GHANAsoccernet.com’s Ameenu Shardow assesses the chances of Hearts of Oak in Sunday’s epic Premier League clash against Asante Kotoko.

The Porcupine Warriors have not lost a league match since December 18 and not even a spirited display by New Edubiase a fortnight ago could dent their unblemished home record this season.

But one wouldn’t bet against the Phobians doing it especially when playing away in Kumasi – a ground that has proved favourable for the Rainbow boys.

The game however goes beyound judgement along historic and sentimental lines, and we attempt to look at the opportunities and dangers for Hearts in the prospectively tantalizing game on April 15.

Defence 

The pair of Kofi Agyare and Osei Bonsu might be too slow — a certain recipe for a defensive disaster against Ben Acheampong and Co.

The Phobian backline will not be found wanting for the fundamental attributes such as desire and determination, but when it comes to class and technique, it is difficult to see them keeping out the champions in waiting.

The emergence of Acheampong following the issues with Ahmed Toure is a timely fit, although the whole team looks capable of scoring.

VERDICT: NO

Midfield

The middle of the park is where many believe this epic clash will be decided.

Not only will the Hearts midfield have to keep pressing, they will also have to avoid being pressed.

And on account of last weekend’s game against All Stars, it appears coach C.K Akunnor is getting it together.

The loss of Abubakar Moro could hurt Hearts as he provided the needed defensive foundation upon which Isaac Ofori, Uriah Asante and Laryea Kingston operated at an appreciated level of efficiency.

But the task is clear — they cannot let Nii Adjei, Prince Baffoe and others to dominate the middle of the park.

VERDICT: YES

Attack

An on-song Mahatma Otoo, full of hustle bustle and deadly intent, might be able to cause Kotoko’s defence a few problems with his swift presence.

But you can’t imagine the likes of Ohene Brenya,  Awal Mohammed and Yaw Frimpong having many sleepless nights over the thought of dealing with the 19-year-old based on current form — unless it is laughter responsible for keeping them awake.

Orchestrating a threat will give C.K Akunnor one of his biggest tactical headaches since becoming Hearts coach but he might have some respite with the emergence of Sadat Karim who led the lines excellently against All Stars.

VERDICT: MAYBE

Tactics

Kotoko played the first 20 minutes of the Edubiase game on the counter and that is something they will not be able to do against Hearts — or else they will get mullered.

Right from the off, they will need to press the Phobians toe-to-toe and it’s hard to know whether they have got that in them.

This is however checked-mate with the return of Maxwell Konadu to the Kotoko bench. His impact from the touchline so far this season has been phenomenal and he is certainly ahead of C.K Akunnor who is still in the process of knitting a solid team at Hearts.

VERDICT: No