MATCH PREVIEW: VIPERS SC VS BUL

Saturday December 17
Uganda Premier League
St .Mary’s Stadium
Kick off: 2PM

BUL play away to Vipers SC on Saturday afternoon looking to keep pace with the leading lot in the Uganda Premier League.

The Eastern Giants make the trip to St. Mary’s sitting third and tied on 24 points with their second placed opponents in the standings.

There is only a further five points to the top spot for both teams who are separated by a goal difference of only four at the time of writing – highlighting the narrow margins that are involved in the battle for this season’s title.

Having won only two games from six away matches, Alex Isabirye can not accept any more lapse from his side at the moment.

BUL produced a much-needed improved display in Arua to win 1-0 at Arua Hill after going four games without victory off the Fufa Technical Center, before they registered a 1-1 draw with pace setters KCCA at home last time out.

Isabirye’s side now have some confidence coming into this encounter having thrown the poor run to the bin, and their frying of Vipers in June’s Uganda cup final provides encouragement to the Eastern Giants who will approach Saturday’s clash with faith.

However, the venoms have put together a respectable run at home, going for 20 games in more than a year without defeat at St Mary’s stadium.

Team News

BUL are boosted by the return of centre back Walter Ochora to training but he will have to be assessed for match fitness before being considered.

The Eastern Giants will however be without Ronald Otti, play maker Ibrahim Mugulusi and former venom – Denis Mwemezi due to injuries.

Before the contest, which some have dubbed as a grudge match, manager Alex Isabirye was optimistic and even said we have to beat teams like them if we are to remain on the table of men.

“It is not going to be easy but we expect to win as we are going to give all we can to get all the three points,” he said.

“They are a strong team who we believe want to retain their title but we also want to be counted among the strong ones, thus we have to play teams like them and even get points off them.”

“The target is to remain in the top positions although Vipers match is going to be really tough.“

Captain Saidi Keni said;

“Everyone wants to play that game. It’s really big and everyone wants to be part of it. We are prepared and everyone is set to give in everything possible to win against the defending champions.”

Head to head

The teams have faced off on 23 occasions in all competitions since 2011, producing three wins for BUL, fourteen for Vipers and six draws.

Last four encounters

September 26, 2021 – (Uganda cup final)

Vipers SC 8-1 BUL FC

January 08, 2022

Vipers SC 1-1 BUL FC

February 09, 2022

BUL FC 1-3 Vipers SC

June 12, 2022 (Uganda cup final)

Vipers SC 1-3 BUL FC

Match Facts

From six away matches, BUL have won two games, drawn twice and lost two matches to pick up eight points from a possible 18.

Isabirye’s side has won one game in their past five trips, scoring three goals, which totals to eight goals in the six matches on the road with five conceded along the course.

BUL’s three victories against the Venoms were far in between as the first was in February 2014 (BUL 2-1 Vipers SC), the second arrived two years later in April 2016 (Vipers SC 0-1 BUL FC) before the unforgettable triumph in Uganda cup followed six years on ( Vipers 1-3 BUL).

This fixture has produced a total of 54 goals and BUL have 17 to their name since 2011.

Only six stalemates have come in the games involving the sides, and four were goalless.

Vipers have the best home record so far in the league after winning five games and drawing one to gather 16 points from a possible 18, same tally as KCCA and the Eastern Giants but the Venoms have not leaked a goal in six home matches this season.

They are 20 consecutive games unbeaten at St. Mary’s stadium in all competitions, that is a period of more than a year since they were last beaten Infront of their own fans by URA in November 2021.

The Venoms have also kept 13 consecutive clean sheets in their past thirteen outings at St. Mary’s stadium.

Oliveira’s side has won this tie fourteen times, with eight coming at home.

They also have the best defense so far in the division as they have conceded three goals only in twelve matches.

Match Coverage:

This mouthwatering meeting is live on television and all our social media channels will relay a minute to minute text commentary concurrently.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc