Lobi Stars vs Plateau United Prediction: The home team is heavily favoured to win

NPFL week 17 game at Lafia Township Stadium will see Lobi Stars play Plateau United. This season, the two teams have struggled and will hope to right their wrong. At home, can Lobi Stars take advantage of their turf?

Lobi Stars suffered a defeat against Nasarawa United the previous time out, ending 1-0 away from home. In that encounter, Lobi Stars had 62 per cent control of the game and attempted seven shots, with three on target, which they could not convert. However, looking at this team's last matches, they won one, coming against Kwara United, ending 1-0. However, their last six league matches saw Lobi Stars go unbeaten. In that run, this team defeated Shooting Stars, Bayelsa United, Abia Warriors and Kwara United while drawing El Kanemi Warriors and Kano Pillars. This season, Lobi Stars have 16 points from 16 games, averaging a point per game as they sit bottom of the standings. 

Plateau United returned to winning ways against Heartland the previous weekend and will hope to replicate the same level of play here. In a game that ended 3-2, Plateau United took the lead within the first six minutes of the match through Anthony Sunday’s strike. However, the second half opening minutes saw this team concede twice, going behind after a strong start. Yet, Anthony Sunday’s second strike of the day levelled the scores for Plateau United before a Mafeng Pam last-minute winner. However, Plateau United head into this game with two wins in their previous eight, one other against Nasarawa United. In other games, this team lost four while drawing one. 

Pyramids are slightly on the better side this season, but on the road, they are behind. While Lobi Stars have struggled so much, being one of the weakest sides in the lead, their home turf play is on another level. The two teams must show competitiveness in between, with struggles on both sides of the pitch. Yet, I feel Lobi Stars will have this game under their control at home. While Plateau United are not expected to score, a 2-0 home win for Lobi Stars is a good option.