Kaizer Chiefs are set to host Orlando Pirates on Saturday in the Premier Soccer League's Soweto Derby that will be staged at the FNB Stadium.
The Buccaneers are aware that anything less than a win will kill their hopes of winning the league this season and stop Mamelodi Sundowns from securing their eighth consecutive campaign.
The Glamour Boys want maximum points to keep alive their opportunity to finish inside the top eight and play in the MTN8..They are currently placed ninth on the table with 30 points from 25 games.
Who makes our combined XI ahead of the highly anticipated clash? Have a look at our 3-5-2 formation.
Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates
Chaine has been solid for Pirates across all competitions as opposed to the erratic Glamour Boys custodians – Brandon Petersen, Bruce Bvuma, and Fiacre Ntwari.
While Chaine has conceded 15 goals in 20 games and kept nine clean sheets, Bvuma has conceded 21 goals in the last 20 games.
Right Wing-Back: Deano van Rooyen – Orlando Pirates
The former Stellenbosch captain has commanded a starting berth at the club since his signing. While the likes of Reeve Frosler, Dillan Solomons and Njabulo Blom have been tried in the right-back position at Chiefs, Van Rooyen has been consistent. He has a goal and an assist in 17 league games.
Left Wing-Back: Deon Hotto – Orlando Pirates
The versatile Namibia international has played 20 PSL games this season, mostly at left back. While Happy Mashiane and Bradley Cross have struggled at Amakhosi, Hotto has three goals and as many assists. He has been solid in both defense and attack.
Center-Back: Nkosinathi Sibisi – Orlando Pirates
It is a shame that the 29-year-old will not take part in Saturday's Soweto Derby after he was sent off on Wednesday against Sekhukhune. The Bafana Bafana international is among the reasons Bucs are chasing the title.
Center-Back: Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Orlando Pirates
After being introduced to the senior team early in March, the teenager has not looked back. he is already at home, putting up decent and mature shifts in big matches.
This will be his first Soweto Derby in the Premier Soccer League.
Center-Back: Inacio Miguel – Kaizer Chiefs
His leadership skills and commitment have been vital for the struggling Amakhosi. But in the three-man defense, he can be an asset since he can step forward and play as a midfielder when the team is in possession.
Central Midfielder: Makhehlene Makhaula – Orlando Pirates
Despite being 35, Makhaula has over and over again proved he is a gem at Pirates with consistent displays.
The defensive midfielder can easily get into the Kaizer Chiefs starting team at any given time.
Central Midfielder: Thabo Cele – Kaizer Chiefs
Joined the Glamour Boys in the January transfer window but has been an instant hit, always running proceedings in the department.
He has been nursing injuries, but Amakhosi faithful hope he will be fit and ready to play his part on Saturday.
Attacking Midfielder: Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates
The Bafana Bafana sensation has been a key player at Bucs. He has four goals and five assists from the 21 games played.
It was tough picking him in this position over Mduduzi Shabalala and Gaston Sirino.
Forward: Mohau Nkota – Orlando Pirates
Nkota has been blowing hot and cold at the club, but his commitment and threat in the final third can't be underrated.
He can shoot from a distance, create out of nothing and assist as well.
Forward: Wandile Duba – Kaizer Chiefs
Just like Sibisi, it is a shame that the 20-year-old will not take part in the Saturday game owing to a suspension.
But he has been doing quite well for Amakhosi, having scored five goals with an assist on his name in the 19 league outings.
