Wednesday’s StarTimes Uganda Premier League menu serves up two intriguing fixtures, with action split between Butema and Kadiba.
At FUFA Stadium, Kadiba under the lights (8pm), SC Villa will be desperate to restore pride after last weekend’s 2-1 stumble against BUL.
The 17-time champions return home knowing anything short of victory will further dent their title ambitions.
The Jogoos go into the contest as clear favourites against a Mbarara City side still grappling with off-field turbulence.
The Ankole Lions were forced to field just the bare minimum of eleven players in their previous draw with Lugazi, a situation that has since resulted in the suspension of key figures Henry Kitegenyi, Ibrahim Thembo and Fahad Emuran.
Villa, on the other hand, could be boosted by the return of Misi Diego Ssemugera, who missed the BUL defeat, while coach decisions loom over whether Ibrahim Kasinde regains his starting berth after Patrick Kakande deputised last time out.
Much will also depend on the influence of experienced heads Hassan Mubiru, Frank Ssebuufu and Aslam Ssemakula as Villa seek to keep tabs on the leading pack.
History heavily favours the Jogoos. From 13 previous meetings, Villa boast eight wins, with Mbarara City managing just three victories and two draws. Villa have also dominated recent encounters, winning four of the last five clashes.
League standings further underline the gulf between the sides. Mbarara City sit second from bottom on 11 points, with only Calvary worse off at this stage of the campaign.
Earlier in the day at Royal Park, Butema (4pm), attention shifts to a compelling clash between Kitara and Express, a meeting that pits the Hoima-based side against the self-proclaimed sleeping giants of Ugandan football.
