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K League Matchday 4 betting preview: Fireworks in Gangneung

JUNG YEON-JE / AFP / Getty

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Things didn't go as planned on Matchday 3, but it's been a strong start to the K League season nonetheless. We've managed a 7-5-1 record through three weeks, netting the $100 bettor $446 in profits.

Let's get to Matchday 4.

Sangju Sangmu (+240) at Daegu FC (+105), Draw (+225)

Following an opening-weekend trouncing at the hands of Ulsan, Sangju have steadied the ship impressively over the past couple weeks with a pair of victories and clean sheets.

Defensively, they should be able to stay on track against a Daegu side that's found the back of the net just once through its first three matches. The hosts are also quite stingy at the back, but their attacking play leaves plenty to be desired - Daegu have scored two or more goals just twice in their last 12 home matches, and they did it against relegated Jeju United and high-scoring Gangwon.

The last two meetings between these sides at DGB Arena produced just one goal, while the last four meetings between the clubs, regardless of venue, all finished with two goals or fewer. Expect another cagey affair Friday.

Pick: Under 2, 2.5 (-120)

Jeonbuk Motors (-130) at Gangwon (+350), Draw (+250)

For the third time in four matches this season, Gangwon play the role of hosts at Gangneung Stadium, welcoming defending champions Jeonbuk to town. In their last 14 home matches, Gangwon have managed a remarkable 34 goals while conceding 25. Those 14 matches have averaged 4.2 goals.

Gangwon play a particularly exciting and aggressive brand of football under manager Kim Byung-soo - called "Byungsoo Ball" - that forces their opponents to adapt. That brand doesn't change regardless of who visits Gangneung, with Gangwong not hesitant to attack the defending champs. Jeonbuk's last two away matches against Gangwon ended 3-3 and 3-2, producing 11 total goals.

Defensively, Jeonbuk kept four clean sheets in their last 14 road matches, but three of those came against the K League's lower-scoring clubs (Incheon twice and Daegu). Both teams should comfortably get on the scoresheet. Expect plenty of fireworks. I locked in at over 2.5 yesterday, but I'd still be comfortable playing it at the current price.

Pick: Over 2.5, 3 (-120)

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

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