The Week 28 clash between Cup holders, Heartland and title contenders, Kano Pillars is the biggest game of this mid-week. It is a big test for Pillars who lead the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) standings by just a point.
Enugu Rangers play hosts to Kwara United while two of the bottom four sides, Jigawa Golden Stars and Ocean Boys are locked in a dogfight.
One game, Gombe United versus Enyimba is OFF and Akwa United take on champions, Dolphins live on SuperSport 9 from 4pm local time (5pm CAT) this Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Heartland v Kano Pillars (Dan Anyiam Stadium)
Just six points separate table-topping Kano Pillars and Heartland in 11th position ahead of this clash. In nine years, Pillars have never beaten Heartland in Owerri but have managed two draws in 2007 and 2008 out of nine visits.
Heartland are favourites to win this tie after leaving Kano with a point following a 1-1 draw in the reverse game. Surprisingly Pillars have not won a game on the road this term.
Our prediction: 2 – 0
Akwa United v Dolphins (Uyo Township Stadium; live on SS9)
Akwa United have not lost in Uyo all season. Last time Dolphins made the trip to Uyo, they won 1-0 in 2007.
In the reverse game, the champions won 2-1. Akwa United goalkeeper, Femi Thomas is a doubt as Dolphins with the like of Ifeanyi Egwim, Emem Eduok, Omoh Ojabu and co are capable of taking a point from this game.
Our prediction: 1 – 1
Enugu Rangers v Kwara United (Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium)
In the reverse game in Ilorin, it ended goalless. Kwara United have only succeeded once in avoiding defeat when they played out a 2-2 draw in April 2006. But in six visits to Rangers since 2003, Kwara United have lost without scoring a goal.
Chikeluba Ofoedu has lost the steam with which he started this term as he is now looking to head to Europe for trials. Efe Yarhere, Alhaji Gero and Ifeanyi Ede are capable lifting Rangers back to top spot.
Our prediction: 2 – 0
ABS FC v Niger Tornadoes (Ilorin Township Stadium)
It ended 1-1 in Minna when both teams first met this season. ABS come into this game on the back of a 3-1 win over Enyimba while Tornadoes beat Heartland 1-0 in a rescheduled game on Sunday in Minna.
Leading scorer, Sibi Gwar will be a marked man. ABS' duo of Abdulrahman Bashir and Andrew Abalogu will give Tornadoes a tough afternoon in Ilorin. ABS will just shade this for all points.
Our prediction: 2 – 1
Wikki Tourists v Kaduna United (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium)
Oliver Insidibe and a couple from Buhar Jafar earned Kaduna United the three points. The Tourists hover just above the drop going into this game.
Ladan Bosso will bank on Mustapha Ibrahim and co to see off Kaduna United.
Our prediction: 1 – 0
Jigawa Golden Stars v Ocean Boys (Hadejia Township Stadium)
The Golden Stars got thrashed 0-3 in Yenagoa. Ocean Boys have never lost a top flight game to their hosts. But this is a relegation six-pointer and Jigawa Stars will compound the troubles of 2006 champions, Ocean Boys, who are bottom of the standings.
Our prediction: 2 – 1
Sunshine Stars v 3SC (Dipo Dina Stadium)
In their last two visits, 3SC have lost by same 0-1 scoreline. And it is almost two years since they last won in this southwest derby - in November 2010 when they beat Sunshine Stars 2-1 in Ibadan.
Both teams have identical form guide of three wins and two losses from their last five games with Sunshine Stars emerging from a 3-0 road trip win at Ocean Boys. 3SC will drop off the top half of the log after this game as the Akure Gunners are favoured to take the points.
Our prediction: 1 – 0
Lobi Stars v Sharks (Emmanuel Atongo Stadium)
Lobi have the best home record so far this term with the highest number of points - 43. Sharks are one of the three sides with two away wins - ABS and Sunshine Stars being the others. In spite of winning the first game 2-0 this season, Sharks do have a mountain to climb in Katsina-Ala.
Since 2003, Sharks have managed two draws from seven games at Lobi including last season's 1-1. The hosts have several in-form stars including David Tyavkase, capable of wrecking the Blue Angels.
Our prediction: 2 – 0
Warri Wolves v Rising Stars (Warri City Stadium)
New boys, Rising Stars stunned Wolves in the reverse game through Kayode Agboola's second half strike in February this year. Wolves know that their bid to win a continental place is now on the line and will give an arm and a leg to win this tie.
Surprisingly defender ThankGod Ike has become Wolves' main source of goals in the past three matchdays. Rising Stars will be wary of him though Yahaya Adamu will be on hand to cause all sorts of trouble for the hosts. Expect a win for Wolves but not a big win.
Our prediction: 1 – 0
*After Matchday 32, The Predictor right forecasted EIGHT correct results including FOUR exact scores.
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