Match Preview: Karela FC vs Eleven Wonders

It is the battle of newcomers at the Crosby Awuah Memorial park at Nzema Aiyinase on Sunday when Karela United FC welcome Eleven Wonders FC for their first ever top-flight home game.

Not the best of starts to their maiden campaign in the premier league, Karela United suffered a 1-0 narrow defeat to regional rivals Medeama SC last Sunday.

They need to beat fellow new boys from the Brong Ahafo region to claim their first ever three points in the elite division.

Coach Johnson Smith was handed a major boost ahead of this weekend's game when midfield trio Alhaji Sani, Emmanuel Keyekeh and Emmanuel Osei Baffour returned to first team training.

They could be making their debuts on Sunday if chosen.

Experienced goalkeeper Michael Sai won't play any part in this fixture since he is out with an injury.

As a newbie, drawing your first ever Ghana Premier League game with Hearts of Oak in seen as a great start.

Eleven Wonders FC came from behind to share the spoils with the Phobians last Sunday at Techiman with a lot of credits going to goalkeeper John Moosie.

The former Berekum Chelsea skipper who was making his debut made numerous saves to keep the debutants in the game.

He will be depended once again this weekend if Wonders should pick a point or all three from Karela United this weekend.

The visit to the Western Region is the club's maiden road trip for a top-flight fixture since joining.

Head coach Mumuni Gammel has almost a full house to make the trip to Nzema Aiyinase. Issahaku Wahidu is expected to make his debut against Karela United this Sunday.

Experienced duo Iddrisu Yahaya and Larbi Koomson are unavailable for selection after going AWOL.

MATCH FACTS

Head To Head

Total league meetings = 0

Karela United FC wins = 0

Drawn matches = 0

Eleven Wonders FC wins = 0

~ Karela United FC lost their first ever match in the Ghana Premier League.

They lost 1-0 to Medeama SC.

~ Eleven Wonders FC picked their first ever point in the top-flight when they drew 1-1 with giants Hearts of Oak.

~ Karela United FC lost none of their home games in the second tier league in 2016 and 2017. They won all fifteen home matches in 2016.

~ Eleven Wonders FC are making their first ever trip for a premiership game since joining. Their first ever encounter with Karela United FC.

~ This is the first ever meeting between Karela United FC and a club from the Brong Ahafo region in the premier league.

~ Karela United FC failed to keep a clean sheet in their first Ghana Premier League fixture in history.

~ Eleven Wonders FC also conceded in their first ever Ghana Premier League fixture.