Uganda Premier League
Express FC vs SC Villa
BetWay Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku
Saturday, 19-12-2020 @3pm
KAMPALA – Back in 1975, Nakivubo Boys (now SC Villa) was born and most of its founding players were Express rejects.
Despite both teams playing in different divisions, a rivalry on which Ugandan football has been shaped was given birth to.
45 years down the road and 22 league titles between them (Villa 16 and Express 6), the rivalry still exists although not as fierce and bloody as it was once was.
With KCCA FC and Vipers fighting for the League crown of recent, Express and Villa have endured frustrating recent seasons, battling at the wrong end of the table but despite the change in ambitions, both sets of fans still treasure the games between the two eternal rivals.
In the past few seasons, both Express and Villa have endured relegation scares with the Red Eagles doing so in the 2017/18 campaign while 2018/19 was the Jogoos turn.
On Saturday afternoon, the two sides will face off for the first time in the 2020/21 season, at the Betway Mutessa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.
Both sides have started well this campaign with Express winning one and drawing two of their opening three games. The Red Eagles sit in 7th spot currently and are still one of six side yet to taste defeat.
Express head coach Wasswa Bbosa noted that his side knows how big the game is and have been working on their finishing after wasting a host of chances against Mbarara City FC in their latest contest.
“We have been working on our finishing which i felt was lacking against Mbarara City. He said during the pre-match press conference.
“We know how big a game this is but the players know that the target is a win but we respect Villa because they are a good side.”
Getting a victory will not be easy as they take on a Villa side that has started well.
The Jogoos currently have 7 points from four games, winning twice and drawing once.
They are coming off a 2-1 victory at home to KCCA FC, a result that should motivate them positively ahead of the game on Saturday.
Team news
Express FC captain Enock Walusimbi returns from suspension and is available for selection. Midfielder Ibrahim Kayiwa is not available due to his ankle injury. Forward Kiragga Mustafa still misses out due to a delayed ITC. Kakooza Mahad Yaya is ruled out due to a knee injury. Musiige Charles faces a late fitness test with his muscle injury which also ruled him out of the game against Mbarara City.
For Villa, they will be without goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige due to accumulated yellow cards. Kibirige’s absence coincides with the availability of Saidi Keni for the first time this season after receiving his license. Defender Joseph Nsubuga has recovered from illness and will be available for selection.
Match Facts
This is the 21st meeting between the two sides since January 2011.
In the previous 20 match-ups, SC Villa have won 10, Express 5 and the other 5 have ended in draws.
Villa have been enjoying the better ran in fixtures between these two recently, winning 6 of the last 10 games whilst losing only once and drawing thrice.
Las season, Villa won both games against Express 1-0.
The other game on Saturday @4pm
-MYDA FC vs Mbarara City FC
-UPDF FC vs Police FC
-Kitara FC vs Onduparaka FC
Sunday’s fixtures
-Kyetume FC vs BUL FC @1pm
-Busoga United FC vs Vipers SC @3:30pm
UPL results on Friday
-KCCA FC 1-2 URA FC
-Wakiso Giants FC 2-2 Bright Stars FC
