Champions and Kenya Cup leaders Kabras host second-placed KCB in Kakamega as the group phase of the national league ends on Saturday.
Kabras, who are on a 24-match unbeaten run, will still top the group phase irrespective of the result of this duel.
The bankers were pegged in the race for top spot after losing their unbeaten run in a 21-7 defeat to Menengai Oilers in Nakuru last weekend.
The sugar millers are top of the log with 50 points, six ahead of the bankers — with both sides assured of home semifinal matches in a fortnight.
Carlos Katywa's charges come into this clash having won their last two matches against their visitors, who dominate the overall head-to-head record with 11 wins to Kabras’ four. They have drawn once.
Katywa has made four changes for the clash. Utility back Jone Kubu returns at fullback after a four-month injury hiatus.
Burly Derrick Ashiundu, who missed the 24-17 win over Blak Blad due to illness, returns to partner Brian Mutua in midfield.
Kenya Sevens star Brian Tanga returns from sick leave to start at scrumhalf and partners South African Ntabeni Dukisa at flyhalf.
In the forward pack, Hillary Mwanjilwa, Teddy Akala and Ephraim Oduor will be the key actors alongside skipper George Nyambua.
Curtis Olago's charges, on the other hand, aim to bounce back from their shock defeat to Oilers.
Incidentally, KCB were the last team to beat Kabras — in February 2022 at the Lion's Den in Ruaraka — winning 28-20.
Olago expects a stern test.
"Kabras have been imperious throughout the season and they always bring out the best in us. We need to work on the errors we had against Oilers. We must tick all our boxes in Kakamega,” noted Olago.
He has made five changes for the clash with a surprise switch that will see skipper Griffin Musila come off the bench.
Emmanuel Silungi comes in for Davis Chenge, who is unavailable, at second row to partner the impressive AndyCole Omollo. Persian Kolian starts at number eight with Steve Wamai unavailable.
Experienced Michael Wanjala gets the nod at scrum-half, replacing Emmanuel Opondo, while Brian Wahinya retains his role at fly-half.
The race for the final two playoff positions will be determined on the day.
Nondies, fifth on the log with 27 points, face Quins in a Ngong Road derby at the RFUEA grounds. Sixth-placed Mwamba have a date with Nakuru at the same venue.
Third-placed Menengai Oilers make the short trip to the capital to face Catholic Monks in Karen while Strathmore Leos face Kisumu in lakeside.
