Bidvest Wits will look to continue with their winning run as they host Baroka FC in the Absa Premiership on Friday night at Bidvest Stadium.

Kick-off is at 8:00pm.

The Clever Boys have four wins and one draw from their last five league matches and they’re enjoying their best run in the current campaign.

Sitting in the top eight after a poor start, they are now challenging to cement their MTN8 cup qualification as they showed a massive improvement.

In 2018, Hunt has led his men to mid-table on the back of a six-game unbeaten streak, including a 2-1 wins over Golden Arrows and Cape Town City in their last two outings.

The Telkom Knockout and reigning league champions’ boss has warned many who predicted that his side will be relegated at the end of the season.

Sitting at No 8 with 28 points from 22 matches means the Clever Boys will still fight for a win in front of their home crowds and to bag six points over the Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele this term.

Looking at the visitors, the Limpopo side is also boosted by their 2-0 win over Benni McCarthy’s Citizens in their midweek match at home.

Baroka are also fighting to consolidate their spot in the Wafa Wafa competition and ensure they book their first ticket in the competition.

Coach McDonald Makhubedu has also praised his troops for a hard fought win over the City, but remains wary of the Clever Boys away in Braamfontein.

On the log table, Baroka sit at the sixth spot with 31 points and have seven matches remaining to wrap up their league campaign.

Despite losing the reverse fixture 1-0 at home, the 2015/16 National First Division champions will be out to upset the hosts.

Previous starting XI

Bidvest Wits: Keet, Allie, Hlatshwayo, Mkhwanazi, Ritchie, Mosiatlhaga, Gyimah, Claasen, Hlanti, Mhango, Majoro

Baroka FC: Dlamini, Kgoetyane, Madubanya, Banda, Mohwatseleng, Mothupa, Mdatsane, Chawapiwa, Ngalande, Kgaswane, Motupa

Head-to-Head

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2016/17 Baroka 0-2 Wits Monare, Malajila

2016/17 Wits 5-0 Baroka Mkhwanazi 2, Klate, Uzoenyi, Mahlambi

2017/18 Baroka 0-1 Wits Pule

LEAGUE RECORD (since 1985)

Home Away Total

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

Wits 1 1 0 0 5 0 Wits 2 2 0 0 3 0 Wits 3 3 0 0 8 0

Baroka 2 0 0 2 0 3 Baroka 1 0 0 1 0 5 Baroka 3 0 0 3 0 8

What the teams are saying

Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt:

“The most important thing for us was obviously our situation," said Hunt after beating City.

"We got 28 points. You know I said to them I think we can catch Cape Town City and they all laughed at me because Cape Town City were 20 points ahead of us, now they're three.

"We can come… who knows where we can come, who knows where we can come? I said to them our form has been good, more than two points a game in the second round and that's what you want.

"I think it's the best form in the league. But I mean our first round was diabolical, we had such a bad start. But you know we showed resilience.

"A couple of new signings have been good for us, (bringing) a bit of freshness in the team. But we are missing a lot of players, a lot of players... (Daine) Klate, (Elias) Pelembe.

“A lot of players have been injured. There's a long way to go, we got eight games to go."

Baroka FC coach McDonald Makhubedu:

"We came here to this match and fought hard, I am pleased with the performance from the team,” said Makhubedu after their City match.

“I am happy with the three points, but the job is still not finished.

"We have Wits coming up, we visit them in their ground. We all know their quality, the players and the form they're in right now.

"It won't be easy to play there against the reigning champions, but we will go and fight for the points.”

Key players for Bidvest Wits

Darren Keet: Keet is one of the players who can be credited for turning the club’s fortunes as they look to challenge for a top five spot. The international keeper will be the man tasked with getting another win.

Abednego Mosiatlhaga: The winger has been recalled from loan at Stellenbosch FC and has grabbed his opportunity with both hands. He provided an assist against City and Hunt will spur on the player to deliver another fine performance at home.

Key players for Baroka FC

Ayanda Dlamini: The net minder was introduced in their previous few matches to curb their numbers when it comes to conceding goals. He has done well and will want to stop the Clever Boys.

Mpho Kgaswane: The Botswana international is fresh from netting a brace against City. His mission is to keep netting and extend his tally.