‘Downs, Pirates in heavyweight battle

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will meet for a heavyweight Absa Premiership battle at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, 10 November 2018, kick-off at 15h30 CAT.

Sundowns remained unbeaten in the league this season and moved up to third place on the table with a 3-1 win over Free State Stars at Loftus Versfeld on November 7. Gaston Sirino netted two goals in a man-of-the-match performance for the Tshwane side.

The win was the first at home for the Brazilians this season, who have taken a total of just six points from four matches as hosts in 2018/19. Manager Pitso Mosimane will want to see that record improve as they look to close a five-point gap to their opponents, who lead the log table.

Pirates extended their unbeaten run in the league to eight matches with a 2-1 away win over Polokwane on November 6, with goals from Marcelo and Justin Shonga. The Soweto side has taken 18 points from a possible 24 in the sequence.

The Buccaneers have claimed 13 points from six away matches this season and suffered just one defeat in the process: 0-1 at Bloemfontein Celtic on August 19. Boss Milutin Sredojevic will hope a second loss on the road doesn’t arise in this clash against a title rival.

Sundowns v Pirates – Head-to-Head, league only

In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and Pirates have met in 67 league matches since 1985. The Brazilians have claimed 30 wins compared to 20 for the Buccaneers, while 17 games have been drawn. The Tshwane side has won 14 of 34 home matches in the rivalry, suffering 10 defeats in the process.

In the teams’ two league meetings last season, ‘Downs won 3-1 in Soweto in the first half of the campaign, while Pirates claimed revenge with a victory by the same score in Tshwane in the return game. Bucs’ win broke a five-game losing streak against the Brazilians in league football.

Matches played: 67
Sundowns wins: 30
Pirates wins: 20
Draws: 17

Last five results (League only, most recent first)

Sundowns | W | W | D | D | W
Pirates | W | W | D | D | W