The Predictor – Bayelsa derby takes stage

Source: MTNFootball.com

It will be the first time that Bayelsa United and Nembe City will come up face-to-face in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and in the Bayelsa derby.

Previously, the Bayelsa derby in the top flight was usually between Bayelsa United and Ocean Boys (now Divine Warriors).

The battle for top spot will also continue with Bayelsa United, Kano Pillars, Gombe United and Nembe City all in with chances to dislodge table-toppers Heartland.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Bayelsa United v Nembe City (Samson Siasia Stadium)

Both teams are tied on 20 points each but City are in fourth spot, one place ahead of their more illustrious rivals. This two-year-old derby is definitely going to be a grudge game.

Bayelsa United and Nembe City have done well since earning promotion to the top flight. I expect this game to end in a draw.

My prediction: 1-1

3SC v Nasarawa United (Lekan Salami Stadium)

3SC are just one place above the bottom four after losing at home to Heartland. But the Oluyole Warriors will be keen to rebound to winning ways after that setback and I reckon Nasarawa United certainly won't offer them an easy route to three points.

It's good news that 3SC will have wing-back Mutiu Adegoke back for this tie. I don't see the Solid Miners leaving Ibadan unscathed.

My prediction: 2-1

Wikki Tourists v Warri Wolves (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium)

Wolves have taken three points from 18 away points. They head to Bauchi where they have avoided defeat once in five visits. Wolves will be without Nigeria defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe for this tie.

Wikki bolstered their playing personnel especially the attack in the recent transfer window and I think they will take this by just a goal.

My prediction: 1-0

Kano Pillars v Kaduna United (Sani Abacha Stadium)

The Crocodiles have lost their last five games in Kano, and I think it will stretch to six on Wednesday. Kaduna United have lost all of their six away games this term and will meet Pillars at a time when they are financially motivated.

Though Kano Pillars are without striker Gambo Mohammed, they shouldn't be troubled by the Crocodiles.

My prediction: 3-1

El-Kanemi Warriors v Sharks (El-Kanemi Stadium)

It is too early to tag this tie a six-pointer though both teams find themselves in the bottom four. Last time both teams clashed in the top flight was in 2005 in this same game and the Warriors won by 1-0.

I'm expecting the hosts to put up a good show especially their front men of Ezekiel Thompson and Ebube Okpokwu if they feature. I'll go for a win for the home team.

My prediction: 2-1

Sunshine Stars v Heartland (Akure Township Stadium)

It's four games on the trot without a win for the Akure Gunners who come up against table-topping Heartland. The Naze Millionaires appear to have turned the corner after a stumbling start to the season

Sunshine Stars captain, Godfrey Oboabona is out of this tie as he has linked up with the Nigerian squad for their busy June schedule. This game will be scrappy and I see it ending in a draw.

My prediction: 1-1

ABS v Enugu Rangers (Kwara State Stadium)

Last season Rangers did the double on ABS but too bad their season is beginning to look like it's imploding as they've struggled to score goals. Equally ABS have not scored in 270 minutes of league football but I'll stick with them to edge this game by the odd goal.

My prediction: 1-0

Akwa United v Enyimba (Uyo Township Stadium)

Akwa United have not lost a top flight game to Enyimba in five years but I feel Enyimba are slightly in a position now to earn that first away win of the season. Salisu Yusuf has got to put out a squad that will battle well against Akwa United.

Akwa United will come with their usual swashbuckling style, I'll put my bet on the two-time African champions to win this.

My prediction: 0-1

Lobi Stars v Kwara United (Emmanuel Atongo Stadium)

Lobi Stars have dropped just two points at home and have not lost in this corresponding fixture to Kwara United in the past 10 years.

Last matchday Kwara United surrendered two points to Dolphins in Ilorin from a winning position and for the consecutive matchday I will not tip them to win.

My prediction: 1-0

Dolphins v Gombe United (Liberation Stadium; live on SuperSport 9)

Dolphins even without their regular players have done well going undefeated in their last two matches. The Savannah Scorpions come calling this mid-week and Stanley Eguma's men will relish the chance of winning this.

Fred Okwara has scored four goals in four games and I expect him to continue with that form against Gombe United who have dropped all points on the road this season.

My prediction: 2-0

*The Predictor got eight results out of nine right including five perfect scores on Matchday 13.