The hosts aim to make it five wins out of five in all competitions
SC Villa will tomorrow host fellow Bell Uganda Cup quarter finalists at Nakivubo stadium with the aim of making five wins out of five matches in all competitions on their mind. Ever since that humiliating 4-1 loss to Bunamwaya on the 17th of February this year, the Villa Park based side have not lost a game winning five and
drawing once in six encounters in all competitions.
SC Villa team news:
Mike Mutebi may be without inspirational captain Steven Bengo who travelled with the Uganda Cranes to Khartoum and was part of the team that lost 2-1 to Egypt in an international friendly yesterday evening. Despite information that the team arrives tonight from Khartoum, the dribbling wizard will need a rest which Mike Mutebi is ready to guarantee. The same applies to Noah Ssemakula though his services won’t be missed as he has sat out all the last five Villa wins.
In Bengo’s absence, either of Herman Wasswa or Musamali Paul who started on the bench in the previous 2-1 win away to Maroons is poised to start in a three man attack alongside Muganga Ronald and Ssempa Charles. Benjamin Ochan is expected to maintain his position in goal while Kasadha Lawrence and Ayub Kisaliita may continue at the heart of Villa defence. Kirabira Isaac, Ssembatya Godfrey and club top scorer Ndaula Moses (5 goals) are expected to patrol the midfield.
Long term absentees Kabanda Robert (groin), Kakaire Apollo and Ssenfuka Patrick (Knee) are ruled out of the tie while Eurukana Nkugwa (awol) is also not expected to feature having missed training for over 3 weeks now without explanation.
Man to watch: Ndaula Moses has scored five league goals for Villa this season more than any other player at the club making him the club’s leading scorer. His recent performance against Maroons in which he scored one and was fouled in the area for Villa’s second from the spot makes him Villa’s danger man in the Water FC tie. Villa’s first goal of the season was scored against Water FC in the first round tie by Ndaula Moses. The visitors’ rear guard must keep a keen eye on him to avoid further damage.
Water FC Team news:
Coach Charles Ayiekho will miss the services of striker Musana Ronald who can’t play against his team since he is on loan. This leaves U-20 international striker Brian Ochwo with the task of hunting goals for the visitors. Former SC Villa midfielder and 2003 Cecafa winner Emmanuel Balyejusa is expected to run the rings in the midfield against his former employers. Joogo Young graduate and Water FC skipper Nyanzi Makumbi is expected to have a free role against a side that nurtured him. Tamale Musa and experienced defender Sam Ssenoga are expected to man the defence.
Man to Watch: Emmanuel Balyejusa has been an instrumental figure in this Water FC team and with the experience he has accumulated over the years, expect him to be the man to dictate the tempo of the game for Charles Ayiekho’s side.
DID YOU KNOW THIS?
SC.Villa and Water FC are level on points with amazing statistics. Both teams have played 19 games, won 5, drawn 10 lost 4 and have the same goal difference -1. (click here to see league table). Water FC lie 8th, a place above Villa in the 9th because they have scored more goals than the Blues.
PREDICTION
Both teams play an attack minded game something the fans will enjoy. SC Villa will miss Bengo but the Jogoos have a number of match winners in their side more than Water FC. The hosts have only lost once at home this season and I expect their winning streak to continue albeit with a hard earned win.
SC.VILLA 2-0 WATERS FC. what is your prediction?
