Mamelodi Sundowns face off with Orlando Pirates for the second time this season when they visit the Buccaneers in at the FNB Stadium on Sunday.
Sundowns will be looking to complete the double over Pirates after thrashing them 4-1 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in February and if they do it, their gap with Jose Riveiro’s team will be 21 points.
That would draw them closer to an eighth straight league title, even if Pirates have four games in hand, but to do it, coach Miguel Cardoso has to select a squad that will execute his plan.
Afrik-Foot looks at how Mamelodi Sundowns should line up if they are to overcome Orlando Pirates.
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams
The Bafana Bafana No.1 returned to the starting lineup on Tuesday after recovering from an injury, just in time for the big one against Pirates, and his experience and quality will be vital.
Central defence: Grant Kekana
Another experienced head who is back after a recent suspension, the centre-back offers assurance at the back and is also a threat on set-pieces as was the case in the first leg when he headed in the opener.
Central defence: Lucas Suarez
The midseason signing has taken little time to show his quality and is now an assuring presence at the back, using his big size and great pace to repel danger while his ball-playing ability helps him launch attacks from deep.
Right-back: Khuliso Mudau
The 29-year-old offers attacking threat going forward and also defends well at right-back and will be the man with the unenviable task of keeping Relebohile Mofokeng quiet.
Left-back: Divine Lunga
Another 29-year-old full-back, the Zimbabwean left-back has not played much this season but got 45 minutes against AmaZulu on Tuesday which should keep him fresh for the task on Sunday and he will likely battle against Deon Hotto.
Midfield: Teboho Mokoena
The ever-present Teboho Mokoena is the engine that runs the Sundowns machine and he is also a threat from distance with his long-range shots and freekicks which could be the difference maker if it is a tight game.
Midfield: Jayden Adam
Another midseason signing, the former Stellenbosch midfielder has elevated Sundowns’ game since he came into the side. It is no coincidence that Sundowns are now scoring three or four regularly as the cleverness and movement of Adams is opening up defences with ease.
Midfield: Marcelo Allende
The South American is another intelligent player who can act as either a deep-lying playmaker or play in the No.10 role, helping thread the final balls to the attackers and Pirates know this very well from the first leg.
Right wing: Lucas Ribeiro
The PSL Player of the Year contender continues to run the show for Sundowns this season, making him the league’s top scorer with 13 goals, and Pirates need no reminding of what he can do after his two goals last month, including a contender for Goal of the Season.
Left wing: Iqraam Rayners
The former Stellenbosch striker is not scoring as regularly as he was doing between October and December but he has now turned into a playmaker of sorts with a number of assists to his name but he still offers a lot of goal threat which is an extra problem for Pirates.
Centre forward: Peter Shalulile
Coach Miguel Cardoso has found a way to play both Rayners and Peter Shalulile together and the two of them are now flourishing.
Shalulile’s movement and great finishing is proving vital at a key moment of the season, and he is now on 100 goals for Sundowns. With the 110 club record of Daniel Mudau in his sights, Pirates should be worried.
