The Betway Premiership heats up with a blockbuster clash on Saturday when Orlando Pirates visit Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld.
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The encounter between the Gauteng rivals is undoubtedly the headline act in the weekend’s football action and kicks off at 15:30.
In the context of the ongoing quest for league supremacy, it is undoubtedly the biggest clash thus far with its outcome holding the potential to determine the shape of the title race.
It is a battle between the two teams occupying the top two spots in the standings, both approaching the halfway mark of their respective campaigns.
Form guide
Orlando Pirates are the side heading into the clash with a bit of ground to make in the title race as they are placed right below their table-topping rivals.
Six points separate the two sides with the Buccaneers going in with a game in hand, and the gap in points could be halved by the end of the weekend should things go in their favour in Tshwane.
They have worked up some winning momentum on their return to league football, overcoming rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a dramatic Soweto derby on Saturday before triumphing over Sekhukhune United in tricky circumstances in Polokwane.
This proved to be a welcome set of results for Jose Riveiro’s men who have now bagged 12 out of an available 15 points from their last five games.
In doing so, they remain among the top three teams in terms of the highest points tally away from home.
Their four victories and one defeat on the road have earned them an impressive 12 points and place them just behind Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC when it comes to the league’s best travellers this season.
They however have the unenviable task of inflicting a first home defeat to a side yet to drop points in seven home league fixtures in their backyard.
It’s a record that has been key to the hosts’ positioning in the log, with their only defeat throughout the season occurring on the road.
They approach the match against the Buccaneers on a roll, having won all of the nine matches played since they last failed to get over the line in the Betway Premiership.
While they have been dominant throughout, recent form will be sure to give them an extra boost in confidence following their commanding performances against Golden Arrows and SuperSport United – against whom they netted a total of seven unanswered goals across their two outings over the past week.
Team news
Defender Thabiso Sesane is a worry for Orlando Pirates ahead of their trip across the Jukskei River.
The 24-year-old only lasted 18 minutes in the victory over Babina Noko and could sit out the trip to Loftus Versfeld.
The experienced Tapelo Xoki – brought on in his place in midweek – is among the likely options along with club captain Innocent Maela.
Also waiting in the wings is Olisa Ndah who is making his way back to match-fitness, having resumed training.
For Mamelodi Sundowns, central midfielder Bathusi Aubaas adds to Miguel Cardoso’s options in the heart of the action.
The 29-year-old has served a two-match suspension after he was given his marching orders during Mamelodi Sundowns’ 5-2 win against Sibanye in the Nedbank Cup.
They will however be without veteran attacker Themba Zwane, who has been out of action since pulling up injured while on national duty in October.
Key players
Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates): Ever present in the Bucs line-up is the Namibian stalwart, who displayed his class and versatility once again with an impactful display in midweek. The 34-year-old has mainly started in defence but slots in effortlessly on attack, and his goal and assist against Sekhukhune United have propelled him to double figures in goal contributions this season.
Tashreeq Matthews (Mamelodi Sundowns): While it’s still early days in his Mamelodi Sundowns career, Matthews has not hesitated to show why he is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the country. He has made a number of impressive cameos throughout the season, and made a strong case for a second consecutive start in the league when he netted a brace in the Tshwane derby, taking his league tally to four goals along as many assists in just eight appearances.
Head-to-head
Orlando Pirates returned with a single point from their last league visit to Loftus Versfeld, despite finishing the game a man short.
Midfielder Miguel Timm was sent off early in the second half with the hosts capitalising on their numerical advantage through a goal from Marcelo Allende soon after, but a late Tapelo Xoki strike from the penalty spot ensured a share of the spoils.
This meant that they avoided conceding the dreaded league double, having fallen short in the reverse fixture at Orlando Stadium.
While some recent success – which includes back-to-back cup finals – could give the Soweto giants some confidence, it has been one-way traffic in favour of their Tshwane counterparts in the league.
As a result, Orlando Pirates will be chasing their first league triumph in the fixture since January 2020.
In games played in the country’s capital, the Brazilians have enjoyed a slight edge in the past decade winning eight of the 20 fixtures while the Buccaneers boast six wins with the other six matches finishing level.
TV coverage and ticket info
The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC 1.
Tickets to attend the match are sold out.
Prediction
Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Orlando Pirates
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