It is fourth versus fifth in the NPFL when Kwara United host Remo Stars on Sunday at 16:00GMT in a clash that will have implications at the top of the table.
Match Preview
Can Kwara United Leapfrog Remo Stars to Fourth on the NPFL Table with a Win?
The clash with Remo Stars is an opportunity for Kwara United to move into fourth position on the table.
Since they are the hosts, they will be favoured to put pressure on Kwara United and take all the three points.
Although a title challenge is unlikely, Kwara United will be motivated by overcoming their rivals.
Can Remo Stars Extend their Gap to 5th-Placed Kwara United to Four Points with a Win?
Remo Stars will look to extend the gap to fifth-placed Kwara United to four points from the current solitary point.
A loss will see them leapfrogged by their rivals, and a draw will just keep the status quo.
Remo Stars still retail outside hopes of challenging for the NPFL title in the run-in; however, they will need consistency in their performances and results to achieve this loft goal, especially given they are 10 points behind leaders Rivers United.
Form Guide
Kwara United
Kwara United have collected ten points and dropped five in the last five rounds of NPFL fixtures. In this run, they have won three times, drawn once, and lost once.
Remo Stars
Remo have collected nine points and dropped six in their last five fixtures in the NPFL. They have won three and lost two matches in this run.
Possible Starting Lineups
Kwara United
Aiyenugba, J. Emmanuel, S. Ganda, A. Sulaman, A. Abdulsalam, K. Balogun, A. Danban, S. Jude, A. Adebambo, J. Agboola, J. Lokosa
Remo Stars
Daniel, I. Sodiq, O. Shuji, I. Ali, N. Junior, S. Okorom, A. Oyedele, S, Anakwe, A. Q. Akanni, A. Okpe, O. Adebayo
Players to Watch
J. Lokosa
The Nigerian international has been pivotal for Kwara United’s performances in the NPFL this season.
Although their title challenge has faded as the season has matured, Junior Lokosa’s performances have helped maintain Kwara United at a high level in the league.
The forward’s work rate is his distinctive asset that helps Kwara United play on the front foot and win back possession of the ball high up the pitch. Lokosa’s creative approach to the game gives him ideas for connecting midfield and attack for Kwara United.
Lokosa will be crucial for Kwara United in the clash with Remo Stars as the two sides are closely situated on the table (4th and 5th) for head-to-head in the league.
Kwara United are 11 points behind league leaders Rivers Stars and they will be counting on key-man Lokosa to inspire them to victory against Remo Stars on Sunday.
Andy Okpe
The striker has grabbed eight goals and three assists for Remo Stars in 18 appearances this season. These numbers underscore the importance of the forward for Remo’s season so far.
Okpe has been in the starting line-up of Remo Stars 89 per cent of the time this season. He has played for 87 percent of Remo’s minutes in the NPFL. Okpe also has a 52 percent participation in the goals scored by Remo Stars this season.
The 20-year-old likes to play through the middle as a traditional centre-forward. However, he provides mobility with his movement and versatility in the way he likes to play.
With his preferred right foot, Okpe likes to drift to the left wing of the pitch and cut into his favoured foot. His link-up play is developing well, which helps him to create dangerous situations and goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Okpe will be crucial for Remo Stars’ chances of taking something from the clash with Kwara United on Sunday.
Prediction
Kwara United will set up pragmatically with a medium to low press and a heavy reliance on set pieces and counter-attacks. This approach makes them hard to beat by prioritising solidity over flair.
Remo Stars will focus on dominating the ball and progressively playing from the back. They also employ a medium-to-low press, which will ensure they are not exposed to the counter. Remo Stars will also focus on set pieces as prime opportunities to score goals.
These teams are closely matched, as highlighted by their close positions on the NPFL table. A draw is the most favoured result for this clash.
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