I don't know ESPN's streaming plans on BL/BL2 but early signs are positive with regards to DFB Cup. Also Peacock replaces NBC Gold so you get ad-supported Peacock for a similar price as PL by itself. Unfortunately, unlike Gold, NBC seems vested in putting more matches on Peacock.
As usual, first matches can be very difficult to forecast so don't go sacrificing anything for a projected start.
Stay safe, wear masks, and enjoy the return of football.
ps. Blogger is such a pain with continuous tweaks that don't help...
Ji Dong Won-- I'm not sure what went on as he disappeared for a bit and didn't see any news, so not sure if he tested positive or had a new injury. Was disappointing to see his start derailed again but hopefully he's back in the squad this weekend, though likely from the bench if able.
Hwang Ui Jo-- Hwang already started his season and was a bit more of a mixed bag on the second match. He got too fancy around goal, drawing a ball back into his own box that the opponents fortunately did not score on. But he also helped set up the first goal with an aggressive run that he lost the ball at the end of, but fell to teammate who scored. He should start again.
Hwang Hee Chan-- Hwang Hee Chan had adductor issues early in the week so we'll see if he's fit enough to be on the bench or even start. New club means I have no idea but I'm eager to see how he gets on.
Yun Il Lok-- I believe that he's fit enough to play so I expect him on the bench.
Choi Kyoung Rok-- I was sad that I was going to add him after his recovery after ACL and Karlsruher's bare survival from relegation and then he looked like a long term injury picked up during a friendly. Fortunately, the news is good and while out for this weekend, it sounds like he might be able to return in a couple weeks.
Lee Jae Sung-- Should start with transfer rumors dying out. We'll see in what role, but he's been a second forward in what preseason friendlies I've seen.
Son Heung Min-- Son should start after a strong preseason. Hopefully his teammates with international duty come back fresh.
Paik Seung Ho-- Seems that there is a lot of tactical tinkering and it seems Paik is doing well but still trying to find the mix. I think he should start but could be benched in favor of more defensive strength.
Kwon Chang Hoon-- Despite a so-so preseason, it seems Kwon has been given a lot of starts in friendlies and rewarded them with some good play in the final warm up. Hopefully that means a start but should be in the squad.
Jeong Woo Yeong-- Jeong also had an excellent final warmup, scoring two goals and showing some of the skills that Bayern valued so. Not quite tactically there yet so I suspect a bench role for him but if he starts adding some end product to his play, could be fighting for a bigger role.
Lee Kang In-- Toward the end of last season, as you may know, I was advocating for him to leave to a lower table side where he could take up more of a leadership role. Little did I know that Valencia decided to accommodate this by turning themselves into that mediocre side, selling many of their veterans. As a result, there will be a lot of negativity around the club and so perhaps empty stands may work in Lee Kang In's favor on top of a larger role, even captaining a friendly. He also finished preseason well, scoring a brace. As a result, I'm cautiously optimistic of seeing Lee Kang In start and hopefully he starts off well to ease the immense pressure on his young shoulders.
| Day | Time | Player | Club | Opponent | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | 2:45 PM | Ji Dong Won | Mainz | @Havelse (Cup) | None |
| Friday | 3:00 PM | Hwang Ui Jo | Bordeaux | Lyon | BeIn |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM | Hwang Hee Chan | Leipzig | @Nurnberg (Cup) | ESPN3 |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM | Yun Il Lok | Montpellier | Nice | BeIn |
| Saturday | 12:30 PM | Choi Kyoung Rok | Karlsruher | Union Berlin (Cup) | ESPN3 |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM | Lee Jae Sung | Holstein Kiel | @Rielasingen-Arlen (Cup) | None |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM | Son Heung Min | Tottenham | Everton | Peacock |
| Sunday | 12:30 PM | Paik Seung Ho | Darmstadt | @Magdeburg (Cup) | None |
| Sunday | 12:30 PM | Kwon Chang Hoon | Freiburg | @SV Waldhof (Cup) | ESPN3 |
| Sunday | 12:30 PM | Jeong Woo Yeong | Freiburg | @SV Waldhof (Cup) | ESPN3 |
| Sunday | 3:00 PM | Lee Kang In | Valencia | Levante | BeIn Esp |
Ji Dong Won-- I'm not sure what went on as he disappeared for a bit and didn't see any news, so not sure if he tested positive or had a new injury. Was disappointing to see his start derailed again but hopefully he's back in the squad this weekend, though likely from the bench if able.
Hwang Ui Jo-- Hwang already started his season and was a bit more of a mixed bag on the second match. He got too fancy around goal, drawing a ball back into his own box that the opponents fortunately did not score on. But he also helped set up the first goal with an aggressive run that he lost the ball at the end of, but fell to teammate who scored. He should start again.
Hwang Hee Chan-- Hwang Hee Chan had adductor issues early in the week so we'll see if he's fit enough to be on the bench or even start. New club means I have no idea but I'm eager to see how he gets on.
Yun Il Lok-- I believe that he's fit enough to play so I expect him on the bench.
Choi Kyoung Rok-- I was sad that I was going to add him after his recovery after ACL and Karlsruher's bare survival from relegation and then he looked like a long term injury picked up during a friendly. Fortunately, the news is good and while out for this weekend, it sounds like he might be able to return in a couple weeks.
Lee Jae Sung-- Should start with transfer rumors dying out. We'll see in what role, but he's been a second forward in what preseason friendlies I've seen.
Son Heung Min-- Son should start after a strong preseason. Hopefully his teammates with international duty come back fresh.
Paik Seung Ho-- Seems that there is a lot of tactical tinkering and it seems Paik is doing well but still trying to find the mix. I think he should start but could be benched in favor of more defensive strength.
Kwon Chang Hoon-- Despite a so-so preseason, it seems Kwon has been given a lot of starts in friendlies and rewarded them with some good play in the final warm up. Hopefully that means a start but should be in the squad.
Jeong Woo Yeong-- Jeong also had an excellent final warmup, scoring two goals and showing some of the skills that Bayern valued so. Not quite tactically there yet so I suspect a bench role for him but if he starts adding some end product to his play, could be fighting for a bigger role.
Lee Kang In-- Toward the end of last season, as you may know, I was advocating for him to leave to a lower table side where he could take up more of a leadership role. Little did I know that Valencia decided to accommodate this by turning themselves into that mediocre side, selling many of their veterans. As a result, there will be a lot of negativity around the club and so perhaps empty stands may work in Lee Kang In's favor on top of a larger role, even captaining a friendly. He also finished preseason well, scoring a brace. As a result, I'm cautiously optimistic of seeing Lee Kang In start and hopefully he starts off well to ease the immense pressure on his young shoulders.
