MATCH PREVIEW: EXPRESS VS BUL

Tuesday November 8
Uganda Premier League
Express Vs BUL
Wankulukuku
Kick off: 4PM

Tuesday sees the table leaders BUL travel to Wankulukuku, with the Eastern Giants set to face Express.

BUL showed their class when they dug out a 1-0 victory against Onduparaka last week on Wednesday, while Express recorded an impressive 2-1 win over the same opponent at the end of last month in the sides’ last piece of action.

James Odoch’s men stopped our eight game unbeaten run the last time we met with a 2-1 beating last season – Raymond Walugembe and Martin Kizza were on target for the home side in the first half, while Simon Peter Oketch scored a consolation for BUL as the game wore on.

Impressively, the Eastern Giants have won four and drawn two of their six league games this season to collect 14 points, and they will similarly bring an eight-game unbeaten run in the league again into this contest, which includes away victory at Blacks Power and one all draws at URA and Gaddafi this campaign.

Indeed, Alex Isabirye’s side thrashed Blacks Power 5-0 in front of their own faithfuls at the start of the season before sharing points with the tax collectors and the Soldier Boys.

However, BUL’s last win against the Red Eagles at Wankulukuku occurred six years ago.

Milton Kalisa scored inside 28 minutes as BUL registered a 1-0 victory, the first under coach Frank ‘Video’ Anyau who had replaced Alex Isabirye in September 2016.

This match has come at a time when the Red Eagles have won their last three league battles against BUL, and since losing to SC Villa, they responded well with a hard fought draw at Gaddafi and improved their performances later with a 2-1 win at Onduparaka.

This has left them in the 7th place with eight points from five rounds of play.

Tuesday’s match is the 19th clash between the sides.

Team News

Isabirye will have to do without the services of Denis Mwemezi who sustained an injury against Onduparaka, while defender Walter Ochora continues to sit out because of suspension. The rest of the players are in full good mood and shape to hit the ground running.

Two fairly good sides face off in a potential fascinating affair and the assistant coach – James Magala shared his thoughts about the game before the showdown.

“We’re going to be very focused,” he said.

“Express will not be a walk in the park though and I expect them to be very ready for us.“

“Nevertheless, we have readied ourselves well and we plan to have a good approach to the game technically.”

“They are a good team, we respect them and I know the game will be technically good altogether but our approach will be a bit different.”

“Our preparations have been good – we had international matches, and I know our players are now mentally strong.”

Striker Frank Kalanda was also optimistic ahead of the tie.

“We have prepared ourselves – right from the goalkeeping to the striking areas. Express is a very big team but we are very eager to maintain our top position,” he said

Head to Head

This fixture has provided 19 meetings in all competitions, producing eight BUL FC wins, six Express FC victories and five draws.

Last Four Meetings

May 7, 2022

Express 2-1 BUL

October 26, 2021

BUL FC 0-1 Express

September 23, 2021

BUL FC 1-0 Express FC (Uganda Cup)

February 20, 2021

BUL FC 0-4 Express FC

Match Facts

BUL is unbeaten in six matches this campaign –winning four games and drawing two.

They have scored in each game – keeping three clean sheets.

Their 12 goals is the highest goal turnover in the division after just six rounds

And they got two points from their last two away matches after settling for one all draws at URA and Gaddafi.

It’s six years since BUL last beat Express at Wankulukuku – the 1-0 win in mid September of 2016.

Express are unbeaten in four home matches, winning and drawing two apiece since May 2022, and scoring four goals in the run.

Their recent 2-1 win over Onduparaka is their only victory in their past three outings.

But James Odoch’s men have won their previous three league meetings with the Eastern Giants.

Match Coverage:

Fans can catch the game live on television but they can as well follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report and match highlights. 

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV