Entering Week 19, a few questions have been answered – about Gor Mahia’s imperious form looking near unstoppable – and on the flipside for Robert Matano, how could Tusker fare against the defending league champions quoting him; “in a fair game.” Another question for us could be maybe do we foresee his redeemed side inflicting the first league loss on the Green Army?That’s the backdrop that will take front stage Saturday as the two sides face off at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.FKFPL: We are firmly in the title race, Matano roarsFollowing a rather unpromising start to the season, the engines at Ruaraka have begun to rev up – five wins on the trot and unbeaten in the last eight – carrying along improving forms from notably wing back Levin Odhiambo and Eric Kapaito in striking.Obviously carrying some pains over Benson Omala’s strike against them last October, and even Mike Kibwage’s late dismissal in the 1-0 loss, Tusker know it is all hand on deck should they seek to snatch the title that looks to be its way back to K’Ogalo.Gor Mahia on the other hand are on four straight wins without conceding and with a knack of getting some late goals; argue it either way you want but with it a sign of champions.“I know it is a marquee game for them and we expect a really difficult game from them [Tusker],” McKinstry said of Saturday’s 1500 EAT kickoff. “Tusker and their coach will throw everything and it’s probably a big game for them and from their side it’s one they have to win and so do we. We got to have our brains well and I feel we have all the ingredients to deliver a good result.”Coach @johnnymckinstry on the team preparation ahead of Tusker FC pic.twitter.com/vuQTcd6v1a— Gor Mahia FC Ke (@gormahiafcke) January 19, 2024 On the math side of things, a Tusker win bridges Gor Mahia’s lead to six points, and a win for the latter extends the gap to the brewers to 12.To the other three games of the day, John Baraza, who earlier this week was handed better terms on his contract, will be lurking closely when his Bandari side welcomes 15th-placed Kariobangi Sharks, who have slipped down the ladder in recent weeks, at Mbaraki.Baraza handed improved contract as Jerim is promoted to Assistant CoachShould the dockers, who unveiled new arsenals this week conjure up a win, they will move to second place, with William Muluya’s side looking behind their shoulders.Sofapaka’s 1-0 win over Kakamega Homeboyz on Friday reset the look of things down the table and coming off a huge victory in his first game in charge of Shabana, Sammy Omollo will come up against Ulinzi Stars – on a run of five games without a win – at Raila Odinga Stadium with a chance to skip away from near relegation.KCB, now three matches without a win, confront Muhoroni Youth in Thika from 1500 EAT.FKF PREMIER LEAGUE – WEEK 19FRIDAY RESULTSSofapaka 1 Kakamega Homeboyz 0Darius Msagha 85SATURDAY FIXTURES1.80 Bandari 3.25 Kariobangi Sharks 4.602.45 Shabana 3.00 Ulinzi Stars 2.95(2:15) Gor Mahia (3:05) Tusker (3:45)***odds are subject to change***
