The biggest game in the Uganda Premier League on Tuesday kicks off in a matter of hours, as SC Villa and Vipers clash at Masaka Recreation Ground.
Both sides are chasing the league title and will be keen to take maximum points from the game.
SC Villa currently sit six points clear of Vipers but the Venoms have an impressive record against Jogoos, with the Masaka based winning only twice since 2011.
The hosts can create a nine point gap between themselves and Vipers with a victory and hand a potential fatal blow to their opponents’ title ambitions.
But how would a combined XI of SC Villa and Vipers players look, based on form and fitness? Ismael Kiyonga picks his team.
“I’ve gone for players who deserved to get in based on this season. For some of the players, I’ve gone with those who have been consistently impressive so it could actually depend on which one of these turn up and deliver something that could decide the game.”
Samson Kirya (SC Villa): One of the easiest choices in my line up. Kirya has been consistent with 14 clean sheets in 21 games and has not conceded more than once in a game. Vipers’ Ismail Watenga has been sidelined for some parts of the season.
Joseph Nsubuga (SC Villa): Nsubuga has proved his worth with energetic displays down the right. Although suspect going forward, he has been good defensively. I think he has so far done better than seasoned right back Nicholas Wadada.
John Adriko (SC Villa): Like a modern fullback, Adriko is very comfortable on the ball and though defensively not astute, injuries to Yayo Lutimba and Dan Birikwalira haven’t helped their cause.
Geoffrey Wasswa (Vipers): Since dislodging Shafik Bakaki, the young defender has been impressive. He makes simple decisions and good on the ball.
Henry Katongole (SC Villa): Arguably the league’s best defender makes the team. Very consistent and among the reasons the Jogoos have conceded the least goals so far.
Nicholas Kasozi (SC Villa): Edges out predecessor Taddeo Lwanga in holding midfield role. In his first year in the division, Kasozi has been a class act.
Milton Kariisa (Vipers): Numbers don’t lie. The hard working winger cum forward has netted eight and been involved in more at the club.
Brian Nkuubi (Vipers): The heartbeat of the Venoms midfield. Energetic and intelligent thus beats Abel Eturude and teammates Moses Waiswa and Tom Masiko to the slot in the central.
Allan Kyambadde (SC Villa): He is the man to play behind the main man, a role he beats team mate Ambrose Kirya to. He has been fantastic this season.
Martin Kizza (SC Villa): He has the pace and directness to cause any defence problems and comes to life when his team plays with high tempo on the ball.
Daniel Sserunkuma (Vipers): He picks himself. Despite going three games without a goal, the amount of goals he has scored means you have to have him leading the line though.