The historic rivalry between Express FC and SC Villa is set to light up Nakivubo on Thursday night when the two Kampala giants face off in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League at Hamz Stadium.
The derby is the only league fixture on the day and comes with contrasting ambitions for the two sides. SC Villa travel to Nakivubo firmly in the title race and keen to keep pressure on leaders Vipers SC and second placed KCCA FC. Express FC, meanwhile, are battling to pull clear of the relegation zone.
Villa currently sit fourth on the table with 23 points and a win would significantly boost their title push. Victory would move them within one point of leaders Vipers and level on points with KCCA.
The Jogoos have received a major boost ahead of the clash with the return of captain David Owori and striker Reagan Mpande from national duty, along with centre back Geoffrey Lubangakene who returns from suspension.
Express FC go into the derby in 11th place with 12 points, just two above the relegation places.
The Red Eagles are in desperate need of maximum points, although there are doubts over the availability of Richard Basangwa, John Asiimwe and left back Hakim Wandera, who are all reportedly close to moves to NEC FC.
Despite their recent struggles, Express will take encouragement from last season’s corresponding fixture when they secured a narrow 1 to 0 victory over Villa at Nakivubo. That result, however, remains their only win against Villa in the last six league meetings.
