All friendships will go on hold at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday at15:30GMT when Asante Kotoko host old foes Hearts of Oak on match-day-9 in the Glo Premier League.

Sunday's game, the topliner for the weekend, is a clash between similar ambitions. Chasing the title, battle for supremacy and the bragging rights and catching up with the 'smaller' clubs who appear to be overtaking the old order.

For the two coaches - Ebo Mends of Kotoko and Paa Kwesi Fabin of Hearts, Sunday obviously represents a game of significant importance in their careers as referee Cecil Fletcher officiates the battle.

Mends appears under pressure as he plots to avoid a second consecutive defeat after last Sunday's derby loss to King Faisal while Fabin's stock is certainly on the up following their 3-0 thrashing of All Stars.

Mends' his opposite number appears to have struck a fine balance between defence and attack ahead of the big game, but the Kotoko coach insists meetings involving both sides is not decided by the form guide.

However, that seems to take away how important form plays in motivating their respective sides in such fixtures. Mends would have preferred his side peaking ahead of this game. His first stint with Kotoko, though brief, ended on the back of a defeat to the Phobians.

Back in 1999, Ebo Mends had enjoyed a 9-game winning run and 4 draws, but a home loss to Hearts cost him his job.

Eleven years down the line, he has an opportunity to right the wrongs of that day. Just a point separates both sides with Kotoko in the lead despite Hearts having played a game more.

All the other games on the day will kick off at15:00GMT.

Elsewhere, leaders Kessben FC would make the trip to the Kpando Park where they meet Heart of Lions.

All Stars endured a torrid time last Sunday in Accra but returning home, they would attempt to improve their display when champions Aduana Stars visits them at the Wa Park.

E.K Afranie's tenure at the Mighty Jets continues to struggle. Down the log with five points, the newcomers host Telat Uzum's Real Tamale United who are just a place above them on the same points in the clash of the bottom-two at the Ohene Djan Stadium.

AshantiGold and Berekum Arsenals are both in action at the Len Clay Stadium while Dwarfs host New Edubiase at the Robert Mensah Stadium.

The Golden City Park would host the game between Bechem Chelsea and B.A. Stars.

At the Carl Reindorf grounds, Liberty Professionals would battle King Faisal.