Dicey Tests For Hearts And Kotoko

Joint-leaders Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak face daunting tasks this weekend as the 2011/2012 Premier League reaches the fourth day. In-form Kotoko will be at home to bogey side, Kpando Heart of Lions whilst Hearts travel to Essipong as guests of new entrants Wassaman United. On current form, the two glamorous clubs stands out above their opponents since they have been far less impressive in the three-week old premiership. The Porcupine Warriors look set to tame Lions who have yet to find their feet this season. The Kpando-based club are one side that have given Kotoko sleepless nights on any meeting since their entry into the elite division almost a decade ago. Even though this weekend�s meeting is expected to follow tradition, the Porcupine Warriors are highly favoured to overturn the tables in this encounter. Lions has been depleted by the departure of key players including Kweku Andoh, Gladson Awako and Isaac Morgan to Berekum Chelsea. The absence of the three players has been telling in their game as they have lost the bite that made them dreadful over the years. Asante Kotoko have found a lease of life under new coach Maxwell Konadu whilst players like Ahmed Toure, Michael Akuffo and Nathaniel Asamoah have hit top form this season. At the Essipong stadium, Hearts will add to the woes of Wassaman, who are still struggling in search of their feet in their maiden season in the top flight. The Phobians have improved this season with a performance which matches their title ambitions to mark their centennial year of existence. After successive losses from their two trips outside Accra, Liberty Professionals return to the Dansoman Carl Reindorf to face returnees Tema Youth. The visitors are also without a win and a third defeat will further keep them at lower ranks of the Premier League standings. At Dormaa, former champions Aduana Stars will engage Obuasi Ashantigold in a crunch encounter whilst Wa All Stars look set to get the best out of Bechem United at the Wa Park. League Champions Berekum Chelsea will host Medeama SC at the Golden City Park in another top liner whilst Tudu Mighty Jets may return from their trip to Bekwai empty handed as guests of rising force New Edubiase United. On Saturday, Ebusua Dwarfs will battle it out with Berekum Arsenals at the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast.