Mamelodi Sundowns will look to maintain their momentum and unbeaten record in the 2020-21 DStv Premiership season when they host Black Leopards at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 5pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).
Sundowns claimed a fourth successive league win and strengthened their grip on pole position with a 2-1 away win over Stellenbosch FC on 13 March, featuring a late winning goal from Peter Shalulile.
The Brazilians have claimed 21 points from nine home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 2-0 win over Baroka FC in February.
We had to dig very deep to get the result [against Stellenbosch]. I am very happy with the work ethic and belief of the players," said Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
"I think this is how champions are made, this is what you want to see from any team that wants to be champions or that wants to retain their title. I think the players gave a good account of themselves. Honestly speaking, the teamwork in the group is very good. The relationship between everyone at the club is looking good and it is encouraging for us."
Sundowns will be unable to call on Shalulile for this weekend's tie due to suspension and with Kermit Erasmus also injured, the defending champions will look to another source for goals – Mngqithi though isn't worried.
“We are confident that we have players who can help the team to score and fortunately we are not only reliant on strikers to score goals at Sundowns," he added. "We have had a lot of goals coming from Mshishi (Themba Zwane) and Lebohang Maboe‚ and the defenders have also chipped in with goals."
Leopards suffered a third successive loss – and a 13th overall this league season – when they were beaten 3-1 at TS Galaxy on 10 March.
Lidoda Duvha have claimed five points from nine away matches this season. Their only win on the road was over Golden Arrows in February.
"We have one week to prepare, to get stronger and better for our upcoming league matches," said Leopards coach Kosta Papic following the Limpopo club's exit from the Nedbank Cup.
"The priority is to save the club from relegation, the cup is part of that, but when you lose the match obviously it gives you more time to prepare for the league. I don't remember ever losing four matches in a row in my career.
"We really need to sit and prepare to come back better, be better in defence, stronger in midfield and the strikers need to start scoring goals.
"The upcoming international break is good for us, no doubt about that. Good for us to prepare for the way we want to play. It will definitely work in our favour," he added.
In head-to-head stats, Leopards and Sundowns have met in 23 league matches since the 2001-02 season.
The Brazilians have claimed 16 wins compared to five for Lidoda Duvha, while just two games have been drawn.
The Tshwane side has recorded nine wins, one draw and just one defeat from 11 home matches in the rivalry.
When the teams met earlier this season, at Thohoyandou Stadium in January 2021, Sundowns claimed a 2-1 away win, with a brace of goals from Shalulile.
The Brazilians have won 10 straight league games against Lidoda Duvha.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Themba Zwane: Without both Peter Shalulile and Kermit Erasmus, all eyes will be on Zwane. The Brazilians star has continued to dazzle this season and has notched up 14 goals contributions in 21 matches across all competitions. That said, he hasn't scored in seven league outings, something he will be eager to change on the weekend.
Lyle Lakay:Lakay has made the left-back position his own this season and has been one of Sundowns' most consistent players in the current campaign. Lakay is not only solid in defence, but a threat in the final third and from set-pieces.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: BLACK LEOPARDS
King Ndlovu:Leopards haven't kept a clean sheet in nine matches and this is among the main reason as to why they sit rooted to the bottom of the league standings heading into this weekend's round of fixtures. Ndlovu is likely to be a busy man between the sticks for Lidoda Duvha on Sunday, but if he is able to make a few early saves, it could ignite confidence within his teammates in their pursuit of an upset.
Mohammed Anas:Leopards will continue to look to Anas for answers in front of goal. The Ghanaian scored a brace in victory at Golden Arrows last month and the Limpopo club will need that kind of form if they are to move clear of the relegation zone.
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