snl24.com/kickoff looks at the men who could make a difference in the big Absa Premiership clash between the sides.
PIRATES
Thabo Qalinge
The former Mpumalanga Black Aces man is enjoying his football again as Micho Sredojevic is giving him freedom to play the type of game he likes. Qalinge is now making good runs into the box and is getting his name on the score sheet, with three goals to his name thus far. His confidence is back and Sundowns will have a long night trying to tame him.
Justice Chabalala
The big defender got an opportunity in the starting line-up for the first time in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs and the Buccaneers are yet to concede with him on the pitch this season. An injury to Happy Jele opened up a spot for him in the line-up and he’d no doubt want to keep performing to ensure he keeps his place. The former Free State Stars man will have to keep a close eye on Sundowns’ Percy Tau.
Wayne Sandilands
The goalkeeper will be eager to keep a clean sheet against his former employers after leaving them at the end of 2016/17. Sandilands has made a big difference in the Pirates rearguard, after the three shot-stoppers last season – Jackson Mabokgwane, Brighton Mhlongo and Siyabonga Mpontshane – all made horrendous mistakes.
SUNDOWNS
Themba Zwane
It has been a difficult few weeks for Sundowns, but Zwane is one of the few men still trying to make things happen for the off-form side in attack. Zwane gives coach Pitso Mosimane the option of playing on either flank or through the middle because of his vision and skill. Sundowns need him to be on top form to get the victory they are craving right now.
Tiyani Mabunda
The midfielder is back after serving a two-game suspension for the red card he received in the 2-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs. Mabunda is likely to start ahead of Oupa Manyisa, who has not quite made things happen for the Brazilians since joining them from Pirates. Mabunda has a strong partnership with captain Hlompho Kekana in midfield and the visitors will need both players to keep the likes of Mpho Makola and Thabo Qalinge quiet.
Thapelo Morena
The right-back will have an interesting battle with Bucs left-back Innocent Maela. Both players have pace and they enjoy getting forward, so expect most of the action to happen on their side of the pitch tonight. While he enjoys getting forward, Morena will need to make sure he stops Maela and Qalinge from whipping in those crosses into the box.
Possible starting line-ups
Pirates: Sandilands, Matlaba, Chabalala, Nyauza, Maela, Qalinge, Sarr, Makola, Lorch, Shonga, Kutumela.