Aces out to trump Stars

AmaZayoni returned to winning form in the league when they defeated AmaZulu 3-1 in their last outing.

Clive Barker’s men will now face another team lingering in the danger zone with Ea Lla Koto making the trip to the Mpumalanga province.

Stars suffered their fourth defeat from their last five league matches when they went down 2-0 away to Mamelodi Sundowns last time out.

Aces centre back Roger Da Costa believes Stars will come out guns blazing as they look to climb off 15th place in the league standings.

“I think us coming off a win and them [Free State Stars] coming off a loss will mean they are pretty pumped up coming into the game, they will be really up for it,” said Da Costa.

“With us playing at home we will be out to grab all three points, but we know we won’t be in for an easy game, they have good players while they are in an unfavourable position on the log.

“We want to cement our place in the top eight before Christmas,” Da Costa concluded.

Ea Lla Koto defender Daniel Cardoso expects another difficult challenge against a side who according to the 26-year-old, play an exciting brand of football.

“We have been working really hard as we look to bounce back from the loss to Mamelodi Sundonws,” said Cardoso.

“It will be another difficult game against a brilliant Aces side who play an exciting brand of football.

“We will head into the game with the right attitude. We ourselves have been playing some good football, but we know we are in for a tough game."

In head-to-head stats, Aces and Stars have met in 29 league matches since 1986.

Ea Lla Koto have 11 wins compared to seven for AmaZayoni, while 11 matches have been drawn.

Aces have won just three of their 14 home matches against Stars, suffering six defeats in the process.

Last season AmaZayoni completed a league ‘double’ over Ea Lla Koto, winning 1-0 at home and 3-2 in the Free State.

Kick-off is at 3:30 pm.