Soweto Derby: Predicting Orlando Pirates' XI to face Kaizer Chiefs

The former Bidvest Wits academy player was one of Pirates' standout performers in their draw against Cape Town City on Wednesday and he will be eager to make it three consecutive clean sheets.

The influential full-back will be keen to carry his great form in the Caf Confederation Cup into the PSL and help Pirates avenge their 2-1 defeat to Chiefs in the first round league game in November last year.

The hard-working full-back will be bracing himself for a battle with Chiefs' tricky winger Keagan Dolly and Bucs will stand a good chance to defeating Amakhosi if Mako contains the Bafana Bafana international.

The former Sliema Wanderers defender will be seeking redemption having conceded a penalty in the closing stages of the last Soweto Derby match and Dolly converted it to earn Chiefs the victory.

The Pirates captain was rested against City in midweek and he is set to equal the record for the most Soweto Derby appearances in the PSL era as he features in his 31st game against Chiefs as a Bucs player.

The veteran midfielder is enjoying his football at the moment having overcome his injury woes and he will be eager to dominate the midfield battle in order to put Pirates in a good position to win the game.

The 2020/21 MTN8 Player of the Tournament nominee is expected to return to Bucs' starting line-up with Goodman Mosele suspended and he will be hoping to impress in order to reclaim his place in the team.

The 28-year-old playmaker has managed to regain his spot in Pirates' starting line-up in the last few weeks and he will be determined to prove that he is Bucs' best attacking midfielder when he faces Amakhosi.

The versatile attacker has been in good form in the last few weeks and he is most likely to start in the right side of Bucs' attack with Thembinkosi Lorch an injury doubt.

With Lorch unlikely to start, Pirates will pin their hopes of defeating the arch-rivals on the former Bloemfontein Celtic star and he has the ability to inspire Bucs to a win in this iconic fixture.

The 21-year-old marksman will be hoping to use his imposing physique and sharp movement to unsettle the Chiefs defence and score his first goal in the Soweto Derby.