The Premier Soccer League returns after a one month-long AFCON hiatus with a mouthwatering Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates clash at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday night.
Both teams were represented in the Bafana Bafana Africa Cup of Nations squad where they went on to perform beyond expectations, finishing with the bronze medal in Ivory Coast.
But with Africa's biggest football event now done and dusted, these sides will resume hostilities in South Africa's top-flight, a clash which promises excitement and rounds up Saturday's league actions.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates probable lineups
Mamelodi Sundowns
Rhulani Mokwena welcomed back his key players from international duty but he will be without midfielder Thapelo Maseko who picked up a hamstring injury in South Africa's quarter-final clash against Cape Verde in the AFCON. Aside from this, the squad is injury free.
Mamelodi Sundowns probable lineups: Williams, Morena, Kekana, Coetzee, Mudau, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Zwane, Ribeiro, Shalulile.
Orlando Pirates
Jose Riveiro will be pleased with the recent injury comebacks for goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and attacking midfielder Azola Matrose. Striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has also returned from a loan spell at Moroka Swallows. These players will certainly have their place in the bench along with the new signings who will be eager to have some minutes in the game.
Orlando Pirates probable lineups: Buthelezi, Makaringe, Ndah, Xoki, Hotto, Timm, Ndlondlo, Lorch, Kimvuidi, Maswanganyi, Makgopa.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates predictions
The reigning PSL champions will be looking to extend their lead on top of the standings but will definitely face a stern test against the Bucs who find themselves 13 points adrift of the league leaders.
Will it be business as usual for Sundowns? Here are 3 predictions we have for the game.
Prediction 1: Mamelodi Sundowns to win
Mokwena's side come into this clash unbeaten in their last 14 league games this season, with two wins and three draws in their last five.
While Orlando Pirates will be eager to put an end to Masandawana's run of seven straight victories against them in the league, we still fancy the Soweto giants to fall to their eighth loss to Sundowns who have players with unparalleled ability to read the beautiful game.
Prediction 2: Mamelodi Sundowns to score first
Clashes between these teams in the league have been one-sided in their previous seven skirmishes. Interestingly, not only have Mamelodi Sundowns picked all three points in those said number of games, they've also found the back of the net first in them all.
With this encounter on home turf for the Brazilians and a matter of keeping their record intact against the visitors, it'll be very unlikely the Bucs will open the scoring on Saturday night.
Prediction 3: Less than three goals to be scored
The last six competitive encounters between these giants of South African football have been fiercely contested and ended on a low-scoring note of less than three goals except in one instance.
The major reason why this trend has continued since 2021 is because both teams have usually not scored together in those games, it's either one team scores or both teams blank. With this in mind, we're fairly confident this clash will not go over 2.5 goals.
Where to watch Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates live
This blockbuster clash will kick-off at 20:00 SAST and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL channel. Fans all over the world can as well follow the action by checking updates from both teams' social media handles.
This article was most recently revised and updated 10 months ago
