Hostilities will be renewed when Hearts of Oak host Elmina Sharks on Match Week 12 of the Ghana Premier League.
The Rainbow club is desperate to catch up with the top 4 and see this match as an opportunity to atone for their drab away performance against Karela United the last time around.
Accra Hearts of Oak are in search of a fifth win of the campaign. The home side has won two of their five home matches this term scoring six and conceded the same number of goals in the process.
Going into this game, the Phobians are unbeaten in the last five league games (W2, D3).
In Sharks, Hearts of Oak face an opponent that has shown they can spring a surprise on their away travels.
The Elmina based club have recorded victories in trips to Inter Allies and Medeama this season; in the case of Medeama, they became the first away side to score at Akon Park against the Mauve and Yellow as well as end the home side unbeaten home run.
Sharks are actually on a 3 match winning run in the league, their best streak so far this season and their form should worry Hearts of Oak Coach Edward Odoom whose side has also struggled to find consistent form.
Another major problem facing Hearts is their lusterless display upfront. Chance conversion is shockingly low and this needs to change soon if Hearts are to mount a serious challenge for the title.
They are currently 7 points off the top placed team, Aduana Stars who after their away victory against Dreams have a point tally of 23.
TEAM NEWS:
Hearts of Oak have no injury worries.
Coach Edward Nii Odoom is likely to start with the game with these players.
Richard Attah, Fatawu Mohammed, RAddy Ovouka, Robert Sowah Addo, Mohammed Alhassan, Bejamin Afuttu, Emmanuel Nettey, Fred Ansah Botchway, Joseph Esso, Daniel Afriyie, Kofi Kordzi.
Abednego Tetteh is expected to feature st some point in the game for Hearts.
For Sharks, Coach Yaw Acheampong is likely to start with this lineup.
Martey Bawa Lord, Dennis Mensah, Daniel Obeng, Mustapha Alhaji, Issaka Mohammed, Ishmael Hammond, Emmanuel Addington Gustav, Benjamin Arthur, Bernard Boateng, Benjamin Tweneboah, Augustine Owusu
MATCH FACTS:
HEAD-TO-HEAD
NC Special Competition 2019
19.05.2019: Hearts of Oak 3 – 1 Elmina Sharks
03.04.2019: Elmina Sharks 1 – 0 Hearts of Oak
Premier League 2017
25.06.2017: Elmina Sharks 0 – 2 Hearts of Oak
16.04.2017: Hearts of Oak 1 – 1 Elmina Sharks
This will be the 3rd premier league meeting between the sides.
Hearts have the advantage with a win and a draw.
During the NC Special competition, both teams won their home games.
Elmina Sharks have scored on their two trips to the Accra Sports stadium to face Hearts.
Sharks have already won a game at the Accra Sports stadium; a 3-2 result against Inter Allies
