Pirates, Downs set for thiller

Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates will chase a hat-trick of Absa Premiership wins when they host Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. 

Kick-off is at 20:15.

According to the supersport.com website, Pirates racked up a second successive league victory in midweek when they defeated Bidvest Wits 2-1 at home.

The Soweto giants have claimed 15 points from their eight home matches so far this season.

Their next three league opponents are Free State Stars, Polokwane City and Ajax Cape Town (all away).

The Buccaneers are placed sixth on the Absa Premiership log with 23 points from 12 matches.

Sundowns recorded their first league win of 2014 this past midweek when they defeated Golden Arrows 2-0 at home.

The Tshwane team has claimed 11 points from their seven away matches so far this season.

Their next three league opponents are Ajax Cape Town, Orlando Pirates (both home) and Bidvest Wits (away).

The Brazilians are placed second on the Absa Premiership log with 28 points from 15 matches.

In head-to-head stats, Pirates and Sundowns have met in 57 league matches since 1985.

The Brazilians boast 24 wins compared to Bucs’ 17, while 16 matches have ended in draws.

Pirates have won 10 of their 28 home matches against ‘Downs, suffering 12 defeats in the process.

Last season Bucs won 3-1 in Tshwane, but the Brazilians gained revenge with a 1-0 victory in the return game in Soweto.