When two giants of the game lock horns at the Nyayo National Stadium this afternoon, fireworks are expected. In this piece we set out to look at how AFC Leopards tactician Patrick Aussems will set his side up to combat a dangerous Tusker side coached by the Lion Robert Matano.Coming off tough Mozzart Bet Cup fixtures over the weekend where both teams faced lower division sides and barely scrapped through the managers are expected to ring changes. Tusker had to come from two goals down to beat an inspired Rainbow FC while AFC Leopards came up against high flying and ambitious National Super League (NSL) side Murang’a Seal where the well supported AFC Leopards scrapped through with a 1-0 win after some brilliant assist from Cliff Nyakeya.Probable Line UpsTusker FC Robert Matano could set his side up by having Brian Bwire in goal, with Daniel Sakari and Levin Odhiambo occupying the fullback positions. The centre back areas could be occupied by Tom Teka and Momanyi Charles with new signing Kibwage Michael also in contention. The midfield should comprise Humphrey Mieno being partnered with Ouma Charles or Zakayo Erick. The front four could see the lethal Shami Mwinyi start partnered with Siwa Saphan with Otieno Eric and Ouma Rodgers manning the flanks.AFC Leopards Patrick Aussems, operating with a lean squad will have Mr. Cleansheets Levis Opiyo between the sticks, the defense will see a raft of changes with Peter Thiong’o and Eric Mbithi manning the fullback positions. The centre back options could see defensive lynchpin Esilaba Tedian start partnered with either Mudenyu Robert or Kaycie Odhiambo. Musa Oundo and Brian Wanyama have been coach Aussems trusted midfield double pivot with Kenya international Victor Omune set to start in the attacking midfield position.The front line could consist of inform Cliff Nyakeya and the tricky Jaffar Owiti out on the flanks with Ojo Olaniyi leading the line.Gazza calls for fair officiating ahead of Leopards vs Tusker showdownTeam Styles Of PlayAFC LeopardsAFC Leopards under Patrick Aussems lays a strong emphasis on defensive robustness and neat combination play in the team. With the likes of Kaycie Odhiambo and Lewis Bandi ( a doubt for this game) AFC look for neat interplay as they progress up the pitch with emphasis on third man runs and extra passes to draw the opposition out. From this action they look to hit the long ball into the able Cliff Nyakeya or Jaffar Owiti. With the presence of Victor Omune, AFC have the ability to hit him between the lines and let him work his magic combining with Ojo Olaniyi who despite his burly figure possesses a major threat playing off the shoulder of his opponent. AFC Leopards have conceded only 11 goals this season, same amount as league leaders Gor Mahia and this could be attributed to tough tackling, no-nonsense midfielder Musa Oundo. The base of the teams defense is based off him, as the midfielder looks to screen the backline, sniffing out danger and looking to help the team progress. His prime Casemiro-esque performances have won him many admirers and should be up for it the game against the Brewers is one he will have a major say in.##NAJAVA_MECA_7153538##Tusker FC Tusker FC arguably not been at their best standards this season, but that said the team still second in the league sitting six points off Gor Mahia with a game in hand, this goes to show the lofty ambitions the Brewers harbor. Tusker are known for their disruptive long ball and duel style of play. Tusker coach Robert Matano is an ardent believer in the fact that second balls and duels win you a game and hey, f it has been working well no need to tear up the script. Tusker has also come up with a very resilient mentality, having come from 2 goals down against Ulinzi Stars and Rainbow in the Mozzart Bet Cup. In Humphrey Mieno Tusker boast of one of the best holding midfielders in the league. Mieno Humphrey is the leader of the Tusker orchestra, he looks to position himself strategically to win the second balls after goalkeeper Brian Bwire has gone long and then looks to dictate play and find openings for the team. In new signing Levin Odhiambo who announced his name with an assist against the Bidco United seems to be the answer in the troubled left back position at Tusker. In Daniel Sakari, Tusker have a Kenyan international and a hardworking player who is also very lethal in the long throws.What To Expect Matano expects tight game against AFC LeopardsThis encounter will for sure have fans on the edge of their seats, if past encounters are anything to go by. It will be a fiery encounter. Leopards will have to be wary of the set-piece and earila threat posed by Tusker FC. With proper aggression by Musa Oundo and quick ball progression, the AFC Leopards squad will look to stretch the Tusker FC defense and look for possibilities of a 1v1 with Jaffar Owiti and Cliff Nyakeya. The Tusker midfield will also look to disrupt the rhythm of the opponents. In attack the Leopards should be wary of the set piece threat posed by Tusker and the clever movement of Shami Mwinyi. Tusker have however conceded 3 goals in their last 2 games and AFC Leopards will look to capitalize on the defensive frailties by the Brewers.
