It all kicks off with the K League 1 season starting tonight with a huge question mark over Jesse Lingard making his FC Seoul debut against Gwangju FC. The fitness of the former Manchester United midfielder is still doubtful, ahead of the capital club’s crucial opener of the season at Gwangju Football Stadium.
FC Seoul captain Kim Gi-dong has given a reserved optimism that Jesse Lingard will be available to play in tonight’s game. Club insiders have revealed that the English international has been doing his training at about 80 percent fitness, casting doubt on his availability to take part in competitive action. The competitive outing that Lingard last played was in April of 2024, raising further questions of sharpness in terms of matches.
The attacking midfielder, who turns 32 soon, impressed in FC Seoul’s pre-season tour, scoring three goals in four friendly matches. The 80-minute outing in the last preparation match showed promising signs of improvement, but there are doubts whether he can withstand the physical test of the K League games at once.
FC Seoul approaches the 2025 season with a new wall after four seasons of heartache in losing in the Final B. The hiring of Kim Gi-dong as a head coach indicates the desire of the club to become a champion once again, and Jesse Lingard is their premium signing to accomplish this goal.
In addition to the case of Lingard, FC Seoul also anticipates the debuts of homegrown talents Choi Jun and Ryu Jae-moon. Nonetheless, recently signed Rebin Sulaka is dealing with the same issue of availability because of his recent arrival at the club. Such personnel doubts may affect the tactical preparation of Seoul to face a defensively restructured Gwangju team.
Historical Advantage Favors Seoul
Head-to-Head Record:
- FC Seoul: 15 wins from 22 meetings
- Gwangju FC: 3 victories, 4 draws
- Recent form: Seoul won 7 of the last 10 encounters
- Last season: Seoul secured 2 wins from 3 matches
These statistics are very much in favor of the visiting team, but Gwangju shocked everyone by qualifying for the AFC Champions Lague last season, so they are capable of surprises. The record of the home side in the opening match is not that encouraging, as they have won only thrice in ten seasons, when they have been playing season openers.
