Wits out to dent Pirates' hopes

Bidvest Wits will clash with their Absa Premiership title rivals Orlando Pirates at the Bidvest Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT.

The Clever Boys snapped their four-match winless run in the league when they defeated Bloemfontein Celtic 4-2 away last month.

Wits, who lost to Chippa United in the Nedbank Cup last weekend, are third on the league standings - three points behind the leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Meanwhile, Pirates extended their unbeaten run to four matches in the league when they drew 0-0 with Sundowns at home on Monday.

The draw saw Bucs climb up to second place on the league standings - three points behind the defending champions, Sundowns with six games left.

Previous starting line-ups

Bidvest Wits: 16. Keet, 2. Mere, 15. Mkhwanazi, 4. Nonyane, 13. Hlanti, 12. Scott, 17. Alexander, 24. Motupa, 37. Dzvukamanja, 11. Hotto, 9. Murray.

Orlando Pirates: 30. Sandilands, 4. Jele, 21. Ndengane, 23. Maela, 28. Dube, 27. Motshwari, 14. Nyatama, 11. Memela, 3. Lorch, 12. Shonga, 17. Mulenga.

What are the teams saying?

Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt

"We wanted to do well in the (Nedbank) Cup because it is a lucrative cup and it keeps our season going," he said.

"We wanted to do well and there are a lot of things we need to work on. The second round has been a problem for us, a lot of individual errors. So, we’ve got to take it on the chin and try and move on.”

Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic

"We outplayed the opponent (Sundowns) on Monday but the missing factor was the goal that could have given us the extra profit," he said.

"But we need to prepare very well for the game against Wits, go there and try to continue where we stopped against Sundowns.”

Bidvest Wits key players

Deon Hotto: The attacking midfielder has established himself as one of Wits' key players, having netted last weekend against Chippa United. Hotto has the ability to inspire Wits to victory over Pirates.

Gift Motupa: The hard-working forward is enjoying his best season, having scored 11 goals in all competitions. Motupa will be keen to continue his scoring form and help Wits secure a home win.

Orlando Pirates key players

Vincent Pule: The attacking midfielder is set to make his return against Wits after serving his one-match suspension. Pule will be keen to play an instrumental role in helping Pirates win in Braamfontein.

Justin Shonga: The marksman has established himself as Pirates' first-choice striker, having netted 12 goals in all competitions. Shonga will be looking to add to his tally and help Pirates beat Wits.