Celtic out to claim Pirates’ scalp

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Nov 24, 2017. 17:30

Bloemfontein Celtic will look to claim the scalp of Orlando Pirates when the teams meet in the Absa Premiership at the Dr Molemela Stadium on 26 November 2017, kick-off at 15h30.

Celtic have claimed 10 points from the last 15 up for grabs and were held to a goalless draw by lowly-placed Platinum Stars on November 22. The Bloemfontein side come into the match placed fourth on the log and hopeful that a strong showing will push them even further up the standings.

Phunya Sele Sele have claimed seven points from a possible 12 in home matches so far this season. Their last game as hosts saw them claim a 1-0 win over Maritzburg United before the last international break.

Pirates have gone six league games without a win after they were held 0-0 at home by Golden Arrows on November 21. The Soweto side last claimed a victory when they beat Cape Town City 1-0 at home in September and they have taken just four points from a possible 18 since then.

The Buccaneers have yet to win on the road this season, recording four draws and one defeat from their five away matches. Coach Milutin Sredojevic will want to see his side up their game for this clash in Bloemfontein.

In head-to-head stats, Celtic and Pirates have met in 58 league matches since 1985. The Buccaneers have claimed 29 wins compared to 14 for Phunya Sele Sele, while 15 matches have been drawn. The Bloemfontein side has won 10 of their 20 home league matches against the Soweto side, suffering 10 defeats in the process.

Last season Celtic took four points off Pirates, first claiming a 2-1 away win in Soweto in the first half of the campaign, before the return game in Bloemfontein ended in a goalless stalemate.

Celtic’s line-up from their 0-0 draw with Stars on November 22: Tignyemb, Pfumbidzai, Rikhotso, Ndengane, Jembula (Letsoalo 69'), Motshegwa (Mahlasela 55'), Letlabika, Baloyi, Hotto, Nyundu (Mabaso 63'), Phalane.

Pirates’ line-up from their 0-0 draw with Arrows on November 21: Mabokgwane, Chabalala, Shitolo, Van Heerden (Memela 69'), Nyauza, Matlaba, Nyatama, Qalinge (Morrison 79'), Lorch, Makola, Gabuza (Kutumela 54').