The Super Clash is always played with so much intensity considering the significance attached to this historic fixture.

This year will be no different as the crunch tie comes at a very crucial part of the season with both sides setting sights on the three points.

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The much anticipated match comes at the penultimate stage of the first round and hence could serve as a momentum spring for the victor heading into the second round.

Johnson Smith and Samuel Nii Noi face several tactical battles that could decide their teams' respective fates in the Ghana Premier League.

The Possession Battle

An assumption for any match is that whoever will maintain majority of possession has a higher chance of winning.

Controlling the match's flow and pace is the key strategy every time most teams step onto the pitch.

Kotoko will most likely start with the double pivot of Latif Anabila and Emmanuel Sarkodie whilst Hearts on the other hand are expected to play a midfield trio of Frederick Ansah Botchway, Benjamin Afutu and Emmanuel Nettey.

Hearts will have to be aware of the potential working combinations that could arise due to the fluidity in the midfield of Kotoko.

The Porcupine Warriors could see Fabio Gama drop into the midfield or could also see either Kwame Poku or Naby Keita drop deep to help in build-up.

However, if Hearts become mesmerized by Kotoko’s movement, they could concede easy goals on the day.

For Hearts, the return of Michelle Sarpong increases their options in midfield as he has a very high retention rate. Coach Noi could either opt for the silky dribbler or add Abdul Manaf Umar for his pure pace, drive and power.

Containing the Superstars

Containing Kwame Poku or Victor Aidoo is no simple task for any defender.  However, keeping them at bay will be crucial for either team.

This season, Kwame Poku has scored 58% percent of Kotoko’s goals in the league, so if Mohammed Alhassan and Nuru Sulley can shut him down, the Porcupine Warriors will be in trouble.

Hearts present more diversity in terms of scoring threat than their arch rivals, as Aidoo, Kojo Obeng Jnr and Manaf all have more goals than the second highest topscorer for Kotoko, Imoro Ibrahim.

With these threats in consideration, Kotoko’s defence must balance between keeping a high line and containing Heart’s high-powered attack.

Explosive Start

Hearts of Oak have proven that they can be unsteady during the beginning of Super Clash matches.

Two years ago, Fatawu Shafiu scored in the fourth minute against Hearts of Oak as the Porcupine Warriors knocked the Phobians out of the Normalisation Committee Special Competition.

Justice Blay scored within 11 minutes after the opening whistle during Hearts’ January 26, 2020 loss to Kotoko.

Blay who was left unmark powered his header past a helpless Richard Attah who will most likely be in goal once again on Sunday.

With this goal still in the Phobians’ memories, Nii Noi’s men will look to switch on and be more concentrated during set pieces, for they will not want to concede such an easy goal again.  

Additionally, an early goal could prove to be the difference, since both sides will be eager to hold onto what they have getting to the end of the game.

Involving the Defence

Whichever team risks more will win the game.

The best way to outnumber the opponent's defence is to use full-backs as options on the wings.

Imoro Ibrahim is the quintessential attacking full-back. He makes runs along the wing and provides crosses for Kotoko’s forwards.

Offensive-minded full-backs not only add attacking numbers, but they also create space.  As the opposing defence moves to cover them, other lanes open up for forwards to exploit.

Both teams possess an assortment of modern full backs. Aside Ibrahim, Kotoko also possess Christopher Nettey, another explosive full back on the other side.

For Hearts of Oak, Fatawu Mohammed and Randy Ovouka equally provide a lot of offensive threat from full back positions.

Both Kotoko’s patient approach and Heart of Oak’s explosive attack will benefit from using defenders as offensive options, therefore the battle on the wings should be an intriguing one.