FOUR GAMES LEFT: Who has the toughest run-in, Hardrock or Scottland?

As the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race enters the final straight, Scottland FC have blinked first after their shock 1-0 defeat to ZPC Kariba last weekend.

That loss has handed the top spot to the debutants. With four games remaining, league leaders Hardrock FC are on 63 points from 30 matches, two points ahead of defending champions Scottland FC on 61 points after Matchday 30.

Hardrock are now in control, but Scottland will be clinging to the hope of a slip-up from the log leaders, which they can capitalise on. On paper, Scottland have the easier run-in, and they also have a major logistical advantage.

HARDROCK FACE GAUNTLET OF TOP-HALF SIDES

Hardrock FC ahead of a match at Rufaro stadium. Picture by Fanzone/Libertino

Hardrock’s charge towards a maiden Premier Soccer League title begins with the toughest possible assignment, a clash against fourth-placed Dynamos FC.

Dembare are on 51 points and in red-hot form after spoiling Highlanders’ centenary celebrations 1-0 at Barbourfields Stadium. They are still chasing a top-four finish and are hard to break down, having conceded just 21 goals all season.

Then comes the hard work.Hardrock’s remaining fixtures are against seventh-placed MWOS FC, Simba Bhora FC who are in 11th position, and resurgent FC Platinum who currently sit in 10th.

Three of those four opponents are in the top 11 and still have something to play for. MWOS and FC Platinum are pushing to secure a top-eight finish, while Simba Bhora are desperate to pull clear of the relegation fight.

As such, none of these teams will be a walkover.Dynamos FC and FC Platinum are particularly dangerous. Pure Platinum have drawn 16 games this season, the most in the league, and are notoriously difficult to beat.

SCOTTLAND’S HARARE ADVANTAGE AND EASIER RUN-IN ON PAPER

Scottland FC ahead of a match at Rufaro stadium. Picture by Fanzone

When it comes to Scottland FC, their remaining four games should pose fewer problems on paper, despite the setback against ZPC Kariba, who are 13th on 32 points.

The champions face ninth-placed Chicken Inn FC at home, stubborn Herentals College FC who sit in sixth, followed by Caps United FC who are currently in fifth and pushing for a top-four finish.

They will wrap up the season with an away fixture to Triangle United.While Herentals and Caps United are both on 48 points and chasing a top-four spot, three of Scottland’s last four fixtures will be played in Harare, meaning less travelling at a crucial stage of the season.

That is a massive advantage. Scottland will host Herentals College and Caps United at Rufaro, and face Chicken Inn in Harare as well, with only the trip to Triangle taking them out of the capital.

On current form, Chicken Inn FC and Triangle United, who have been lowly this season, are sides Scottland would be expected to beat. On paper, the only fixture which is a real danger is the Harare derby against Caps United.

Makepekepe are fifth on the log and have shown they can upset the big teams, while Herentals College have been one of the surprise packages this season in sixth place.

If Hardrock slip up against Dynamos on Saturday at Rufaro Stadium, with Scottland FC’s weekend fixture postponed due to CAF Champions League commitments, momentum could still swing back in favour of the defending champions.

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