This will be in sharp contrast with last year, where relegated teams were only confirmed in the boardroom after a long legal tussle.

So with three games to go, Joy Sports analyzes the team that will have the most effect on the bearing of relegation.

That team will be Heart of Lions.

Judging by their fixtures, the Kpando-based side face fellow relegation stragglers Olympics on matchday 29 and follow up with a trip to Edubiase on matchday 30.

The outcome of these two games will have a significant effect on the table come the closing day. 

Why are they so important?

Three points won when the relegation strugglers meet will mean no point gained for the defeated team.

That is normal in every league format, but in this context, there is an added bonus of going high on the league log and effectively staying clear of relegation.

The hope of dropping points and expecting fellow relegation candidates to also drop points is completely eradicated when there is a relegation dog-clash.

The proximity of points means dropping points is - and will be - very costly, effectively bringing an end any title chances. And then there is the head-to-head rule, which comes into play when teams are tied on the same number of points.

The team with a superior advantage over its opponents is adjudged to be the better of the two sides and thus will be ranked higher on the league log.

The last two places for relegation have rotated quite often in the few weeks. Hearts of Oak and Olympics have spent some days there but as things stand Heart of Lions and Bechem United are occupants of the last two relegation places.

In context…

Heart of Lions game against Olympics will be the first of two relegation clashes. A win for the Kpando side can spell doom for the Wonder side.

Olympics face Ashantigold on the last day of the season and will strive to achieve maximum points prior to facing the league leaders. Matters will be extremely difficult for the Wonder Boys, should the Miners come to Accra in search of points to win the league.

Despite currently leading 3-2 on the head to head, a huge deficit can see them not only lose out on points but also on the head-to-head.

A defeat for Heart of Lions will ultimately push down the Kpando side.

They will be not only points behind but also down on the head-to-head. On that very matchday, Edubiase are away to Aduana, Bechem away to Inter Allies and Hearts at home to Berekum Chelsea.

Positions will be largely determined by occurrences in Kpando.

On the last day, all eyes will be drawn to Obuasi when Lions are yet again engaging fellow strugglers Edubiase. Depending on the outcome of matchday 29, that game will determine whether both sides are safe or both to be relegated or one to be relegated.

 Attention will also be drawn to Accra where Ashantigold play Olympics.

Heart of Lions hold the key to relegation. It will be expedient to keep an eye on them as they hold the keys of survival and that of other clubs in their hands.

Meanwhile, here are this weekend's games...

CLICK TO READ: This year's league most competitive - Sannie

CLICK TO READ: Matchday 28 game-by-game preview

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