Chiefs looking for hattrick

Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs hope to bag a third successive victory over Orlando Pirates as the Soweto giants prepare for their derby clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Chiefs go into the key Absa Premiership fixture as favourites, having secured two convincing wins over their arch rivals in their last two games.

Amakhosi beat Pirates 3-1 in the league in November and 3-0 in a Telkom Knockout match in December.

Pirates are top of the log with a two-point lead over Chiefs with nine games remaining in the season.

Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic said his team were always motivated to play Pirates.

"Without disrespecting the other teams, Pirates are our biggest opponents in the PSL," said Vermezovic.

"I believe in my players and my team, and we're full of confidence."

Vermezovic was careful not to give away their strategy for the game.

"Our strength is to score more goals than we concede," he said.

Pirates coach Ruud Krol also didn't want to make any predictions.

"The league is so unpredictable. You can never say who is going to win a game," said Krol.

Krol, however, has had his concerns ahead of the fixture with injuries and suspensions.

"It's going to be a very open game as derbies always are, but they (Chiefs) are seen as favourites because we've had problems with many injuries and suspensions," he said.

"It's always good to play derby games and it's very special for the players.

"Pirates are number one and Chiefs are number two at the moment, and we want to keep it that way."

Officials said 72 000 spectators were expected for the game. Kickoff is at 3.30pm.