It’s always the date that fans check up first when the fixture list is released. It’s the big one in Ghana, which irrespective of form guide lives up to its billing.
The Baba Yara Stadium prepares to host the biggest game of this season so far, Asante Kotoko versus Hearts of Oak on Sunday as the Glo Premier League enters match-day-9 this weekend.
Both sides, last season, shared the spoils over two legs as Asante Kotoko went on to win the title but pundits believe a winner will this time round emerge.
Hearts of Oak can extend their lead at the top of the table if they pull a win at the Baba Yara Stadium against rivals, Kotoko.
With a four-point gap separating both sides, the Phobians enter Sunday’s game much confident than they certainly did during last season even though they remain cautious against a hopeful Kotoko side who will attempt to bridge the gap at the top.
The game in Kumasi crowds the fixture pile but other interesting clashes would also compete for attention.
Even before the weekend's top liner, Sporting Mirren, sitting just a place above the bottom side, play Berekum Arsenals at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra on Saturday.
David Duncan’s Tema Youth, who are third on the table travel to the Tamale Sports Stadium to play Real Tamale United.
There is a regional derby in Obuasi where AshantiGold, who continue to struggle battle King Faisal at the Len Clay Stadium.
In Wa, All Stars, the team with the most drawn games will need to rediscover their winning form as they continue to fall off the pace.
The Blues play newly promoted Sekondi Eleven Wise who are a point better off than their hosts.
Back from a disappointing CAF Champions League debut, Heart of Lions will have to overcome their continental defeat when they travel to Sunyani to play Chelsea at the Coronation Park.
Relegation stares at Sekondi Hasaacas as they prepare to host Gamba All Blacks at the Essipong Stadium. The home side will need to win to improve their poor form.
The final game of the match-day-9 fixture is at the Ohene Djan Stadium between Liberty Professionals and Kessben FC.