The highlight of this weekend's Ghana Premier League action takes place at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday afternoon, when Asante Kotoko face Hearts of Oak in the Super Clash.
The two bitter rivals are separated in the table by five places and 13 points, with the hosts hoping to keep pace with second-placed Bechem United at the top, while the reigning champions hope to re-ignite their title challenge.
Kotoko is unbeaten in seven games in the top flight, with their most recent victory coming against local rivals King Faisal.
The Porcupine Warriors haven't lost since being stunned by the bottom-placed Elmina Sharks on February 7, 2022.
Kotoko has won more points and scored more goals this season than any other team. They have 35 goals, 14 more than their Sunday opponent.
Their two main strikers, Cameroonian Mbella Etouga and Mfegue Omgba, have been outstanding, scoring a total of 25 goals – the same as the entire Hearts of Oak team.
Fabio Gama has recovered from injury and was a key player in last Sunday's victory. Coach Dr Prosper Ogum will almost certainly give the Brazilian a key role against the Phobians.
While Kotoko cruises to their 25th league title, Hearts, who won the league last season, is desperate to finish in the top four.
They boosted their hopes with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Medeama last weekend in Accra, and they hope to beat Kotoko for the second time this season.
Hearts are paying for their shaky start. They are 13 points behind Kotoko and know that only a miracle will allow them to overtake Kotoko and win the title for the 22nd time after ending their decade-long wait last season.
The Phobians announced the signing of former Asante Kotoko defender Samuel Inkoom earlier this week, with reports claiming that the former Ghana international could make his debut on Sunday.
Meanwhile, their experienced midfielder Sulley Muntari has been ruled out after missing all of this week's training for unknown reasons.
This is their season's third meeting. Surprisingly, the high-flying Kotoko had previously failed to defeat Hearts. The first meeting ended 0-0 before Patrick Razak inspired the Phobians to a 2-1 President's Cup victory.
Furthermore, Kotoko haven't beaten Hearts of Oak since Samuel Boadu became the latter's head coach.
As a result, despite not playing as well as the league table suggests, Hearts should not be underestimated and will be confident of claiming three points.
Asante Kotoko league formW D D W D WHearts of Oak league formW D W L W WKotoko predicted starting XI: Danlad, Nettey, Mubarik, Imoro, Mohammed, Blay, Boadu, Mudasiru, Gama, Mfegue, EtougaHearts predicted starting XI: Attah, Fatawu, Korsah, Amankwah, Alhassan, Ushau, Awako, Boateng, Obeng Jnr, Mensah, BarniehHead-to-headHearts of Oak and Kotoko have met 27 times in the Ghana Premier League since 2006, with Hearts of Oak winning 10 and Kotoko winning seven. During that time, 10 draws were recorded.The Phobians have only lost one of their last 13 away games against Kotoko, winning six.
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