SC Villa Jogoo host Vipers SC in one of the league’s biggest rivalries in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League on Wednesday 2nd October at the Namboole stadium under the floodlights.
Unlike last campaign, the hosts are in different mode this time around with 10 points and find themselves second on the 16-team log although they have played two more games than 5th placed Vipers who are on seven points.
The last visit for Vipers in Namboole ended in a 3-1 victory last season and they will need to keep their momentum against a much improved Villa side.
The Jogoos have put their hopes in Ambrose Kirya and Emmanuel Kalyowa, who two goals each this season to continue and flourish. Their goals hero last season Bashir Mutanda is yet to find the back of the net.
There are no major injury concerns in the Villa camp after confirming that goalkeeper Samson Kirya returns to training from a long term injury.
The team news from Vipers; Fabien Mutombora is expected to start in goal having recovered from the fever that saw him miss the 2-2 draw with Mbarara City.
Similarly Innocent Wafula is also back and will be available for selection against the Jogoos.
Geofrey Wasswa is fully fit to make his first appearance in nine months after undergoing a knee surgery. The versatile player is expected to make the match day squad.
Farouk Musisi continues to serve his two match ban but should be available for Vipers next game against Proline FC. Aziz Kayondo returns to left back.
Karim Watambara and Frank Tumwesigye may be selected to feature having looked impressive in training.
Ibrahim Tembo returns from a compassionate leave and a decision on whether he will play will be made by the technical team.
The side could also unleash Muhammad Shaban whose debut has been delayed by a knee injury.
Stats
Overall, it’s going to be the 29th meeting between the two clubs, with Vipers commanding the lion’s share statistically having registered 12 wins, 10 Draws and only 6 losses. The Venoms have scored 37 goals, conceding 31 out of the previous 28 meetings.
Vipers has lost only once in an away fixture to SC Villa in the past seven seasons dating back from the 2012/13 football season.
Vipers lie in 5th position while SC Villa currently lead the 16 team league table with 10 points from 5 matches but the Venoms have 2 games in hand.
The Venoms biggest win over SC Villa was a 4-1 win during the 2011/12 second round fixture at Namboole Stadium whereas the heaviest defeat to the same team was a 4-0 loss which occurred in 2006 at Namboole during the Venoms debut season in the top flight league.
