Vipers are second on the log, six points behind table leaders KCCA albeit with two games in hand. And they will be looking to close the gap at the top as they turn their focus to the defence of their title after a disappointing continental run. The Ugandan champions fell to Tunisian side CS Sfaxien last week in Caf Confederations Cup.
The tax collectors on the other hand, do not have a shot at the league title as they lie sixth on the log 15 points behind the leaders and eight points adrift their visitors tomorrow.
The four-time Uganda Premier league champions have been hard to beat this term, losing just once so far this season and conceding a league low five goals so far. Despite URA’s record, the defending champions can stake an equal claim as they have not faced defeat so far and let in a second low eight goals so far.
The Venoms won the corresponding fixture last season but they should be worried of their poor record against their hosts as they have won just five of the 26 league encounters between them.
URA has won 11 wins while 10 games have ended in stalemates.
Vipers head coach will be in charge of his third league game at the club and will be looking to add on the impressive 3-0 defeat against Onduparaka last time out. And he has hinted on his side’s desire to move on from the confederations cup elimination and focus on winning the league.
“These players need to put the confederations cup defeat behind them now and focus on the league title. We should pick the vital lessons learned and put our efforts on the league as we have two crucial games coming up,” he said.
URA’s Sam Ssimbwa, who would have been in charge of his 21st league game, starts a four match touchline ban for his tribalistic comments after the Kirinya JSS game. But he will hope his troops can get over the Venoms.
“I do not have much to say because my comments are often taken out of context. I expect my players to put our plan in use and show the urge they have shown in training and I trust my assistants to guide them well,” said Ssimbwa ahead of the game.
Goalkeeper James Alitho will return in goal after being rested for the Uganda Cup fixture against Synergy. This will be his first game against Vipers after he surprisingly left the Vipers in July. But the game may come a bit early for forward Cromwell Rwothomio as he has not fully completed his transfer from Paidha Black Angels.
The visitors however, do not have many injury concerns but back up goalkeeper Bashir Sekagya will miss out with an injury.
Left back Yayo Lutimba returns for this one while Senfuka Rahmat and Janjali Joseph, who did not make the trip to Tunisia may be recalled to the squad
The hosts will look to the defensive partnership of Hood Mulikyi and Baker Mboowa to stop the threat posed by Dan Mzee Sserunkuuma, Tito Okello and Duncan Sseninde upfront.
But the midfield battle between Shafik Kagimu, Said Kyeyune and former Vipers midfielder Siraje Sentamu against Vipers Captain Taddeo Lwanga, Waisswa Moses and Masiko Tom will be the one to keep a keen eye on.
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