Big game: Pirates vs Sundowns expected starting 11s

These are the games Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns supporters look forward to every season, regardless of league standing, but this time, it is all about league positions.

The Sea Robbers, six points clear of Kabo Yellow at the top of the log, meet on Wednesday at 19:30 at the FNB Stadium.

Who do the coaches Abdeslam Ouaddou and Miguel Cardoso select when there is so much choice of talent?

ORLANDO PIRATES VS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS EXPECTED STARTING LINE UPS

Injury team news are yet to be finalised. Sundowns’ Bathusi Aubaas remains the only guaranteed absentee due to accumulated yellow cards suspsension.

Based on the high level of dominance and goal-threat against Marumo Gallants last weekend, coach Ouaddou has seemingly found his starting line-up. The good news is that the team also offers the required level of experience for a match of this magnitude.

The same could be said about Cardoso and Sundowns. They enjoyed a well-executed 2-0 win over MC Alger in the CAF Champions League at the Loftus Versfeld stadium this past weekend.

Pirates’ expected line-up: Goalkeeper – Sipho Chaine, right-back – Deano Van Rooyen, right central defender – Nkosinathi Sibisi, left central defender – Lebone Seema, left-back – Deon Hotto, defensive midfielder – Makhahlene Makhaula, central midfielder – Thalente Mbatha, attacking midfielder – Patrick Maswanganyi, left winger – Relebohile Mofokeng, right winger – Oswin Appollis and striker – Yanela Mbuthuma.

Sundowns’ expected line-up: Goalkeeper – Ronwen Williams, right-back – Khuliso Mudau, right central defender – Grant Kekana, left central defender – Khulumani Ndamane, left-back – Aubrey Modiba, defensive midfielder – Teboho Mokoena, central midfielder – Jayden Adams, attacking midfielder – Nuno Santos, left winger – Tashreeq Matthews, right winger – Thapelo Morena and striker – Brayan Leon.

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The Sea Robbers are untouchable right now: 14 games unbeaten, 12 wins, and 10 clean sheets. With 25 goals scored, they are officially the most dangerous attack in the league, just ahead of Sundowns.

But don’t count out the Brazilians. Sundowns are on a seven-match unbeaten streak of their own, finding the net 14 times as the title race heats up.

DO YOU EXPECT ORLANDO PIRATES OR MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TO WIN?

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