SuperSport host in-form Galaxy

SuperSport United will face an in-form TS Galaxy in a 2020-21 DStv Premiership match at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Friday.

Kick-off is at 5pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

SuperSport have gone three league matches without a win (and have just one victory from their last six outings in the top flight) after they were beaten 1-0 at AmaZulu on 2 March.

Matsatsantsa have claimed 20 points from 10 unbeaten home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates in late February.

"Besides the mistake that we made that resulted in their goal I thought we were the better team throughout the game against AmaZulu," said SuperSport head coach Kaitano Tembo. "We played very well, dominated possession but we just couldn't find the back of the net.

"The final third, that is where we need to work a little more. In terms of our performance I think we played very well.

"Another tough game [coming up against Galaxy], we just need to recover and give the players a break before our game on Friday.

"Galaxy are a hard working team. Man-marking in all areas of the pitch so we have to match them and work even harder off the ball because they will run us into the ground if we are not ready. The main thing is work ethic, that is key," Tembo added.

Galaxy have claimed 14 points from the last 18 up for grabs and became the first team to defeat Swallows FC this season, beating the Birds 2-1 at home on 2 March thanks to late goals from Lindokuhle Mbatha and Bevan Fransman.

The Rockets have taken 11 points from nine away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-1 draw at Chippa United in mid-February.

“Against all adversity, the boys kept on fighting. That’s what we want to see. We want to see that work ethic. We want to see that fighting spirit,” said Galaxy head coach Owen da Gama.

“No one can take away that fighting spirit. They can take everything but not the fighting spirit. I’m very happy with the results. I take my hat off to the technical team and most importantly to the players and support staff. At TS Galaxy we are together. This victory is for everybody.”

Galaxy forward Wayde Lekay added: “It is a good feeling to be in a top-eight considering where we were in January. The more success you get the more you have to work hard. For now, it is going to be a tough battle [against SuperSport]. The mindset is right. We are ready to take on the challenge. We have to continue working hard."

In head-to-head stats, SuperSport and Galaxy have met in just one previous top-flight league match. That encounter took place earlier this season, with United winning 3-0 at the Mbombela Stadium thanks to goals from Thamsanqa Gabuza (two) and Bradley Grobler.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: SuperSport United

Ghampani Lungu:The young Zambian forward has become a first team regular this season and has been involved in all 19 of SuperSport's league games (17 starts) in the current campaign up to this point. A noticeable threat in the final third, Lungu will be eager to convert more chances and final-third passes into goals and assist respectively – he has all the talent to do just that and subsequently become even more potent for the Tshwane club.

Teboho Mokoena:Another of SuperSport's youthful core, Mokoena made a starting return from injury away to AmaZulu earlier this week. He has become an important player under Tembo's tutelage and his return to fitness will come as a huge boost to Matsatsantsa as they eye a return to winning ways.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: TS Galaxy

Lindokuhle Mbatha:The veteran winger has scored in his last three matches and has been key to Galaxy's upturn in results of late. Mbatha has never been a prolific scorer throughout his career but seems to have found his scoring touch upon reuniting with Da Gama. With six goals involvements in his last six matches, he is one of the form players in the league.

Bevan Fransman:While SuperSport have the benefit of youthful exuberance, Galaxy have a plethora of experience to call upon. At 37, Fransman is still going strong and proved as much with his match winner against Swallows this week.