UPDATE: Tottenham match called off with the COVID outbreak. UPDATE 2: Make that both Tottenham matches
Kim Min Jae-- Fenerbahce can't progress so maybe he'll get a rest but I think he'll start with UECL still in play.
Hong Hyun Seok-- Been a bit inconsistent in terms of lineup so hard to guess if he starts but should play one way or another. A draw would get them through to knockouts.
Son Heung Min-- A COVID outbreak has hit Tottenham's side. It remains to be seen who is unavailable for tomorrow or the weekend. They'll need warm bodies tomorrow unless Conte ouright sacrifices UECL. There's a stronger possibility of postponing weekend match but if it doesn't and Son is healthy he should start that match. EDIT: I forgot to include a recap. Son again was dominant with the ball, though he didn't get his goal until pretty late and his assist was nominal, with Lucas unreeling a remarkable sequence. But Son had some great set pieces, showed great pace and touch and looks to be at his best heading into an important stretch.
Lee Kang In-- A difficult match vs. a strong opponent but still LKI still showed his skills, particularly with two shots in a span of a couple minutes that could have been goals on a luckier day. On the other hand, LKI did give up the ball a few too many times under pressure in dangerous spots. A player with a bigger name may get more fouls on some of those but he should be smarter as many were needless. Garcia did reiterate his reluctance to have Kubo and LKI on at the same time and you could see that play out with both on only when down and taking LKI off to preserve what was a point before a late Kubo goal gave Mallorca a huge three points. The latter doesn't look 100% yet so I think LKI starts again.
Jeong Woo Yeong-- Was on the bench and Freiburg destroyed Gladbach so intensely that I didn't watch when he did come on with 20 to go due to the 6 goal lead. Given the large amount of offense, I don't expect a change to the starting XI unless forced by injury though Jeong should come on later.
Lee Jae Sung-- LJS earned plaudits from the commentators on the world feed and also German press after a strong showing that finally felt like the LJS from Kiel last season. LJS was everywhere, defending deep, creating in the final third and controlling possession everywhere in between. He had a hand in both goals, though his credit for assist was far simpler, taking a short corner and finding the open man at the top of the box. On the first goal, though, LJS was able to create space in traffic, draw in defenders and find a teammate. While he was subbed off eventually, he was going full throttle the entire match and his interceptions in the middle were vital in keeping Mainz in control. Should start again.
Seo Jong Min-- An unused sub so likely more of the same.
Choi Kyoung Rok-- Got two yellows so will likely miss this weekend.
Hwang Hee Chan-- As Traore starts re-earning a bigger role, Hwang is the biggest loser as a lot of the action happens on the other side of the pitch. Hwang is continuing to create good moments when he has the ball, but that seems to be happening less every week and it wasn't a surprise to see him subbed off first. Still likely to start but perhaps some of the other attackers gets a chance this weekend.
Hwang Ui Jo-- Apparently continues to be a tough slog for Bordeaux offense but picked up an assist though reportedly missed some decent chances to score.
Suk Hyun Jun-- Suk came on with 15 minutes left but Troyes lost late. Continuous to be a highly used offensive sub.
| Day | Time | Player | Club | Opponent | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 12:45 PM | Kim Min Jae | Fenerbahce | Eintracht Frankfurt | Paramount+ |
| Thursday | 12:45 PM | Hong Hyun Seok | LASK | HJK Helsinki | Paramount+ |
| Son Heung Min | Tottenham | ||||
| Friday | 3:00 PM | Lee Kang In | Mallorca | Celta Vigo | ESPN+ |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM | Jeong Woo Yeong | Freiburg | Hoffenheim | ESPN+ |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM | Lee Jae Sung | Mainz | @Bayern Munich | ESPN+ |
| Sunday | 7:30 AM | Seo Jong Min | Dynamo Dresden | @Aue | None |
| Sunday | 7:30 AM | Choi Kyoung Rok | Karlsruher | Heidenheim | None |
| Sunday | 7:30 AM | Hwang Hee Chan | Wolverhampton | @Man City | NBCSN |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM | Hwang Ui Jo | Bordeaux | @Troyes | BeIN Xtra |
| Son Heung Min | Tottenham | ||||
| Sunday | 9:00 AM | Suk Hyun Jun | Troyes | Bordeaux | BeIN Xtra |
Kim Min Jae-- Fenerbahce can't progress so maybe he'll get a rest but I think he'll start with UECL still in play.
Hong Hyun Seok-- Been a bit inconsistent in terms of lineup so hard to guess if he starts but should play one way or another. A draw would get them through to knockouts.
Son Heung Min-- A COVID outbreak has hit Tottenham's side. It remains to be seen who is unavailable for tomorrow or the weekend. They'll need warm bodies tomorrow unless Conte ouright sacrifices UECL. There's a stronger possibility of postponing weekend match but if it doesn't and Son is healthy he should start that match. EDIT: I forgot to include a recap. Son again was dominant with the ball, though he didn't get his goal until pretty late and his assist was nominal, with Lucas unreeling a remarkable sequence. But Son had some great set pieces, showed great pace and touch and looks to be at his best heading into an important stretch.
Lee Kang In-- A difficult match vs. a strong opponent but still LKI still showed his skills, particularly with two shots in a span of a couple minutes that could have been goals on a luckier day. On the other hand, LKI did give up the ball a few too many times under pressure in dangerous spots. A player with a bigger name may get more fouls on some of those but he should be smarter as many were needless. Garcia did reiterate his reluctance to have Kubo and LKI on at the same time and you could see that play out with both on only when down and taking LKI off to preserve what was a point before a late Kubo goal gave Mallorca a huge three points. The latter doesn't look 100% yet so I think LKI starts again.
Jeong Woo Yeong-- Was on the bench and Freiburg destroyed Gladbach so intensely that I didn't watch when he did come on with 20 to go due to the 6 goal lead. Given the large amount of offense, I don't expect a change to the starting XI unless forced by injury though Jeong should come on later.
Lee Jae Sung-- LJS earned plaudits from the commentators on the world feed and also German press after a strong showing that finally felt like the LJS from Kiel last season. LJS was everywhere, defending deep, creating in the final third and controlling possession everywhere in between. He had a hand in both goals, though his credit for assist was far simpler, taking a short corner and finding the open man at the top of the box. On the first goal, though, LJS was able to create space in traffic, draw in defenders and find a teammate. While he was subbed off eventually, he was going full throttle the entire match and his interceptions in the middle were vital in keeping Mainz in control. Should start again.
Seo Jong Min-- An unused sub so likely more of the same.
Choi Kyoung Rok-- Got two yellows so will likely miss this weekend.
Hwang Hee Chan-- As Traore starts re-earning a bigger role, Hwang is the biggest loser as a lot of the action happens on the other side of the pitch. Hwang is continuing to create good moments when he has the ball, but that seems to be happening less every week and it wasn't a surprise to see him subbed off first. Still likely to start but perhaps some of the other attackers gets a chance this weekend.
Hwang Ui Jo-- Apparently continues to be a tough slog for Bordeaux offense but picked up an assist though reportedly missed some decent chances to score.
Suk Hyun Jun-- Suk came on with 15 minutes left but Troyes lost late. Continuous to be a highly used offensive sub.
