The XI players that could start for Hearts Of Oak against Ashantigold SC

Edward Odoom’s Accra Hearts of Oak starts their 2020/21 league season on Tuesday, this time by his own doing. For the league game of the season, he welcomes Ashanti Gold SC to the Accra Sports stadium. Ashanti Gold is a tricky opponent; they’ve been known to give teams like Hearts and Kotoko problems.

Fans of Hearts have to wait longer than most to watch their team. The Phobians first league of the season against Aduana Stars was cancelled because of suspected cases of coronavirus in their camp. The Miners, on the other hand, drew 2-2 with Karela United at the Len Clay sports stadium.

With that mind, here’s how they could line up on Tuesday.

Richard Attah (GK) – Attah will start. End of story. This is perhaps the one position which remains undisputed in a crowded, yet talented squad. Edward Odoom has clearly emphasized clean sheets and Attah is a vital cog in that plan. Be prepared to see another confident display from Attah against the Miners.

Fatawu Mohammed (RB) – Skipper of the side. Has struggled with injuries, but is one of the division’s best on his day. Would be a surprise if he doesn’t start on Tuesday.

Nuru Sulley (CB) – With the options available, predicting Odoom’s centre-back pairing is like predicting when the world is ending. You never know what’s coming. Studying Odoom’s patterns though can mitigate this unpredictability, as he has relied on Sulley more than not during pre-season. The former skipper does a lot of things right but has moments where he completely switches off and is unaware of his surroundings. In a game that will likely see Hearts dominate possession, Odoom will hope a composed Sulley shows up.

James Sewornu (CB) – Sewornu has been a revelation for the Phobians during pre-season. While he has made a mistake or two, he has been reliable at the back and has dominated every forward that has come his way. His aerial dominance cannot be understated either. He can create terror in the opposition’s box when he reaches for every cross into the box on free kicks and corners.

Expect another solid performance from the young defender.

William Denkyi (LB) – Denkyi looks likely to nick the left-back spot off of Raddy Ovouka on Tuesday. While both have played a similar amount of games, Denkyi is more capable of whipping the ball in the box and creating big chances. With his pace going forward, Denkyi will be given the license to push forward and ensure that Hearts comes out with goals.

Emmanuel Nettey (CM) – The lad’s brilliant. Isn’t he? He was a revelation last term and is expected to continue from where he left off last season. He loves to score beautiful goals and is blessed with the ability to assist others to score.

Frederick Ansah Botchway (CM) – After a frustrating season last term, Botchway has been rejuvenated this season. Recognised by many as one of the most intelligent midfielders in the division, the former Liberty man has not had it easy at Hearts. His gritty defensive contribution, slick link-up play and elusive drives from midfield have made him complete midfielder he was billed up during his Liberty days.

Manaf Umar (AM) – The silent Guardian. The Protector. The Bawku knight. These were accolades accorded Manaf Umar in the NC tournament for the Phobians with his splendid displays. Unfortunately, he failed to replicate the same form last term. Elegant, composed and feisty, Umar should take complete control of the midfield on Tuesday.= to give proof that his performances in the NC competition were no fluke.

Michelle Sarpong (RF) – After a slow start to his Hearts career and some expert man-management by Grant, Sarpong started putting in some big performances for the Phobians and became quite an influential player in the NC competition. However, injuries struck and Sarpong struggled for fitness last season. Back to being fully fit, Sarpong should be restored to the line-up. Odoom will hope the tricky forward will find his feet quickly as the Phobians will heavily rely on him in this crunch game.

Victor Aidoo (ST) – Aidoo was terrific for the Phobians in pre-season. He has shown that he is more than just a forward. The former Samartex forward is often seen dropping deep to help out in defence and then sprinting with the ball. His work rate has been exceptional and his movement around the box has been lethal. Aidoo will be at his usual best against Ashanti Gold, and a goal seems to be coming.

Patrick Razak (LF) – The diminutive winger has found his way back into the team. Despite the numerous attacking signings, he has managed to make room for himself through stellar performances early on. He is on fire as he created chances at will and toyed with defenders. It is safe to say that Razak’s pace is one of the most deadly weapons known to mankind. He is ready to destroy Ashanti Gold, and expect the Phobians to go extinct on Tuesday.

Source: Phobianews.com