Saturday October 29, 2016
SC Villa Vs Express – Mandela National stadium, Namboole @ 4:00pm
Gone are the days when such a tie would bring the city to a standstill. The two rivals face off on Saturday at Namboole with each seeking not only to walk home with bragging rights but also maximum points.
SC Villa go into the game as favourites with just a single loss in 9 games but that won’t matter in a fixture of this magnitude.
Besides, it will be a battle of TV sponsorship sees SC Villa (StarTimes) and Express (DSTV)
Team News:
SC Villa will be without midfielder Taddeo Lwanga who is suspended for accumulating three yellow cards and so is defender Ibrahim Kiyemba who limped off in the 1-0 win over Bul last week.
Bernard Muwanga returned to training this week but the game comes too soon for him although Bisaso promised he will be available for selection on Tuesday against KCCA.
Express have right back Musa Mukasa still serving a ban after his straight red card against Police. Left back Ismail Kazibwe is injured but midfielder Mahad Kakooza returns from an injury lay off.
Man to Watch:
Godfrey Lwesibawa has been the force behind SC Villa’s rise this campaign and will undoubtedly be the key man for the side again.
The former Express man’s directness and urge to take on his men will be crucial for the hosts and the visitors must watch out not only for his crosses but also his long throws-ins.
On the hand, midfielder Ibrahim Saddam Juma will be the man. His ability to unlock defences with that killer pass as well as the ability to get into scoring positions must be watched by his opponents.
A big player for big occasions as showed in the games against Vipers and KCCA.
What the coaches say:
Shafik Bisaso (SC Villa) on the big fixtures coming up and what he thinks of his side this season
Whether we like it or not, we couldn’t play the entire league minus facing these sides. But I tell you we are prepared for the tough times and ready to prove doubters that we are contenders and not pretenders.
Wasswa Bbosa (Express) on the game and his opponents
I think they are under more pressure than us. It’s a big game not only for the players but fans as well so we need to take advantage of that and punish them
What you didn’t know:
- Express’ last win against SC Villa was in October 4, 2013. It was a 1-0 victory at Nakivubo.
- The last time the two met at Namboole. Express won 2-0 in the 2011/12 season with Bonny Baingana scoring a wonder strike.
- SC Villa are 16-time league champions while Express have ten less.
- SC Villa have lost just two points at home this season, against Soana.
Probable Lineups
SC Villa XI: Yasin Mugabi (GK), Joseph Nsubuga ©, Jether Waibi, Paul Mbowa, Henry Katongole, Abel Eturude, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Ambrose Kirya, Alex Kitaata, Umar Kasumba and Vitalis Tabu
Express XI: Ali Kiggundu (GK), Sam Senkoomi, Yayo Lutimba, Bob Kasozi, Farouq Matovu, Derrick Tekwo, Richard Kigozi, Ibrahim Saddam Juma, Mike Mutyaba, John Semazzi and Herman Wasswa
