David GOMBE
Table leaders Vipers SC will be seeking to return to winning ways and extend their lead when they host Express FC at St.Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on Tuesday.
The Venoms lost to Bright Stars before playing out to a goalless stalemate with Onduparaka in Arua last week.
They are currently top of the pile due to a superior goal difference but with the same number of points as KCCA FC and SC Villa who are second and third respectively, all the three teams are on 46 points with three games to the climax.
For Express, they come into this contest after a goalless draw with KCCA FC in Luzira.
What the coaches say
Alex Isabirye (Vipers)
“Last week was tough where we lost five points and only picked one point in two games. It’s not easy because the matches come in thick and fast,” noted Isabirye to the club press on Monday.
“But we always have the belief in the quality of our squad. Combined with the hurt we suffered last week, I’m hoping we can do what’s required to win the game.”
“I am not expecting an easy game because Express FC have done well. They showed an awful lot of character against KCCA FC in Luzira over the weekend with only 14 players.”
“So, there is no chance that it’s going to be an easy game. We have to make sure we’re ready for the challenge, the battle and the fight.” Said Isabirye
James Odoch (Express FC)
Vipers is a good team with a number of good players but we’re also ready for the task at hand as we look to get maximum points and change our league position before it’s[league] climax.”
“It’s been hard work since our previous game [against KCCA FC], we know it’s going to be an easy game but we’ve ticked all our boxes to see that we come out on top.” Odoch told the club website
Match facts
Vipers and Express will be meeting for the 35th time in Uganda’s league history since 2006 when the Venoms joined the top flight division. Vipers have won 15, drawn 12 and 7 wins for Express.
The two sides played out to a goalless draw in the first round at Wankulukuku.
In the previous meeting at Kitende, the Venoms cruised to a 3-0 win over the Red Eagles last season.
Team News:
Isabirye has a fully fit squad apart from long term absentees; Murushid Juuko, Marvin Joseph Youngman, Livingstone Mulondo and Alfred Mudekereza.
Odoch’s side will be boosted by the return of Marvin Oshaba and Joseph Dhata who missed the game against KCCA due to suspensions.
Midfieders Shadic Ssebyala, Ivan Mayanja and Hussein Senoga are still sidelined. The game also comes too early for defender Denis Otim who is recovering from injury.
Head-To-Head:
Meetings: 34
Vipers wins: 15
Express: 7
Draws:12
