ANALYSIS: 11 players likely to start for Hearts in the Super 2 clash

Ahead of the Super Clash, Joy Sports Kweku Arhin predicts the likely 11 for the Phobians

1. SOULAMA ABDOULAYE ( GOALKEEPER, 8 APPEARANCES, 3 CLEAN SHEETS)

Soulama will face Kotoko for only the second time since he crossed carpets to the Phobian camp. The Burkinabe has been a bag of inconsistency all season with some fantastic displays in some matches and howlers in others. In his only other Super 2 clash as a Phobian, he was phenomenal guiding his side to a clean sheet. His aerial command and reflexes will be brought to test on Monday.

2. FATAU MOHAMMED (RIGHT BACK, 5 APPEARANCES, O GOAL)

The young right back is likely to start in the absence of regular left back Kennedy Appiah. This means Owusu Bempah shifts to left back. In Fatau, have a fast defender who is not shy to take on the ball and make attacking forays. The downside to his game however is lack of an end product. In his 5 games for the Phobians, he has found himself in promising positions but his final cross or pass has always been found wanting. On his core duty which is defending, he is good at tackling and a decent marker.

3. OWUSU BEMPAH ( LEFT BACK,9 APPEARANCES, 1 ASSIST)

The versatile full back is set to continue as the left back in the absence of Kennedy Appiah. Bempah, just like Soulama, is an inconsistent figure. So good one day and simply awful the next. There is nothing really to expect from Bempah but if there is one thing known about him, his endeavor can never be faulted. He will race down the wing all game and even if he puts in an awful cross, he will sure ask for the ball yet again on the next attack.

4. ROBIN GNAGNE (CENTER BACK, 9 APPEARANCES, 2 ASSISTS)

The captain is the rock on which Hearts live on. If Robin Gnagne is on fire, expect Hearts not to concede otherwise, Hearts will be in for trouble. Robin Gnagne is expected to start play for the Phobians from the back with his ability to bring the ball out of defence for the Phobians. His biggest enemy is pace as he is has already been exposed by Emmanuel Ocran but he compensates that with strong tackling and good reading of situations. In addition to this, he has gone up top to assist all of Sam Yeboah’s goals this season. Will he have the nerve to take another penalty should the Phobians get one after his miss in August?

5. RICHARD AKROFI ( 7 APPEARNACES, 0 GOALS)
Nothing fanciful, nothing glossy but Akrofi will get the work done. He is not in the mood for all the pleasures as he is constantly looking to sniff out danger. A no nonsense defender who is solely focused on his core duty of defending. His marking and tackling is superb as well as upper body strength and he will be in for a tough afternoon with Kwame Boateng.

6. EMMANUEL SARBAH LARYEA (DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD 8 APPEARANCES, 0 GOALS)

The defensive midfielder is a smooth operator for the Phobians. He does not delight fans with fancy flicks or passes but he gets his work done. He wins tackles in the middle of the field and with his good range of passing, begins the Hearts attacking. His mobility is an added advantage which allows him to cover a lot of grounds. He will be influential in how the team dominates proceedings.

7. PAUL ACQUAH (RIGHT MIDFIELD 3 APPEARNACE, 0 GOALS)

The youngster is set to start on the right with Eric Kumi moving up top in Sam Yeboah’s absence. The winger who was introduced into the first team by David Duncan has a lot of pace and trickery in his bag. He will run at the Kotoko defence all day but just like Fatau, his final ball has always found him wanting. He missed the beginning of the season with an injury but he is gradually regaining the form which made him one of Hearts best players in the Confederations Cup last season.

8. MUSTAPHA ESSUMAN (CENTRAL MIDFIELD, 9 APPEARANCES, 1 GOAL)

The experienced midfielder is the unsung hero in the Hearts midfield. He influences the game like no other as he dictates the tempo for the Phobians. Quick feet, quick thinking and an eye for the pass is the hall mark of the rasta haired midfielder. His composure in midfield allows the Phobians the ability to pass through midfield and knock the ball around. One man who can surely be credited for Hearts fine start to the season.

9. ERIC KUMI (CENTER FORWARD, 8 APPEARNCES, 1 GOAL)

The true position of Kumi is unknown as he can play anywhere across the frontline but what is certain is he will put in a shift for the Phobians. Kumi is a workaholic and with this, he hurries and pressurizes defenders all day. His finishing and final pass have been questioned but his efforts can never be. His main asset is his speed as he wlll use it to stretch the Kotoko defence. In Yeboah’s absence he Is expected to lead the line.

10. COSMOS DAUDA ( CENTER FORWARD, 8 APPEARANCES, 4 GOALS)

Cosmos needs no introduction. He has been the most talked about Phobian In the build up to the game. Dauda can play with his back to goal or facing goal. He can work in the channels and most importantly find the net. Ahmed Adams and Osei Agyeman will have their work cut out handling the physically strong Cosmos Dauda.

11. ISAAC MESAH (LEFT MIDFIED, 9 APPEARANCES, 2 GOALS)

The skillful midfielder has been an ever present in the Hearts team this season. His work rate and magic has made it hard to overlook him. Mensah is fast becoming an all round player and an improved player than the one who faced Kotoko in August where he was jittery. Mensah is now brimming with confidence and will be itching to have the ball all the time.

Should Kennedy Appiah and Sam Yeboah be fit enough to start, then Paul Acquah and Fatau Mohammed will start from the bench.

Follow Kweku on Twitter: @nana_odum. Get more updates on Facebook/Twitter with the #JoySports hashtag

Story by Ghana/Joy Sports/Kweku Arhin