Lobi Stars, who are at the bottom of the championship round table, will look to kickstart their challenge when they host third-placed Remo Stars on Friday at 15:30 GMT.
Lobi Stars collected one point from the available six in the opening two championship-round matches. They will be looking for their first win when they play Remo Stars on Friday. They will also be looking to score their first goal in the championship round, which highlights their underwhelming start to this round.
Remo are unbeaten in their opening championship round matches. However, they have not won, getting two back-to-back draws. The Stars will look for their first win, thus kickstarting their campaign, on Friday when they face bottom-of-the-table Lobi Stars.
Key Highlights
Lobi Stars Need to Kickstart their Championship Round
A win and a loss from the opening two matches are not a good start to the championship round for Lobi Stars. The one point collected and the -1-goal difference mean that they are at the basement of the table.
Lobi need to start winning matches, which will be aided by an improved showing in the final third.
In the opening two matches, Lobi Stars did not score a single goal while conceding one. Therefore, while their defensive structure has proven robust, their attack has been blunt.
The gaffer needs to restructure the attacking approach and the team’s shape to allow them to create better chances and in high frequency. However, they must achieve this improved attacking threat without affecting their solidity.
These changes will be important in their clash against Remo Stars on Friday as they bid to win the first match in the championship round.
Remo Stars Need a Win
Remo have had two draws in their opening two outings in the NPFL championship round. The first match ended in a 2-2 scoreline against Enyimba, whereas the second one also ended in a 2-2 scoreline against Rivers United.
These results indicate that Remo Stars are good going forward, creating good-quality chances and taking them; this is underscored by their four goals in two matches.
However, Remo Stars have a leaky defense, which has shipped four goals in two matches. Heading into the clash against Lobi Stars, there is a need for Remo to tighten their defense while retaining their attacking threat.
These changes will allow Remo to convert their draws to wins and drive their ability to challenge at the top end of the table in the NPFL championship round.
Injury Report
Lobi Stars
The medical department at Lobi Stars has given them a clean bill of health heading into the clash against Remo Stars on Friday. The matchday squad is fully fit and available for selection.
Remo Stars
Remo Stars reported no injuries or suspension worries ahead of Friday’s clash against Lobi Stars. The manager will choose the strongest side while considering the short turnover between Monday and Friday fixtures.
Possible Lineups
Lobi Stars
E. Daniel; E. Oyetoro, E. T. Agbaji, J. Orafu, S. Kwambe; C. Madu, A. Abdullahi, O. E. Chukwuka; S. Mubarak, B. Ovoke; U. Abba
Remo Stars
T. C. Mchinda; S. Ogunribide, B. Nwaeze, M. Bashiru, I. Sodiq; A. Abayomi, G. Opamoye, D. Ojo; G. Odibo, A. Okpe, M. Ogwuche
Prediction
Lobi Stars will be pragmatic in their approach. They will prioritize their defensive structure; they will defend deep and in numbers.
Remo Stars will look to dominate possession and set the match’s tempo by passing in the middle of the pack.
Remo Stars will win the match and bolster their ability to challenge at the top end of the NPFL championship round.
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