The Brief: Express FC v Vipers SC

STARTIMES UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE
DATE: February 9, 2021
TIME: 4pm
VENUE: Wankulukuku Stadium
Live on Sanyuka TV

Vipers have a chance to go top of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL)) table should they pick up three points off Express FC on Tuesday evening (February 9, 2021) at the Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

The Venoms are oozing confidence following a convincing display over the weekend which saw them ruthlessly dispatch topflight debutants MYDA FC 7-0 at the St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.

The scoreline – the biggest for home side in recent years – was welcomed with raving reviews across the regional divide and Vipers will be keen to build on that momentum going into the Express FC clash.

But coach Fred Kajoba is well aware that his side’s unbeaten run this season will be put to a real test by an improved and confident opponent with hindsight that the Red Eagles with the Red Army’s backing offer a hostile environment in their backyard.

“We know the kind of opponent we are going to play and the atmosphere,” said Kajoba.

“They’re a good side but we are set for the challenge. We are not going to be complacent despite our last win.”

“We expect our opponent to play the same way and we attack from our defence. But the most important thing for us is to play according to our plan.”

Here are some vital stats between the two sides;

Express has scored a goal in each of their last four games this season and they are yet to lose a game at home. The Red Eagles beat both Bright Stars FC and SC Villa at a ground they seem intent on turning into a ‘fortress’ this term.

But except for the 1-0 history over nemesis SC Villa, Express have leaked a goal in all their last three matches.

Express FC’s recent form:
Express FC 1-0 SC Villa
Mbarara City 1-1 Express FC
Express FC 2-1 Bright Stars
Onduparaka 1-1 Express FC

Vipers SC recent form:
Vipers SC 7-0 MYDA FC
Busoga Utd 3-5 Vipers SC
Wakiso Giants 1-1 Vipers SC
Vipers SC 2-1 Kitara FC

Story of Confrontations:
Vipers SC 3-0 Express FC (12.10.2019)
Vipers SC 2-0 Express FC (01.03.2019)
Express FC 1-1 Vipers SC (07.11.2018)
Vipers SC 5-0 Express FC (22.05.2018)
Express FC 1-2 Vipers SC (20.12.2017)

Vipers’ first-ever victory over Express was on November 22, 2007 when Tony Odur scored the only goal in a 1-0 win at Nakivubo Stadium and the Venoms have gone on to dominate the fixture up to-date.

Dan Sserunkuma reserves his best for Express as he has managed to score five goals although these have been at the St Mary’s Stadium. He netted a hattrick during the 2017/18 season and a brace the season after.

Team News:

This fixture comes a little too early for Milton Karisa who is still recovering from a thigh injury.

Disan Galiwango will face his former paymasters for the first time since joining Vipers last July.

Fred Kajoba will have a selection headache as his core squad is fit and available for selection.

Copyright 2021 Vipers Sports Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.viperssc.co.ug as the source.