Celtic take aim at out-of-form Polokwane

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Nov 30, 2018. 09:51

Bloemfontein Celtic will look to claim all three Absa Premiership points when they host Polokwane City at Dr Molemela Stadium on 2 December 2018, kick-off at 15h30.

Celtic played to their third draw of the season when they were held 0-0 at home by SuperSport United on November 28. The Bloemfontein side has claimed seven points from the last nine available.

Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 11 points from six home matches this season. They have won just one of their last four games as hosts, scoring just one goal in the process.

Polokwane have gone three league matches without a win after they were beaten 2-1 at home by Cape Town City on November 27. The Limpopo side’s last victory came at home to Maritzburg United in late October.

Rise and Shine have picked up eight points from five away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 0-0 draw at AmaZulu in mid-November.

In head-to-head stats, Polokwane and Celtic have met in 10 league matches since 2013/14. The Bloemfontein team has claimed five wins compared to three for their Limpopo counterparts, while two matches have ended in draws. Phunya Sele Sele have claimed two wins from five home matches in the rivalry, suffering one defeat in the process.

Last season each team claimed an away win over the other: Celtic won 2-1 in Polokwane in September 2017, while the return game in Bloemfontein in March 2018 saw Rise and Shine triumph 2-0.

Celtic’s line-up from their 0-0 draw with SuperSport on November 28: Tignyemb, Letlabika, Gordinho, Rikhotso, Sam (Pfumbidzai 65’), Masuku (Mangweni 76’), Phalane, Mashikinya, Dlamini (Potsane 71’), Mabena, Mabaso.

Polokwane’s line-up from their 2-1 loss to CT City on November 27: Ndlovu, Mvelase (Wagaba 73'), Mbonani, Nkili, Hlongwane, Seabi, J.Maluleke, Mngomezulu, Phiri (Tlolane 69'), Musona (Anas 55'), Ramagalela.