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Sundowns to dig deep against Celtic

Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns will look to extend their lead at the top of the Absa Premiership table when they host a struggling Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday.

After weeks of nipping at the heels of Wits, the Brazilians finally overtook the Clever Boys with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Benedict McCarthy’s Cape Town City on Wednesday.

The victory moves their unbeaten streak to four matches and no doubt the Sundowns faithful will be eager to go back-to-back at Loftus Versveld on Saturday afternoon.

“This is the first time we’re on top,” downs coach Mosimane told their official website.

“If we apply our experience of being there, because we have been there before. Normally when we’re there, we don’t come back. I hope we continue with the same experience. We will see.

"Bloemfontein Celtic, I hope that they don’t disturb us. But the big one is the return leg in Cape Town against Cape Town City on Tuesday. They will never, ever, ever allow us to score three goals. It’s going to a tight one, it’s going to be like the Wits one. I hope that there are no red cards. You never know, maybe you nick it and go with it."

Meanwhile, Celtic have been struggling for form, with just one victory coming from their last five ABSA Premiership outings. However, coach Steve Komphela has not given up hope.

“At this stage of the season, luck plays a huge role in results," the former Chiefs boss told KickOff.

“Good thing, we are not fighting relegation, it won't be that hard for us to push for cup and league games, we can manage to drive both. We are not under pressure, so we need to be confident and remain optimistic. In life you must always see the light in the darkness."

If Celtic are to cause an upset, they need forward Tshegofatso Mabaso to be firing on all cylinders. The 22-year-old has been ruthless in front of goal, finding the back of the net on eight occasions this season.

At the other end of the park, Sundowns welcomed back midfield duo Andile Jali and Anthony Laffor on Wednesday, with the latter scoring the second goal in the 3-2 win over the Cape Town City. The duo will likely feature in the midfield again in on Saturday.

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