Gor keen to impress as they host Ulinzi Stars in nail-biting league clash

Joseph Kuria (Right)of Ulinzi dribbles past Collins Okoth of Gormahia on 03-03-2016 at Afraha stadium in Nakuru PHOTO:BONIFACE THUKU

Gor Mahia host Ulinzi Stars at Nyayo Stadium this afternoon, hoping to bridge the points gap between them and league leaders Tusker.

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions have 40 points so far with a game in hand. A win today will take them to 43 points, which is just two points shy of leaders Tusker and could push the title race to the wire.

Tusker failed to extend their lead at the top to five points after being held to a 1-1 tie by Ushuru over the weekend, allowing Gor Mahia to come very close in what is likely to be an exciting battle for the title.

Ahead of today's match, Gor Mahia are favourites considering the fact that they have not lost to their opponents in the last four Premier League fixtures.

Since 2014, Gor has picked four points from Ulinzi, winning one leg and drawing in the other. The soldiers remain winless in all four fixtures. If the trend in the last four matches is anything to go by, then Gor are tipped to collect all three points.

In 2014, Gor Mahia won the first leg 2-1. The second leg ended in a barren draw. Last season, the two teams drew in the first leg, with Gor winning the second leg 2-0.

The first-leg match of this season at Afraha Stadium ended in a barren draw. Gor coach Jose Marcelo is cautious ahead of the fixture and points out that he must find a way to beat the soldiers.

"It has been tough and its getting even tougher as the season winds down. I have realised that most teams are giving everything when they play against us and so we must find a way to play them and win," he said.

The Brazilian will be hoping that his boys can produce the same performance they gave against Chemelil Sugar that ended 3-1 in their favour. Francis Kahata will be key in midfield while youngster Amos Nondi could again play an influential role upfront.

Ulinzi Stars have proved that they can still fight for the title even in the absence of ailing coach Robert Matano.

The soldiers go into this match on the back of a 3-1 win over Sofapaka that pushed them to third spot on the log on 37 points. Ulinzi finished second last season and the only thing remaining for them is winning the title, which they can do if they collect maximum points in all of their remaining fixtures.

In goal, they have the experienced James Saruni while upfront, James Makwata remains key in giving them goals. The soldiers are also firm at the back, where veteran Geoffrey Kokoyo remains strong.