Reigning champions Gor Mahia begin the defence of their league crown on Tuesday night when they host Murang'a Seal at the Nyayo National Stadium. The match marks the return of floodlit fixtures at the venue, so the 7pm kick-off promises a special atmosphere as the new season gets under way.

Gor Mahia reclaimed the title last season, extending their record to 22 league championships, and will go into the match as the clear favourites. Murang'a Seal, however, arrive with a refreshed squad and nothing to lose.

Head to head

Gor Mahia have the upper hand in this fixture. They are unbeaten against Murang'a Seal in their recent meetings, with three wins and two draws and no defeats in the last five. Last season, K'Ogalo won both league games, 3-2 in the first leg and 3-1 in the return at Nyayo in May.

That return fixture was a good example of how the contest tends to go. Samuel Kapen put Gor ahead in the 18th minute, Seal captain Joe Waithera hit back on the 36th minute, Shariff Musa added the second on the 51st minute and Ebenezer Assifuah sealed the win on the 77th minute as a substitute.

Gor Mahia: team news

• Injuries. Captain Sylvester Owino, Felix Oluoch and Lawrence Juma have all returned to training after injury, but none is expected to be ready for the opener, and the club has not given a return date for any of them.
• New faces. Denis Omedi is among the new additions the champions are working into the squad.
• On the bench. Ghanaian head coach Charles Akonnor has strong squad depth to call on, which previews highlight as a key advantage over the visitors.

Murang'a Seal: what to expect

Seal finished eighth last season and have refreshed their roster for the new campaign, with Shami Mwinyi and Austine Omondi among the marquee signings. Their biggest threat remains Joe Waithera, who was the league's top scorer last season with 19 goals. If the visitors are to spoil the champions' opening night, they will need him in form.

Players to watch

• Samuel Kapen (Gor Mahia): scored in last season's meeting and will look to lead the line.
• Ebenezer Assifuah (Gor Mahia): a goalscorer in the last meeting, and a player capable of changing a game from the bench.
• Joe Waithera (Murang'a Seal): the league's top scorer last season and the visitors' main goal threat.

Our prediction

With home advantage, a strong head-to-head record and more depth in the squad, Gor Mahia are tipped to open their title defence with a win. Expect Murang'a Seal to score, though, as their attack proved dangerous against Gor in both legs last season.