Football
Dami Ugbane, Special to ESPN 7y

NPFL Matchday 37 Preview: Can Plateau United hold on?

The Nigeria Professional Football League enters matchday 37 with some decisive games to be played in the penultimate weekend of the season.

In one of the more intriguing fixtures, leaders Plateau United are four points clear with two matches remaining, and will wrap up the title with victory away at relegation-threatened Wikki Tourists.

Enugu Rangers vs. Enyimba

Enyimba's quest to overtake Akwa United on the log takes them to Enugu on Sunday for a crucial game against Oriental rivals Enugu Rangers.

Enugu Rangers are the league's form team, unbeaten in five consecutive games, an impressive run which has seen the Flying Antelopes rise to eighth, a significant improvement from their relegation battles a couple of weeks ago.

If Enyimba are to climb into third-place, then victory is non-negotiable, provided Akwa United fail to earn an away win.

Shooting Stars vs. Akwa United

Shooting Stars secured a major relegation lifeline following their away draw at El-Kanemi Warriors last weekend, a result which took them a spot out of the drop zone.

The Oluyole Warriors are home to highflying Akwa United, who are desperate to consolidate third-place. Considering how valuable this game is to both teams at different ends of the table, it should be a highly entertaining game, with the more dogged side earning victory.

Wikki Tourists vs. Plateau United

League leaders Plateau United are away at relegation battlers Wikki Tourists in a game in which both teams have eyes on maximum points.

Plateau United's title prospects are in doubt despite enjoying a four-point lead at the top with two games of the season remaining.

They fumbled at home last weekend, and could run into further trouble against a desperate Wikki side that are 17th on the table, knowing a win in their last league home game of the season takes them a step towards safety.

MFM FC vs. Nasarawa United

MFM FC have a perfect opportunity to reduce the four-point lead at the top when they host fifth-place Nasarawa United. The Church-sponsored team have enjoyed a stellar season despite parading a modest team and are unbeaten on their home turf this season, winning all but two of their games at the 'Soccer Temple'.

They should take the title race to the wire with an expected home win against Nasarawa United, provided Plateau United do not pick up a third away win of the season.

Rivers United vs. Gombe United

Gombe United will say goodbye to their top flight status if they lose away at 13th-place Rivers United.

The home team parading the league's joint third best defensive record and are currently unbeaten in four successive games, are aware that anything other than a home win will not be acceptable by the ever demanding Port Harcourt fans.

ABS FC vs. Abia Warriors

ABS FC are aware that a home win against Abia Warriors only just raises a glimmer of hope in their fight to beat the drop.

The privately sponsored club are in 18th place and can only blame themselves for a disastrous run of games which sees them nearing a return to the lower division.

ABS know that in the event of a win against Abia Warriors-who have the second best form in the division- they are likely not to rise above the drop zone with their nearest challengers in the relegation battle all involved in home games.

Kano Pillars vs. El-Kanemi Warriors

Kano Pillars could end any hopes harboured by seventh-place El Kanemi Warriors of an outside chance for a continental ticket when they meet in the Northern derby at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

The visitors sit two spots above their hosts, and surprisingly dropped points at home to Shooting Stars last weekend, extending their recent struggles.

Sunshine Stars vs. FC Ifeanyi Ubah

Sunshine Stars could end all relegation worries when they host sixth-place FC Ifeanyi Ubah on Sunday.

The away team controversially lost on Monday in Lokoja and could be in for an even tougher assignment against a team in 15th place.

Katsina United vs. Remo Stars

Katsina United face a very winnable home game against relegated Remo Stars, who could extend their winless run to 13 games with a defeat.

A win could help 14th-placed United seal safety.

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