Crunch duels expected in Round 4

The BetKing Ethiopian Premier League round 4 matches continue on Monday with Hadiya Hossana in top spot after three wins in a row.

Ethiopian Coffee, Saint George, Fasil Kenema and Bahir Dar Ketema will look to extend their winning runs while Adama Ketema, Jimma Aba Jifar, Hawassa Ketema and Sidama Coffee will all eye their first three points of the league season.

SEBETA KETEMA VS SAINT GEORGE

Both sides come to the tie after successful outings in their previous games. Sebeta Ketema are improving and boast young star Fuad Fereja, although their offensive line seems to have lost momentum this season as all of their three goals have come from the midfielders.

Head coach Abraham Mebratu should be happy how the side is turning out. The visitors are not in great shape as a unit but have players that can change the outcome of the encounter. The likes of Abel Yalew possess the power to influence games. 

Last season Sebeta Ketema shocked the record champions 1-0 in Addis Ababa Stadium. Saint George may have the services of center back Asechalew Tamene and midfielder Natnael Zeleke after their long layoffs due to injury.

HAWASSA KETEMA VS ETHIOPIAN COFFEE

The fixture yet again has not been good to the Lakers as they face one of the top placed sides in week four. The Browns have been in good form as they are set to extend their unbeaten run on their quest for their first league title since 2011. Head trainer Kassaye Arage saw his charges lose their early games, but quickly rectified their weaknesses to get back to the chase. 

Hawassa Ketema lacked defensive organisation and head coach Mulugeta Miherete rotated the backline for the previous games with no success. Ethiopian Coffee are the clear favourites to take home three points. Hawassa hope to get back Mesfin Tafese from injury while Abubakher Nessero of Coffee could make his return.

DIRE DAWA KETEMA VS JIMMA ABA JIFAR

This is the perfect time for the Easterners to score their first win of the season. Jimma Aba Jifar conceded four goals in a match for the second time this season and their backline don't look convincing enough. Their lingering problems persisted in the last games and they don't look like they can beat this Dire Dawa side. 

The home side showed urgency and confidence while talking on Ethiopian Coffee. If they take the positives from that game, surely, they are in pole position to take maximum points. Goalie Abubakher Nuri is not available for Jimma due to suspension. Bereket Samuel and Daniel Demisse miss out for Dire Dawa after their red cards while facing Coffee the previous week.

FASIL KENEMA VS WOLAITTA DICHA

This should be an interesting affair as brothers meet in Round 4. Shemkit Gugesa of Fasil Kenema faces his two younger brothers Chernet Gugesa and Anteneh Gugesa of Dicha. Fasil responded to their critics with a commanding display against Jimma Aba Jifar. 

Wolaitta Dicha's inconsistent displays may get better, but the challenges of beating Fasil is like climbing a steep mountain. Whoever dominates the midfield will get the points they seek.

WOLKITE KETEMA VS BAGIR DAR KETEMA

It is another enticing league fixture with Wolkite taking on Bahir Dar. Wolkite are unbeaten in their successive opening encounters. Bahir Dar Ketema coach Fasil Tekalegn is well aware of the potent weapons he has as Fitsum Alemu and Baye Gezaghen keep bagging goals. 

Wolkite Ketema's prodigy Yared Tadesse has shown us what he is capable of in the previous game. The swift counter attack of Wolkite and the quick transition of the Waves of Tana could serve up a good game for neutral spectators.

ADAMA KETEMA VS SIDAMA COFFEE

Both sides come to the duel following a loss in round three. Adama Ketema failed to get onto the scoreboard in their previous two games as they looked poor in all aspects. Sidama Coffee have players of superior quality so head coach Zeray Mulu will aim for maximum points. 

Adama Ketema, under manager Asechalew Hailemikael, are not making progress but the return of veteran captain Suleiman Mohammed might be a turning point for the side. Sidama Coffee's foreign contingent of Sunday Mutuku, Mamadou Sidibe and Yasser Mugerwa are a doubt as a result of work permit issues and injury.