Baroka will want to make a comeback to winning ways when they meet SuperSport United in the Absa Premiership on Sunday afternoon at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Kick-off is at 3:30pm.

The hosts have experienced a bad run in recent times and their mission is to go all the way and wrap up their 2017 with a win.

Bakgaga are fresh from a 2-2 draw against Platinum Stars, a 3-0 loss to Maritzburg United and a 4-0 drubbing by log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Heading to this encounter, they will be hoping to return to winning ways at home and capitalise on United’s lukewarm run.

Having occupied the top of the log table in the last quarter, coach Kgoloko Thobejane’s side now sits at No 7 with 19 points from 14 league games.

Looking at the Tshwane side, Amatsantsantsa A Pitori have failed to take advantage of their games in hand and will need a win.

Despite beating Ajax Cape Town, they went on to draw against Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City and were beaten by Free State Stars on Wednesday in Bethlehem.

The run has caused headaches for the technical team, but coach Eric Tinkler must come up with a strategy to bag a win over Baroka and Bloemfontein Celtic next Wednesday.

Sitting at the 11th spot with 15 points from nine games leaves United with more chances to close the gap on neighbours, Sundowns.

The Tshwane side has had an excellent run in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign and fatigue could be a possibility in their camp, but to win these two games is a must before the Christmas break.

Previous Starting XI

Baroka FC: Vries, Shaku, Kgoetyane, Banda, Moeti, Mothupa, Ntshangase, Kgaswane, Madubanya, Mdantsane, Ngalande

SuperSport United: Pieterse, Nhlapo, Gould, Daniels, Egwuekwe, Boateng, Modiba, Mokoena, Mokeke, Phala, Brockie

Head-to-Head

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2016/17 Baroka 1-1 SuperSport Matloga; Mnyamane

2016/17 SuperSport 0-1 Baroka Matlakala

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2016/17)

Home Away Total

P W D L GF GA P W D L GF GA P W D L GF GA

SuperSport 1 0 0 1 0 1 SuperSport 1 0 1 0 1 1 SuperSport 2 0 1 1 1 2

Baroka 1 0 1 0 1 1 Baroka 1 1 0 0 1 0 Baroka 2 1 1 0 2 1

What the teams are saying

Baroka FC coach Kgoloko Thobejane

“This week we had a number of things to work on because we conceded seven goals and failed to score in our last two matches‚" said the coach.

"It is not good because we can’t shut the back door and we also can’t find openings.

"Obviously there are tactical things that we work on at training but we focused mainly on the defence and finishing and hopefully the players will get it right against SuperSport United in our last match of the year.

“They (SuperSport) have only managed two points from a possible nine and we must try to take advantage of that because they are not doing well.”

SuperSport United midfielder Dean Furman

“Games in hand mean nothing, and sometimes they can get you excited but the important thing is to get points on the board and put ourselves in a good position,” said Furman.

“We have massive games (Baroka FC and Bloemfontein Celtic) before Christmas and we need all those points.

“The league is the one for us, that is the one we are pushing for, and I know playing catch up isn’t ideal, but it is great to get into some continuous league action.”

Key players for Baroka FC

Virgil Vries: Having conceded seven goals in the past two matches, the Namibian net minder has a tough task to revive his form. As one of the best keepers in the league, he will have to marshal his defence and ensure they do not concede again.

Letladi Madubanya: The experienced midfielder will come up against the likes of Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Teboho Mokoena in the midfield. His job is to provide leadership and close down all of United’s attacks.

Key players for SuperSport United:

Azubuike Egwuekwe: The big Ghanaian defender is slowly settling down in the local scene. He has netted a crucial goal against Cape Town City and came close against Free State Stars. He provides options when they attack on set pieces.

Reneilwe Letsholonyane: ‘Yeye’ will have to bring his A game on Sunday and ensure he provides the defence splitting passes he is known for. His creativity and resilience will be key for the side and they want a win.

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