Free State Stars are out to claim their first 2017/18 Absa Premiership win when they visit Baroka FC on Saturday afternoon at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Kick-off is at 3:00pm.

The Bethlehem-based side will hope to be in fine form as they did against Mamelodi Sundowns on Monday at home.

Although they lost 2-1 against the Brazilians, they fought hard as they managed to score a late goal, but will now want to beat the Bakgaga Ba Mpahlele.

Having started with two losses and one draw, coach Luc Eymael will challenge his men to push for the full three points and ease their poor start.

On the other hand, the hosts are fresh from their first league win over Chippa United last Tuesday and will be gunning for their second win.

Coach Kgoloko Thobejane's side opened their new campaign with a draw against Polokwane City and Orlando Pirates, but have boosted their morale by stunning the Chilli Boys in Port Elizabeth.

Previous starting XI

Baroka v Chippa United: Vries, Banda, Shaku, Kgoetyane, Ntshangase, Madubanya, Mothupa, Chawapiwa, Moeti, Nguzana

Free State Stars v Mamelodi Sundowns: Sangare, Keita, Mobbie, Phungwayo, Hlubi, Abubakar, Masehe, Vilakazi, Makhouane, Mthembu, Manqele

Head-to- head:

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2016/17 Stars 1-0 Baroka Mapheto (og)

2016/17 Baroka 2-1 Stars Matlakala 2; Anas

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2016/17)

Home

P W D L GF GA

Baroka 1 1 0 0 2 1

Stars 1 1 0 0 1 0

Away

P W D L GF GA

Baroka 1 0 0 1 0 1

Stars 1 0 0 1 1 2

Total

P W D L GF GA

Baroka 2 1 0 1 2 2

Stars 2 1 0 1 2 2

What the teams are saying

Baroka FC midfielder Siphelele Ntshangase:

"We are ready and I can assure you readiness is always there at Baroka. If you play at home there will always be an advantage,” said Ntshangase.

“But we need to focus on our own game. Free State Stars are dangerous on their given day.

"We will be obviously looking for a win as every game we play is important to us."

Free State Stars skipper Paulus Masehe:

“Look, this will not be an easy game especially as Baroka are at home. They are fresh from a win against Chippa and they are motivated,” said Masehe.

“We have also prepared for this match. We looked at our mistakes against Sundowns and we have worked on rectifying them.

“We also have a new coach who we are trying to understand because he likes to see his players enjoying the game and we are getting there.

“We are looking forward to an interesting game on Saturday and the mission is to win it at home.”

Key players for Baroka FC:

Virgil Vries: The Namibian goalkeeper will be the man to stop Stars attack and will have to organise his defence to ensure they keep a clean sheet. Communication at the back will be crucial on the day.

Gift Motupa: Motupa netted a brace in Port Elizabeth against the Chilli Boys and will hope to find his scoring boots once again to retain the full three points for the Limpopo side.

Key players for Free State Stars:

Nhlanhla Vilakazi: Vilakazi had a brilliant game at home despite their loss to the African champions. He worked hard in the middle of the park and netted a brilliant header. He will be key on Saturday.

Siphelele Mthembu: Mthembu showed good signs that he is on his way back to the top. He had good attempts at goal and was a handful for Sundowns defence in Bethlehem.