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Mamelodi Sundowns could be a mere four points behind log leaders Kaizer Chiefs by the end of today.
Not only that, but the Brazilians could also end the day second on the table.
For this to happen, they need to beat visiting Bloemfontein Celtic at Loftus Versveld tonight.
Third-placed Sundowns have managed to claw their way back in the title contest and would want to continue with their momentum and keep the pressure on Chiefs – who are already feeling the pressure.
Despite playing in three tournaments – the Nedbank Cup, CAF Champions League and the Absa Premiership, the defending league champions have vowed not to go down without a fight.
Three points tonight will see them swapping positions with second-placed Orlando Pirates.
It won’t be easy for coach Pitso Mosimane’s side, which could be without number one goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who limped off in the final stages of Sundowns’ 3-0 victory over Chippa United last Saturday after picking up a hamstring injury.
“Denis had a tight hamstring, which know always gives him a hard time. But we are taking precautions.
The head of medical told us that yes, there is a slight concern but that does not make him not to play and we can’t worsen it.
The most important thing is not to worsen it and we lose him for the rest of the league and the [CAF] Champions League that is coming,” said Mosimane.
He said it was way too early to talk about winning the championship.
“At this point in time of the league any game is difficult because you can’t say you can win the game. We are playing a team that is fearless.
Bloemfontein Celtic is fearless. They attack, they never sit back. They’ll have a go at you and attack you.
“Under normal circumstances, I don’t know the plan [for tonight], if they’re gonna do the same thing, more especially when we all know our situation on the log. When they know their situation on the log.
The position on the log alters the tactical decisions and the scoreboard also alters the tactical decisions.
“So I’m not sure what coach [Lehlohonolo] Seema has for this kind of a game but normally they attack. I saw when they played Highlands Park [at the weekend]; they were attacking.
“But sometimes when teams come to us they don’t attack as they are supposed to; they are cautious and then they start playing more defenders and more midfielders.
“But what a good team of youngsters on the wings. They have a lot of speed. [Ndumiso] Mabena runs the show there. He scores for them and influences the results.
“But we need to play our own game and be patient. We need to find opportunities to score. It will be nice if we score nice and early. Normally when we score early the opponent change the plan and start to attack more and sometimes it gives us the opportunity to score the second goal.”
READ: United dents Chiefs’ title challenge
Celtic are still licking their wounds after a loss to Highlands Park at the weekend and are looking to bounce back from that defeat.
Tenth-placed Celtic are not out of the woods yet as they are only five points clear of relegation and will want to move away from the drop zone.
Another game will see Bidvest Wits welcoming Highlands Park at Bidvest Stadium. Wits are still playing catch-up games.
The Clever Boys’ home record has not been impressive so far and this should be a worry for coach Gavin Hunt, who needs to use the home ground advantage to good effect if Wits are to be serious title contenders.
Wits lost their previous home game to Maritzburg United last week but will be hoping to continue where they left off at the weekend when they won away at Baroka.
After a mini-slump last month, Highlands look like they have turned the corner after registering back-to-back victories over Celtic and Baroka.
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• All matches tonight kick off at 7.30 pm.
