Can Seoul's defensive wall hold firm? (Ulsan Hyundai FC vs FC Seoul prediction) | OneFootball

Ulsan Hyundai FC vs FC Seoul: K League Clash of Top-Four Rivals

Ulsan Hyundai FC will host FC Seoul in a crucial K League 1 encounter this Saturday, with both sides looking to strengthen their positions in the upper echelons of the table.

The match at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium pits the fourth-placed hosts against third-placed Seoul, with just a single point separating the rivals after six rounds of the 2025 campaign.

Form Guide

Ulsan enter the fixture in desperate need of a positive result following a concerning dip in form. Kim Pan-Gon's side have suffered back-to-back defeats, most recently falling 1-0 away to Pohang Steelers, where they struggled to create meaningful chances despite enjoying periods of possession.

In contrast, FC Seoul arrive in Ulsan riding a four-match unbeaten streak. Kim Gi-Dong's men secured an impressive 3-2 victory over Daegu FC in their last outing, with in-form striker Cho Young-Wook continuing his excellent start to the season.

Seoul's defensive transformation has been particularly noteworthy, with winter acquisitions Kim Jin-Su and Yazan Alarab significantly bolstering their backline. The capital club has conceded just three goals in six matches this term.

Key Battles

The contest could well be decided by whether Ulsan's attacking duo of Matías Lacava and Erick Farias can breach Seoul's resolute defense. Brazilian forward Farias, who joined from Juventude in March, will be particularly keen to make an impact after a quiet showing against Pohang.

For the visitors, the attacking triumvirate of Cho Young-Wook, Jesse Lingard, and Lucas Silva will look to exploit any vulnerabilities in an Ulsan defense that has shown inconsistency in recent weeks.

In midfield, Seoul's experienced captain Ki Sung-Yueng will battle for control against Ulsan's Jin-Hyun Lee and Heui-Kyun Lee in what promises to be a fascinating tactical contest.

Tactical Approach

FC Seoul have largely stuck with a 4-2-3-1 formation this season, building their success on a solid defensive foundation while utilizing quick transitions to create attacking opportunities.

Ulsan have been more experimental with their setup but may revert to a more aggressive approach as they seek to maximize home advantage and end their recent slump.

Prediction

This fixture has all the ingredients for a closely contested affair. Ulsan's need for points is arguably greater given their recent form, but they face a Seoul side brimming with confidence.

The hosts' home advantage could prove crucial, but Seoul's defensive solidity and counter-attacking threat make them dangerous opponents.

Predicted Score: Ulsan Hyundai FC 1-1 FC Seoul