Majority of the Azam Uganda Premier League (UPL) teams enter match day seven either looking to build onto their momentum or correct fortunes. For SC Villa and Sadolin Paints, they will be looking to take advantage of their game in hand.But even on a day where three derbies headline match action, it is inevitable that the clash between fierce rivals KCCA and Express at Lugogo will hog the most attention.
KCCA Vs Express – Lugogo @ 4.30pm
The two meet at Lugogo for the first time this year but hosts KCCA will not want to remember the result from the last meeting there.
Against all odds, Express humiliated the Kasasiro 3-0 and ended their hopes of retaining the title they had won in 2013/14.
And a season before, they had won the fixture 3-2 at the same venue but with both games drawing 1-1 last campaign, KCCA will fancy their chances of ending a six match winless streak against their rivals.
Both teams come into the game on the back of morale boosting wins; KCCA won 3-1 away to bogey side Bul while Express earned only their second victory over Vipers in 14 attempts.
The hosts, table leaders with 15 points – four more than their day’s opponents – are still without Lawrence Kasadha, Isaac Muleme and Martin Mpuuga.
Striker Derrick Nsibambi also misses through injury but the availability of Robert Ssentongo, Geoffrey Sserunkuma and Muzamiru Mutyaba avails them with enough ammunition to extinguish any Red Eagles flames.
Express welcome back Allan Kyambadde, Mike Mutyaba and John Semazzi, who missed the 1-0 win over Vipers, but are without Derrick Tekkwo (suspension), Ismail Kazibwe and Mahad Kakooza.
Herman Wasswa, scorer of 48 goals for KCCA in his two spells there, returns to haunt a side that he helped win three league titles.
SC Villa Vs Soana – Namboole
At Namboole, SC Villa are expected to unleash Ivorian striker Marc Olivier Boue Bi as they take on Soana, coached by their former man, Sam Ssimbwa.
Deo Sserwadda’s men have not had a team breach their backline in five games but in Soana, they face a side capable of scoring goals. They have netted seven already this season.
The two teams share similar points, 11, but the Jogoos’ superior goal difference of six gives them edge on the standings over Soana.
Abdulmalick Vitalis Tabu will be the key man for the hosts who are minus defender Bernard Muwanga, Mike Sserumaga and Martin Kizza through injury while Soana will look to Kamada Ssebagala, Willy Kavuma as well former Blues – Emmanuel Kalyowa and Misi Katende for inspiration.
Lweza Vs Vipers – Wankulukuku @ 4.30pm
Vipers head to Wankulukuku in downbeat mood after failing to win twice in a row.
After drawing 1-1 with JMC Hippos in Jinja, the 2-time league champions lost deservingly 1-0 to Express at Nakivubo and a repeat of any of the two results will leave Abdallah Mubiru’s job hanging on the line.
But they visit a side improving each game that passes and one they failed to beat on two occasions last season.
Tony Odur returns to ease pressure on Erisa Ssekisambu in the hunt for goals while Hassan Wasswa may be handed his debut against a fierce rival.
For the hosts, Ddumba Saddala, Moses Ndaula and Hassan Kikoyo are expected to do the job and stretch the visitors’ misery beyond repair.
With six points adrift of leaders after just six matches, Vipers will be desperate for nothing short of maximum points.
URA Vs Sadolin Paints – Mehta Grounds, Lugazi @ 4.30pm
Like Abdallah Mubiru’s job at Vipers, Kefa Kisala’s is also on the line and he is fully aware that his side must beat visiting Sadolin Paints to remain firm.
The tax collectors have only won once this campaign and the game against Sadolin Paints, a side yet to pick maximum points in the campaign so far.
Already, the four-time league champions are seven points behind leaders KCCA and widening the gap may be detrimental to their title hopes.
JMC Hippos Vs Proline – Kakindu @ 4.30pm
Two teams yet to pick maximum points also face off at Kakindu with each seeking to pick their first victory.
The visitors, fresh from earning a point against much fancied but troubled URA will look to Edirisa Lubega and Nelson Ssenkatuka to break down the Hippos’ defence under the guidance of defender of the year, Musa Walangalira.
Police Vs The Saints – Kavumba @ 4.30pm
At Kavumba, embattled Cops host The Saints in a duel that pits a former and current Uganda Cranes assistant Coaches.
Moses Basena is on the touchline for the Bombo based side while Sam Timbe is in charge of the Cops that lost 2-1 to Onduparaka in their last fixture.
Kirinya Jinja SS Vs Bul – Bugembe Live on Azam TV @ 4pm
The other big game on the derby pits Jinja rivals Kirinya Jinja SS against Bul at the Kyabazinga stadium, in Bugembe.
The live game of the day will see Kirinya trying to win their first game of the season while Bul would love to impress after succumbing to KCCA on their last home game.