Sundowns look to keep up title charge

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Apr 03, 2018. 15:30

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to keep up their push for the Absa Premiership title when they host Chippa United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 4 April 2018, kick-off at 19h30.

Sundowns have not been in league action since March 2, when they extended their unbeaten streak to six matches with a 3-1 away win at AmaZulu. The sequence of results has brought the Tshwane team 12 points from a possible 18.

The Brazilians have claimed just 14 points from 11 home matches this season, with their last two games as hosts bringing 1-1 draws against both Free State Stars and SuperSport United.

Chippa ended a seven-game winless streak by beating Free State Stars 1-0 at home on March 17. It was the Eastern Cape side’s first win in the league since early January.

The Chilli Boys have claimed 12 points from 11 away matches this season, with their last game on the road resulting in a 2-0 loss at Cape Town City in early March.

In head-to-head stats, Chippa and Sundowns have met in nine league matches since 2012/13. The Brazilians boast an unbeaten record in the sequence, with four wins and five draws recorded. The Tshwane side has managed three wins and one draw from their four home league matches against United.

When the teams met earlier this season, in the Eastern Cape in November 2017, they played to a goalless draw. It was a second successive 0-0 between the teams and a third straight draw.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 3-1 win over AmaZulu on March 2: Brimah, Langerman, Morena, Arendse, Nascimento (Madisha 61'), Mabunda, Vilakazi (Lebese 85'), Kekana, Sirino, Zwane (Ngcongca 89'), Tau.

Chippa’s line-up from their 1-0 win over Stars on March 17: Akpeyi, Macheke, Konqobe, Nsabiyumva, Mntambo, Rakhale (Mzwakali 68’), Hachi, Mabaso, Mayambela, Sali (Mdlinzo 84’), Macuphu (Bergman 87’).