MTN8: Predicting Orlando Pirates' XI to face Mamelodi Sundowns

The Ghanaian star will be brimming with confidence after marking his return to the Black Stars with a clean sheet as they claimed a 1-0 win over Nicaragua on Tuesday.

The hard-running full-back is a guaranteed starter with Monyane nursing an injury and he will be determined to re-cement his place in the team.

The versatile player operated in this position as Bucs kept a clean sheet in their last game which was against TS Galaxy on September 10 and he is likely to continue in this role.

The lanky defender, who recently revealed that Bucs have a plan to stop Sundowns' free-scoring striker Peter Shalulile, looks set to start.

Pirates' first-choice centre-back took his club form into the international scene as he helped Bafana Bafana defeat Sierra Leone while producing a solid defensive display.

The Bucs captain will be looking to lead the Soweto giants to an important first-leg win over the defending champions. 

The 30-year-old midfield maestro, who is preferred ahead of Thabang Monare and Ben Motshwari, has cemented his place in Pirates' starting line-up with some consistent performances. 

The Bafana international remains Pirates' first-choice midfielder and he will be bracing himself for a battle with Sundowns' vice-captain Andile Jali.

The experienced marksman is most likely to walk straight into the starting line-up and face his former club with the Buccaneers having struggled to score goals this term.

With Pule and Lorch doubtful due to injuries, the versatile attacker might be handed another starting berth as Bucs target a home victory. 

The 25-year-old forward, who grabbed a brace as Pirates defeated Galaxy at Orlando Stadium, will be confident of scoring at the same venue.