Two consecutive defeats have not only affected the pride of Accra Hearts of Oak supporters.
It appears to have also bruised their championship dream in the betPawa Premier League with six matches to go as leaders Aduana Stars stretch the lead with recent wins.
But that win-less trend must end today when they face relegation threatened King Faisal at the Accra Sports Stadium in a match day 29 fixture of the competition.
It will come under very difficult circumstances as they face a resurgent King Faisal side that has seen some revival since they landed at the bottom ranks of the table.
However, a couple of impressive performances has seen them move a few places above the ‘danger’ zone and would offer a stiffer challenge to the Phobians.
That notwithstanding, Hearts may ride on their good fortunes when they line up with Faisal to halt that trend to breathe life into their campaign.
Their biggest rivals, Asante Kotoko would also have to bounce back from their mid-week defeat to Olympics, when they return to Kumasi to play Tamale City.
Kotoko currently occupy the sixth position on the table with 42 points and have been very inconsistent this season.
They would need Stephen Mukwala to put on his scoring boots if they hope to avoid a sucker punch from the giant-killers that humiliated Hearts of Oak 4-1 in Tamale in mid-week.
At the Theatre of Dreams, Dreams FC would engage another burgeoning side Legon Cities whose recent form has catapulted them off the relegation waters.
But the Royals understand that they could return if they take the foot off the pedal by the nature of the league table that has clubs separated by very slim margins.
The battle for survival will continue for Karela United as well as they hope to sustain the performance that saw them beat Real Tamale United in mid-week, when they face Berekum Chelsea just as Nsoatreman appear ready to lock horns with high-flying Medeama SC.
Elsewhere, Accra Great Olympics would play as guest of GoldStars at Bibiani, Bechem host Samartex while Kotoku Royals would attempt to upset leaders Aduana Stars in Oda.
BY ANDREW NORTEY
