Seven matches are lined up on match day 14 as the Azam Uganda Premier League (AUPL) first round enters a final bend.But most eyes will be at Lugazi where on form SC Villa take on bogey side URA but not limited to just that as Vipers, under new tactician visit The Saints while Express visit frightening Soana at Kavumba.
URA FC Vs SC Villa, Mehta Stadium-Lugazi (4:30pm)
With table leaders KCCA out of action until Wednesday, second placed SC Villa have a chance to cut the gap at the summit to a point with maximum points away to URA.
Buoyed by their triumph over Vipers on Saturday, the Jogoos are in high confidence but must battle against odds if they are to register only their third victory over URA in 13 meetings.
Shafik Bisaso’s side goes into the game minus striker Alex Kitaata who limped off against Vipers and he joins Godfrey Lwesibawa on the sidelines but Umar Kasumba is fit for the game.
On the side of 6th placed URA, goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga remains out and so do Nigerian defender Harry Gentle King and Elkanah Nkugwa.
But midfielder Jimmy Lule who missed the goalless stalemate with Bright Stars is back in contention for a slot in the squad.
The Saints FC Vs Viper SC, Bombo Barracks Grounds (4:30pm)
At Bombo, all eyes will be interim coach Richard Wasswa who takes over the reign at Vipers amidst Abdallah Mubiru’s sacking.
5th on the log with 20 points, the two-time champions understand nothing short of maximum points will put their slim chances of winning the crown off the wheels.
Tony Odur returns to the side after missing out on Saturday but Erisa Ssekisambu is sidelined and is joined by Brian Kakaire and Halid Lwaliwa on the sidelines.
Moses Basena’s side, 1-0 losers to Onduparaka on Saturday will bank on the experience of Godfrey Wakaza, Rogers Aloro and Ivan Kiweewa for inspiration to lift them from 10th position.
Lweza FC Vs Police FC, Wankulukuku Stadium (4:00 pm) live on Azam TV
Police will be keen to maintain their resurgence under interim coach, Angelo Lonyesi when they visit under fire Lweza at Wankulukuku.
The Cops beat JMC Hippos 3-1 at home over the weekend to move 12th on the log and a date against a side with whom they share 14 points presents them chance to climb up the table.
Ben Ocen will be tasked to unlock the hosts’ backline while Hassan Kikooyo and Moses Ndaula, scorer in the 1-1 draw with Kirinya Jinja SS will be key for the Oranje.
Onduparaka FC Vs BUL FC, Green Light Stadium-Arua (4:30pm)
At the intimidating Betway Green Light stadium, Arua, Onduparaka, fresh from earning their first win away from home host stuttering Bul.
With an impregnable home record, it will be difficult for Frank ‘Video’ Anyau’s side who lost 3-0 to Soana in the previous outing to stop Muhammad Shaban and company.
The Caterpillars have an opportunity to move to 3rd on the table if they pick maximum points and Soana fails to win at home to Express.
Soana Vs Express, Kavumba R. Grounds (4:30pm)
Fireworks is expected at Kavumba when Soana hosts Express as Sam Ssimbwa faces Matia Lule.
Ssimbwa’s side are flying high after a 3-0 win over Bul took them to 3rd on the table with 23 points whilst the Red Eagles are failing to pick maximum points.
Express’ last visit to the venue saw them lose two points with a late equaliser in a 3-3 draw with Police, a game they finished with a man less after Musa Mukasa was sent off.
Former Express captain Willy Kavuma will turn guns against a side he served with passion for over six years.
Proline FC Vs Kirinya Jinja SSS FC, P. Omondi Stadium-Lugogo (4:30pm)
Proline return to Phillip Omondi stadium three days after losing to KCCA but this time as a home team with a fixture against struggling, Kirinya Jinja SS
Mujib Kasule blamed the artificial turf at Lugogo for his side’s failure to pick maximum points at home but they will have no excuse if they to beat a side that has yet to pick any victory.
The form of strikers Nelson Senkatuka and Edirisa Lubega must be an exciting factor to the home side who also have creative midfield gem Gift Ali in their ranks.
Proline are just a place and point above the relegation zone and failure to win may see them drop to the red zone.
JMC Hippos FC Vs Bright Stars FC, Kakindu Stadium-Jinja (4:30pm)
Bright Stars target the scalp against bottom placed JMC Hippos for a return to maximum points after going over four straight with none.
The Hippos are yet to pick maximum points this season and have only managed just three out of a possible 39 so far in the season.
Fred Kajoba’s side are 7th on the table with 16 points and will be buoyed by their stalemate against URA last Friday.
Wednesday 07th December 2016
Sadolin Paints FC Vs KCCA FC, Bugembe Stadium-Jinja (4:30pm)
Reigning champions KCCA will have to wait till Wednesday to return to action with bogey side Sadolin Paints.
The Kasasiro have won just once in the previous four league meetings but it came away on match day one of the 2015/16 season.