Kaizer Chiefs - Orlando Pirates Preview: Battle lines drawn for 161st Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs will be out to add to Orlando Pirates' woes when the two Soweto giants square off in a massive PSL encounter at the FNB Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15h30.

In-form Amakhosi have the edge over Bucs going into this encounter as they are unbeaten in seven league matches - having remarkably won five and drawn two.

In their most recent league, Chiefs came back to hold Ajax Cape Town to a 1-1 draw with Daniel Cardoso netting for Amakhosi in the Mother City.

Chiefs are placed fourth on the league standings with 34 points from 19 matches. They are a point behind log leaders SuperSport United.

Lorenzo Gordinho is available after missing Amakhosi's clash with Ajax. The central defender, who has four league goals this season, was suspended.

The players to watch out for in the Chiefs team are George Maluleka and Siphiwe Tshabalala. The two midfielders have been in fine form for the Soweto giants.

Tshabalala is expected to make his 29th appearance in the Soweto Derby which is a record. Steve Komphela will look to him to inspire the team to victory on the day.

Meanwhile, Pirates will be seeking redemption when they take on their biggest rivals, Chiefs, who are seen as the favourites.

The Buccaneers are heading into this encounter as the underdogs having failed to win their last nine league matches - losing four and drawing five.

Their most recent league game which was against Polokwane City ended in a 1-1 stalemate with Dove Wome netting for Bucs in Soweto last weekend.

Pirates are placed 10th on the league standings with 21 points from 18 games. They are two points behind eighth-placed Maritzburg United.

The Buccaneers are likely to be without Thabo Rakhale and Thabo Qalinge. The two dribbling wizards recently started light training.

All eyes will be on Dove Wome, who has been in good scoring form for Pirates. The Togolese forward will be keen to make it three goals in three games and help his side win.

Newly appointed Bucs coach Kjell Jonevret will also be hoping to mastermind a victory for his side in his second game in charge of the team.

In head-to-head stats since 1985, Chiefs and Pirates have met 62 times in league games.

Amakhosi have dominated this fixture winning 24 games compared to 13 for Bucs, while 25 games have been drawn.

The two sides played to a goalless draw when they met in the first round league game five months ago.