Orlando Pirates will do battle with their bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs in an eagerly anticipated Absa Premiership match at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:30.

Bucs are heading into the titanic encounter brimming with confidence having recorded their third consecutive win when they overcame Chippa United 4-2 in a pulsating league game which was played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last weekend.

The convincing victory took Pirates to second place on the league standings with 36 points from 22 games. They are four points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with both teams left with eight matches this season.

On the other hand, Chiefs are enjoying a 10-game unbeaten run in all competitions after playing to a goalless draw with a stubborn Bloemfontein Celtic side in a league match which played at the FNB Stadium last weekend.

As a result, Amakhosi are placed third on the league standings with 35 points from 22 matches. They only a point behind second-placed Pirates as the race for this season's league title intensifies.

Previous starting line-ups

Orlando Pirates: Mabokgwane, Jele, Nyauza, Nyauza, Dube, Maela, Munetsi, Nyatama, Memela, Lorch, Morrison, Shonga.

Kaizer Chiefs: Khune, Ngezana, Cardoso, Mphahlele, Zulu, Molangoane, Maluleka, Meyiwa, Ekstein, Moon, Castro.

Head-to-Head
LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers
2012/13 Chiefs 0-0 Pirates
2013/14 Chiefs 1-1 Pirates Nkhatha; Erasmus
2013/14 Pirates 0-1 Chiefs Katsande
2014/15 Pirates 0-2 Chiefs Tshabalala, Mthembu
2014/15 Chiefs 0-0 Pirates
2015/16 Chiefs 1-3 Pirates Mathoho; Sarr, Gcaba, Gabuza
2015/16 Pirates 1-1 Chiefs Gabuza; Katsande
2016/17 Pirates 0-0 Chiefs
2016/17 Chiefs 1-1 Pirates Molangoane; Masilela (og)
2017/18 Chiefs 0-0 Pirates

LEAGUE RECORD (since 1985)
Home P W D L GF GA
Pirates 33 7 15 11 30 35
Chiefs 31 13 12 6 36 26

Away P W D L GF GA
Pirates 31 6 12 13 26 36
Chiefs 33 11 15 7 35 30

Total P W D L GF GA
Pirates 64 13 27 24 56 71
Chiefs 64 24 27 13 71 56

What are the teams saying

Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin Sredojevic:

“I believe with our performances so far in 2018‚ we have given an invitation letter to Orlando Pirates’ supporters to come to Soccer City in numbers because their presence as the 12th player will boost us," he said.
“What we have done so far this year is because of player No. 12. We are looking for player No. 12 (the supporters) to be that playmaker that injects us with that extra motivation to stretch all football … and human … limits against a top class team like Kaizer Chiefs." in the Soweto Derby.

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela:

"This is one match which will be defining for us. On the tactical aspect, we both play 3-4-3. We both play it so well. I foresee sparks. There will be a lot of activities," he said.
"It becomes hectic but it comes with the magnitude of the game. We must remain focused on the match itself. When teams get the fixture list at the start of the season, they immediately go and mark the day when they will be playing Chiefs or Pirates. in the Soweto Derby.

"Every team looks at our matches the same way we are looking at the Pirates match. It is always a big occasion. The same preparation you go through for Pirates should be the same for every game because all the other 15 teams prepare that way for us." in the Soweto Derby.

Orlando Pirates key players

Happy Jele: The experienced defender has been influential at the heart of the Bucs defence this year. The 30-year-old, who is the longest serving player in the current Pirates squad, will be looking to lead his side to victory against their biggest rivals, Amakhosi. in the Soweto Derby.

Bernard Morrison: The Ghanaian attacker is oozing with confidence at the moment having scored three goals in his last two competitive matches. The diminutive attacker will be keen to continue his scoring form and help his side maintain its winning run. in the Soweto Derby.

Kaizer Chiefs key players

Siphiwe Tshabalala: The accomplished midfielder is set to feature in his record-breaking 31st Soweto Derby. The 33-year-old attacking midfielder's experience could be key to Chiefs' victory over Bucs having made 30 consecutive appearances in the Soweto Derby.

Ryan Moon: The 21-year-old striker is enjoying his breakthrough season in the Absa Premiership having scored four goals in eight matches. The lanky forward, who has netted three goals in his last four games, will be eager to inspire Amakhosi to victory by continuing his scoring form.