Last weekend saw a lot of movement in the table. Current league champions Budget FC are extending their lead at the top after their win against Ibusa FC, while Maracana remain unbeaten after a draw in their last game. At the other end of the table, Super FC and Bucklers FC got their first wins of the season that pushed them both a few places up the table.
Even when they were not winning, Bucklers scored goals, losing by narrow margins. This has helped their goal difference when compared with other bottom teams as they now sit 9th on the table. Sajo and Ndubisi had a good game against The FA, both chipping in with goals and assists to propel Bucklers on to their first victory. If Bucklers can sort out their defense and concede less goals, they could very well finish in the top half of the table come season end.
TNT FC’s poor start to the season continued with a loss to rivals Hushpuppi who have pushed up the table. Top player from last season Dauda is yet to hit best form, registering just 1 goal thus far. Their defending has been at times shambolic, making too many errors that will always get punished in the Capital league. In contrast Hushpuppi are in great form, with two consecutive high-scoring victories pushing them up to 5th with a game in hand. They started last season in similar fashion, but retrogressed towards the end. Time will tell if they have learnt from last season’s failures.
League debutants Rash FC suffered their second defeat of the season to the Stoke-like (EPL Stoke) FA FC. Their manager was clearly unhappy with The FA’s physical approach which limited his game strategy. This will surely be an experience to learn from for Rash FC and their manager as they navigate their first season in the league. They have so far shown that they are not to be underestimated, playing attractive football and getting results in the process. They came from behind to beat the Capital City Eagles in a spirited comeback win, with their highest goal scorer Ussy finding the net yet again.
The Eagles have been unable to find consistency this season. The star-studded squad has failed to shine, and their manager has also been unable to define her strongest starting line up. With all the talent at their disposal, their defence is clearly missing Mohammed Obat, as they have conceded 17 goals thus far. Although one of their new recruits Hassan Abba has caught the eye, others like Mubis are yet to make a noticeable impact. Is it that these players need a new system for them to thrive? Is a new manager required to bring the best out of them?
Matchweek 4 Preview
A game to look out for on match-day 9 is Bucklers FC v Underdogs FC, with both teams separated by goal difference on the table. As Bucklers look to build on their first win, they will face an Underdogs outfit who will be looking to kickstart their season. Underdogs FC is another team that seems to have managerial issues. A strong squad with quality players in all positions has been accused of overconfidence and complacency by some fans. Recent results should have brought them back to reality, and it will be interesting to see how they respond against Bucklers.
Match-day 10 sees the only unbeaten teams in the league take on each other: Maracana FC v Budget FC. This is going to be a season defining game without a doubt. Both teams have an abundance of talent – Anas Ahmed and Abba Luque of Maracana have announced themselves to the league in spectacular fashion, while the effervescent talents of Budget are all in top form, Gaucho in particular mesmerizing spectators. But the defining factor may just be the tactics employed on the day, and the Budget manager who has proven himself to be a master tactician makes Budget FC the favourites for the game.
Standout game on Matchday 11 has to be Budget Warriors v the FA. The FA who are the league’s most indisciplined team based on accumulated yellow cards, come up against a free scoring Budget warriors who boast the league’s top scorer Ade Shehu, and also Muktar Yunusa who leads in the assists ranking.
Expect more changes in the table after this weekend as we approach the season’s halfway.
The transfer window also opens this weekend, and a lot of activity is expected as teams look to strengthen their squads for the second half of #CapitalLeague2017
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