Leopards have four points in four draws from five matches and one defeat, and they sit 16^th in the standings.

“The gap (between Gor and AFC) isn’t as big as the table would suggest. We got to be aware that maybe three goals would have swung the results because there is a very thin line between a draw and a win. We know that if we let them in, we can provide an opportunity for them to punish us and if we play at our best, nine out of 10 we will beat them,” the Irishman said ahead of the match.

On the contrast, K’Ogalo have had a fairly good start to the season but not much of a big difference with Ingwe. In five matches, they have three draws and two victories.

McKinstry believes they have shown an improved performance compared to last season and are in good shape to keep the positive run going.

“Overall I am satisfied with how the season has started. Last season we had eight points in five matches and now we have nine. We have also scored more and I have seen some progress. What we only need to do is to be tighter at the back. We want to rectify some of the mistakes defensively as we go into the derby,” the coach further opined.

He added; “We are ready for the game, and we are ready to give our best. We know that derbies are always difficult because it is a game fought by tooth and nail. But we got to give our best for victory.”

McKinstry is yet to taste derby day delight against their arch rivals. Last season, Leopards collected four points from the derby, drawing the first leg 0-0 before winning the corresponding fixture 2-1 earlier in May.

The coach will be seeking to get his first victory over Ingwe, and he says his players are in the mood.

“The training this week has been great and you can see the mood is good. The guys have been working hard because a derby is a game were everyone wants to make a mark and that has been amplified this week. For the players, this is a great moment to show where they are individually and as a team,” he added.

Gor will still be without goalkeeper Gad Mathews who started training this week but hasn’t been passed fit while Ugandan Patrick Kaddu and winger John Macharia are yet to recover from injuries.