Gor Mahia midfielder Shariff Musa in action against Thomas Wanaina of Bidco United. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Defending FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia will look to bounce back this weekend after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Nairobi City Stars on Monday.

The loss saw K’Ogalo drop to ninth in the standings, and they will be eager to return to winning ways as they host Murang’a SEAL at Machakos Stadium today (4pm).

Murang’a, currently seventh with nine points, will be a tough opponent as they aim to break into the top four.

Today’s fixtures kick off at 1pm with FC Talanta facing Kariobangi Sharks in Machakos. Sharks are in excellent form, sitting second in the league with 12 points, and will be seeking to close the gap on leaders KCB, who hold a five-point lead.

Talanta, struggling in 15th place with five points, will need to capitalise on their home advantage to climb out of the relegation zone.

In other fixtures, Sofapaka host Kakamega Homeboyz at Dandora Stadium. Sofapaka sit in 13th place, level on points with Talanta, and are in desperate need of a win to distance themselves from the relegation playoff zone.

Homeboyz, currently 16th, are also eager to improve their standings after a slow start to the season. A win for either side could significantly boost their chances of escaping the bottom of the table.

The action continues tomorrow with an array of high-stakes encounters. Shabana FC, who are at the bottom of the league standings with three points, will battle with Nairobi City Stars at Gusii Stadium. City Stars, coming off their impressive victory over Gor Mahia, will aim to build momentum and move up from 14th place.

League leaders KCB clash with Mathare United at Dandora Stadium at 3pm. KCB, undefeated so far, will aim to maintain their lead at the top, while Mathare, buoyed by their recent 2-0 win over Talanta, hope to move up from eighth.

Bidco United also take on Mara Sugar at Machakos Stadium today (3pm). Mara Sugar, sitting in third place, will be keen to keep their top-three position, while Bidco seek a much-needed victory to move up from 11th.

The weekend’s fixtures will conclude with Ulinzi Stars hosting AFC Leopards at Kinoru Stadium at 4pm. Leopards, in fourth place, will look to close in on the top three.