ACL MD6: FC Seoul vs Beijing Guoan Preview

Since reaching the final last year, FC Seoul have undergone several changes, most notably the loss of Montenegrin striker Dejan Damjanovic as well as captain Ha Dae-sung to Beijing, which has left Choi’s side second from bottom in the K-League Classic with just one win in nine games.

But should FC Seoul avoid defeat at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Choi’s side will secure a place in the last 16 while victory would guarantee first place with the K-League Classic side currently two points clear at the top of the table heading into the final round of group stage fixtures following last week’s 1-0 win over Central Coast Mariners in Australia.

"I want to win at home. Anything could happen tomorrow because every team in Group F could qualify for next round with a result tomorrow,” said FC Seoul coach Choi, who saw his side beat Beijing in the Round of 16 last year before drawing in China in the AFC Champions League this season.

“With the style of our opponent, it could be a very tough game. We need to keep in calm.

“Although we have had difficulty scoring goals this season, we are improving every game we play.

"We have happy memories against Beijing as we have not lost to this opponent in the last three meetings.

“But we are in a different position compared to last year, while Beijing have become a good team. They bought our captain and other good players and we sold our key players.”

Having let slip a two-goal lead last week against Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima before being forced to settle for a 2-2 draw, Beijing must win in the Korean capital to ensure a second consecutive appearance in the last 16.

"This is a very important match for both teams,” said Beijing coach Gregorio Manzano.

“We are fighting to qualify for the next round. We have to win and we will do our best tomorrow.

“We need to balance both attack and defence. I believe in our player and we have come to Seoul to win the match.”