Sinethemba Jantjie vs. Sifiso Hlanti

MATCH FACTS

• Free State Stars have won two of their last four matches, having won just two of their previous eleven games.

• Ea Lla Koto have kept three clean sheets in their last four matches, having gone seven games without a clean sheet before that.

• Bidvest Wits have kept five clean sheets in their last nine Absa Premiership matches.

• The Clever Boys started last season by not winning a single one of their opening eight matches in all competitions. This season, they have won five and drawn two of their opening nine matches.

• Gavin Hunt’s men lifted the Telkom Knockout last season, beating Free State Stars 4-2 in the Last 16, after extra time. Amr Gamal, James Keene and Siphelele Mthembu were the amongst the goalscorers that day, with all three having now changed club.

Key battle

This should be a fantastic battle on the flank, with Jantjie carrying Stars’ main threat with his dribbling and delivery, and Hlanti doing the same for Wits, but from fullback. Both players will look to assert their attacking attributes and not have to spend all game tracking back. Jantjie scored in Stars’ last game against Bloemfontein Celtic and was in fine form in that derby encounter, creating two chances for teammates too. Hlanti has been outstanding for Wits this campaign, and in the side’s last game against Mamelodi Sundowns, delivered six open-play crosses and had two one vs. one dribbles as he rampaged forward at every opportunity. With Nyiko Mobbie to link up with, Jantjie will be a major danger, as will Hlanti as he links up with Deon Hotto in front of him. Whichever player comes out on top of this battle could give his side the edge. MATCH FACTS

• Mamelodi Sundowns are 20 Absa Premiership matches unbeaten – however, they have lost four cup matches in-between those league games.

• Masandawana have failed to score in five of their last nine matches in all competitions.

• Bloemfontein Celtic started this season with four wins and one draw in their opening five PSL matches, but have since gone three games without a win, failing to score in any of those matches.

• In Siwelele’s last 11 games, going back to last season, they have kept an impressive seven clean sheets.

• These sides met in the Absa Premiership earlier this month as the game ended 0-0, with Lebohang Maboe’s late goal controversially ruled out for offside. Sundowns are five games unbeaten against Siwelele, conceding just one goal in that time.

Key battle Phakamani Mahlambi vs. Lorenzo Gordinho

Sundowns have had a slow start to this sea- son in terms of scoring goals, as new signings like Phakamani Mahlambi, Toni Silva and Lebohang Maboe try to find their feet at the club. The R13.2m signing of former Wits man Mahlambi gives the side genuine speed up front as they look to replace the goals and assists of Percy Tau and Khama Billiat. With Mahlambi’s searing pace and dribbling threat, often running into the channels and isolating defenders, Celtic will have to be at their best defensively. After the departure of Alfred Ndengane, Lorenzo Gordinho has become the leader of the back four and an absolutely crucial figure. His aggressive defending in the duels, reading of the game to make interceptions and blocking of shots is often crucial in the Mangaung-based outfit keeping clean sheets. In his side’s last game, he won four tackles and made 11 clearances. For Mahlambi, he will need to be up for the physical battle and find a way to get himself running at the on-loan Kaizer Chiefs man. “Phaka” was only a sub against Bidvest Wits and made little impact in his 45 minutes on the pitch, but Sundowns will be relying on him for goals and movement in this game, otherwise Downs’ scoring troubles could continue. KEY STATS MATCH FACTS • Maritzburg United have kept five consecu-

tive clean sheets in the Absa Premiership.

• Going back to last season, the Team of Choice have won just one of their last 12 matches in all competitions, failing to score in eight of those games.

• Highlands Park have lost just one of their eight league games this season so far, after being promoted from the National First Division.

• In away games this season, Highlands Park have failed to win so far (3D, 1L), scoring just two goals in their four matches on the road.

• These sides have met just twice before, during the 2016/17 Premiership season. It ended 1-1 at Harry Gwala Stadium and 1-0 to Highlands Park at Makhulong Stadium.

Key battle Fortune Makaringe vs. Mothobi Mvala

This game could be won in midfield, with both sides possessing an all-action player or two in their engine room. On Maritzburg’s side, the dynamic duo of Siphesihle Ndlovu and Fortune Makaringe will occupy this area, with the latter currently in better form and driving the side forward with his runs from deep. As a converted winger, his pace and dribbling when receiving the ball in his own half can worry opponents and bypass their pressing game. On Highlands Park’s side, Mothobi Mvala has scored three times this season and was prolific in the NFD last season, making late runs into the box and showing a real threat with his heading ability in particular. He has played just behind the front man this season, as well as in a slightly deeper role at times. Both players are aggressive in their tackling and closing down style and whoever can nullify the strengths of their direct opponent will go a long way toward winning the game for their side.