By 
There is a lot to fight for and brag about when Vipers SC host Express FC on match day 20 of the Startimes Uganda Premier League this Saturday at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Apart from the fight for points as UPL title race takes shape, pride is always at stake when these two giants lock horns.
Coming into this game, Vipers SC is still unbeaten at home so far this season and will need to pour their hearts out to keep that record intact when the Red Eagles from Wankulukuku pay a visit.
The Venoms, who have dropped just two points out of the possible 30 at home sit joint top of the SUPL log with 43 points while Express FC, who have dropped 12 points away from home sit third on the log with 37 points.
In the last games, Vipers drew goalles with Wakiso Giants at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, their first and only draw at home while Express surrendered a goal-lead to suffer a 2-1 to defeat Soltilo Bright Stars at the Kavumba Recreation Center, Wakiso.
This will be the 23rd meeting between the two sides across all competitions. The Red Eagles have managed 3 wins compared to Vipers’ 10 with 9 ending in draws them.
Victory for the Venoms against the Red Eagles could see them tighten their grip atop of the SUPL, as they would move three points above URA, who face a tricky encounter to Soltilo Bright Stars on Saturday.
While it could also further dent Express’ hopes of a league title this season as the Red Eagles would find themselves nine points below the Venoms.
Team News:
Vipers SC will still be without Bashir Asiku, Muhammad Shaban and Halid Lwaliwa for this crucial game.
Asiku and Shaban are still serving a club suspension due to disciplinary issues while Lwaliwa could be heading out of the club due to contractual issues after he was replaced with Paul Willa as skipper.
For Express FC head coach Wasswa Bbosa will be bolstered by the return of Geoffrey Lwesibawa but will still miss the services of George Senkaaba, Arthur Kiggundu and Abel Eturude, who are all still out due to injuries.
The Red Eagles are winless in the last 7 games against Vipers in the League, with their last win against the hosts coming in 2016, when Derrick Tekwo scored the only goal of the game at Nakivubo Stadium.
The reverse fixture early on in the season ended in a 1-all stalemate after Geoffrey Lwesibawa netted for the Red Eagles while Karim Watambala notched in the equaliser for the Venoms.
Last six head to head results
- 2020-21 Express FC 1-1 Vipers SC
- 2019-20 Vipers SC 3-0 Express FC
- 2018-19 Vipers SC 2-0 Express FC
- 2018-19 Express FC 1-1 Vipers SC
- 2017-18 Vipers SC. 5-0 Express FC
- 2017-18 Express FC 1-2 Vipers SC
The other game to be played today will feature Wakiso Giants who will be paying a visit to Kyetume FC at their new playground in Nakisunga.
More games will be played tomorrow Saturday and Sunday.
