Ulsan vs Anyang: prediction and odds

Ulsan Hyundai may boast a stronger squad on paper, but they are mired in poor form and have yet to emerge from their crisis. FC Anyang, by contrast, have hit a superb run of results and are enjoying a highly impressive phase of the season. Can the visitors take points from this encounter?

Ulsan Hyundai

The hosts are enduring a difficult period and sit fourth in the K-League 1 table with 31 points from 20 matches (9 wins, 4 draws, 7 defeats). Ulsan have looked extremely inconsistent of late: in their last six games across all competitions, they have managed only one victory – a bright 3-1 away success against league leaders Seoul. However, they have also suffered three painful losses – to Incheon United (1-2), Jeonbuk Motors (1-3), and a shocking cup exit to modest side Ulsan Citizens (0-1). Additionally, they drew with weaker and erratic teams Daejeon (2-2) and Gwangju (1-1). These results clearly illustrate the quite serious crisis the club has fallen into.

FC Anyang

The visitors are playing excellent football and occupy fifth place in the standings with 30 points from 20 rounds (7 wins, 9 draws, 4 defeats). Anyang have hit a phenomenal stride, putting together a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions. They have beaten strong opponents: victories over Gangwon (2-1), Bucheon (3-2), and Incheon (1-0). The team also confidently dispatched Cheongju (3-1) in the Korean Cup. They know how to adapt intelligently during matches and consistently pick up points against opponents of varying levels. Their defensive work deserves a mention – they have conceded only 23 goals in 20 league games.

Tournament Motivation

Both sides are fighting to hold onto a place in the top six of the league, which grants entry to the Championship group. Ulsan are three points clear of seventh-placed Pohang, while Anyang are two points ahead. Given the tight density of teams near the top, both clubs are eager to gather points steadily.

Squad Situation

Ulsan will be without forward Farias, but Carriello and Markao can successfully replace him. Anyang have no absentees in their squad. For the hosts, Brazilian striker Carriello leads the attack with nine goals, while midfielder Lee has seven. In Anyang’s lineup, Brazilian import Matheus Oliveira plays a key attacking role, with seven goals and five assists to his name.

Prediction and Bet

Main prediction: The statistics of recent rounds speak strongly in favour of the visitors: Anyang are unbeaten in five consecutive matches, while Ulsan are in a prolonged crisis, having won only one of their last seven games across all competitions. We select the outcome: Anyang not to lose at odds of 1.87. We assess the probability of this outcome at 56% (anything above 1.78 is playable).

Total prediction: The numbers from the current season confirm the hosts’ high scoring rate: over 2.5 goals have landed in 12 of Ulsan’s 20 matches (60%), and the team’s overall goal difference stands at 30:29 (an average of 2.95 goals per game). Moreover, Anyang’s attack has hit fine form, scoring eight goals in their last three matches. We expect another high-scoring affair this time. We select the outcome: over 2.5 goals at odds of 1.83. We assess the probability of this outcome at 58% (anything above 1.72 is playable).