Seven-time champions Express host Kitara at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo on Thursday in a matchday four StarTimes Uganda Premier League double header.
The Red Eagles have endured a stop-start campaign with one win and two defeats from their opening three outings.
Kitara arrive desperate to kick start their league season after drawing their only match so far against record champions SC Villa.
Express tactician Morley Byekwaso described the encounter as one that could determine the club's future performances in the long season.
"We have so far lost two games and won one. We shall do our best to win the game," Byekwaso told the media ahead of the fixture.
Since 2021 the two outfits have met nine times with Kitara edging the head-to-head record with five wins against Express four.
The Purple Sharks eliminated Mogadishu City of Somalia in the Caf Confederation Cup before turning full focus to domestic duties.
In the early kick off at 5pm UPDF host Maroons with either side seeking maximum points after mixed starts.
Maroons were beaten 2-1 by Blacks Power in their recent outing while UPDF shared the spoils in a goalless draw with Police.
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala is whether Byekwaso's side can convert home advantage into a first Nakivubo win or if Kitara's continental momentum proves decisive.
Thursday Nakivubo double header fixtures
- 5:00pm: UPDF vs Maroons
- 7:30pm: Express vs Kitara
Source: Uganda Premier League
