Express have not lost any of their last three away fixtures (file photo)
StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Kirinya JSS vs Express FC
Mighty Arena, Jinja
Saturday, 08-12-2018 @04:00pm
JINJA – Express FC will be hoping they can bounce back from last week’s disappointing defeat at home to Onduparaka when they take on Kirinya JSS at the Mighty Arena on Saturday.
The Red Eagles lost 2-0 at Wankulukuku in their last game, a result that saw them slip into 9th, four points away from the top four.
It has all not been well at Wankulukuku recently, with Captain, Julius Ntambi indefinitely suspended following reports that he is involved in Match-Fixing.
However, head coach, Kefa Kisala is optimistic the boys will put all that aside and try to win the game in Jinja.
“The game away to Kirinya will be a difficult one, said Kefa in a phone interview.
“They are a very good side and we go into the tie with some off the pitch issues.
“However, the players look like they have put all that behind them and i am positive they will respond with a performance that will hopefully see us get all three points.
Express FC will not be with Julius Ntambi who is suspended. Tony Odur has been on and off in the build up to the game and it remains to be seen if he will feature. Ibrahim Kayiwa was not part of the last training on Friday and chances are high he will not be involved.
Express’s opponents, Kirinay JSS are one of two sides yet to win a game at home this season, something which is a concern to head Coach Charles Ayieko.
“We are under pressure to perform at home as we are yet to win in our own back yard, said Ayieko ahead of the game.
“It is a concern psychologically but it is something that i have been working on lately and hope the hard work pays off on Saturday.
“The team is in good shape, no longer concede silly goals.
The only other problem is now the striking line after going two games minus finding the back of the net but i am confident the run will end against Express.
Kirinya have been in wanting form lately, winning only one of their last 7 games in the league and consequently, sit a mere four points away from the relegation zone.
Match Facts:
This will be the fifth ever top flight meeting between the two sides.
In the four prior to this, each has won one and drawn the other two.
Kirinya registered four points off Express last season including a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture.
Going into the game, Kirinya have registered only two victories this season (D5 L2). The two wins came away to Nyamityobora to Tooro United and Nyamityobora.
Kirinya are currently on a 7 games winless home run which dates back to last season. Coincidently, their last victory at home came in the 2-0 defeat of Express in April.
For Express FC go into the game, having won only three of their 9 games this season (L2 D4).
However, they have been decent away from home, winning two and drawing the other of their last three games.
The other games of Saturday (all at 4pm):
-Onduparaka FC vs Paidah Black Angels
-KCCA FC vs Ndejje University
-Bright Stars vs Bul FC
-Mbarara City vs URA FC
-Tooro United vs Nyamityobora FC
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