Pirates eye first 2019 win

Orlando Pirates will welcome Chippa United in an Absa Premiership match at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 7:30 pm.

The Buccaneers extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches in the league when they drew 2-2 with Highlands Park away over the weekend.

The draw saw Pirates remain second on the league standings with 28 points from 16 matches. They are five points behind log leaders, Bidvest Wits.

Meanwhile, Chippa are now winless in their last nine matches in the league, having lost 1-0 to Bloemfontein Celtic at home on Friday.

The defeat saw the Chilli Boys remain 15th on the league standings with 12 points from 16 matches. They are two points behind 13th-placed Baroka FC.

[embed:video:id=1034184]

Previous starting line-ups

Orlando Pirates: 40. Mpontshane, 4. Jele, 36. Da Silva, 18. Mobara, 23 Maela, 20. Mlambo, 14. Nyatama, 45. Pule, 3. Lorch, 12. Shonga, 17. Mulenga.

Chippa United: 1. Akpeyi, 4. Macheke, 18. Makobela, 47. Nsabiyumva, 22. Modisane , 21. Thlolane, 35. Sangweni , 12. Malepe , 11. Mayambela, 7. Mbenyane , 19. R. Manzini.

What are the teams saying

Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic

“We have learned the lesson (against Highlands Park), we need to close the fragility in defence and we need to improve attacking wise," he said.

"This is the formula for the next match against Chippa (United)."

Chippa United coach Joel Masutha

"It is disappointing for the supporters (the defeat to Bloemfontein Celtic) because they have been there for us through thick and thin. They deserve better," he said.

"We will go back and work it. We will soon score goals again."

Orlando Pirates key players

Xola Mlambo: The midfield maestro remains one of Pirates' most consistent players this season. Mlambo has the ability to inspire the Buccaneers to victory against Chippa.

Thembinkosi Lorch: The forward is enjoying his football at the moment having netted against Highlands Park. Lorch will look to continue his scoring form and help Bucs win at home.

Chippa United key players

Daniel Akpeyi: The Nigeria international remains a key player in Chippa squad. Akpeyi will be keen to keep his first clean sheet in 2019 when they face Pirates.

Thabo Rakhale: The attacking midfielder has established himself as a key player in the Chippa team. Rakhale will be eager to haunt his former side, Pirates by inspiring Chippa to victory.