Title-chasing Sundowns target another win

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Apr 13, 2018. 10:30

Absa Premiership title hopefuls Mamelodi Sundowns will target another victory when they host Bidvest Wits at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 14 April 2018, kick-off at 15h00.

Sundowns claimed a third successive win and extended their unbeaten run in the league to eight matches by defeating Baroka FC 2-1 away on April 8. The sequence of results has brought the Tshwane side a haul of 18 points from a possible 24.

The Brazilians have claimed just 17 points from 12 home matches this season, though their last game as hosts brought them a 2-0 win over Chippa United on April 4.

Wits saw their unbeaten run ended at nine matches when they were beaten 1-0 at Ajax Cape Town on April 11. It was their first loss in the league since going down by the same score at home to Free State Stars in January.

The Clever Boys have claimed just 15 points from 13 home matches this season, though their last game as hosts brought a 2-1 win over in-form Maritzburg United in early April.

In head-to-head stats, Wits and Sundowns have met in 64 league matches since 1985. The Brazilians have claimed 35 wins compared to 17 for the Clever Boys, while 12 matches have been drawn. The Tshwane side has won 19 of their 31 home league matches against their Johannesburg counterparts, suffering four defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, in Johannesburg in November 2017, ‘Downs claimed a 2-0 away win thanks to a brace of goals from Khama Billiat. The Brazilians have not lost at home to the Clever Boys in a league clash since the 2007/08 season.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 2-1 win over Baroka on April 8: Onyango, Morena, Arendse, Nascimento, Langerman, Vilakazi (T. Zwane 73’), Mabunda, Kekana, Sirino (Manyisa 75’), Billiat (Brockie 85’), Tau.

Wits’ line-up from their 1-0 loss to Ajax on April 11: Keet, Allie, Scott, Monare, Pule (Keene 53’), Hlanti (Ritchie 84’), Claasen, Mkhwanazi, Gyimah, Mosiatlhaga, Majoro.