goals in six games.
Midfielder Lee Do-Kweon (8) spent 2007 playing for Újpest FC in Hungary.
Defensive midfielder Park Yo-Seb (5) has played for FC Seoul and Gwangju Sangmu.
Midfielder Kim Yong-Hee (29) has played for Seongnam, Busan, Gwangju and Jeonbuk.
Bet365.com Odds
Jeju 11/10 (1.90)
Draw 23/10 (3.30)
Gangneung 14/5 (3.80)
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