2020/21 GPL: Match Preview: Asante Kotoko aim top spot in battle against Karela United

Asante Kotoko will take on Karela United on match day 30 of the Ghana Premier League at the Len Clay stadium on Wednesday.

The Porcupine Warriors who sit behind rivals Hearts of Oak in the standings are seven points richer than Karela United who are in third place with 46 points – a win will move Kotoko to the top of the table for at least 24 hours as leaders Hearts of Oak face Legon Cities on Thursday.

Asante Kotoko have gone eight matches without defeat (5 wins, 3 draws) scoring 12 goals and conceding seven in the process – only Hearts of Oak have scored more in their last eight Premier League outings (13). Their last League defeat was on Saturday, April 24 when they gave away an early lead to lose 2-1 to Medeama SC – the only loss since their move from Accra to Obuasi.

The Porcupine Warriors have been on fire in their last two games scoring six goals in all competitions – (3-2) against Inter Allies and (3-1) against Thunderbolt FC in the MTN FA Cup.

On player update, Coach Mariano Baretto is spoilt for choice at left back following the return of Moro Ibrahim from International assignment with the Black Meteors. Patrick Asmah fitted in that role during his absence. Defender Abdul Ganiyu Ismail has also recovered fully for the match -the former Wa All Stars player picked up an injury in the 3-2 win against Inter Allies.

Karela United have huffed and puffed in the second round of the League – winning three, losing one and drawing four in their last eight matches. Their away record in the League has been less impressive – three draws, one defeat in the last four matches on the road.

League top scorer Diawusie Taylor is expected to give them a lift after returning home from the Asian Tour with the Black Meteors. Taylor scored on Sunday in their 2-1 loss to Medeama SC in the MTN FA Cup.

Asante Kotoko won the reverse fixture 2-0 at Ayinase in the first round of the season.

The match is scheduled for 3pm kick off and will be live on StarTimes.