Stars look to bounce back against United

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Dec 12, 2017. 10:00

Free State Stars will look to bounce back from a heavy Absa Premiership defeat when they host SuperSport United at Goble Park Stadium on 13 December 2017, kick-off at 19h30.

Stars suffered their biggest defeat of the season thus far when they were thumped 3-0 by derby rivals Bloemfontein Celtic on December 10. The result broke a three-game unbeaten streak for the Bethlehem-based side and was their fifth league defeat overall.

Ea Lla Koto have managed just two wins from six home matches this season, though their last four turns as hosts have produced a fine haul of eight points from a possible 12, including wins over Ajax Cape Town and Golden Arrows.

SuperSport played to a second successive draw when they held Cape Town City 1-1 at home on December 9. The Tshwane side trailed for most of the second half and needed a last-gasp equaliser from defender Azubike Egwuekwe to salvage a share of the spoils.

Matsatsantsa have played just two away matches so far this season: a 2-1 win at Kaizer Chiefs back in August and a goalless stalemate with Orlando Pirates earlier this month.

In head-to-head stats, Stars and SuperSport have met in 42 league matches since 1991. Matsatsantsa have claimed 14 wins compared to nine for Ea Lla Koto, while 18 matches have been drawn. The Free State side has won six of their 21 home matches against United, suffering five defeats in the process.

Last season the teams played out two goalless stalemates in their league meetings. In fact, four of the last five matches between these teams have been drawn, while the last 360 minutes of league football between United and Stars have produced just one goal.

Stars’ line-up from their 3-0 loss to Celtic on December 10: Sangare, Mashego, Mobbie, Keita, Phungwayo, Masehe, Mokhuoane (Vilakazi 46’), Jantjie, Dlamini (Venter 70’), Maphakisa (Potsane 58’), Anas.

SuperSport’s line-up from their 1-1 draw with CT City on December 9: Pieterse, Nhlapo, Egwuekwe, Daniels, Boateng, Furman, Mokoena (Modiba 69’), Phala, Myeni (Mbule 78’), Brockie (Letsholonyane 55’), Grobler.