Pretia Derby

Mamelodi Sundowns will want to sharpen their attack when they meet SuperSport United in the Absa Premiership on Saturday afternoon at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Kick-off is at 18:00pm.

The Brazilians are fresh from a 1-1 draw against Free State Stars in their midweek game and will hope to bounce back to winning ways.

Heading to the clash on Wednesday night, the Brazilians were favourites to walk away with the three points at home, but they failed to convert their chances.

They were held by Luc Eymael’s men and were left frustrated, but the Tshwane derby presents an opportunity for them to stretch their lead at the top.

On the log table, they have 39 points from 21 matches and have a task to bag all three points to continue their dominance over their neighbours.

On the part of United, Eric Tinkler is also chasing a win as they are fresh from a goalless draw against the bottom-placed Platinum Stars on Tuesday.

The Tshwane side occupies the 10th spot with 25 points from 21 league matches.

Previous starting XI:

Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango, Morena, Soumahoro, Nascimento, Langerman, Manyisa, Mabunda, Sirino, Billiat, Brockie, Tau

SuperSport United: Pieterse, Nhlapo, Gould, Daniels, Bhasera, Phala, Furman, Letsholonyane, Modiba, Ngele, Rusike

Head- to-Head

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2012/13 SuperSport 1-0 Sundowns Doutie

2013/14 SuperSport 1-1 Sundowns Khumalo; Mashego

2013/14 Sundowns 3-0 SuperSport Moriri, Modise, Malajila

2014/15 Sundowns 3-1 SuperSport Billiat, T. Zwane, Modise; Wome

2014/15 SuperSport 1-2 Sundowns Brockie; Mashaba 2

2015/16 Sundowns 2-0 SuperSport Kekana, Castro

2015/16 SuperSport 0-2 Sundowns Mbekile, Billiat

2016/17 Sundowns 5-0 Supersport Daniels (og), T. Zwane, Mashaba, Billiat 2

2016/17 SuperSport 0-1 Sundowns Kekana

2017/18 SuperSport 0-2 Sundowns Kekana, T. Zwane

LEAGUE RECORD (since 1990)

Home Away Total

P W D L GF GA P W D L GF GA P W D L GF GA

Sundowns 26 12 5 9 41 31 Sundowns 27 16 6 5 44 24 Sundowns 53 28 11 14 85 55

SuperSport 27 5 6 16 24 44 SuperSport 27 16 6 5 44 24 SuperSport 53 14 11 28 55 85

What the teams are saying:

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Jeremy Brockie:

“I have to give a special mention to the fans, even though I had a couple of chances that I didn’t put away against Free State Stars they still cheered and supported me. I thank them for that,” Brockie said.

“I am looking forward to going back and playing against the boys on the weekend. Hopefully, a big crowd turns up in Atteridgeville.

“It would be very nice to hit the back of the net for the first time for Sundowns against the old club. It’s a matter of time before the first one hits the back of the net.”

SuperSport United defender Morgan Gould:

“Sundowns is the best team in the country and on the continent,” said Gould.

“We just need to do what we need to do and forget about what our situation is, where we are. We need to focus on that game, that’s what we need to really do.

“We have to concentrate on the game and we are going to give it our all. We don’t go to the game and say we want to lose or draw, we want to win.

“The football fraternity is about results and if you don’t get results you are not going to get the glory, the joy and the financial gain.”

Key players for Mamelodi Sundowns:

Denis Onyango:

Onyango was formerly on the books of the reigning Nedbank Cup champions. He will want to bag another win over his former bosses and will also want to keep a clean sheet.

Jeremy Brockie:

The New Zealand international was on point against Free State Stars on Wednesday in terms of runs behind the defence. However, the only thing missing in his game is to score.

Key players for SuperSport United:

Reneilwe Letsholonyane:

Yeye’s ability to command the midfield will come into play on Saturday. The battle against Tiyani Mabunda and Oupa Manyisa is always interesting to watch.

Mogakolodi Ngele:

The former Sundowns man is also one of the players to watch on the day. His ability to find the back of the net and composure will be key upfront.