Suwon Samsung Bluewings vs. Ulsan Hyundai Betting Preview – K League 1, May 17

Suwon fell to a late goal to lose its opening day fixture with champions Jeonbuk and now welcomes Ulsan to the Suwon World Cup Stadium for its first home game of the season.

Ulsan had a very good start to its campaign, hitting four past a Sangju Sangmu side that had been involved in a motor accident before the game. This one might be a little tougher for the visitors, and you can find my full thoughts below in my Suwon Samsung Bluewings vs. Ulsan Hyundai prediction.

Ulsan is understandably made the favorite by BetOnline to win this one. But I would have thought that Suwon might have possibly attracted shorter odds for the home win. Although the Bluewings lost its first game, it was against Jeonbuk, and not many will get so close to holding the league title-holders.

The 1-0 scoreline against Jeonbuk probably flatters Suwon if the truth is told. The home side dominated proceedings, and the winning goal was always going the way of the home side. But after the disappointment of last season, there were plenty of positives to take for Suwon.

Last year’s K League 1 top scorer, Socceroo Adam Taggart, looks like he is still hungry for goals, and it should not be too long before he opens his account for the new season. These are two very difficult fixtures to kick off the new campaign for Lee Lim-saeng’s side, but if even a point can be picked up, there will be newfound confidence at the club.

But Ulsan definitely looked in the mood for its fixture with the Army side last weekend. The Horangi may have been able to take advantage of the unfortunate circumstances, but the 4-0 win was a devastating performance. The clean sheet from new keeper Jo Hyeon-woo is another good sign for the season ahead.

Ulsan has not won the league for 15 years now, so there will be a lack of patience among the fans for success. Games like this will need to be won if Ulsan is to go one better than last year and claim the title at the end of the season. But even with the departures in the offseason, there is a fine squad here that has the potential to go all the way.

The home side will be confident that it can match Ulsan this weekend. But the agonizing manner of Jeonbuk’s title win last season obviously still rankles with the Horangi squad that is playing like it deserves the K League 1 crown. Defeating Suwon will be a harder task than the win over Sangju Sangmu, but it should end up two out of two for Ulsan.

For several more previews of soccer games this weekend, head over to our soccer betting blog.