Predicting Orlando Pirates' XI against Polokwane City - Abdeslam Ouaddou to drop Evidence Makgopa and recall forgotten Bafana Bafana forwards?

After seeing their winning run across all competitions come to a stunning halt against Saint Lupopo in the CAF Champions League, Bucs will be keen to bounce back. They cannot afford to lose in the league, as that would mean they drop down and cede more ground in the title race.

Orlando Pirates are set to face Polokwane City in a midweek Premier Soccer League encounter at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.

Currently third with 15 points after seven games, the Sea Robbers will be keen to win and reduce the gap between them and Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns.

This game comes just after their 3-0 defeat to Saint Lupopo, and the Soweto giants are under pressure to win in order to ensure they do not worsen their situation by losing again.

Abdeslam Ouaddou was criticised for how he fielded his starting line-up against Lupopo, and eyes will be keen to see whether he will tweak it for the PSL game.

Here, GOAL takes a look at how the Moroccan will line up his players against Rise and Shine.

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GOLKEEPER: Sipho Chaine
He conceded three goals in Lubumbashi, and the Bafana goalkeeper will need a clean sheet in order to get his confidence back.

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RIGHT-BACK: Thabiso Lebitso
He is becoming a more regular starter for Pirates, and the former Chippa United fullback is expected to keep his place once more .
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LEFT-BACK: Deon Hotto
The experienced Namibian is a utility player who has proven his worth time and time again. Given his adaptability to execute various goals, he is undroppable.

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CENTRE-BACK: Mbekezeli Mbokazi
The Bucs' vice-captain has his place intact owing to his solid performance. The question has always been who is going to partner the Bafana centre-back.
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CENTRE-BACK: Lebone Seema
Ouaddou was particularly criticised for dropping Seema and starting Nkosinathi Sibisi for the Champions League game. It remains to be seen whether the former Marumo Gallants tactician will change his mind.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Sihle Nduli
In the absence of Makhehleni Makhaula, Nduli has established himself as a dependable central midfielder.
Indeed, Makhaula faces stiff competition and will have to work even harder in order to get a starting berth back.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Thalente Mbatha
Mbatha and Nduli have worked perfectly well in midfield, and Ouaddou is expected to trust this double pivot formation once more.
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ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Sipho Mbule
There is no doubt that Mbule has proven a number of critics wrong by now, and given how he is performing, the technical bench is set to start him once more ahead of Patrick Maswanganyi.
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LEFT ATTACKER: Tshepang Moremi
A key figure in the attacking department in the absence of the injured Relebohile Mofokeng and the former AmaZulu star is expected to provide creativity in the final third as Bucs chase a win.
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RIGHT ATTACKER: Oswin Appollis
The Bafana forward was dropped for the game against Saint Lupopo as Kamogelo Sebelebele started.
However, Appollis is expected to make his way back into the starting XI and face his former side.
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CENTRE-FORWARD: Tshegofatso Mabasa
He is Bucs' prolific striker, and as the need for goals becomes a bigger priority, he is expected to be preferred again to Evidence Makgopa.
Mabasa is likely to start ahead of Bafana Bafana-capped forwards Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Yanela Mbuthuma.