Pohang Steelers vs Jeonbuk Motors: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 4/1/2023

Time: 1 a.m. ET

Venue: Jeonju World Cup Stadium, South Korea

DraftKings: NL

BetMGM: NL

Caesars: NL

Pohang: 2-2-0

Jeonbuk: 1-1-2

As the K-League enters the second month of the 2023 season, one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the year is set to take place on April 1, when the Pohang Steelers host the Jeonbuk Motors at the Pohang Steel Yard. The two teams are no strangers to each other, having faced off numerous times in the past, but this year's meeting promises to be one of the most exciting yet.

Pohang Steelers, known as the Steelers, finished fourth in the K-League last season, while Jeonbuk Motors, known as the Green Warriors, claimed the top spot for the fourth consecutive year. But the Steelers have started this season on a high note, winning two of their first three games and drawing the other. Meanwhile, Jeonbuk Motors have also won two games, but they suffered a surprising defeat to Suwon FC in their second match of the season.

The Steelers have been in impressive form in their opening games, with new signing Diego Oliveira making an instant impact. The Brazilian striker has already scored three goals in three games, and his partnership with former Jeju United midfielder Lee Chang-min has been a key factor in the Steelers' early success. The team's defense has also been solid, conceding just one goal in their first three games.

Jeonbuk Motors, on the other hand, have been a bit more inconsistent. They started the season with a 2-0 win over Incheon United, but their loss to Suwon FC raised some questions about their ability to defend their title this year. However, with the likes of Gustavo and Lee Dong-gook leading the line, the Green Warriors are always a threat going forward.

One of the key battles to watch in this match will be in midfield, where the Steelers' Lee Chang-min will likely go head-to-head with Jeonbuk Motors' Kim Bo-kyung. Both players are known for their technical ability and vision, and their ability to control the midfield could be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.

Another interesting subplot to this matchup is the rivalry between the two coaches. Pohang Steelers' manager Kim Gi-dong previously coached Jeonbuk Motors, leading them to three consecutive K-League titles from 2017 to 2019. However, he left the club after the 2021 season, and now he will be looking to take down his former team as the head coach of the Steelers.

The Pohang Steel Yard is known for its lively atmosphere, and with two of the league's top teams going head-to-head, the stadium is sure to be packed with passionate supporters. The Steelers will be looking to make a statement by beating the defending champions, while Jeonbuk Motors will be eager to bounce back from their loss to Suwon FC and prove that they are still the team to beat in the K-League.

Overall, this promises to be a highly entertaining and closely contested match, with both teams possessing plenty of quality and firepower. The result could go either way, but one thing is for sure – fans of Korean football are in for a treat on April 1 when the Pohang Steelers and Jeonbuk Motors take the field.

Prediction

There's something about a team named the Steelers. I'd expect them to somehow throw an interception in the soccer world because there's no quarterback. But I like the way they handle business. Steelers 2, Motors 1