Orlando Pirates take on arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium in a high-stakes Absa Premiership clash on Saturday afternoon (15h30).
Currently placed second and third on the log respectively, this encounter is more than just a rivalry with pride at stake, as both sides look to prove their title credentials.
Looking at recent form, some might label Amakhosi the ‘underdogs’, but McCarthy feels previous results count for little in this match, and says it will be a test of the two technical teams and their trump cards.
“Based on the Bloemfontein Celtic result, you may think Chiefs are underdogs going into the Derby. But, even if you beat Barcelona today and play the Derby tomorrow, it still won’t count,” argued McCarthy.
“Pirates are perhaps more confident after their result against Chippa United and based on the quality of football they’re currently playing.
“But, for me, I think the game will be decided on the bench – we will see how the Pirates technical team fares against Steve Komphela, and the substitutes that will be made in the second half.
“If Pirates can beat Chiefs then I’d say Micho Sredojevic and Rhulani Mokwena are definitely on the right track, because they’ve also recently beaten Mamelodi Sundowns convincingly.”