ZESCO United will hope to make it five wins in a row when they welcome Forest Rangers in an Ndola Derby in the MTN Super League, having already opened up a four-point lead at the top of the table. But counting against them is an odd piece of history in this fixture – their having only been five home wins in matches between these two sides in their last 29 meetings.
That is an exceptionally low count, but perhaps it is the fact that neither side has far to go for games and they have in the past shared the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, but that does not really explain why the team listed away should enjoy three times more success (15 wins) in clashes between the teams.
Rangers have had a middling type of season, with four wins, four defeats and six draws, they sit 10th in the 18-team league. They have also both scored and conceded 15 goals.
Second-placed Nkwazi have lost only two of their 14 games so far as they welcome a NAPSA Stars side hovering just above the relegation zone. Stars are also still seeking a first away win (D2 L5) while Nkwazi are unbeaten on their own patch (W4 D3).
There has not been much to choose between the sides in their last nine meetings at Nkwazi, with three wins each and three draws.
Red Arrows have risen to third but remain inconsistent as they go away to ZANACO this weekend. Five of the last six meetings between the sides have been drawn, including the previous three.
FC MUZA are winless in four (D2 L2) after an excellent start to the season and have a tricky away day at Green Buffaloes, who have yet to lose on their own patch (W4 D3).
MUZA are the second highest scorers in the division with 19 goals, behind only ZESCO (23), so they know the way to goal and will hope for success.
Nkana FC got a win last time out to move to within two points of safety, but need to back it up with more as they go to Kansanshi Dynamos. Two of their three wins this season have come on the road, so they can take some confidence from that statistic.
Defending champions Power Dynamos just have not managed to get into second gear this campaign as they welcome bottom side Trident. Perhaps this is the time to change that, with the visitors still yet to register a win (D9 L5).
In other matches, Kabwe Warriors host Mutondo Stars, Green Eagles welcome Prison leopards and Mufulira Wanderers travel to Konkola Blades
Source: Supersport