As Kaizer Chiefs prepare to host Betway Premiership log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, Soccer Laduma looks at the key battles that could decide which way the fixture goes.
Both sides have a 100 percent record in the league after two matches and there's good reasons for their supporters to be in high spirits going into the clash. With the clash scheduled for FNB Stadium this Saturday, here are the three key battles that could play a big role in deciding who walks away with the three points.
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Gaston Sirino v Thapelo Morena
Sirino has made a good start to life at Chiefs, scoring one goal and providing two assists in the first two matches of the campaign for Amakhosi. After struggling to break into the Sundowns team regularly last season, Sirino looks to be enjoying his football again. The advantage Morena has here is that he has been teammates with Sirino and would know what to expect from the South American attacker. Morena has been in good form at right back for Sundowns and, as usual, enjoys getting forward, but will need to make sure he does not give Sirino too much time on the ball, or Sundowns could be in for a long 90 minutes.
Njabulo Blom v Marcelo Allende
Blom got to start his first game under Nasresddine Nabi and could get another opportunity to feature in the team when they face Sundowns this weekend. The Amakhosi product has both the ability to win balls in midfield and make the team play with his passes. While he can get forward, he has to make sure he keeps an eye on Sundowns' Allende, who is a one of the driving forces in midfield for Sundowns.
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Inacio Miguel v Iqraam Rayners
Rayners has settled into life at Sundowns and is slowly becoming their main striker upfront, especially with Peter Shalulile struggling to rediscover his best form at the moment. Rayners has banged in two goals in as many league matches and will be someone Amakhosi need to look after to ensure they do not suffer defeat on home soil. A man who is becoming a key component at the back for the Soweto giants is Inacio Miguel and he will have a big role to play in keeping an eye on Rayners. He is strong in the challenges and his communication skills will be important in trying to keep Amakhosi's first clean sheet of the season.
