This weekend in the Ghana Premier League promises a lot of entertainment as even so early in the season, expected tensions have been high at some league centers.
All clubs are hoping for three points but for different reasons, some have the extra pressure of keeping famous records.
Battle of early risers
For leaders Ashanti Gold, they will hope to maintain their lead at the top by winning against fifth placed Medeama who will hope for 3 points to stay in touching distance with the leaders. Only four points separate them.
C.K. Akunnor has begun the campaign well and he will not tolerate any loss of form from his boys. Away fixtures have been tricky for Ashanti Gold this season. Two points dropped at Bechem United and WAFA respectively, coupled with the loss at Liberty Professionals, make make this a must win for AshGold if they want to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Surprise package Karela
Karela United are one step off the top and are looking to build on their early season success. With a goal difference of five and some 15 points in the bag, the newly promoted side from the South-West coast are getting ready for a surprise massacre in the GPL this season.
They travel to Bechem United and a familiar strong resilience at the back and any luck upfront will get the Nzema-based side a famous away win to continue their so far remarkable campaign.
Bottom two face off
Liberty Professionals are enduring a very torrid season under interim head coach Reginald Asante Boateng. Since he took charge at the club, he has overseen five losses, one draw and only two wins in eight league games. His start to professional management has been jerky and would have to churn out very positive results to stay alive this season.
They face off with another side flirting with relegation this season. Wa All Stars have the poorest record this season – amassing only five points in nine games. Their usual formidable home record and fear factor sees lost, contributing immensely to their position on the table. At the Malik Jabir stadium, Wa All Stars have lost twice, drawn twice and won only once in five games.
The game at the Carl Reindoff Park will spark a new battle of the relegation flirts, a tag both sides will not fancy getting used to the entire season.
Inter Allies’s continued home fortress
When Kenichi Yatsuhashi was introduced as Inter Allies head coach for this season an possibly beyond, many expected the Japanese trainer to bring them to near glory like he did with Hearts before his sacking two seasons ago.
He has improved the home record of the Tema based side remarkably. They are the second best home side this season with 12 points from their games at the Tema Park, only behind Dreams FC with 13 points in four games. Perhaps more impressive is the fact Allies are one of the only five sides yet to concede a goal at home, while scoring seven past their visiting opponents. Interestingly, they host Dwarfs who have not won a single game on the road. The result based on numbers available reveal a possible rout for Allies.
By Thierry Nyann|3news.com|Ghana