The Predictor's Week 33 preview

There will be one live game on SuperSport 9 from 4pm local time (5pm CAT) when Kwara United play hosts to Sharks in Ilorin.

But the game of Matchday 33 in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) will be in Aba on Thursday as Enyimba and Heartland square up in a southeast derby. Here's a full preview:

Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Kwara United v Sharks (Ilorin Township Stadium; live on SS9)
Gomo Onduku return to Ilorin where he has scored twice this term in the league and Cup. Kwara United lost the game first game 0-1 and will be wary of Onduku on the flanks.

The last time both sides met in this same game, Kwara United won 3-0. This season only ABS have beaten Kwara United at home. Sharks have lost their last four away games, which Kwara United will be keen to capitalise on to take the points.
Our prediction: 1-0


3SC v Akwa United (Lekan Salami Stadium)
Akwa United head to Ibadan to face 3SC on the back of five consecutive losses on the road, which highlights their poor away form. 3SC of late have had a blistering run at home.

Akwa United won the first game 1-0 through Olumide Ojedeji's goal in Uyo in March. This time, the hosts have enough quality in Mutiu Adegoke, Moses Ogaga and Tony Edjomariegwe to win, as they continue their push to finish as high as possible in this season's campaign.
Our prediction: 2-1


Dolphins v Warri Wolves (Liberation Stadium)
NPL champions, Dolphins will be seeking for their first win in three games. Stanley Eguma's team cannot afford another slip up on the leaders, Enugu Rangers, as they face an off-colour Wolves in Port Harcourt.

The title-holders have dropped points once against Wolves in the last four games of this corresponding fixture and that was in January 2010 when both teams played out a 1-1 draw. The reverse game this term ended 1-1 but Dolphins should claim the full points though they will work for it.
Our prediction: 1-0


Rising Stars v Lobi Stars (Kayode Oluyemi Stadium)
This is the second Premier League clash between both teams. Lobi won the first game 2-1 and are surprisingly in the top three in the standings at the moment.

Struggling Rising Stars will be out to put a dent on Lobi's chase for a place in Africa. Sunday Erelesusi's men will continue to battle for survival from the drop by beating their opponents, Lobi Stars. An odd goal will do for Rising Stars.
Our prediction: 1-0


Kano Pillars v ABS FC (Sani Abacha Stadium)
ABS face Kano Pillars, whose form at home has been imperious. They have won four in four at home, scored ten goals without conceding. Pillars have lost in their last four games and a fifth without a loss looks in the offing.

Both teams shared the spoils in the reverse game this term with a 2-2 draw. Baba Ganaru's men are favourites to win this as they keep up the chase on Enugu Rangers for the title.
Our prediction: 2-0


Enugu Rangers v Niger Tornadoes (Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium)
Rangers have won all of their five last home games scoring 13 and conceding one. Tornadoes no doubt have a mountain to climb in Enugu.

Tornadoes last won in Enugu in August 2005 - a 1-0 triumph. Though the league's leading scorer, Sibi Gwar is part of the away team's contingent, table-topping Rangers have enough fire power in Efe Yarhere, Oghogho Oduokpe, Alhaji Gero, Ifeanyi Ede and Ejike Uzoenyi to down Tornadoes and stay top of the standings.
Our prediction: 2-0


Gombe United v Ocean Boys (Pantami Stadium)
Ocean Boys' stay in the top flight looks almost over. They have never won or taken a point away from Gombe and have managed to score just once in five visits.

The situation is even worse for the 2006 champions, as they have struggled to score goals. In their last ten games, they have scored six. Gombe United's Sanusi Sani have started scoring goals again and he will be in line to add more woes to Ocean Boys' troubles.
Our prediction: 2-0


Thursday, July 5, 2012
Enyimba v Heartland (Enyimba Sports Stadium)
This southeast derby is the big clash of the matchday. Six-time champions, Enyimba have the odds in their favour to do the double over Heartland after winning the first game 3-2 in Enugu.

Both teams have poor form guides going into this game - Heartland have not won in their last three games while Enyimba suffered heavy defeats at Gombe United and ABS in their last two games. The People's Elephant will march on and claim all points.
Our prediction: 2-1


*On Week 28, which was the last matchday before a handful of rescheduled games took place, The Predictor scored THREE correct results including TWO perfect scores out of the six games that took place.