Can Ashgold Survive In Lions’ Den?

Ashantigold need to recover from fatigue just in time to survive the home invincibility of Heart of Lions in this afternoon's Onetouch Premier League thriller at Kpando.

Combining continental assignments with local engagements has taken a toll on the Miners, putting unbearable pressure on the players to deliver, even with weak limbs.

How the Ashantigold players handle this challenge will largely determine their fate in a difficult terrain where only league leaders, Hearts of Oak, have succeeded so far.

This is going to be a battle between two consistent performers with a lot in common. Comparatively, the two teams have talent in-depth and can be counted among the few exciting performers in the league.

Interestingly, Ashantigold are second with 37 points, two ahead of their opponents who trail them on the table.

This means that Ashantigold will lose their position to Lions in case of defeat, while an away win will keep the Miners' pursuit of Hearts on course.

With the injury of livewire, Opoku Agyeman in last Sunday's Champions League game, Coach David Duncan will be compelled to pair Israeli returnee, Alex Asamoah, Shaibu Yakubu or Sadick Adams alongside Alfred Arthur in the Ashantigold attack.

How stalwart defender, Jonathan Quartey, fares against former teammates like Hitman, Sadat Bukari, Eric Bekoe, Abraham Annan and Obed Ansah will add to the attraction.

Fourth-placed Kumasi Asante Kotoko, who are still licking their wounds after crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of Ports Authority of The Gambia last Saturday, are expected to make visiting Bofoakwa Tano the sacrificial lambs at Cape Coast to pacify their long-suffering followers.

Though down, Power FC still believe they are not out yet. That fighting spirit could secure them victory over their guests, RTU, at Ho and lift them from the bottom again at the end of the day.

Last but one Feyenoord will fight hard as usual against Liberty Professionals at Dansoman today, but whether their best will be enough to secure them any point against their opponents who beat them 1-0 at home in the first round is a mystery yet to be unravelled.

At Sunyani, King Faisal will not have it easy trying to pay back Real Sportive for their 1-0 first round win, while the Gamba All Blacks' home game against Tema Youth is too close to call.

Berekum Arsenal, who are difficult to beat at home, have a fine opportunity to seek revenge against Great Olympics at the Golden City Park, with Hearts seeking to stretch their lead when they play their first home match at their newly-adopted Dansoman Park against Hasaacas tomorrow.

Preview by Samuel Ebo Kwaitoo