Uganda Premier League
SC Villa vs Express FC
Mandela National Stadium 4:00pm
Derbies across the world come with one thing and that is pride. Each side want to trounce their bitter rivals to have the bragging rights.
That will be the case as SC Villa play host to eternal rivals Express at Mandela national stadium on Saturday in the Uganda premier league.
Much as the fierce competition, hype and anticipation has grossly reduced in reference to what the clash produced in the late 80s and 90s, the raging rivalry still exists in both camps and was the reason why the fixtures during the 2014/15 season ended in violence.
The Kampala derby comes at a time when SC Villa seem the better and composed side but that doesn’t necessarily matter during such games. The team with more passion usually takes the day.
SC Villa sit third on the table with 18 points, seven behind league leaders KCCA FC but the Jogoos have played two games less.
On the other hand, the red Eagles come into today’s clash occupying 7th position on 14 points, four behind their opponents today.
Recent form
Sc villa come into the cross city derby in better shape winning three of their last five league games, losing one and drawing one.
BUL 0-1 SC Villa
SC Villa 2-1 The Saints
Onduparaka 4-3 SC Villa
SC Villa 1-1 Soana
SC Villa 3-0 Proline
On the other hand, Express have had a poor run in their previous five games winning just once, losing one game while the other three have ended in stalemates.
Express 0-0 Bright stars
Police 3-3 Express
Express 1-1 Kirinya Jinja SS
KCCA 3-1 Express
Vipers 0-1 Express
Team news
SC Villa
The Shafik Bisaso coached side have a few injury concerns with defender Ibrahim Kiyemba the major absentee after sustaining an injury in the 1-0 win against BUL last week. Bernard Muwanga who returned to training a fortnight ago will not feature due to lack of match fitness.
Holding midfielder Tadeo Lwanga formerly at Express is suspended for card accumulation and Abel Eturude is expected to take up the role in today’s clash.
Express FC
The red eagles will still miss the services of arguably the best right back this season, Musa Mukasa who is still serving suspension after getting a red card in the game against Police.
Left back Ismael Kazibwe is still sidelined and Yayo Lutimba is expected to keep playing as a makeshift defender.
Propable starting lineups
SC Villa
Yasin Mugabi, Joseph Nsubuga, Yesseri Waibi, Henry Katongole, Paul Mbowa, Abel Eturude, Ayub Kisaalita, Mike Sserumaga, Alex Kitata, Lwesibawa Godfrey, AbduMalik Vitalis Tabu
Express FC
Ali Kiggundu, Richard Kigozi, Yayo Lutimba, Bob Kasozi, Farouk Matovu, Tekkwo Derrick, Stephen Luswata, Saddam Ibrahim Juma, Herman Wasswa, John Ssemazi, Mike Mutyaba.