KT and Samsung enter their series opener with very different pitching rhythms. KT have had a long break, while Samsung have played through a demanding postseason. Jeonbuk and Johor bring a direct outlet against a pressing, wide attack. CAHN and Kyoto meet with a similar clash between quick breaks and pressure high up the pitch.
For KT, Daniel's moving pitches can separate Samsung's early runners from Diaz and Choi Hyung-woo. Choi Won-tae recently left after a short start and has allowed KT plenty of traffic this season; KT have several hitters who can turn that traffic into runs. Daniel worked five innings in an October practice game, and Samsung's regular closer Kim Jae-yoon remains off its Series roster. I expect KT to press Choi through the middle innings, add to an early lead at the first relief handoff, and shorten the finish with its rested arms. That's why I'm siding with KT Wiz Suwon.
Johor's pressure troubled Pohang before the red card, and Arif Aiman and Arribas have supplied repeated deliveries from the right. Jeonbuk can answer with Choi Woo-jin's direct ball and Lee Yeong-jae's restarts, but their latest home attack produced just one shot on target. Bergson left the Port match after a brief appearance and is doubtful; Johor still have observed box receivers in Zahedi, Silva and Guilherme. Johor can keep testing Jeonbuk's first pass and second-ball clearances after the interval. That's why I'm siding with Johor DT.
Kyoto's press has recently carried João Pedro's and Túlio's service to Elias in the box. CAHN can release Perea and Artur behind that pressure, as their repeated link at Shanghai and their substitute combination against SLNA showed. Mauk played the last league match but is suspended here, leaving a different central screen, while Alan missed that league match after his Shanghai injury. The early Kyoto pressure, a CAHN break and renewed supply after the first reply point to several completed finishes. That's why I'm siding with goals in Cong An Ha Noi versus Kyoto.
