....Hearts set for King Faisal test as Kotoko welcomes R.T.U

UNDER-fire Maurice Cooreman will need to exhibit a high level of technical brilliance to win back the vociferous fans of the Porcupine Warriors, Kumasi Asante Kotoko as they look forward to defending their league title they won under the leadership of Bashir Hayford. The poor run of the club in recent times has sent tongues wagging as to the capabilities of the Belgian trainer. After grabbing a late draw against Wa All Stars, the Fabulous boys return to their favourite Baba Yara Sports Stadium to host the Pride of the North, Real Tamale United. They would need a convincing win to put the fans in a good mood in anticipation of the mouth-watering clash with the Phobians the following week.

Meanwhile the Phobian juggernaut continues as Kosta Papic has over time built a technically disciplined side that is burnt on proving their critics wrong to show that they are not a spent force. Today, Accra Hearts of Oak are enviablly occupying the Glo Premier League summit with pride after all the boardroom turmoil at the beginning of the season. They may not be playing entertaining soccer, but they are churning out the desired results like they did against RTU over the weekend. This Sunday, they engage King Faisal at the Ohene Djan Stadium in what will be an uncompromising duel. King Faisal's youthful blend of stars including Samad Oppong Okocha, Eric Agyemang, nimble footed Ebo Andoh and 15-yr-old midfield prodigy, Osei Bonsu can be very dangerous if left unchecked but with Eric Gawu spearheading the Phobian attack with support from Obed Ansah and Esme Mends, the Phobians look favourites to pick maximum points.

The battle of debutants would be witnessed at the Sekondi Sports Stadium, when Sekondi XI Wise lock horns with Chelsea in what is bound to be a scintillating encounter. So far, Eleven Wise, led by Angelo Dedon are yet to drop a point at home and look set to hold on their grip at home against Chelsea, who have also not lost a match away. Elsewhere, Sekondi Hasaacas, Sporting Mirren and All Blacks all have very difficult assignments this weekend and could still be hovering around the relegation zone as they come face to face with Kessben at Abrankese, Heart of Lions at Kpando and Ashgold at Swedru respectively. Although, Kessben and Ashgold are under performing, they have a more solid team than their opponents, and so a draw will be a fair result for the home teams. In other matches, enterprising Tema Youth will engage All Stars at Tema whilst at the Berekum Golden City Park, Arsenal will be at home to Liberty Professionals.

MATCH DAY 8

KPANDO Lions v S.Mirren

BEREKUM Arsenal v Liberty

ABRANKESE Kessben v Hasaacas

SWEDRU All Blacks v Ashgold

BABA YARA Kotoko v RTU

TEMA Tema Youth v All Stars

SEKONDI Wise v Chelsea

OHENE GYAN Hearts v King Faisal