Faisal to square Kotoko in Kumasi derby

King Faisal will seek to turn around a troubled season when they square Asante Kotoko in a Kumasi, derby as the Glo Premier League enters week-13 at the various centers this weekend.

Faisal on paper should start as the weaker side regardless of the Porcupine Warriors’ unimpressive display thus far.

However, the former could draw sharp inspiration from what Real Tamale United (RTU) almost achieved in mid-week when only a goal separated them from splitting points with Kotoko.

With the incessant pressure emanating from Kotoko supporters on the team’s performance plus Coach Didi Mas-Ud Dramani, the latter will be the first to admit that only a convincing win could win over the disgruntle Porcupine family.

Faisal are tenth on the log, six places behind their opponent and if the usual rivalry that characterize their games in their common home grounds, Baba Yara Stadium can be reignited, then supporters can expect a thrilling duel which put the league champions a shade ahead.

Elsewhere in Accra, Hearts of Oak will attempt to arrest the elusive home win when they welcome Medeame at the national stadium. The Phobians, firmly in fourth place from the bottom of the table and experiencing a torrid season will have an uphill task against the visitors.

Despite struggling to pick a point off a 10-man Faisal team in mid-week, Medeama still managed to move second on the log and if their recent spell is anything to go by, then Hearts’ trainer, David Duncan will have every reason to be weary of the opposition.

Hearts have amassed a paltry 14 points from 13 games in a manner that keeps shaking the team’s dreams on annexing the trophy this season. Against Medeama, Hearts will have a team that dreams of winning the Premiership for the first time and appear determined to walk that talk.

The Phobians without doubt will have yet another opportunity to inject life into their campaign with the end of the first round beckoning.

The battle of beating the drop will be intense at the Harbour City, when Tema Youth welcome Berekum Arsenals. The Tema clash will define who temporarily move out of the relegation zone, and though the host are three points adrift the Gunners, both seem to be equal in strength.

Both teams have laboured in vain to have a hold on their campaign, and though Tema Youth began the season well, a dip in form means Arsenals, whose best result this season remains that lone winner over Ashgold a fortnight ago can be said to be of equal strength in terms of quality.

Meanwhile, league leaders, Aduana Stars will be on the road to Tarkwa when they play as guest of Edubiase at the T&A Park. The former champions’ fine form has been a direct contrast to their hosts, setting the tone for a duel that favours Aduana.

At the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast, Dwarfs will seek to appease their supporters following their 0-2 loss in their last home league game which came against debutant, Amidaus Professionals.

Dwarfs are expected to atone for that loss when they play Heart of Lions at their favourite grounds which until that defeat to Amiduas remained invincible.

In other fixtures, Berekum Chelsea coming from their biggest Premiership defeat this term will need to recover in time before that visit from Amidaus.

Until the 1-5 hammering from Liberty on Boxing Day, the Berekum lads appeared untouchable and it will be unthinkable not to expect Amiduas to explore the exposed vulnerability in the Golden City Park meeting.

Wa All Stars will be at home to Ashgold while RTU host Liberty both in early kick-off games on Saturday.