Celtic look to recover top form

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Oct 26, 2018. 12:17

Bloemfontein Celtic will look for a return to peak form in the Absa Premiership when they host Baroka FC at Dr Molemela Stadium on 28 October 2018, kick-off at 15h30.

Celtic have gone three league matches without a win (compared to four wins from their first five outings) when they were beaten 2-0 away by derby rivals Free State Stars on October 6.

Phunya Sele Sele have claimed seven points from four home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a goalless draw with Mamelodi Sundowns early this month.

Baroka saw their winless run in the league extended to eight matches when they were held 0-0 at home by SuperSport United on October 7. The Limpopo side’s only victory this term was at home to Cape Town City back in early August.

Bakgaga have suffered four losses from as many away matches this term, with their last result on the road a 1-0 defeat at provincial rivals Black Leopards early this month.

In head-to-head stats, Celtic and Baroka have met in four league matches since 2016/17. Each side has claimed one win in the rivalry, while two games have been drawn. The Bloemfontein club has recorded one win and one defeat from two turns as hosts.

Last season Baroka took four points off Celtic, winning 2-0 in Bloemfontein in the first half of the campaign before playing out a 2-2 draw in the return game in Polokwane.

Celtic’s line-up from their 2-0 loss to Stars on October 6: Tignyemb, Sam, Pfumbidzai, De Jongh, Mabena, Mashikinya, Masuku (Motshegwa 71'), Gordinho, Dlamini (Letsoalo 62'), Phalane, Mabasa (Potsane 50').

Baroka’s line-up from their 0-0 draw with SuperSport on October 7: Chipezeze, Kgoetyane, Mapheto, Makume, Mabeba, Losper (Mdatsane 53’), Mosele, Chawaphiwa, Makgaka (Kgaswane 80’), Moseki (Chivaviro 61’), Makgantai.