Pirates look to close the gap to the top

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Jan 08, 2019. 11:32

Orlando Pirates will look to close the gap to the top of the Absa Premiership when they host Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on 8 January 2019, kick-off at 19h30.

Pirates extended their unbeaten run in the league to 12 matches, but fell five points adrift of leaders Bidvest Wits, when they were held 2-2 by Highlands Park in a thrilling clash on January 5.

The Buccaneers have claimed 10 points from seven home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a goalless draw with Maritzburg United in early December.

Chippa extended their winless run in the league to nine matches when they were beaten 1-0 at home by Bloemfontein Celtic on January 4. The Eastern Cape side has taken just four points from the last 27 up for grabs.

The Chilli Boys have claimed just four points from eight away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 2-0 loss at Bidvest Wits before the festive-season break.

In head-to-head stats, Chippa and Pirates have met in 11 league matches since 2012/13. The Buccaneers have claimed seven wins compared to three for the Chilli Boys, while just one game has been drawn. The Soweto side has won four of five home matches in the rivalry, suffering one defeat in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, Pirates claimed a 1-0 win in Port Elizabeth thanks to an own goal from Gerald Modisane. The Buccaneers have put together a five-game wining streak against the Chilli Boys in the league.

Pirates’ line-up from their 2-2 draw with Highlands on January 5: Mpontshane, Mobara (Mntambo 80’), Maela, Jele, Marcelo, Nyatama, Lorch, Mlambo, Shonga (Mahachi 77’), Pule (Gabuza 77’), Mulenga.

Chippa’s line-up from their 1-0 loss to Celtic on January 4: Akpeyi, Macheke, Modisane, Nsabiyumva, Tlolane, Makobela (Rakhale 59'), Malepe (Lentjies 71'), Sangweni, Mayambela (Maphanga 77'), Mbenyane, Manzini.