Orlando Pirates will be out to continue their impressive run of form when they take on Free State Stars in an Absa Premiership encounter at the Charles Mopeli Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm.
The Buccaneers' 3-1 win over Polokwane City at the weekend was their fourth league win in succession and Eric Tinkler's men will be out to record another morale-boosting victory in midweek ahead of the Soweto Derby on Saturday.
Ea Lla Koto, though, will be highly motivated as they aim to ease relegation fears.
Stars were held to a goalless draw at Maritzburg United on Saturday, their third stalemate in a row leaving them in 13th spot on the log standings.
Head Coach Kinnah Phiri urged his side to be more clinical in front of goal after seeing his troops fail to find the back of the net against the Team of Choice.
“We expected to win [against Maritzburg], but we should not forget that we were playing away and away games are very difficult,” Phiri said.
“The team is improving with every game and right now it’s just a matter of scoring goals. The team is not happy with only picking up one point from games and we just need to start taking our chances and we will win.
“When we play at home our mindset will always be positive. Chances will be created, we know that. But we have to make use of the chances."
Former Stars fullback Thabo Matlaba foresees a difficult game for the Soweto giants who will be out to leapfrog Mamelodi Sundowns and into third spot on the log standings.
“They are currently placed 13th on the log but that doesn’t mean anything in the context of this match. I know from personal experience from when I was with them that playing against a big club like Pirates is self-motivating," said Matlaba.
"They are looking forward to the challenge especially at home.
“We will formulate a plan to get the points and stay focused on that objective on match day."
In head-to-head stats, Stars and Pirates have met in 50 league matches since 1986.
The Buccaneers have claimed 23 wins compared to six for Ea Lla Koto, while 21 matches have been drawn.
Stars have won four of their 24 home matches against Pirates, suffering nine defeats in the process.
When the teams met earlier this season, a goal from Daine Klate handed Bucs a 1-0 home win.
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