Plateau United host Simba SC in the 2020/21 CAF Champions League preliminary round on Sunday, with both clubs aiming to win the legged matches in order to move to the next round of Africa’s elite inter-club competition as both teams meet for the first time in the history of the competition.
Plateau United are currently playing some series of warmup games due to the Nigeria Professional Football League is yet to kickoff for the new season.
While Plateau United are yet to begin their 2020-2021 domestic campaign, Simba was involved in a league match on Saturday and recorded an impressive 7 – 0 win over Coastal Union, seeing them occupying Simba SC are currently third of the Tanzania premier league with 23 points from 11 matches.
Vanderbroeck said Saturday’s victory is a positive sign ahead of the two-legged clash with Plateau United, who are playing in the Champions League for the second time in their history.
The 41 year-old Belgian coach is optimistic that Simba can go a step further at this season’s competition, after they crashed out at the preliminary round the last term.
Plateau United coach Abdul Maikaba is regarded as one of the best coach in the Nigeria Professional Football League, the 63-year-old has a wealth of options at his disposal.
The Jos outfits were also busy in the transfer market, with the departure of the club highest and Nigeria Professional Football League last season Ibrahim Mustapha Yuga, the arrival of former Abia Warriors striker Sunday Adetunji could fill in the gap as they aim to beat Simba SC at home thereby given an insurance policy, also the midfield could see another new season Kingsley Innocent who the Jos based club have monitoring since last season tournament in Kano and Wasiu Jimoh and the arrival of Dakkada FC Moses.
Plateau United recently played in a preseason friendly matches Plateau United 0-0 Abia Warriors, Enyimba FC 1-0 Plateau United, Plateau United 4-0 Dadinkowa, Plateau United 1-3, Plateau United 1-3 Yobe Desert Stars, Plateau United 1-2 Nasarawa United with an average of scored 1.67 goals per Match.
Plateau United in actual season average scored goals per match. In (%) matches played at home was total goals (team and opponent) Over 1.5 goals. In (%) matches in season 2020 played at home was total goals (team and opponent) Over 2.5 goals.
Meanwhile, Simba SC, coach Sven Vanderbroeck may choose to deploy a back five against Plateau United in avoiding any goal from youthful attacking side against utilised a back four.
Simba SC John Bocco is regarded as one of the club most dangerous player including Clatous Chama who do most of their deadly work in the attack With a striker in this type of goalscoring form, the sky really should be the limit for Simba SC this season.
Meanwhile, the Tanzanian lions have performed below expectations in the Tanzanian premier league with their recent form, they are currently on the 3 places in the Premier League table. Last game played with Coastal Union, which ended with result: Win Simba SC 0:7. The best players Simba SC in all leagues, who scored the most goals for the club: John Bocco 6 goals, Clatous Chama 2 goals, Hassan Dilunga 2 goals, Meddie Kagere 2 goals, Joash Onyango 1 goal, Luis Miquissone 1 goal, Chris Mugalu 1 goal.
Played 11 matches this season. Won 7 matches 2 ended in a draw. 2 were defeated. In 54.55% matches the total goals in the match was over 2.5 goals (Over 2.5). In 81.82% matches the sum of the goals was greater than 1.5 Goals (Over 1.5). In 6 matches Simba SC has not lost the goal. In 3 games, each team scored a goal in the match (both teams to score). Average goals: 2.64 per match
Plateau United form (Preseason Friendly games): WLLLDLLWWWWWLLD
Simba SC form WWWDDWWLLWW
Plateau United possible starting lineup:
Anozie; Ikefe, Itodo, Charles Henlong, Buahri Ibrahim, Bernard Ovoke, Kingsley Innocent Oche Selifu Ochowechi, Uche Owuasonnaya, Wasiu Jimoh, Sunday Adetunji,
Simba SC possible starting lineup:
Aishi Manula; Joshi Oyango, Clatous Chama, Bernard Morrsion, John Bocco,Ibrahim Ame,Medie Kagere, Janas Makude,Pascal Wawa,Rally Bwalya, Mzamiru Yassin.