Orlando Pirates will hope to continue with their league form when they host SuperSport United in the Absa Premiership on Tuesday night at Orlando Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:30pm.

The Buccaneers are high in confidence after bagging a vital three points against Bloemfontein Celtic a week ago and managed to break their six-match winless run.

However, prior to that win, they were held to a 0-0 draw against Golden Arrows at home as well as a loss to Polokwane City in the Telkom Knockout quarterfinals.

Coach Milutin Sredojevic will hope to see a better side after a week's break as they want to reach top of the log standings.

They occupy the second spot with 18 points from 12 league matches and will be hoping to topple Baroka FC at the top.

Looking at the visitors, United are also chasing a win and ensure they keep climbing the log table to challenge for the league honours.

Fresh from a hard fought 1-0 win over Ajax Cape Town last week, coach Eric Tinkler has to motivate his men to fight for another victory. The Tshwane giants were victorious in the MTN8 as they lifted the trophy, but failed to beat TP Mazembe in the CAF Confederation Cup final.

United occupy the 10th spot with 13 points from 10 matches, a win will give them 16 points and they will be inside the top eight bracket.

Previous Starting XI:

Orlando Pirates: Mabokgwane, Chabalala, Shitolo, Nyauza, Matlaba, Sangweni, Nyatama, Qalinge, Memela, Makola, Gabuza

SuperSport United: Pieterse, Kekana, Gould, Egwuekwe, Boateng, Furman, Letsholonyane, Modiba, Lakay, Phala, Grobler

Head to Head:

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2012/13 SuperSport 0-0 Pirates
2012/13 Pirates 1-0 SuperSport Manyisa
2013/14 Pirates 1-2 SuperSport Jele; Niang, Ndlovu
2013/14 SuperSport 1-0 Pirates Grobler
2014/15 SuperSport 1-2 Pirates Phala; Sarr, Myeni
2014/15 Pirates 4-1 SuperSport M. Masuku 2, Erasmus, Myeni; Phala
2015/16 SuperSport 1-0 Pirates Boxall
2015/16 Pirates 2-2 SuperSport Myeni, Makola; Grobler, Farmer
2016/17 SuperSport 6-1 Pirates Letsholonyane, Boxall 2, Phala, Grobler, Brockie (pen); Ndoro
2016/17 Pirates 1-1 SuperSport Lorch; Mnyamane

What the teams are saying:

Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic:

“I would say that I am happy with the win (0ver Celtic) but at the same moment there are so many things to correct with the performance of the team in the times ahead of us,” said Sredojevic.

"Winning after six matches not winning is something that will boost the morale of the team and move us to improve on our shortcomings. We worked very hard, the mental block that was in front of us, six games without a win, when you have such mental block even the legs are logged.

“I believe with winning this is how the legs are unlocked and we can play our football. To play good defensively, not allowing the opposition to have chances and dominating in the middle and to convert chances.”

SuperSport United coach Eric Tinkler:

“I don’t think we played well (against Ajax), especially in that first half. We were lethargic and our transitional play wasn’t with enough speed,” said Tinkler. ”We’ve got Pirates coming up next, which is another massive game next Tuesday and that’s where our focus is now."

Key players for Orlando Pirates:

Jackson Mabokgwane: The former Mpumalanga Black Aces goalkeeper seems to have taken the number one spot since Wayne Sandliands is out injured. His role will be to keep a clean sheet against an attacking United and help to retain the three points.

Thamsanqa Sangweni: Back from injury, Sangweni will be a vital addition for the Soweto giants. His ability to dictate the proceedings and ability to spread passes will be a vital weapon for the side.

Key players for SuperSport United:

Thuso Phala: Phala will be a threat to the hosts when they invade Soweto. His ability to outrun the defenders will be a valuable asset on match day. On a good day, the speedy winger can score goals.

Jeremy Brockie: The New Zealand international has experienced a goal drought in recent times. He will be hoping to be on the score sheet on Tuesday and will be a crucial figure for United's attack.