GPL Preview: Limping Hearts of Oak journey to Bibiani to face GoldStars

Defending Ghana Premier League champions Accra Hearts of Oak are in action on Saturday as they journey to Bibiani to face a difficult test against GoldStars.

The Duns Park will host this GPL Match Week 12 encounter as both sides approach it with different objectives.

Hearts’ title defense has not gone according to plan so far as they find themselves occupying the 9th position on the league standings on 14 points (with two games in hand). Inconsistent results have characterized their season so far leaving Coach Samuel Boadu in hot water in the matches ahead.

They come into this game fresh from a disappointing 0-0 stalemate against Bechem United at the Accra Sports stadium. The result triggered the disappointment and fury of some fans who have taken aim at management for their plight.

Surely, Hearts will want to improve their situation in the league by recording a positive result.

Bibiani GoldStars are having a good debut season in Ghana’s top flight with a record of 4 wins, 1 draw and 6 defeats in 11 games played.

They currently sit 11th on the table having accumulated 13 points, 1 fewer than their opponents on Saturday.

All of their wins (4) in the GPL have come at home. In 5 home games played they boast a record of 4 wins and one defeat (against Asante Kotoko) scoring 7 goals and conceding 2.

They come into this game on the back of an away defeat to King Faisal and would want to claim maximum points at home when Hearts come to town.

TEAM NEWS

By way of team news, Hearts of Oak will be without the services of number one goalkeeper Richard Attah who’s currently in the Black Stars camp. At the same time, second choice Goalkeeper Richmond Ayi will also sit out this game due to injury. Captain Fatawu Mohammed is reportedly not part of the squad and that also leaves Hearts depleted for this crunchy encounter.

Bibiani Gold Stars Head Coach Michael Osei should have the full complement of his squad for the game.

FORM GUIDE

Accra Hearts of Oak have won only one game on the road – a 1-0 win against Elmina Sharks on December 15, 2021 – with the other three ending in one defeat and two draws.

Depsite the disappointing home draw against Bechem in their last game, Hearts of Oak remain unbeaten in their last 5 games (W3, D2).

The Phobians have kept 4 clean sheets during this stretch and that should give their defense some confidence.

After conceding 4 goals in their first four games, Hearts of Oak have now allowed only 2 goals in their last 5.

Bibiani Gold Stars have won 4 out of 5 home games. They have scored in all home games but one (which they lost to Asante Kotoko by 1nil).

The match is live on StarTimes Adepa channel 247 on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at DUN’S Park.