Mamelodi Sundowns face TS Galaxy with revenge on their minds after the Rockets handed them their second league defeat of the season just over a week ago.
Sundowns have since responded by winning their last two games but a brave Galaxy showed that it is possible to stop and beat the Brazilians, when they won 1-0 on February 11.
Therefore, Galaxy are looking for a rare double over Sundowns while the PSL leaders want to right those wrongs and maintain their charge up the table.
Sundowns enjoy a 12-point lead over second-placed Orlando Pirates, although they have played three games more than Jose Riveiro’s team, but it is where they want to be at this stage of the season.
Form guide
However, Galaxy have lost their last two matches, which should give Sundowns confidence of maximum points, at the Loftus Versfeld.
The Rockets had been unbeaten in 12 when they shocked Sundowns but have suffered back-to-back losses in the Nedbank Cup and PSL, their last match being an entertaining five-goal thriller with Stellenbosch that they lost 3-2 on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Sundowns had won 10 straight league matches before the loss to Galaxy but normal service resumed soon after with a 2-0 win in the Nedbank Cup and a 3-1 comeback victory against Marumo Gallants on Wednesday, which leaves them top of the table with 45 points from 17 matches.
Head-to-head
That was just Galaxy’s third win over Sundowns in 10 meetings, dating back to December 2020, with the PLS champions winning six and one ending in a draw.
Sundowns won 3-1 at home last season before Galaxy forced a 1-1 draw at their backyard, and the Rockets will be looking for at least a point given they are on enemy territory this time round.
Team news
Sundowns do not have many injuries but their poor disciplinary record keeps robbing them of key players.
They will be without Tashreeq Matthews, sent off last weekend, and Dennis Onyango, who saw red on Wednesday, while Grant Kekana is also suspended due to an accumulation of four yellow cards.
There are also doubts over the availability of first-choice goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who missed Wednesday’s match with a minor injury.
What have they said?
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso termed Wednesday’s win over Gallants as their best performance this season and will be looking for more of that, if not better, on Saturday.
“Well, I'm pretty satisfied about the game. I think we did [great], one of our great games for sure. First half mostly was very interesting play, very high rhythm and intensity,” said the Portuguese tactician.
“We knew that we wanted to start strong, we started very strong with a very high tempo in the box circulation to make offensive actions. We played very aggressively and with quality, very high quality, it was a very good first half.
“Obviously, we have to cope with defensive actions mostly that came from quick attacks that Marumo gave us, [which is] normal, they have big players, intensity in the front.”
Time & where to watch
The match will kick off at 17.45 at the Loftus Versfeld and will be live on SuperSport TV (SS202).
Sundowns predicted XI
Williams, Morena, Suarez, Khoza, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Adams, Ribeiro, Shalulile, Rayners
