Pirates vs Sundowns: Preview, team news, key players and possible lineups

Orlando Pirates’ title credentials will come under huge test on Wednesday evening when they clash with perennial champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium.

Pirates have been the team to beat this season with just two losses in the league, both suffered in the opening matches of the season.

Since then, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team have won 12 and drawn two of their 14 games, including a 1-1 stalemate against Sundowns, which has taken their tally to 38 points, six more than the Brazilians.

While Sundowns have played one match less, they could find themselves nine points behind if they lose in the capital on Wednesday, hence the need to collect maximum points.

Oswin Appollis drives with the ball against Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo Orlando Pirates

Sundowns head into the game high on confidence after beating MC Alger 2-0 in the CAF Champions League last weekend to make it to the quarter-final, setting up an exciting contest.

Form guide

Pirates are yet to taste defeat in the PSL since losing 1-0 to Sekhukhune United and 2-1 to Marumo Gallants when they season started in August while their last loss in all competitions was a 3-0 defeat away to St Eloi Lupopo of DR Congo in the Champions League in October.

Since then, it has been 12 games, 10 wins and two draws while they had won 10 and drawn one before the loss to Lupopo. Over this period, they have also won two trophies, the MTN8 and Carling Knockout, and remain in the hunt for a quadruple.

Meanwhile, Sundowns have not been their usual selves with 11 points dropped in the league from 15 matches after nine wins, five draws and a loss.

Orlando Pirates players celebrate Sipho Mbules goal in the Nedbank Cup.

While they suffered their last league loss in September, they have been knocked out of the Carling Cup by Marumo Gallants and had a shaky Champions League group campaign that included just two wins, both at home, three draws and a loss.

In their last 10 games, Sundowns have five wins, four draws and one loss, unlike them even though they are still fighting on three fronts with a win on Wednesday set to bring them three points behind Pirates and with a game in hand.

Head-to-head record

Pirates come into the match as the team with a better record over Sundowns in recent meetings as they are unbeaten in their last four matchups against the champions.

The two sides have met three times already this season with all of them ending 1-1, although Pirates won the two-legged MTN8 semi-final on post-match penalties after a 2-2 draw on aggregate.

Mamelodi Sundowns players vs MC Alger — Mamelodi Sundowns players. Photo source: Makonco_M/x

Overall, Sundowns have bossed this fixture as in their last 35 meetings, they have 17 wins, just eight for Pirates, while 10 have ended in draws. Last season, Sundowns thrashed Pirates 4-1 at home before losing 2-1 away. That was the first win for Pirates over Sundowns in 12 league matches.

Pirates vs Sundowns team news

Pirates will have a full house, giving Ouaddou plenty of options to choose from with only the injured duo Thapelo Xoki and Thabiso Lebitso not available while Sundowns will be without the suspended Bathusi Aubaas.

Meanwhile, former Pirates star Monnapule Saleng, who moved to Sundowns last month, is still out with an injury and so is Keano Cupido.

Monnapule Saleng training at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Key players for Pirates and Sundowns

Relebhile Mofokeng has been in great form for Pirates lately and he comes into the match, having scored in his last three games, while he has provided four assists in his last seven matches. He scored a brace when Pirates beat Sundowns 2-1 in April and will be keen to maintain the same form.

Meanwhile, Sundowns’ new R50 million signing Brayan Leon has also been too hot to handle with four goals in his six games for the club, including a brace against MC Alger last weekend.

Brayan Leon, Mamelodi Sundowns — Brayan Leon. Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns

Time, where to watch and tickets

The match will kick off at 19:30 at the FNB Stadium and will be live on both SuperSport PSL and SABC 3. Tickets to attend the match are available for purchase online on MyTicket.