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Mamelodi Sundowns Zwane Coetzee Jali Morena Mkhulisibackpagepix

Caf Champions League: Predicting Mamelodi Sundowns' XI to face Al Merrikh

Sundowns rested some of their key players during their last game which was a Group A clash against Al Merrikh's Sudanese rivals, Al Hilal Omdurman, on March 19 as the Tshwane giants secured a 4-2 win.

Masandawana will now be looking to end a successful group stage with a win over Al Merrikh.

GOAL takes a look at how the PSL champions could start at FNB Stadium.

  • Reyaad Pieterse, Mamelodi Sundowns, November 2021Backpagepix

    GOALKEEPER - Reyaad Pieterse

    The towering shot-stopper was given an opportunity to start against Al Hilal and he had a good game between the sticks.

    Pieterse is most likely to be handed another starting berth with the club's first-choice keeper Denis Onyango out injured, while the ageing Kennedy Mweene is being rested.

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  • Thapelo Morena, Mamelodi Sundowns, March 2022Backpagepix

    RIGHT-BACK - Thapelo Morena

    The speedster has been one of Sundowns' standout performers in the group stage having scored three times in four matches.

    Two of his goals came against Al Hilal and he will be keen to continue his scoring form when he faces Al Merrikh.

  • Divine Lunga, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2021Backpagepix

    LEFT-BACK - Divine Lunga

    The lanky full-back has impressed whenever he has been given a chance to start for the Tshwane giants this season.

    Lunga could be handed a rare start with Lyle Lakay being rested having been part of the Bafana Bafana squad which travelled to Europe for two international friendly games.

  • Rushine De Reuck, Mamelodi Sundowns, December 2021Backpagepix

    CENTRAL DEFENDER - Rushine de Reuck

    Sundowns' first-choice centre back is expected to start having had little game time during the recent Fifa break.

    De Reuck featured as a second-half substitute against Guinea for Bafana and he was then an unused substitute against France.

  • Grant Kekana, Mamelodi Sundowns, November 2021Backpagepix

    CENTRAL DEFENDER - Grant Kekana

    The tough-tackling defender featured as a substitute during Sundowns' win over Al Hilal following Brian Mandela's dismissal.

    Kekana looks set to start with Mandela unavailable due to suspension.

  • Andile Jali, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2021Backpagepix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Andile Jali

    The experienced midfielder has been operating in a deeper role in midfield with Rivaldo Coetzee out nursing an injury.

    Jali will be looking to stamp his authority in midfield and put Downs in a good position to win the game.

  • Haashim Domingo, Mamelodi Sundowns, February 2022Backpagepix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Haashim Domingo

    The Cape Town-born midfielder has caught the eye whenever he has featured for Sundowns this season with his ability to make well-timed runs into the opposition's box from midfield.

    Domingo could get the nod ahead of the Bafana duo of Mothobi Mvala and Teboho Mokoena, who both played against Guinea and France.

  • Themba Zwane, Mamelodi Sundowns, October 2021Backpagepix

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER - Themba Zwane

    The influential playmaker will be well-rested as he was not part of the recent South Africa camp.

    Zwane provided the assist for the opening goal against Al Hilal and he will be looking to create problems for the Al Merrikh defence with dribbling skills and passing ability.

  • Neo Maema Mamelodi Sundownsbackpagepix

    LEFT FORWARD - Neo Maema

    The former Bloemfontein Celtic attacker proved to be an inspired substitute against Al Hilal and he grabbed a late assist for Morena's second goal.

    Maema might be rewarded with a starting berth with the likes of Gaston Siruino and Erwin Saavedra out injured.

  • Lesedi Kapinga, Mamelodi Sundowns, December 2021Backpagepix

    RIGHT FORWARD - Lesedi Kapinga

    The skillful attacker also impressed after coming on as a substitute against Hilal which saw him provide the assist for the third goal.

    Just like Maema, Kapinga could be recalled to the starting line-up this weekend.

  • Peter Shalulile, Mamelodi Sundowns, December 2021Backpagepix

    CENTRE FORWARD - Peter Shalulile

    The reliable goalscorer cannot stop scoring at the moment having scored in each of his last four matches for Sundowns

    Having netted three times in the Champions League, Shalulile will be hoping to add to his tally against Al Merrikh.