GPL week 22: Five fascinating things to look out for as Kotoko host Hearts of Oak in Oseikrom

1. Vision F.C. needs all three points against Eleven Wonders

Attram De Visser gobsmacked Eleven Wonders in round 16 of the MTN FA Cup. The lower Division club won 4-0 at Eleven Wonders to add more salt to their injuries. Eleven Wonders have been disastrously horrible throughout the entire campaign, but no one expected them to be easily battered by Attram De Visser. In their return to GPL action, Wonders will face Vision, who are also likely to be locked in a relegation battle. Vision has no excuse to beat a team that has lost nine out of its last 10 matches in all competitions. The visitors must win all three points to brighten their survival hopes.

2. Three points for Medeama against Aduana Stars could end Ogya Boys’ title hopes

A camera captured the C.E.O of Bishop Atta Poku ahead of the crucial Kotoko fixture at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi when he was telling the Ogya Boys that Kotoko is not better than them in terms of performance. The pep talk galvanised Aduana Stars, who went ahead to eliminate the defending champions on penalties. Aduana Stars will need the same pep talk from Atta Poku ahead of their trip to Tarkwa. Medeama SC are seven points ahead of the visitors, who sit in third place. A win for the Mauve and Yellow will put 10 points between the two clubs, which will almost end Aduana’s title aspirations. Medeama are unbeaten at home in all competitions in the season, having won 10 and drawn three in the 13 games played, making the fixture a tough one for Aduana Stars.

3. Bibiani Gold Stars must continue fine home form with a win over Holy Stars

The defending champions are unbeaten at home and will have a good opportunity to continue when they welcome Basake Holy Stars to the Dun’s Park in Bibiani. Holy Stars have won only three points out of the available 33 in away games in the GPL. Gold Stars have dropped just four points out of the 30 available at home in the league, making them a stronger side whenever they are in Bibiani. A win will help the Miners to either close the gap on leaders Medeama or extend their lead over third-place Aduana, depending on what happens at the TNA Park in Tarkwa. Holy Stars have drawn three away games and lost eight in the 11 played. The struggling side has scored just three goals and conceded 19 away from home. They will need something different to even steal a point at Bibiani.

4. Sweduru must be a fortress if All Blacks want to play in the Premier League next season

All Blacks of Sweduru have won only 17 points from 11 games at home. The points are not enough because they will only remain in the league if they win more points at home. All Blacks have won just four, drawn five and lost one. The Sweduru-based club must turn the draws into wins to better their chances. All Blacks are hosting Samartex on Sunday, and they must play above their recent standards to beat the Timber Giants. Samartex are just a point behind second-place Gold Stars and will be well motivated to clinch the three points to move at least into the top 4.

5. Fabulous welcome, Phobia to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium

Asante Kotoko are aiming for a double over their perennial rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak. Phobia, on the other hand want to avoid the embarrassment of losing home and away to their number one enemies. A whole lot is at stake in this game as the three valuable points are important to both sides, and bragging rights from the fans until next season also add extra motivation to the match. Head coach of Asante Kotoko, Abdul-Karim Zito, resigned ahead of the crucial league match with fans demanding all three points against Hearts of Oak, even if they are managerless. Mas-Ud Didi Dramani and his side know what the fans expect and will be eager to take advantage of the Porcupine Warriors being coachless. Both sides are separated by one point, and the chances of a trophyless is extremely high. Hearts of Oak sit in 4th place while Asante Kotoko occupy the 5th place. The match promises to be cagey as expected.