Orlando Pirates vs Marumo Gallants: Preview, team news and predicted lineups

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Orlando Pirates vs Marumo Gallants: Preview, team news and predicted lineups
Image - Orlando Pirates

PSL leaders Orlando Pirates are set to host a struggling Marumo Gallants side at the iconic Orlando Stadium on Saturday, aiming to solidify their position at the top of the log.

The match presents a classic top-versus-bottom clash. The Buccaneers are chasing the title, while Gallants are desperate to climb away from the relegation zone.

Form Guide: A Tale of Two Teams

Orlando Pirates enter the contest in formidable form, sitting comfortably at the summit with 35 points from 15 games. Their campaign has been built on 11 wins, two draws, and only two losses, complemented by an impressive +17 goal difference.

Relebohile Mofokeng Oswin Appollis and Deano van Rooyen Orlando Pirates
Image – Pirates

The Soweto giants have been nearly flawless recently, securing five wins and a draw in their last six matches across all competitions. During this run, they have scored 11 goals while conceding just once. Their league form includes back-to-back 2-0 victories over AmaZulu and Magesi, and they recently demonstrated their firepower with a 4-1 cup win against Real Kings in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32.

Defensively, Pirates have been a fortress, keeping clean sheets in their last five consecutive PSL fixtures. Their home record is equally imposing, with six wins from their last seven league games at Orlando Stadium, making it one of the most difficult grounds for visiting teams.

Orlando Pirates Oswin Appollis against Marumo Gallants. Photo Orlando Pirates

In contrast, Marumo Gallants are languishing in 13th place with just 15 points from 17 matches. Their season has been a struggle, marked by three wins, six draws, and eight defeats.

Gallants’ recent form is a major concern, as they are winless in their last seven league outings and have lost five of their last six games in all competitions. In that period, they have managed to score only a single goal while letting in seven. Their attacking woes are particularly stark on the road, where they have failed to score in 66 per cent of their away league matches this season.

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

Team News and Key Players

Pirates’ success has been a team effort, combining a disciplined defence with an efficient attack. Key contributors like Patrick Maswanganyi, Yanela Mbuthuma, and Evidence Makgopa have provided crucial goals, ensuring the team carries a threat from multiple sources.

For Marumo Gallants, the lack of creativity and a cutting edge in the final third has been their downfall. J. Clifford has been one of their few consistent attacking threats, but the team has repeatedly been undone by defensive errors and an inability to convert chances.

Deano van Rooyen Orlando Pirates vs Marumo Gallants

Head-to-Head and Key Stats

While historical encounters between these two sides have averaged 3.2 goals, recent meetings have been lower-scoring. The last clash was a tight 1-0 Carling Knockout final victory for Orlando Pirates. Gallants have also lost their last three away league games against the Buccaneers.

Time and Where to Watch

The match will kick off at 16:30 at Orlando Stadium and will be live on SuperSport TV.

Pirates predicted lineup

Chaine; Van Rooyen, Hotto, Seema Sibisi; Makhaula, Mbatha, Mofokeng; Appollis, Moremi, Mbuthuma

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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