Sundowns, Wits set for title six-pointer

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Oct 05, 2018. 16:00

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits will meet in an Absa Premiership title six-pointer at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on 7 October 2018, kick-off at 15h30.

Sundowns remain the only unbeaten team in the league this season, though they will have been disappointed to draw 0-0 at Bloemfontein Celtic on October 3. The Tshwane side hit the woodwork in the match, and had a goal controversially ruled out for offside.

The Brazilians have picked up just two points at home this season, with their games as hosts against Kaizer Chiefs (1-1) and Highlands Park (0-0) both ending in draws. This will be their first home game in the Premiership since August 22.

Wits claimed their fifth win of the season when a brace from Simon Murray secured a 2-0 triumph away to Cape Town City on October 2. After winning their first three matches, the Johannesburg side has secured victory in just two of their following five.

The Clever Boys have an excellent record on the road this season, with their midweek victory in Cape Town bringing their away points tally to 10 from a possible 12.

In head-to-head stats, Wits and Sundowns have met in 65 league matches since 1985. The Brazilians have claimed 36 wins compared to 17 for the Clever Boys, while 12 matches have been drawn. The Tshwane side has won 20 of their 32 home league matches against their Johannesburg counterparts, suffering four defeats in the process.

Last season Sundowns completed a league ‘double’ over Wits, winning 2-0 both in Johannesburg and in Tshwane. The teams have not played out a draw since the first half of the 2014/15 season.

Sundowns’ line-up from their 0-0 draw with Celtic on October 3:Onyango, Morena, Madisha, Nascimento, Langerman, Kekana, Jali (Zwane 82’), Maboe, Vilakazi, Silva (Ali Meza 78’), Mahlambi (Sirino 66’).

Wits’ line-up from their 2-0 win over City on October 2: Keet, Hlatshwayo, Johannes, Monare, Murray (Macuphu 85'), Hotto, Hlanti, Mkhwanazi, Alexander, Domingo (Domingo 62'), Motupa (Gyimah 72').