GPL MD 3 Preview: Hearts of Oak seek redemption against Bechem United after poor start

After multiple calls for patience and support from the Hearts of Oak hierarchy, head coach Aboubakar Ouattara now faces the task of turning words into action.

Following back-to-back defeats against Holy Stars and Hearts of Lions, the Porcupine Warriors’ attacking deficiencies have been glaring, with a notable lack of creativity from both central and wide areas. The burden of wide creativity fell on full-backs Ransford Mensah and Yahaya Adramani in recent games, but their contributions have been minimal.

Ouattara has kept players like Martin Karikari on the bench, a decision that many feel needs to be reconsidered. Karikari’s ability to operate in half-spaces, combined with Hussein Mohammed’s movement, could offer Hearts the offensive flexibility they’ve been missing.

A more attack-minded approach is essential, especially as Hearts’ defense has shown vulnerability when sitting deep.Bechem United, on the other hand, enter this contest with some key changes.

Star players like Clinton Doudo and Samuel Osei Kuffour have departed, and new head coach Kwaku Danso is tasked with revitalizing the squad. Charles Owusu returns from suspension, while Francis Twene remains pivotal in midfield, providing both stability and creativity.

Bechem’s chances of success will hinge on retaining possession and using the creative trio of Twene, Isaac Dyarko, and Yeboah Darling to apply pressure. The team’s attack, featuring the in-form Augustine Okrah, will aim to exploit Hearts’ defensive frailties.

Previous encounters between these two sides have been goal-heavy, with their last four meetings producing ten goals.

With Hearts desperate to avoid a third straight defeat and Bechem looking to break their matchday three road losing streak, the stage is set for an intriguing battle.