The Phobians top the Ghana Premier League on goal difference, but Karela United have been a stubborn host at the Aliu Mahama Stadium.
Accra Hearts of Oak travel north this weekend to face Karela United at the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale, with their place at the top of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) on the line.
The Phobians sit first on goal difference after three matches, tied on seven points with FC Samartex 1996, according to reporting by Ghanaian Times.
How Hearts got here
Hearts opened the season with full points against Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars. That run stalled last week at home, where they were held to a goalless draw by Bechem United, a result that frustrated their supporters.
They remain unbeaten, but the record will face a serious test in Tamale.
Karela a difficult host
Karela United come into the fixture stung by a 2-1 defeat away to Aduana FC last week and will be looking to recover at home.
History favours the hosts. Of the last six meetings between the two clubs at Karela's home ground, Karela have won three, Hearts have won one, and the rest ended in draws. Last season's visit to the same stadium ended in a 2-0 loss for Hearts.
Kotoko host Aduana at Baba Yara
Asante Kotoko renew one of the league's most watched rivalries when they welcome Aduana FC to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Ghanaian Times reports the fixture is set for Sunday.
Kotoko's South African head coach, Eric Tinkler, is chasing a second straight home win this season. The Porcupine Warriors drew away at FC Samartex 1996 in their last outing and sit fourth on the table, a single point ahead of ninth-placed Aduana.
Aduana have had a mixed start. They drew away to Heart of Lions on the opening day, lost at home to Samartex, then snatched a late winner against Karela last week.
Elsewhere on the weekend card
Defending champions Medeama SC host Basake Holy Stars at the TnA Stadium after a 2-2 draw away to Dreams FC at the Tuba Astro Turf on Wednesday.
Young Apostles FC, chasing a second win of the season, welcome Heart of Lions FC to the Wenchi Stadium. Bechem United return to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park to face bottom side Dreams FC.
Bibiani Gold Stars meet debutants Port City FC at Bibiani Dun's Park, Swedru All Blacks FC host FC Samartex 1996 at the Swedru Stadium, and Berekum Chelsea FC take on Vision FC at the Golden City Park.
Newcomers FC Ashantigold 04 host Debibi United FC at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi.
With the season only four weeks old, the table remains tight, and for Ghanaians following from the United States and elsewhere, this round could set the early tone of the title race.
