Team News
- Vipers welcome back Patrick Mbowa and Fabien Mutombora after the duo missed the opener against Gaddafi
- Ghanian Striker Fumador Asiwome and Hilary Mukundane remain sidelined
- For Arua Hill, the side will continue to miss Gibson Adinho
- The Visitors have not registered any injury concern from the opening loss against Gaddafi
Probable Starting XI
•Vipers SC – Fabien Mutombora, Ashraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Livingston Mulondo, Murushid Juuko, Siraje Sentamu, Bright Anukani, Lumala Abdu, Yunus Sentamu, Muhamed Salem Ekbad, Milton Karisa
Arua Hill – Richard Anyama, Ibrahim Musa, Denis Andama, Kerepi Jafar, Geriga Atendele, Reagan Mpande, Brian Omirambe, Gaddafi Wahab, Frank Kalanda, Nathan Oloro, Rashid Kawawa
Preview: Vipers Eye Home Win
Vipers seek to extend their perfect start in the new season of the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League campaign when they welcome Arua Hill at Kitende.
The Venoms, defending champions, beat Gaddafi 2-1 on Sunday in their league opener in Jinja.
Milton Karisa and Mohamed Salem Ekbad scored one each before halftime and the Venoms held on after Benson Muhindo had converted from the spot.
Coach Leo Neiva, who is still under pressure after failing to lift Vipers to CAF Champions League groups, is expected to make some changes from the team that played Gaddafi.
Young goalkeeper Jack Komakech who started against Gaddafi and defender Rogers Torach who fouled for the penalty, may pave way.
Vipers will fancy their chances to claim maximum points having beaten Arua Hill in both games last season.
The Visitors on the other hand, lost 1-0 to Busoga United in their opener in Adjumani and will be seeking to correct their wrongs.
It’s work cut out for Livingston Mbabazi who has a squad devoid of quality after departure of key players including former captain Rashid Toha and Innocent Media.
The new additions, headlined by Veteran Frank Kalanda, leave a lot to be desired.
Arua Hill won four games on the road last season, beating Express, SC Villa, Busoga United and Bright Stars.
Vipers won all their home games at Kitende except the draws against Bright Stars, Wakiso Giants and URA last season.
Head to Head
2022/23
•Arua Hill 0-1 Vipers
•Vipers 1-0 Arua Hill
2021/22
•Vipers 3-1 Arua Hill
•Arua Hill 1-0 Vipers
