Sparks will fly as Orlando Pirates vs Swallows takes place on Tuesday 5th December. Which of these teams will come out on top at the end of the ‘original' Soweto derby?
Orlando Pirates vs Swallows probable lineups
Here's how we believe these teams will line up for this mouthwatering encounter:
Orlando Pirates
Goalkeeper: Melusi Buthelezi.
Defenders: Tapelo Xoki, Olisa Ndah, Fortune Makaringe, Vincent Pule.
Midfielders: Deon Hotto, Ndabayitheth Ndlondlo, Miguel Timm.
Strikers: Relebohile Ratomo, Evidence Makgopa, Patrick Maswanganyi.
Swallows
Goalkeeper: Daniel Akpeyi.
Defenders: Keenan Philips, Keegan Allan, Vusi Sibiya, Bongani Sam.
Midfielders: Andile Jali, Lantshene Phalane, Lindokuhle Mtshali.
Strikers: Ntsako Makhubela, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Gabadinho Mhango.
Orlando Pirates vs Swallows confirmed lineups
*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released
Orlando Pirates vs Swallows stats and predictions
As it stands, Moroka Swallows are sixth on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) table with 18 points from 11 matches. They are three spots ahead of Orlando Pirates on the table. With that in mind, these are our predictions for Orlando Pirates vs Swallows:
Prediction 1: Orlando Pirates to win
Although Moroka Swallows are ahead of Orlando Pirates on the PSL table, they haven't particularly fared well in recent weeks. Steve Komphela's men managed one win in their last five matches across all competitions, with two draws and two losses.
On the other hand, Orlando Pirates are currently on a three-match unbeaten run; they also have no losses in the last four skirmishes between these teams. Considering the Pirates have the added advantage of playing at home, we believe they'll reign supreme after 90 minutes.
Prediction 2: One team will keep a clean sheet
We've already established that Moroka Swallows won just one of their last five matches. It may interest you to know that they failed to score in three of those games. As a result, the Swallows' recent games have mostly been one-sided when it comes to goals. Both teams scored in just one of their last five matches.
In the same vein, Orlando Pirates did not concede any goals in their last four games. All things considered, we shouldn't expect goals at both ends.
Prediction 3: Under 2.5 goals
For our last Orlando Pirates vs Swallows prediction, let's explore the over/under goals market. These teams squared off against each other a fair few times in the past, and most of those encounters were on the low-scoring side.
In fact, six of the last eight meetings between these outfits went below the 2.5 goals line. Likewise, eight of Orlando Pirates' last nine matches featured less than three goals, four of Moroka Swallows' last five games too. On that note, we don't think these teams will score up to three goals between them.
FIXTURE ALERT #DStvPrem 🏆
Orlando Pirates 🆚Moroka Swallows
🏟️Esgodini
📆5th December
⚽️Kick-Off 19:30
📺SS Diski#OriginalSowetoDerby pic.twitter.com/Frj28Pfkfw— Moroka SwallowsFC (@Moroka_Swallows) December 4, 2023
Where to watch Orlando Pirates vs Swallows live
Fans who reside in South Africa can tune into Supersport's PSL channel for live coverage of this game.
This article was most recently revised and updated 10 months ago
