SC Villa vs URA FC: Startimes Uganda Premier League Match Day 14 Preview Date: Saturday, January 4, 2025 Time: 4 PM Venue: Luzira Prison Ground

By John Kusolo

The Startimes Uganda Premier League enters its 14th match day with a high-stakes encounter between defending champions SC Villa and the in-form URA FC. Both teams come into this fixture with contrasting fortunes, making this an exciting way to kick off the new year.

Current Form

URA FC has been one of the most consistent sides in recent weeks, going unbeaten in December with three wins and a draw. Their form has propelled them to sixth place on the league table with 21 points from 13 matches. A win today could see them leap into third place, narrowing the gap to seven points behind table leaders Vipers SC.

Meanwhile, SC Villa has struggled to replicate their championship-winning form. The Jogoos are currently 9th on the table with 17 points, having failed to secure a win in their last three games, all of which ended in 1-1 draws against Lugazi FC, Police FC, and KCCA FC. A victory at Luzira would not only rejuvenate their season but also strengthen their top-half ambitions.

Form Guide (Last Five Matches)

SC Villa: D-D-D-L-W

URA FC: W-W-D-W-L

Team News

URA FC faces significant squad challenges ahead of the fixture:

Moses Aliro is doubtful, while goalkeeper Denis Otim is ruled out due to injury.

Shariph Kimbowa will miss the match after accumulating three yellow cards.

Key players Isma Mugulusi and Emmanuel Okech are also unavailable due to injuries.

Despite these setbacks, head coach Alex Isabirye remains optimistic:

“This will be a challenging game, but we have prepared thoroughly and have a strategy to neutralize Villa,” said Isabirye.

URA FC captain Enock Walusimbi urged his teammates to maintain their momentum:

“We need to show the same character we displayed in our previous games and start 2025 with a win. This is a crucial game to improve our position on the table.”

For SC Villa, their struggles in recent weeks have placed immense pressure on the squad. With no major injuries reported, they’ll rely on their core players to turn the tide and secure a much-needed win.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The two sides have faced off 28 times, with URA FC holding a slight edge:

URA FC: 10 wins

SC Villa: 5 wins

Draws: 13

URA FC has scored 37 goals in these encounters, conceding 24, and collected 43 points in total.

What’s at Stake

URA FC: A win would keep them firmly in contention for a top-three finish and within striking distance of the league leaders. With their unbeaten December run, a victory could further boost their confidence heading into the second half of the season.

SC Villa: For the defending champions, this game offers an opportunity to end their winless run and rekindle their title defense hopes. A loss, however, could see them fall further down the table and out of the race for continental spots.

URA FC is unbeaten in their last four matches.

SC Villa has won only one of their last five games.

Fans can catch the game live on Sanyuka TV via Startimes. Live updates will also be available on URA FC’s official social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

This match promises to be a tightly contested affair. URA FC will look to capitalize on their impressive form and SC Villa’s struggles, while the defending champions will be desperate to return to winning ways. With both teams seeking momentum heading into the second half of the season, Luzira Prison Ground is set for a thrilling clash.