Celtic look to bounce back in final match of the year

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Dec 19, 2017. 07:18

The final Absa Premiership match of the year sees Bloemfontein Celtic looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat when they host SuperSport United at Dr Molemela Stadium on 20 December 2017, kick-off at 19h30.

Celtic suffered a second defeat in the space of their last three league matches when they were crushed 4-1 at Mamelodi Sundowns on December 16. The Bloemfontein side will hope to recapture the form which saw them thrash rivals Free State Stars 3-0 a week prior to their heavy loss in Tshwane.

Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 10 points from six home matches this season. Their last two turns as hosts have produced a 1-0 loss to Orlando Pirates on November 26 and the above-mentioned triumph over Ea Lla Koto on December 10.

SuperSport suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Baroka FC on December 17 - the Tshwane side has now lost two matches on the spin and gone four without a victory in the league. They still have plenty of games in hand, but coach Eric Tinkler would surely prefer points on the board.

Matsatsantsa have claimed just four points from as many away matches this season, and they haven’t won on the road since beating Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 back in August.

In head-to-head stats, Celtic and SuperSport have met in 47 league matches since 1990. Each side has claimed 11 wins in the rivalry, while no less than 25 matches have ended in draws. Phunya Sele Sele have won six of their 24 home league matches against United, suffering four defeats in the process.

Last season the teams cancelled each other out in their two league meetings, playing to goalless draws in both Bloemfontein and Tshwane. SuperSport and Celtic have played to four successive league draws against each other, while their last five meetings have produced just five goals.

Celtic’s line-up from their 4-1 loss to Sundowns on December 16: Tignyemb, Ndengane, Rikhotso, Pfumbidzai, Lubisi, Motshegwa, Baloyi, Phalane (Mahlasela 58’), Hotto, Mabena (Nyundu 77’), Letsoalo (Jembula 85’).

SuperSport’s line-up from their 3-1 loss to Baroka on December 17: Pieterse, Kekana, Daniels, Egwuekwe, Boateng (Mbule 62'), Furman, Letsholonyane (Myeni 77'), Mokoena, Phala, Modiba, Grobler (Brockie 67').