Premier League Matchup: Park vs. Seol

Korean football fans may be able to see their two beloved premier leaguers, “Power engine” Park Ji-sung (25, Manchester United) and “Sniper” Seol Ki-hyeon (27, Reading FC), playing in the same game. Their teams have a regular season match at Manchester’s home stadium at midnight on Saturday (Korea time).

Park Ji-sung, after a 99-day long absence from the field due to a left ankle injury in September, is returning to his old self. He played full-time on December 27 at a match against Wigan Athletics for the first time this season. He played energetically throughout the game and landed a penalty kick five minutes into the second half, proving that he has now regained his full strength. Manchester beat Wigan 3-0.

On the other hand, Seol did not appear on the field in Reading’s previous game against Chelsea. Reading, after being promoted to the top league in English football for the first time after winning the 2005/06 Championship title, is faring very well, remaining among top 10 most of the time out of 20 premiership clubs. Reading once again demonstrated its potential when it drew 2-2 with star-studded Chelsea on December 27. Seol was expected to start in the tough match against the prestigious club, but missed the game due to a light toe injury and fatigue. However, some say his absence is attributable to the fact that his position change from right midfielder to striker was not as effective as expected. If Seol comes back to his old position in the next match, he will stand face-to-face with Manchester’s left midfielder Park.

The focus of attention is how Seol can shake off Park’s tenacious defense. It will be an energy-consuming task for Seol without a doubt.

Park was described as “busy” by the press during the play against Wigan. The three months of absence could be advantageous in terms of physical strength. On the other hand, Seol is weary after playing most of its seasonal matches. Whether the two will meet on the field is up to Seol’s condition.

bluesky@donga.com