Expectations high for struggling city rivals in 'Mantse' derby

Hearts of Oak are expected to get back to winning ways by capitalizing on the tottering form of traditional foes Great Olympics on Sunday.

It's the first Mantse Derby of the season as the two clubs clash at the Accra sports stadium in match day six of the Ghana Premier League.

The Phobians have targeted a quick bounce from their 2-0 slump to Aduana Stars last Sunday by beating the Wonder Club this weekend to record their second victory of the season.

Patrick Razak is a huge doubt for the derby clash. Samuel Akurugu missed last Sunday's game against Aduana Stars due to illness.

He is likely to be back on the bench this weekend.

Great Olympics remain the only club without a win in the premiership this season after five games and need to do that by defying all odds to beat Hearts of Oak on Sunday in the crunchy derby.

Head coach cum player Godwin Attram was forced to lace his boots to make an appearance this season since things were going tough for the Wonder Club in their last game.

He is likely to feature again on Sunday.

They have a boosted squad ahead of the big derby after Osah Bernardino Tetteh returned to full fitness.

Left back Malik Tahiru is also ready for selection after recovering from an injury he sustained against Ashanti Gold SC.

Star performer Abel Manomey has been cleared fit and could make a comeback against the Phobians if the coach chooses him.

He has scored three goals so far in the season and a lot will depend on him if they are to win this weekend.

MATCH FACTS

HEAD TO HEAD (Since 1999)

Total matches played = 20

Hearts of Oak wins = 9

Drawn games = 8

Great Olympics wins = 3

~ Hearts of Oak have lost only one of their last six matches in the premier league.

(W2 D3 L1)

~ Great Olympics are winless in their last five premier league fixtures. They are without a win this season. (W0 D2 L3)

~ The Phobians have lost just one of their last eleven home games in the premiership. (W4 D6 L1)

~ Great Olympics are without a single victory in their last eleven outings in the premier league. (W0 D5 L6)

~ Hearts of Oak are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with Great Olympics in the premiership. (W5 D3 L0)

~ Great Olympics have recorded their only victories against Hearts of Oak since 1999 in the premier league as the away side. (W3 D2 L5)

~ Hearts of Oak have two clean sheets out of their five matches in the premier league this season.

~ Great Olympics have managed to keep just one clean sheet in their last seven fixtures in the premiership.