Predicting Mamelodi Sundowns' XI to face Kaizer Chiefs - Lucas Ribeiro's replacement set to make surprise start against Amakhosi?

Cardoso is faced with the challenge of picking up a squad that is capable of dismantling high-flying Amakhosi and easing pressure on himself.

Fresh from MTN8 elimination by Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns are up against another Soweto giant, Kaizer Chiefs, in the Premier Soccer League on Wednesday.

Sundowns travel to the FNB Stadium for a league duty, playing against an Amakhosi side that has collected maximum points in the last three games.

This is a game with a contrasting nature; Chiefs would like to win and keep their positive momentum running, while Sundowns hope to win and assure fans that the MTN8 fall was just a slip on a bad day.

It is also a game of high stakes; if Masandawana win, they will overtake Chiefs on the table, while a win for the Soweto giants will widen the gap between the two sides.

Ahead of the blockbuster showdown in Soweto, GOAL takes a look at how, under pressure, Miguel Cardoso will line up his players.

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GOALKEEPER: Ronwen Williams
Although he was decisively beaten in the penalty shootouts against Pirates, his place in the starting XI is almost certain.
The game against Chiefs offers him a chance to produce match-winning saves as Sundowns hope to forget the MTN8 elimination by winning.

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RIGHT-BACK: Zuko Mdunyelwa
With Khuliso Mudau's contract situation remaining an unresolved case, the former Chippa United star has provided an alternative solution.
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LEFT-BACK: Divine Lunga
The full-back was named Man of the Match in their last league game, and he is expected to feature once more.

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CENTRE-BACK: Grant Kekana
Given the high stakes this game carries, Kekana's experience and leadership skills will come in handy for a Sundowns side looking for a win to ease pressure on their shoulders.
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CENTRE-BACK: Keanu Cupido
He started against Pirates but had been overlooked in the Magesi game, as Mosa Lebusa was picked.
It will be interesting to see who will be Cardoso's choice this time around.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Teboho Mokoena
The Bafana Bafana midfielder brings a wealth of experience and consistency in midfield, something that Sundowns will be in dire need of as they face the motivated Glamour Boys.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Marcelo Allende
It has always been an easy task to predict who will partner Mokoena in midfield.
The Chilean and the South African have marshalled the Sundowns midfield almost incredibly, and the same is expected to happen for the FNB Stadium showdown.
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ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Jayden Adams
A silent assassin for Sundowns, Adams is expected to be the creative force with Themba Zwane unavailable again.
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RIGHT ATTACKER: Kutlwano Letlhaku
Kutlwano Letlhaku featured against Magesi, but Sales was handed starting duties against Pirates.
Sales is again set to play ahead of Letlhaku, who was not in the MTN8 matchday squad as his future attracts speculation amid reported interest from Europe.
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LEFT ATTACKER: Tashreeq Matthews
The 24-year-old has been effective when dealing with stubborn defences, and his exploits are set to be crucial during the Chiefs' game.
Coach Miguel Cardoso recently stated that Thapelo Maseko can fill the void left by Lucas Ribeiro in the team, but Matthews should keep his place in the team due to his current form.
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CENTRE-FORWARD: Iqraam Rayners
Cardoso is expected to make a tough choice here: a Rayners who has been guilty of missing big chances and a Peter Shalulile who is motivated after equalling Chiefs' legend Siyabonga Nomvethe's record of goals scored in the PSL.