Stars look to end losing streak

by Staff Reporter

Friday Jan 04, 2019. 10:24

Free State Stars will look to end their losing streak in the Absa Premiership when they host Bidvest Wits at Goble Park on 5 January 2019, kick-off at 18h00.

Stars suffered a third straight defeat in the league when they were beaten 3-1 at home by Orlando Pirates on December 11. The Free State side has gone five league matches without a win.

Ea Lla Koto have claimed 11 points from eight home matches this season. Their last win in the league came back in early October when they defeated Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 at home.

Wits ended 2018 on a high, strengthening their grip on pole position with a 2-0 home win over Chippa United on December 21. The Johannesburg side has taken 10 points from the last 12 available.

The Clever Boys have claimed 17 points from seven away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 2-1 win at Baroka FC in mid-December.

In head-to-head stats, Wits and Stars have met in 56 league matches since 1986. The Clever Boys have claimed 19 wins compared to 16 for Ea Lla Koto, while 21 matches have been drawn. The Free State side has claimed 12 wins from 28 home league matches in the rivalry, suffering five defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season in Johannesburg, Wits claimed a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Thulani Hlatshwayo, Mxolisi Machupu and Deon Hotto. The teams’ last five league meetings have produced 16 goals.

Stars’ line-up from their 3-1 loss to Pirates on December 11: Sangare, Mbhele, Tema, Mahamutsa, Phungwayo, Jantjie, Masehe (Masina 88’), Makhaula, Dlamini (Jappie 67’), Tchilimbou (Moseamedi 80’), Bhengu.

Wits’ line-up from their 2-0 win over Chippa on December 21: Keet, Mere, Mkhwanazi, Johannes, Hlanti, Alexander (Domingo 87'), Monare, Pelembe, Hotto (Claasen 80'), Dzvukamanja, Majoro (Murray 76').