Kano Pillars vs Katsina United lineups, 3 predictions – NPFL

The foremost Northern derby between Kano Pillars vs Katsina United will take centre stage at the Sani Abacha Stadium, as the Nigeria Premier Football League match day two gets underway.

This match kicks off at 4PM West Africa Standard Time on Saturday.

Kano Pillars marked their return to the NPFL with a 1-0 defeat at Sunshine Stars last weekend and they know they cannot afford to drop points at home this weekend. Meanwhile, it is their first top-flight game at home since the final day of the 2021/22 season.

The #NorthwestDerby Between Kano Pillars & Katsina United This Matchday 🔥.

The Northern Giants Also Clash On Matchday 22 (Feb 18, 2024)
Save The Date ✍️. #NPFL24 #MD1 #KanKat #MD22 #KatKan pic.twitter.com/9RvEQktJL9

— Nigeria Premier League – The NPL (@TheNigeriaPL) October 6, 2023

On the other hand, Katsina United will approach this game with a lot of confidence because of their 1-0 win over Kwara United on match day one. In addition, they have beaten Kano Pillars in two of their past three competitive meetings.

Overall, this game has plenty to offer everyone who will be interested in catching a glimpse of it.

Kano Pillars vs Katsina United probable lineups

Here are our probable lineups for this Nigeria Premier Football League match:

Kano Pillars

Goalkeeper: Mohammed Galadima

Nura Ibrahim, Fahad Usman, Musa Abdullahi, Habibu Yakubu, Aminu Sani, Mustapha Salisu, Muhammad Aminu, Ibrahim Mustapha, Rabiu Ali, Mubarak Sani.

Katsina United

Goalkeeper: Kokumbo Alldoun

Abdulmuttalib Sanusi, Emmanuel Junior, Abibu Yahaya, Stephen Manyo, Michael Ibe, Kenneth Amia, Usman Bara’u, Samson Olasupo, Falolu Azeez, Nazifi Yahya,

Kano Pillars vs Katsina United confirmed lineups

*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released

Kano Pillars vs Katsina United predictions

This fierce derby clash in the NPFL is a repeat of last season’s second division game. Both clubs are not strangers to each other and it is usually a tough battle both on and off the pitch. Regardless, here’s our three predictions for the game.

Prediction 1: Kano Pillars win

The head-to-head might look close but Kano Pillars know how to win at home. Sai Masu Gida have won all past four meetings at home and Katsina United have only scored once against Pillars away from home. Coach Abdu Maikaba will be desperate to get his side going on Saturday and that should be the case after 90 minutes.

Prediction 2: Kano Pillars to score

Kano Pillars have a strong home record against Katsina United and they should be able to extend that run when they play at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Saturday. Sai Masu Gida have scored in each of their four home NPFL matches against Katsina United and getting a goal in front of their home support should not be difficult this weekend.

Prediction 3: Under 2.5 Total Goals

This match-up is a highly competitive one and both teams rarely scored in their recent meetings. Since 2020, none of their NPFL meetings have produced more than two goals and this particular one could play out in a similar manner considering their recent meeting in the NNL which produced a solitary goal.

Kano Pillars vs Katsina United recent form

Kano Pillars

Sai Masu Gida found themselves in unfamiliar territory last term by playing in the second division. They are back to where they belong now and were welcomed by Sunshine Stars who handed them a 1-0 loss. Pillars and Maikaba will be keen to turn things around starting with this game.

Katsina United

The Chanji Boys are coming from the second division where they had a fantastic run before returning to the topflight via the playoffs. They come into this fixture on the back of their opening day win over Kwara United in Katsina.

Kano Pillars vs Katsina United Head-to-Head

This will be their 12th meeting since 2017. They have played across all levels of Nigerian football – NPFL, NNL and Federation Cup. During that time Kano Pillars have claimed four wins, while Katsina United have won three times, while four games have ended in a draw.