Accra Hearts of Oak will be involved in another cagey encounter when they travel to Dormaa to face Aduana Stars in what is considered the biggest clash of the ninth week Ghana Premier League fixtures.
It is a big test the Phobians must find a path to negotiate their way around it or record their second successive draw after being held by Ashgold in Accra on Thursday.
At worst, it could be their fifth defeat in nine matches; a negative statistic that could throw their title credentials out of gear.
Aduana’s form in the current season and Hearts performance against clubs occupying the top four positions suggests Hearts will be in a battle of their lives.
The Phobians have so far managed wins over ordinary sides including Dreams FC, strugglers Ebusua Dwarfs and Liberty Professionals but failed against the tougher oppositions like Chelsea Kotoko, Medeama.
Against Ashgold, they labored and nearly suffered an upset with the few chances the Miners created.
This gives credence to concerns of the fans over the performance of the Rainbow lads but beyond the struggles lie the reality that they have been let down heavily by their failure to take chances.
The return of William Afutu to partner Emmanuel Nettey could bolster the strength in midfield to feed the Kofi Kordzie and Daniel Afriyie Barnie attack but against defensively, there are obvious cracks that must be sealed to stop Yahaya Mohammed from causing havoc.
Aduana’s capitulation at Cape Coast in midweek by Dwarfs suggest the Dormaa lads are losing what makes them scary and if Hearts are able to identify those weaknesses, then they could return to winning ways else, Aduana will be out to hunt them.
At the Len Clay Stadium, Ashgold will engage Liberty Professionals in another dicey encounter.
Three days after employing a defensive tactics to hold Hearts, Ashgold would be expected to go all out against the less dangerous Dansoman lads who have not been consistent in the season.
But if what the Miners put up in Accra is anything to go by, then Liberty Professionals will be in a tough battle but as the one to upset WAFA as Sogakope, they have something under their sleeves to halt the Miners.
Inter Allies will host Legon Cities today at the Accra Sports Stadium in a battle of equals but the new found form of the Tema lads should be a source of worry for the Royals from Legon.
Strugglers Ebusua Dwarfs will travel to Bechem to face the might of local side, Bechem United while Elmina Sharks welcome Berekum Chelsea to the Elmina Park in another test to test the character of the leaders.
At the Dawu Park, Dreams FC will face a tough encounter in just a week when they engage Asante Kotoko.
Dreams FC’s dream was turned into a nightmare by Hearts as Kofi Kordzie stabbed them with the winner last weekend, only to face another traditional giant aiming to improve on their standing on the table.
Kotoko are clear favourites despite playing on enemy territory but their own inefficiencies will give the host the belief that with a little effort, they could upset the apple-cart.
Accra Great Olympics will return to the Accra Sports Stadium to face Techiman Eleven Wonders in what their fans describe as a must-win encounter with Karela also hoping to pull the brakes on Medeama’s smooth run.
Kumasi King Faisal will remain in the hunt for a first win in the campaign when they welcome WAFA at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
BY ANDREW NORTEY
