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Record Uganda Premier League champions SC Villa will host rivals and defending champions Express FC in what promises to be a thrilling Kampala derby in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League on Saturday at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru.
Both sides haven’t been at their best this season with Jogoos fighting to avoid the drop while the Red Eagles are lingering in mid-table.
Villa are 12th on log with 25 points, only four above the drop with only seven games left while Express are sixth with 36 points.
Heading into the game proper, Express have garnered just four points from their possible 15 on the road and looks like a side that has failed to turn a corner since the departure of Wasswa Bbosa.
Meanwhile, youthful SC Villa, who have collected most of their points at home (15 out of 25 ) will be without head coach Petros Koukouras who is serving a one-match ban for his unsporting behavior in their last league game (against Wakiso Giants).
They had fell to URA FC before Wakiso Giants having just broken their nine game winless run against Gaddafi FC three weeks ago.
This will be the third meeting between the two sides this season after their Uganda Cup encounter that ended in a 4-2 spotkick victory for Villa. The game in the UPL first leg ended 0-0.
Last Result
Both sides won their last league games with SC Villa defeating Wakiso Giants away while Express edged Police at home.
What a win could mean
A win for the Jogoos will take them to 28 points in 8th, just ahead of Gadaffi FC.
While a victory for the Red Eagles in this encounter will strengthen them in 6th with 39 points since Arua Hill SC who are above them have a better goal difference.
Team News.
Express FC ‘s Martin Kizza returns after healing from a dental infection while Mahad Yaya, Abel Etrude, Murushid Juuko and Deus Bukenya are unavailable for selection.
The Jogoos will be without Ronald Ssekiganda who has just be operated, Charles Bbaale, Isma Mugulusi and Allan Nyanzi
They welcome back Salim Abdallah to league action after a long time on the sidelines.
Possible lineups.
SC Villa: Martin Ssenkooto(GK) , Gavin Kizito, Kenneth Ssemakula, Gift Fred, Fred Agandu, Joseph Kafumbe, Amir Kakomo, Travis Mutyaba, Sadam Juma, Nicholas Kabonge, Benson Muhindo.
Express FC: Denis Otim (GK) , Enock Walusimbi, John Byamukama, Sadiq Ssekyembe, Issa Lumu, Arthur Kiggundu, Daniel Shabene, Ivan Mayanja, Joseph Akandwanaho, George Ssenkaaba, Eric Kambale
Head to Head:
Express FC has won only once in 9 previous league meetings against SC Villa in the League.
These are the last meetings between the two sides over the years
2021/2022
- Express 0-0 SC Villa
2020/2021
- SC Villa 0-0 Express
- Express 1-0 SC Villa
2019/2020
- SC Villa 1-0 Express
- Express 0-1 SC Villa
2018/2019
- Express 1-1 SC Villa
- SC Villa 2-0 Express
2017/2018
- Express 0-0 SC Villa
- SC Villa 1-0 Express
2016/2017
- Express 1-0 SC Villa
- SC Villa 3-2 Express
2015/2016
- Express 0-0 SC Villa
- SC Villa 3-2 Express
2014/2015
- Express 0-3 SC Villa
- SC Villa 3-0 Express
2013/2014
- SC Villa 0-2 Express
- Express 1-0 SC Villa
2012/2013
- SC Villa 0-2 Express
- Express 0-1 SC Villa
