GPL preview: Berekum Chelsea vs Hearts

Berekum Chelsea will host Hearts of Oak in the highly anticipated match day nine fixture of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) at the Golden City Park today.

The last visit by the Phobians saw them break the long standing 43 matches home unbeaten record set by the Blues with a 1-0 victory.

Berekum Chelsea are currently 8th with 11 points after eight games whilst Hearts of Oak currently lie 7th with 12 points on the GPL standings.

Team News

Berekum Chelsea have triple injury boost as Stephen Sarfo, Kwame Acheampong and Stephen Amankona are also expected back in the squad after missing their

last encounter WAFA.

Malik Akowuah and Inusah Musah have recovered from their respective injuries sustained against their arch-rivals Kotoko when they defeated them by 1-0.

First choice goalkeeper Benjamin Kusi Mensah is expected back in the sticks, Richard Yamoah remains sidelined for the Phobians.

Head-to-Head

Total matches played – 16

Chelsea wins – 6

Goals scored -18

Hearts wins – 6

Goals scored – 17

Drawn games – 4

Match facts

* The 2016-17 season of the Ghana League which is the 56th edition started in 1958 but the 23rd edition since the inception of Ghana Premier League on 19th December, 1993 is the 9th appearance for Berekum Chelsea while it is the 56th appearance for Hearts of Oak.

* The last time Hearts of Oak won at Berekum Chelsea HOME grounds in the Ghana Premier League is 8th May, 2016 in match Day 11 in the 2015-16 season (0-1).

* Berekum Chelsea have lost once at Home in the first round against Hearts of Oak since 2008.

2008-09 Chelsea 2-0 Hearts (Day 3)

2012-13 Chelsea 2-0 Hearts (Day 5)

2014-15 Chelsea 4-2 Hearts (Day 2)

2015-16 Chelsea 0-1 Hearts** (Day 11)

*Berekum Chelsea yet to to lose a Day 9 HOME game in the GPL since 2008.

2008-09 Chelsea 0-0 Lions

2010-11 Chelsea 2-0 BA Stars

2012-13 Chelsea 1-0 All Stars

2013-14 Chelsea 2-0 Inter-Allies

2014-15 Chelsea 1-1 Kotoko

2015-16 Chelsea 3-0 Dreams

W4 D2 GF9 GA1

* Hearts of Oak Day nine away games in the GPL since 1999.

2003 Okwawu 1-2 Hearts**

2006-07 Hasaacas 1-3 Hearts**

2007-08 Lions 2-0 Hearts

2008-09 Kotoko 1-2 Hearts**

2010-11 Kotoko 0-1 Hearts**

2012-13 Amidaus 2-2 Hearts

2013-14 AshGold 1-0 Hearts

2015-16 AshGold 1-2 Hearts**

* The first time Berekum Chelsea lost @ HOME in the GPL since 2008 is 4th Jan. 2009 in match Day 5 @ the Sunyani Coronation Park in the 2008-09 season against RTU (1-3).

– Since then, Chelsea have played 121 HOME games in the GPL.

W85 D29 L7 GF141 GA42

* The last time Berekum Chelsea lost @ HOME in the GPL is 29th may, 2016 in match Day 15 in the 2015-16 season against Wa All Stars (0-1).

– Since then, Chelsea have played 11 HOME games (990mins) so far in the GPL.

W9 D2 GF21 GA3

* Berekum Chelsea have lost 8 out of 124 HOME games so far in the GPL since 2008.

Match Officials

Referee: Nuhu Liman

Asst 1: Alhassan Badiu

Asst 2: Ibrahim Badiu

4th Ref: McLord Arhin

Match Commissioner: Paul Ayamba