Asante Kotoko coach Steve Polack is optimistic of recording a victory over sworn rivals Hearts of Oak in the forthcoming Ghana@60 Years on match.

The Porcupine Warriors will go into the match with a two-goal deficit following their 3-1 loss to the Phobians in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium.

However, the club could draw inspiration from their convincing 3-1 win against their bitterest adversaries in the MTN FA Cup finals showdown at the Aliu Mahama Stadium two months ago.

Speaking to reporters after the side's 4-0 win against lower-tier side Corners FC in their first pre-season training match on Saturday, Polack believes they will inflict another defeat on their arch-rivals.

“The next match after this friendly is against our arch-rivals Hearts of Oak next Sunday, but you know we have seven or eight days for that game and we can work on few things that I’ve seen today that needs to be worked on and by God’s grace we’ll win that game,” Pollack said in a post-match interview.

“Thank you to the supporters that were here today and come and support us next-week but remember we are only two weeks, three weeks into preseason and am not making any excuses but it’s a reality.”

The much-anticipated clash is slated to come off on Sunday December 24, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.