After snubbing their much-anticipated Kenyan Premier League match on July 31, arch-rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are set to renew their enmity at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Wednesday afternoon.
Their previous such encounter at Thika Stadium aborted after both clubs opted for a friendly encounter at Camp Toyoyo grounds, citing failure by Football Kenya Federation to pay them their Betway Cup prize money.
The controversial move attracted heavy penalties given FKF fined Leopards and Gor Sh5m and Sh3m respectively.
The last time the two sides met in a competitive match was on July 4 when K'Ogalo thumped Leopards 4-1 on post-match penalties at Nyayo Stadium to clinch the Betway Cup.
The victory earned Gor the rights to fly the country's flag at this season's CAF Confederations Cup besides going home Sh2m richer compared to the losers, who bagged Sh1m.
Gor head into Wednesday's encounter high on confidence following a successful Confederations Cup outing where they outclassed Al Ahly Merowe of Sudan 3-1 in Egypt last Friday.
A win will fire them to six points after they pipped last season's runners-up KCB 2-1 in their opening fixture of the season at Thika Stadium a fortnight ago.
There were fears the club would crumble following a mass walkout of key players at the end of the season, but head coach Mark Harrison has successfully picked up the pieces and assembled a promising side.
However, K'Ogalo won't have it any easier given they are coming up against a rejuvenated Leopards side boosted by the return of their head coach Patrick Aussems last week.
Although Leopards suffered a fate similar to Gor Mahia's after losing their luminaries, the 13-time Kenyan champions made their presence felt in their opening match of the season, stunning holders Tusker 1-0 in the season-opener courtesy of Saad Musa's solitary goal.
They, however, seemed to have lost their momentum over the weekend when they were held to a barren draw by KCB in their second fixture of the season at Thika Stadium.
History favours Gor Mahia, who are groping for a 20th title. They let a fifth consecutive title slip through the fingers after emerging seventh last season to surrender the battle to Tusker.
The last time Leopards clinched the top-flight silverware was in 1998 and they are yet to beat Gor in seven matches.
In other fixtures, Vihiga Bullets will square off with Kariobangi Sharks as Kenya Police battle Nzoia Sugar. Bandari face Posta Rangers while KCB have a date with newbies Talanta.
Ulinzi Stars flex muscles with Bidco United as Sofapaka settle scores with Mathare United. On Thursday, City Stars will face Wazito in the only match of the day.
