Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns lineups, 3 predictions – PSL

All eyes will be at Orlando Stadium as Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns lock horns on Wednesday evening in the Premier Soccer League. Kick-off time is 19:30 SAST.

The Buccaneers come into the clash having suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Jwaneng Galaxy in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.

On the other hand, Mamelodi Sundowns proved too strong in their 4-0 trouncing of Bumamuru last Friday in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.

Will the Bucs finally get their pound of flesh in as many games as nine or will it be business as usual for Masandawana?

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns probable lineups

Here are our probable lineups for this Premier Soccer League clash:

Orlando Pirates

Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Paseka Mako, Tapelo Xoki, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Innocent Maela
Midfielders: Thabang Monare, Patrick Maswanganyi, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo
Forwards: Deon Hotto, Zakhele Lepasa, Monnapule Saleng

Mamelodi Sundowns

Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams
Defenders: Mothobi Mvala, Rivaldo Coetzee, Grant Kekana, Aubrey Maphosa Modiba
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, Khuliso Mudau, Neo Maema
Forwards: Lucas Ribeiro, Themba Zwane

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed lineups

Orlando Pirates

38

Relebohile Mofokeng

27

Tapelo Nyongo

8

Thabang Monare

5

Nkosinathi Sibisi

26

Bandile Shandu

9

Zakhele Lepasa

28

Patrick Maswanganyi

24

Sipho Chaine

14

Monnapule Kenneth Saleng

30

Siphelo Baloni

29

Paseka Matsobane Mako

Substitutes

95

Kermit Romeo Erasmus

11

Fortune Makaringe

21

Lesedi Kapinga

2

James Monyane

31

Richard Ofori

39

Sandile Mthethwa

7

Deon Daniel Hotto Kavendji

4

Miguel Raoul Timm

25

Keikie Karim

Mamelodi Sundowns

13

Abdelmounaim Boutouil

23

Lucas Ribeiro

30

Ronwen Williams

38

Peter Shalulile

25

Khuliso Johnson Mudau

34

Mothobi Mvala

18

Themba Zwane

40

Rivaldo Coetzee

11

Marcelo Allende

4

Teboho Mokoena

24

Sipho Mbule

Substitutes

1

Denis Masinde Onyango

27

Thapelo Morena

33

Thapelo Maseko

15

Junior Leandro Mendieta

8

Bongani Zungu

7

Lesiba William Nku

5

Mosa Lebusa

17

Aubrey Modiba

20

Grant Kekana

*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns predictions

Jose Riveiro’s men have a poor record against Masandawana in the last nine league encounters. It'll be interesting to see if they'll finally get their pound of flesh over Rhulani Mokwena's men.

Prediction 1: Mamelodi Sundowns to Win

The league leaders have only lost four times in their last 20 encounters with the Sea Robbers. Last season, Sundowns did a double over Pirates and are unbeaten against Jose Riveiro's side in the last nine league meetings. They're on the back of six straight wins in the league and are coming into this clash on the back of a 4-0 thrashing of Bumamuru. The two teams meet each other on Wednesday evening, and there's this feeling the visitors will emerge victorious and bring themselves within one win of equaling Kaizer Chiefs' best league start!.

Prediction 2: Both Teams to Score

It's worth mentioning that Orlando Pirates have scored in seven of their nine matches across all competitions this season; while Sundowns have netted in all nine games in all competitions. Both teams have proven to be good goal scorers this campaign even though the Sea Robbers have not shown as much strength as Masandawana. Granted, Pirates are coming as the underdogs, we still expect them to find the back of the net which they haven't in their last two encounters with Sundowns.

Prediction 3: Mamelodi Sundowns to Score First

Rhulani Mokwena's men have opened the scoring in all their six matches of the league so far this campaign; not forgetting they are the only side to score in both legs of this fixture last season. They've proved so difficult to handle by any team but this clash will be their first real test of the season, still, we back them to score first.

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns Head-to-Head

In a head-to-head dating back to 2016, Pirates and Sundowns have played 20 games. The Brazilians have dominated the fixture, winning 12 times, while Pirates only managed four wins. The four other games ended in draws.

Last five encounters:

Orlando Pirates recent form

Jose Riveiro's men recently lost 1-0 to Jwaneng Galaxy in the CAFCL but they've strung four straight wins before that. Pirates will need to beat Masandawana on Wednesday if they are to challenge for the PSL title.

Mamelodi Sundowns recent form

Sundowns are on the back of four wins and a draw in their last five games, but they've won all their six league games so far but they face their biggest test of the season on Wednesday at Orlando Stadium.

Where to watch Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns clash will be broadcast live on the Supersport PSL channel and SABC1. Fans can tune in 30 minutes from time to watch the match build-up analysis and expert opinions from journalists and pundits. Fans can as well follow the game on both clubs' TV platforms on YouTube.

This article was most recently revised and updated 10 months ago