GPL Preview: Hearts embark on daunting trip to Nzema as Karela lie in wait for defending champions   

Match Week 14 of the Ghana Premier League begins with a crunchy fixture as Karela United FC host Accra Hearts of Oak on Saturday.

The game at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park in Ayinase presents different tests for both sides.

Karela United head into the match spurred by their surprise 2-0 win against King Faisal last weekend at Kumasi. The result was the first away win of the season for Coach Bismark Kobby Mensah’s side and they will hope to start a positive streak of results.

Umar Bashiru who inspired that remarkable achievement after scoring a brace in Kumasi is expected to lead by example against Hearts of Oak.

In fact, Karela have yet to lose to Hearts of Oak at home and aims to maintain that unbeaten run with their recent surge in form. The Pride of Nzema have have posted two wins, two draws and one defeat in their last five outings.

The visitors face a herculean task of rescuing their campaign having huffed and puffed thus far, throwing their title defence in the air.

Hearts of Oak pummeled Eleven Wonders 4-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium last week to move up the League log but have lacked consistency in the opening half of the season.

With three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five Premier League matches, Hearts of Oak sit in 7th place with 20 points – 7 points behind leaders Asante Kotoko.

Kofi Kordzie seems to have rediscovered his scoring shoes – following his return from injury. The burly attacker scored a brace against Eleven Wonders on Sunday and added to his goals in the FA Cup 5-2 win against Golden Kicks at the Accra Sports stadium.

Coach Samuel Boadu’s side are now finding goals from different sources aside top marksman Kofi Kordzie, with the likes of James Serwornu, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Kojo Obeng Jnr. finding the back of the net in recent matches.

The game, scheduled for 3pm kick off at the CAM Park on Saturday will be live on StarTimes Adepa channel 247.