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Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia will be seeking to solidify their lead at the top of the SportPesa Premier League when they face Kariobangi Sharks today at Kasarani Stadium from 3.15pm.
Gor Mahia lead the standings with 56 points from 25 matches, giving them a four-point cushion over second-placed AFC Leopards, who have played a game more.
This puts K’Ogalo in a strong position, but the margin is still tight enough. Facing a Sharks side sitting near the bottom of the table in 15th place, everything will be on the line.
While Gor Mahia are clear favourites, this is not a simple fixture. Kariobangi Sharks are fighting to avoid relegation and will be highly motivated to upset the leaders.
However, Gor are unbeaten in their last 10 matches against Sharks, including a 4-1 win during the first leg, a head to head record that will surely motivate K’Ogalo.
For Gor Mahia, a win would strengthen their push for another title, but any dropped points could quickly bring their rivals back into contention.
Other matches will see relegation fighting APS Bomet play Ulinzi Stars at Ulinzi Complex while Kakamega Homeboyz host Mathare United at Bukhungu Stadium.
Bomet who are 16th with 23 points, two points behind Sharks and Ulinzi Stars will move out of the bottom three if they win.
Attention will then shift to tomorrow, where AFC Leopards will be looking to respond when they take on Murang’a Seal.
Leopards have been steady all season and know that they must keep winning to stay within reach of the leaders. Murang’a Seal, currently in mid-table, have shown resilience and could make life difficult.
Third-placed Shabana, on 43 points, also have a big opportunity as they face Nairobi United. Shabana are pushing to close the gap on the top two.
Another key fixture sees KCB play Bidco United, with both sides aiming to improve their positions.
For Bidco, the match is very crucial as the oilers seek to get out of the bottom. Beginning this season, all bottom three teams will be relegated to the National Super League with the promotion and relegation playoff scrapped.
As it stands, the writing is already on the wall for the 2009 champions Sofapaka who sit bottom 15 points and are winless in the last 19 matches where they have drawn five times and lost 14 times.
It remains to be seen if Bidco and APS Bomet will survive the chop as they trail Sharks, Ulinzi and Mathare United.