AmaZulu tackle confident Baroka

AmaZulu FC will face off with Baroka FC in an Absa Premiership match at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm.

Usuthu were thrashed 3-0 by Kaizer Chiefs in a Telkom Knockout Cup Last 16 match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Before locking horns with Amakhosi, AmaZulu had defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in a league match in Pretoria over a week ago.

Usuthu are placed ninth on the league table with 11 points from eight matches. They are only behind eighth-placed Chippa United on goal-difference.

Meanwhile, Baroka secured a 1-0 win over Cape Town City in a Telkom Knockout Cup Last match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

Prior to the Cup encounter, Bakgaga Ba Ga Mphahlele had succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Bidvest Wits in a league match at home.

Baroka remain at the top of the league standings with 16 points from nine matches. They are a point above second-placed Lamontville Golden Arrows.

Possible starting line-ups

AmaZulu: Pule, Mbatha B, Sikhakhane, Gumede M, Gumede P, Darpoh, Ncube, Ncobeni, Cele, Manzini, Khenyeza.

Baroka: Vries, Mahashe, Mothupa, Kgoetšane, Madubanya, Chawapiwa, Shaku, Moeti, Sidumo, Mdantsane, Motupa.

Head-to-Head

N/A - This will be the first top flight league meeting of AmaZulu and Baroka.

What are the teams saying

AmaZulu head coach Cavin Johnson:

"Well, it won't be easy because Baroka are coming off a victory over Cape Town City," he said.

"Baroka have also done very well in the league hence they are at the top of the log. But we have had enough time to prepare for this match after our Cup match against Kaizer Chiefs.

"We will field our best team and go for a victory against Baroka on Wednesday."

Baroka head coach Kgoloko Thobejane:

"I am happy that we won against Cape Town City and now we are focusing on our next match," he said.

"It will be an Absa Premiership match and we will be ready for AmaZulu.

"We are looking forward to seeing what AmaZulu have in store for us. I am happy with how our players are playing at the moment."

AmaZulu key players

Samuel Darpoh: The Ghanaian midfielder has done relatively well in the heart of the Usuthu midfield this season. The 19-year-old will be hoping to produce a good performance against Baroka and help his side secure their fourth league victory of the season.

Rhulani Manzini: The hard-working forward remains Usuthu's first-choice striker having netted four goals in six league matches. The former Platinum Stars frontman will be eager to inspire the KwaZulu-Natal side to victory at home.

Baroka key players

Sipho Moeti: The 25-year-old has been one of Bakgaga Ba Ga Mphahlele's most consistent players. The attacking midfielder, who has netted two league goals this season, will be looking to maintain his good form when Baroka take on Usuthu.

Talent Chawapiwa: The Zimbabwean midfielder has finally found his feet in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). The attacker, who netted against Cape Town City over the weekend, will be keen to score again and help his side secure a win in Durban.