Two clubs lurking in the Premier League top-five pecking order so far this season meet at Kwame Kyei Sports Complex on Sunday, October 13, when Nations FC host Bibiani Goldstars.
Both side’s won their respective round five matches last weekend by a goal to nil each. Nations FC tucked away Dreams FC 1-0 at Tuba, while Goldstars sat at home and beat Bechem United 1-0.
Match Preview
Nations FC have had one of the most peculiar starts to a season in recent memory, as nobody can claim they have played poorly, but their inability to notch is a huge concern.
Kassim Mingle’s side dominated a hapless Hearts of Oak side - racking a 55% ball possession to the Phobians 45% in a matchday 4 fixture, but somehow unable to dangle bounce the capital side.
Goldstars on the other hand have similar issues as their attackers aren’t scoring as they are supposed to. During their matchday four clash against Samartex they fought from behind to equalise in the 80th minute through defender Kelvin Oppong to scoop a point and exit Dunn’s Park, meaning they enter the weekend on eleven points, only off the top of the table on alphabetical order.
Team News
Raymond Oko Grippman played 90 minutes for Nations FC last weekend and has been in full training this week, so the former Great Olympics midfielder should be ready to start alongside Abdul Karim, reuniting the partnership that excelled last time out against Dreams FC.
Ancient defensive solid-rock’ Razak Simpson is expected to pair with Samuel Kuffour in the heart of defense as they aim to be a thorn in the flesh for Goldstars.
On the injury front for Goldstars, they have no issues as Frimpong Manso is expected to field his regular starters in unleashing Mining explosives on Nations on Sunday afternoon.
Nations FC possible starting lineup:
Mensah (GK); Acquah, Agyenim, Alhassan, Baah; Grippman, Karim; Kuffour, Oduro, Simpson (C); Sulemana
Goldstars possible starting lineup:
Kobi (GK), Adjetey, Amankwah; Amoaful, Anaba, Atinga (C), A. Kumi; B. Kyereh, Dankyi, Frimpong, Sadat
We say: Nations FC 2-1 Goldstars
Nations have not lost any of their last 2 Premier League meetings with Goldstars - with confidence in some of their key players at rock solid currently, and the Miners may prove tricky customers.
The visitors have played better than their points total suggests so far, and taking chances when they come their way is the only thing stopping them from being top of the table at present, but they may have to hope Nations is still rusty if they are to take a rare Abrankese win.
By: Pascal Amoah
