After collecting maximum points against Milford last time out, Mamelodi Sundowns could make it four wins on the trot in the Betway Premiership this weekend when they take on Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 3pm (CAT, GMT+2).
CURRENT FORM
The reigning CAF Champions League champions will head into their next game on the back of a 2-0 victory over Milford on Wednesday night as they went level on points with log leaders Orlando Pirates.
Sitting in second position, Sundowns could move into top spot this weekend, given that Pirates will be away on CAF duties.
Apart from their win over Milford, Sundowns claimed consecutive wins over Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu in the prior fixtures.
A 3-2 win over TS Galaxy on the opening day, coupled with a 1-1 stalemate alongside Kaizer Chiefs saw Sundowns move onto 13 points from five games.
Abafana Bes’thende, on the other hand, recorded their first win of the league season last time out when they bagged a 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch on home soil.
Before their game against Stellies, Arrows went on a run of three straight draws that saw them end up in seventh position with six points.
WHAT WAS SAID
Reflecting on Sundowns' victory over Milford and also considering the Arrows game, Miguel Cardoso hinted at the prospect of rotating his squad this weekend.
Cardoso also noted that the Brazilians will have to be at their best against a rested Arrows outfit.
“Now we need to rest the players. They are very tired and Arrows didn’t play during the week,” Cardoso said.
“So, we need freshness, we need capacity and we need another beautiful competitive match.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Golden Arrows: Nhlanhla Zwane – The Arrows midfielder has been a standout performer this season and will be thrown into a tense midfield battle in Umlazi. While Downs are expected to boss the possession count, Zwane will have his hands full in stopping his opposite number’s passing rhythm.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Marcelo Allende – Widely considered to be among the best midfielders in the PSL, Allende’s work often goes unnoticed in the middle of the park. As the pace setter, much of Downs’ progression from midfield will rest on Allende having a good game.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Games: 50
Golden Arrows wins: 11
Mamelodi Sundowns wins: 26
Draws: 13