Stakes are high for teams in drop zone

Certainly, hours before the penultimate round of matches in the Glo Premier League kicks off on Sunday, clubs battling relegation are attracting lots of attention as their survival hopes continue.

The media's spotlight is been focused on them with the pairings throwing up intriguing battles.


From the 11th placed side to the team rooted bottom of the 16-team standings, Sunday's matches remain more than crucial.


While glory this weekend could be crucial, defeat to any side will certainly be disastrous and all but confirm the season's relegation places.


Tema Youth, lying 11th need just a point [from 32-33] from their meeting with Wa All Stars at the Tema Park to guarantee them premiership safety and a place in next season's league.


Positioned at 12th, Heart of Lions with 30 points have to win this weekend or prolong their survival battle to the final day. Lions will be at their home base, the Kpando Park, when New Edubiase turns up for their weekend game.

Though relegation will be disaster, it mirrors the poor performances of certain teams in the first round of the league.


Berekum Arsenal and Wassaman are two of such sides. The Gunners endured a difficult first round and continued into the second round but appear to be pushing up gradually though somehow late.


They take on relegation candidates, Wassaman, who are sitting 14th on the table and one point behind the Gunners at the Golden City Park. Wassaman have promised their players a 100 percent increment in bonuses if they win on Sunday.


Second from bottom side, Bechem United welcome Ebusua Dwarfs, knowing that defeat at the Bechem Park will see them all but bid goodbye to the Premier League.


Mighty Jets last season managed a final day miracle to avoid the drop. Now rooted bottom of the table, the Jets are faced with another relegation contest ahead of their meeting with city rivals, Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium.

In other games, Liberty Professionals will be at home to in-form Berekum Chelsea at the Carl Reindorf.


Medeama could pose a threat to Aduana's hopes of finishing second on the standings when both sides clash at the Tarkwa T&A Park.


The AshantiGold and Asante Kotoko clash at the Len Clay Stadium could have been the weekend's top-liner but it's given way to the many relegation battles.


Despite that, the game will still attract lots of attention as the rivalry between both sides seems not to die down to wrap up a busy weekend.