It’s a midweek fixture for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets as we go again hunting for three points in the TNM Super League.
The defending champions host FOMO FC at Kamuzu Stadium, 72 hours after dropping points at home against Civil Service United.
It’s a busy week for The People’s Team, who, after playing the Mulanje rookies on Wednesday, will be on the road away to Karonga United for another league fixture on Sunday.
Bullets have had a tough start to their title defence with eight draws, three wins and one defeat to leave us sixth in the table with 17 points, trailing league leaders Silver Strikers with 13 points.
FORM GUIDE
It has been a frustrating start to their title ambitions for the 2023 quadruple winners, who have recorded a five-game winless streak, their worst start to a league campaign in eight years.
On Sunday, Kalisto Pasuwa’s men played out to another 1-all draw, in a match in which they struggled to keep possession and create meaningful chances.
For the first time since 2017, the defending champions have registered more draws in the opening fixtures and have only won twice at home in six league games.
Lying fifth in the standings with 17 points from 12 games, this is the lowest moment for The People’s Team, who won every domestic silverware last year.
Defensively, Pasuwa’s men have a better record, conceding seven goals, but scoring has been a problem in the current campaign as we have only managed to find the back of the net 12 times.
At this stage last campaign, Bullets had 23 points, scoring 25 goals and conceding seven.
As for our opponents, they have four wins, two draws and six defeats, scoring nine goals and conceding 16 this far in their maiden TNM Super League season.
FOMO suffered their second-heaviest defeat this season away to Karonga United at the weekend when they conceded three goals. Their first heavy beating came at the hands of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in April, again losing 3-0 at the Mulanje Park.
Coached by former Bullets legend, Gilbert Chirwa, the newcomers lie in 12th position with 14 points from 12 games.
They haven’t won any game away from home in the current campaign.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
There is nothing much to write about this fixture as Wednesday’s clash will be the first-ever meeting between Kalisto Pasuwa’s side and FOMO in any competitive match.
TEAM NEWS
Ronald Chitiyo and Ernest Petro are out of this match as they have been added to the injury list. The duo sustained their injuries in our 1-all draw against Civil on Sunday.
They join Mike Mkwate, Cylde Senaji, Alick Lungu, Clever Mkungula, Colin Mujuru and Ephraim Kondowe, who have been on the sidelines as they continue their recuperation from long- and short-term injuries.
Frank Willard, who is back in full training, is also not available as he awaits his return to full fitness.
Our opponents will also be without Prince Kajore Charles, who is serving a suspension after accumulating three yellow cards.
KICK-OFF TIME AND HOW TO WATCH THE MATCH
The game is scheduled for 14h30 and you can catch all the action on MBC TV and Mpira TV. The game will also be streamed on FIFA+. You can also catch all the game updates on our Facebook and X (Twitter) channels.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Kestern Mnenula, who was in charge of officiating during our TNM Super League encounter against Civil Service United at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday, will be the centre referee as we welcome FOMO at home this afternoon.
Referee: Kestern Mnenula
Assistant Referee 1: Joseph Nyauti
Assistant Referee 2: Siame Chitambe
Fourth Official: Issah Major
Match Assessor: Paul Mhango
