Preview: AshantiGold vrs Hearts of Oak

The rivalry between AshantiGold SC and Hearts of Oak will be fuelled in Obuasi on Sunday at the Len Clay Stadium.

AshGold have had their title defence in tatters in the opening round of the second with just two wins in eight matches.

But they gave their campaign a boost with a hard fought win against New Edubiase United in the Adansi derby in midweek ending their six matches winless run.

The Elephants are approaching this epic clash without two talented youngsters Amos Addai and Paul Abakah Nkrumah who are nursing their respective injuries.

Tijani Joshua will be assessed if he can be available for selection on Sunday after picking up an injury in the derby on Wednesday.

Alhassan Nuhu is expected back in the Ashanti Gold SC line up for Sunday's match after he missed in the midweek clash.

Japanese-American tactician Kenichi Yatsuhashi's union with the Phobians as head coach is in the balance following a recent bust up between him and his employers before their trip to Obuasi.

Hearts of Oak are making a journey to the mining town without injured quintet Samudeen Ibrahim, Thomas Abbey, Richard Yamoah, Isaac Oduro and Selasi Adjei.

The Phobians failed to win in midweek when they were held by West Africa Football Academy to a 1-1 draw.

Samuel Yeboah is doubtful.

Hearts of Oak left back Kennedy Appiah featured for the defending league champions last season.

MATCH FACTS

Head to Head (Since 2000)

Total matches played = 26

Ashanti Gold SC wins = 8

Drawn matches = 9

Hearts of Oak wins = 9

*Ashanti Gold SC have won just one of their last seven matches in the league.

They have lost two of their last three.

(W1 D4 L2)

*Hearts of Oak have lost only one of their last thirteen premier league matches.

They are winless in their last three.

(W7 D5 L1)

*Ashanti Gold SC have been defeated only once at home in the league since 16th February, 2014.

They have won just one home game this season.

(W1 D2 L1)

*Hearts of Oak are unbeaten in their last seven travels in the Ghana premiership.

(W3 D4 L0)

*Ashanti Gold SC have lost just one of their last seven meetings with Hearts of Oak.

(W4 D2 L1)

*Hearts of Oak are winless in their last eight trips to Ashanti Gold SC in the league.

Their last win in Obuasi against Ashanti Gold SC was 28th February, 2007.

(W0 D2 L6)

*The Mining club have managed to keep just one clean sheet at home in the league this season.

*The Phobians have kept six clean sheets in their last seven away matches in the premiership.

*Ashanti Gold SC have won four of their last five premier league matches against Hearts of Oak at home.

(W0 D2 L6)