1. Have Eleven Wonders already been relegated?
Mathematically, Eleven Wonders have a chance to survive. The beleaguered club has 36 good points to fight for, so on paper, they can survive, but it is extremely unrealistic. This is Eleven Wonders over the last five matchdays in the Premier League: one win, against Holy Stars in the relegation six-pointer, and four defeats in the last four. The club has conceded 10 goals and scored none. This is relegation stuff, and it is a little shocking that they have won only 9 points all season. A trip to Karela, who has dropped just seven points out of 30 in home games, is a difficult one as defeat stares them once again.
2. Hohoe United travels to Dormaa amid relegation fears
Aduana Stars’ last two games have undoubtedly boosted their morale ahead of the visit of the struggling Hohoe United. Aduana Stars eliminated Kumasi Asante Kotoko in the MTN FA Cup in Kumasi, leading to the resignation of coach Abdul-Karim Zito. The Ogya Boys in the Premier League secured a precious point at Tarkwa in the make-or-break fixture against Medeama. These two wonderful results suggest the Ogya Boys will have a good run for the rest of the season. Aduana have uncharacteristically won just one Premier League game in the last five at the Agyeman Badu Stadium. If they are to genuinely challenge for the title, they have to make the venue a fortress for the rest of the season. It is operation lets win all three points against the lowly Hohoe United in Dormaa-Ahenkro. The Volta Region-based club is in dire need of points, but Dormaa-Ahenkro won’t smile at them.
3. Will relegation-threatened Young Apostles pile more pressure on Kotoko?
Young Apostles are in a mess. Asante Kotoko are in a mess. The two clubs’ forms make this match a must-win for both sides. The Wenchi-based club has won only one game in the last five league games, just like Kotoko. Coach-less Porcupine Warriors lost for the first time in the league against Hearts of Oak in Kumasi for the first time since 2015. The club needs a huge lift, just like their opponent. Which stars will step up to rescue these two struggling clubs? Young Apostles are in a relegation battle, sitting in 16th place, while Asante Kotoko, who are nine points behind the leaders Medeama at the moment, occupy 5th position and will fight for a Top 4 slot.
4. Could Holy Stars v All Blacks be a relegation six-pointer?
Sweduru All Blacks sits in 10th place, as Holy Stars sits a place just above the relegation zone. There are four locations between them, but only three points separate the two. It is undeniably a match where the three points will be so crucial for the survival battle. All Blacks at Sweduru recorded a hard-fought 1-0 win over Samartex, while Holy Stars was eviscerated 3-0 in Bibiani by Gold Stars in Week 22. It is certainly a relegation six-pointer because the two teams could be locked in a relegation battle at the tail end of the season.
5. Hearts of Oak must beat Chelsea to keep title hopes alive
Phobia are unbeaten in the last five GPL games. Phobia has not conceded a goal in the last five GPL games. Phobia has not been threatened much by any opponent in the past matchdays. This is a title challenging performances. Mas-Ud Didi Dramani’s charges won in Kumasi with 10 men against Kotoko last week. The win came at a very crucial moment because they are targeting a title challenge. Boasting arguably the best player of the entire league, Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has been superb of late for the club, as his leadership has been immeasurable. Phobia faces Berekum Chelsea, who have been underperforming under Samuel Boadu. Boadu has been linked with the vacant position at Kotoko and must not have divided attention because his side is not safe. A win for Phobia will pile more pressure on Medeama and Gold Stars, who occupied the first and second positions on the log, respectively.
Week 23 Fixtures
Saturday 21st February
Vision v Bechem United
Sunday 22nd February
Aduana Stars v Hohoe
Heart of Lions v Bibiani Gold Stars
Holy Stars v Sweduru All Blacks
Karela v Eleven Wonders
Nations v Dreams FC
Samartex v Medeama SC
Young Apostles v Asante Kotoko
Hearts of Oak v Berekum Chelsea
**All games kick off at 3 pm except Hearts of Oka’s v Berekum Chelsea, which will start at 3:30 pm
