Mamelodi Sundowns will look to build on their recent Telkom Knockout success and get their Premier Soccer League (PSL) season back on track as they take on Chippa United in Mdantsane on Saturday.
While Sundowns overcame Bloemfontein Celtic in the Cup, it was the Tshwane giants' first victory in three games in all competitions. Prior to that, the Brazilians played out to draws with Celtic in the league and Bidvest Wits respectively.
Sundowns’ league form has seen them fall nine points adrift of the league’s summit, and Chippa will certainly look to add to their woes.
Eric Tinkler’s men though were recently bundled out of the TKO by Orlando Pirates and victory will go a long towards them regaining their confidence.
However, it won’t be easy as Sundowns despite their inconsistent form are on a run of 20 games without defeat in the league, although only one of their last five games has ended in a win.
| Game | Chippa v Sundowns |
| Date | Saturday, October 27 |
| Time | 20:15 pm SA Time |
TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch
In South Africa, the game will be shown live on SuperSport 4. You can also catch live updates on Goal.com.
| Live Match Centre | TV Channel |
|---|---|
| Goal.com | SS4 |
Squads & Team News
| Position | Missing players |
|---|---|
| Attackers | Sibusiso Vilakazi (Injured) |
Meanwhile, the clash set to take place at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium, a venue which has often proven to be a difficult venue for away teams to venture to, could prove to be an intriguing affair.
Chippa have experienced a slump of late having suffered back-to-back defeats and this could see Tinkler look to make a few changes to his line-up.
All eyes will certainly be on the team sheet to see whether or not captain Mark Mayambela will be in the starting XI. The former Orlando Pirates playmaker was recently involved in a spat with his coach which saw him withdrawn before the half-time interval against Bucs.
Recent reports doing the rounds suggest that Mayambela may not have travelled with the squad, this in spite of him issuing an apology on social media.
Furthermore, Chippa have netted jut six goals in eight games. This should see Tinkler continue to put his trust in Andile Mbenyane as he is the club’s current top scorer with two goals.
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On the side of Sundowns, head coach Pitso Mosimane will once again be forced to fill the void left by the injured Subusiso Vilakazi.
Against Celtic in the Cup, Mosimane opted to utilise Gaston Sirino in a more advanced role and the South American bagged the winner, which could see the 54-year-old mentor keep his faith in him.
While Sundowns have had no shortage of chances, Mosimane will be worried that his side have only managed eight goals in seven games.
With Lebohang Maboe and defender Ricardo Nascimento, Sundowns’ top scorers with two goals, the technical team may look to change things around with the likes of Phakamani Mahlambi and Jeremy Brockie lying in wait.
Match Preview
This will be the 15th meeting between the two sides in all competitions. Chippa will know that history does not favour them as they have won just once over the years, while Sundowns have recorded seven wins.
But something that will offer Chippa some consolation is the fact that their only victory over Sundowns can in the Telkom Knockout last season, where they edged Sundowns by a solitary goal.
Nonetheless, with both sides desperate for victory, the clash is expected to be another tight but entertaining affair in front of what is expected to be a packed house in the Eastern Cape.
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