Orlando Pirates will look to bounce back from their shocking CAF Confederations Cup exit when they take on AmaZulu on Thursday and will be banking on their impressive home record against Usuthu.
Pirates are fresh from being dumped out of continental competition by Moroccan outfit Raja Casablanca, who beat the Buccaneers 5-1 on aggregate, over two legs.
But, the Soweto giants have a quick turnaround time in the DStv Premiership, where they will be looking to finish their domestic campaign on a positive note and solidify their spot in the top four - with four matches to go.
Standing in their way is Benni McCarthy's AmaZulu, who have undoubtedly been one of the in-form teams this season.
Usuthu currently sit in second position on the log standings, and a win for them against the Buccaneers in their top-of-the-table clash will go a long way in ensuring their place in the CAF Champions League next season.
The odds stacked are in favour of Pirates going into the clash, however, with the Buccaneers boasting an impressive home record against their KZN opponents.
Pirates have hosted AmaZulu on 11 occasions in the modern era, dating back to 2006, and are yet to taste defeat against Usuthu at the Orlando Stadium, winning six and drawing five of the matches.
These couldn't be separated when they met earlier this season, with the match ending in a one-all stalemate in October last year.
It now remains to be seen whether a well-rested AmaZulu, who haven't played a match in over two weeks, will take advantage of a wounded Pirates side, or if the Buccaneers will take out their frustrations on the men from Durban.
The clash gets underway on Thursday at 17:00.
