It is derby weekend in the Ghana Premier League with four of the nine matches being regional derbies.

Hearts of Oak host Accra Great Olympics, Asante Kotoko travel to face Ashanti Gold, Karela United welcome Medeama SC and Inter Allies lock horns with Legon Cities.

Each of these games could have a significant impact on the table standings with so little to separate teams this season in terms of points.

All 18 teams will be involved this weekend but here ‘s a preview to the four derbies you can’t afford to miss this matchday:

Hearts of Oak vs Great Olympics

The Mantse derby comes of between Hearts of Oak and Great Olympics. This historic match usually determines the owner of the Accra land till these two sides clash again.

The derby comes at a good time for both clubs with both teams in some good form.

Hearts, the home team have been imperious at home under new coach Kosta Papic winning all three games with an aggregate score of 11-1.

Olympics on the other hand, have also been adventurous on the road. The Oly Dade have are second on the away table with seven points from five games.

So far, new coach Yaw Preko is unbeaten in two games but will require his side to play above themselves if they want to end their winless streak against the Phobians.

Since 2000, Olympics have won just one league game against Hearts. The Phobians have been dominant winning 11 with seven games ending in a stalemate.

A win by any of the two sides could potentially propel them to the top of the table, adding extra incentive to a feisty derby.

Stadium: Accra Sports stadium, Accra

Time: Saturday, 18:00GMT

Prediction: Hearts of Oak 2-2 Olympics

Ashanti Gold vs Asante Kotoko

An Ashanti derby well poised with both teams eyeing a place at the top of the table by the end of the matchday.

Both teams sit just two points behind Karela who are table toppers.

For AshGold, a win against their rivals would be a statement of intent. Especially after coming off the back of a very poor performance against Legon Cities.

Kotoko have found some form under interim coach Johnson Smith picking up 11 points from a possible 18 with just one defeat.

That defeat inflicted by Aduana Stars was a painful one for the Porcupine Warriors who knew a win would send them to the top of the table.

It was the first time the Ogya boys had won an away game against Kotoko.

With both AshGold and Kotoko losing their previous games, expectations will be higher in this derby to get win.

The Miners are yet to lose a home match this season and Kotoko are also yet to lose an away game this season.

AshGold will be without marksman, Appiah McCarthy who will be out injured for 4-6 games.

Despite suffering a concussion, Fabio Gama has been cleared fit to play, however the Porcupine Warriors are likely to be without the services of Patrick Asmah and Habib Mohammed.

In the past five games between the two at Obuasi, there have been 15 goals scored.

Stadium: Len Clay stadium, Obuasi

Time: Sunday, 15:00GMT

Prediction: AshGold 1-2 Kotoko

Karela United vs Medeama SC

The Nzema derby has never been this significant in recent times. Karela United are having a remarkable season and sit top of the league.

For Medeama, it was a slow start but two wins in their last three has seen a sharp rise in the table.

A win for Samuel Boadu’s men on Sunday will take them to within just one point off the top of the table.

However, that will be a tough task for the Mauve and Yellows because Karela are on a hot streak at home.

The Pride and Passion boys have won all five home games so far scoring 12 goals and conceding three.

The match could prove to be a defining moment in each team’s season making it a highly anticipated fixture.

The two teams have only met twice in the league, with Medeama winning one and the other ending in a draw.

Stadium: Crosby Awuah Memorial (CAM) park, Aiyinase

Time: Sunday, 15:00GMT

Prediction: Karela 2-0 Medema

Inter Allies vs Legon Cities

When it comes to Accra derbies, it isn’t all about the Mantse derby.

Although there isn’t rich history between Inter Allies and Legon Cities, the stakes are very high when both teams clash in the Accra New Boys Derby this weekend.

It is dubbed New Boys because Inter Allies only gained promotion to the Ghana Premier League in 2013 and Legon Cities changed their name from Wa All Stars in 2019.

As a result, this derby is still in its budding stages however three points will be crucial when they meet.

Both teams sit in the relegation zone currently and three points will be enough to move out of the drop.

The two sides met for the first time in 2020 in a match which ended as a 1-1 draw.

These teams who have both appointed new coaches this season need a strong performance and a win to not just be called the best new boys in Accra, but also to climb out of the relegation zone.

Stadium: Accra Sports stadium, Accra

Time: Sunday, 15:00GMT

Prediction: Inter Allies 1-1 Legon Cities