GPL Preview: Struggling Eleven Wonders Face Tough Test Against Hearts of Oak
The opening fixture of Ghana Premier League matchday 20 will see bottom-placed Eleven Wonders host Hearts of Oak at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon on Saturday, January 23, in a clash that could have major implications at both ends of the table.
Life has been difficult for Eleven Wonders since their return to the top flight. They sit rooted to the bottom of the table with just nine points from 19 matches, leaving them 13 points adrift of safety. With results refusing to turn in their favour, relegation is becoming an increasingly realistic threat.
Wonders arrive into this encounter on the back of a poor run of form, having lost six of their last seven league matches and managed just one win in that period. Across the entire campaign, they have recorded only two victories and three draws, losing the remaining fixtures.
Home advantage has offered little relief. In their last five home games, Wonders have won twice and lost three, a record that still leaves the door open for Hearts of Oak, who remain one of the stronger away sides in the league based on points accumulated. That said, the Phobians’ recent away form has dipped slightly, with just one win, two draws and two defeats in their last five games on the road.
Historically, Hearts of Oak hold the upper hand in this fixture. They have lost only once in eight previous meetings with Eleven Wonders, recording four wins in the process.
However, Wonders will draw confidence from the fact that Hearts’ last visit ended in a 2-1 victory for the hosts back in 2022. Overall, in matches played at Wonders’ home ground, Hearts have won once, lost once and drawn twice.
Defensively, Eleven Wonders remain the league’s most vulnerable side, having conceded 29 goals in 19 matches. With just 14 goals scored all season, their struggles at both ends of the pitch are evident. Hearts of Oak, on the other hand, boast of the tightest defence in the league, conceding just 7 goals in 19 games, a factor that could prove decisive.
Given the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, Hearts of Oak will fancy their chances of grinding out a narrow victory to keep pace with the title-chasing pack, while Eleven Wonders will be desperate to spring a surprise and revive faint hopes of survival.