By Taye Hassan Adigun
Plateau United will be hoping for a comfortable win over struggling Rangers Internationals bolster their title charge, with Wikki Tourists two points adrift the Tin City-based team at the top of the NPFL.
Rangers put an end to a three-game losing streak across all competitions with a 1-1 draw against Wikki Tourists last time out, but they still find themselves 19th and with two games at hand, having played a less game this season due to their continental engagement.
Following Benedict “Surugede” Ugwu’s indefinite suspension after a poor run of form at the start of the season, the flying antelopes claimed just one win from their first 5 fixtures and were firmly entrenched in the relegation zone.
Rangers Internationals have mustered a feeble 4 goals from 6 games so far – the second-worst record in the division behind Nasarawa United in 20th position.
However, their 1-1 draw against Wikki Tourists in Gombe brought with it the coal city-based team with some charm, with two games at hand it gives them confidence it will stabilise their stuttering season.
Plateau United, however, they face a fearsome opponent who will be determined to fend off the challenge of the surprise package Dakkada FC, Sunshine Stars and Wikki Tourists for their second NPFL title in two years.
Plateau United bounced back from their first loss in the NPFL against Heartland to beat FC Ifeanyi Ubah with a massive 5-1 scoreline in their last game at home.
Abdul Maikaba’s side boasts the competition’s joint-third best defence, conceding just 6 times in their 8 games so far. They are only better of Dakkada FC and Lobi Stars in the highest scorers in the division so far this season.
It is a rude awakening for the Jos side want to be the best this season and being the best at everything in the NPFL, and they will be hoping to boost those attacking numbers in particular against Rangers Internationals.
Rangers Internationals NPFL Form: LLLLLD
Plateau United NPFL Form: WWWDWDLW
Last matches Enugu Rangers
Wikki Tourist 1-1 Enugu Rangers
Al Masry 4-2 Enugu Rangers
Enugu Rangers 0-0 Jigawa Golden Stars
Lobi Stars 0-0 Enugu Rangers
Enugu Rangers 1-3 Pyramids FC
Enugu Rangers 0-2 Akwa Starlets
Rivers United FC 2-1 Enugu Rangers
Enugu Rangers 0-1 MFM FC
Last matches Plateau United
Plateau United 5-1 Ifeanyi Ubah
Heartland Owerri 1-0 Plateau United
Plateau United 0-0 Kano Pillars
Kada City 1-3 Plateau United
Nasarawa United 1-1 Plateau United
Plateau United 2-1 Wikki Tourist
Jigawa Golden Stars 0-1 Plateau United
Plateau United 3-1 Lobi Stars
Head to Head Results
Plateau United 1-0 Enugu Rangers
Plateau United 2-0 Enugu Rangers
Enugu Rangers 1-0 Plateau United
Plateau United 2-0 Enugu Rangers
Enugu Rangers 3-1 Plateau United
Plateau United 0-1 Enugu Rangers
Goal Stats
Teams Enugu Rangers Plateau United played so far 7 matches.
Enugu Rangers won 4 direct matches. Plateau United won 3 matches. 0 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 1.71 goals per Match.
Enugu Rangers in actual season average scored 1.10 goals per match. In 9 (45.00%) matches played at home was total goals (team and opponent) Over 1.5 goals. In 4 (20.00%) matches in season 2019 played at home was total goals (team and opponent) Over 2.5 goals.
Plateau United average scored 1.10 goals per match in season 2019. In 7 (46.67%) matches played away was total goals (team and opponent) Over 1.5 goals. In 4 (26.67%) matches played away team was total goals (team and opponent) Over 2.5 goals.
Team News
Rangers manager Salisu Yusuf could stick it with the same team that played Wikki Tourists in Gombe.
Kelvin Itoya, Ifeanyi George and Godwin Aguda could also be available for the crucial tie against the league leaders.
Also, Plateau United technical adviser Abdul Maikaba will have no coice than to stick with the same team that wrecked FC Ifeanyi Ubah 5-1 at home last Sunday in Jos.
Rangers possible starting lineup:
Japhet, Chidera, Oladuntoye – Isiaka, Loute,Christian Madu, Shimaga, Chiamaka Madu, Olawoyin, Egbujuo Itoya
Plateau United possible starting lineup:
Dele Ajiboye, Daniel Itodo, Amma Umar, Andrew Ikefe, Ibrahim Mustapha, Charles Henlong, Buahri Ibrahim, Bernard Ovoke, Nenrot Silas
Oche Selifu Ochowechi
