K League Matchday 1 betting preview: Expect fireworks in Ulsan

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Korean sports are the gift that keeps on giving.

After the KBO League successfully started its season on Tuesday, Korea's top-flight soccer league is set to kick off its campaign Friday. The league's defending champions, Jeonbuk Motors, are hosting Suwon Bluewings in the opener - a match that will be broadcast live on both YouTube and Twitter as the football world celebrates the start of a slow return to normalcy.

I was betting K League soccer long before it was cool or trendy to do so, and I'm thrilled to see it get its moment in the spotlight. Let's dive in.

Sangju Sangmu (+400) at Ulsan Hyundai (-167), Draw (+310)

Ulsan will be hungry after losing last season's title on goal difference. They return largely the same team after keeping all their regulars through the transfer window, but they've bolstered their attack by adding Norwegian striker Bjorn Johnsen from AZ Alkmaar; he should score a ton in Korea.

Of course, it's not like Ulsan needed help in attack. They had no issue scoring on home soil last season and have netted 20 goals in their last 10 matches in Ulsan. That doesn't bode well for a Sangju side that's kept just one clean sheet in its last 16 away matches. The visitors are capable of their own scoring, though, netting 12 times in their last nine away matches. Ulsan, meanwhile, have conceded 12 goals in their last 10 contests at home. These sides have combined for 15 goals across their last three meetings in Ulsan, and I'd expect plenty of scoring here as well.

Pick: Over 2.5 (-104)

Daegu FC (+120) at Incheon United (+225), Draw (+230)

Incheon's poor home form was a real issue last season. They were able to finish strong, though, going unbeaten through their last six at home (five draws) to stave off relegation. With Daeguin in the midst of a seven-match unbeaten run on their travels (four draws), the visitors represent a solid test to determine if Incheon can carry over last year's late-campaign momentum. Three of the last five meetings between these sides at Sungui Arena Park ended in a stalemate; I'd expect another tightly contested match here, with a sharing of the spoils likely.

Pick: Draw (+230)

Seongnam FC (+190) at Gwangju FC (+145), Draw (+220)

No club scored fewer goals last season than Seongnam, who found the back of the net just 30 times in 38 matches. They finished comfortably above the relegation spots, however, thanks to the league's third-best defense that conceded just 40 goals. Seongnam are a well-organized side that's not going to take any risks, especially not on the road here against the newly promoted Gwangju. Look for the visitors to prioritize the clean sheet as they seek an important away point to start the campaign.

Pick: Under 2 (+125)

FC Seoul (+137) at Gangwon FC (+200), Draw (+225)

I've got another over for you, because who doesn't love goals? Gangwon were the K League's free-scorers last season, with their matches featuring the most combined goals; Seoul weren't too far behind. Gangwon have scored at least twice in 11 of their last 12 home matches - netting an impressive 30 times over that span - while alarmingly conceding 23 tallies over that same span.

With 16 goals in their last 12 away matches, Seoul should be able to take advantage of that leaky defense. But don't expect the visitors to slow their hosts after conceding 18 times in that same span. These sides have totaled 13 goals across their last three meetings at Chuncheon Songam Stadium, and I'd expect three to be the bare minimum here.

Pick: Over 2.5 (-110)

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.