The Kasasiro Boys have been short of quality and leadership in their past matches, as they picked just one league point in the past six games, leaving them rock-bottom on the log.
Thirteen-time Uganda Premier League champions KCCA FC will be buoyed by the return of skipper Julius Poloto after a relatively lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Poloto has been nursing an injury for over six weeks but returns just in time for the big test against the Venoms at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Friday.
"Yes, Poloto (Julius) is returning; he has been out for one and a half months," KCCA interim head coach Jackson Magera revealed to the press on Thursday.
14:49 - 09.11.2023
UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE Jackson Magera wary of robust Vipers, preaches belief to KCCA players
Magera, who is fully aware of the current difference in form and class, wants his players to believe and work their socks off to grind out a positive result.
The Kasasiro Boys have been short of quality and leadership in their past matches, as they picked just one league point in the past six games, leaving them rock-bottom on the log.
"It's (his availability) very important because he is one of the leaders on the team so his return makes a big difference," noted Magera.
13:14 - 09.11.2023
UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE OFFICIAL: Allan Okello available for Vipers against boyhood club KCCA
Vipers SC have confirmed playmaker Allan Okello returned to full training from injury this week and that he could feature against his former side, KCCA FC, on Friday at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
On the other hand, Magera has confirmed that left-back Herbert Achai and Angolan player Emilson Gonzaga will sit out the meeting with knee injuries.
"Those who are down (out) include Achai (Herbert) and Emilson (Aires Gonzaga), who both have knee injuries and won't make the squad."
12:15 - 09.11.2023
UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE Milton Karisa: Vipers captain expects tough opposition despite KCCA's woeful form
Even then, Karisa is still confident that his manned troops will be up to the task and will fight back, hoping to avenge last season's 1-0 loss at Lugogo.
Meanwhile, it should be noted that KCCA won 1-0 in the reverse fixture in Lugogo last season, before Milton Karisa completed the revenge in the second leg at Kitende.