Absa Premiership
Teams: Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs
Date: 23 January 2014
Venue: Loftus Versveld Stadium
Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs will meet for a top-of-the-table Absa Premiership clash at the Loftus Stadium on Thursday.
In the biggest news pre-match is that George Maluleka will be starting for Kaizer Chiefs.
Sundowns ended 2013 with a 2-2 home draw against Maritzburg United and failed to win any of their last three league matches of the year.
The Tshwane side is unbeaten at home this season, with four wins and two draws from six matches.
The Brazilians are placed second on the Absa Premiership log with 25 points from 13 matches.
Chiefs come into the game having racked up six straight league wins. They ended 2013 with a 4-1 away victory over AmaZulu.
The Soweto giants have picked up 13 points from seven away matches and won their last three on the road.
The Amakhosi are placed first on the Absa Premiership log with 30 points from 14 matches.
In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and Chiefs have met in 56 league matches since 1985.
The Amakhosi have 23 wins compared to 17 for ‘Downs, while 16 matches have been drawn.
Sundowns have won 13 of their 28 home matches against Chiefs, suffering seven defeats in the process.
Here is how they line up.
Sundowns: Kennedy Mweene, Mzikayise Mashaba, Alje Schut, Bryce Moon, Anthony Laffor, Katlego Mashego, Hlompho Kekana, Bongani Zungu, Teko Modise, Khama Billiat, Wayne Arensde.
Chiefs: Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Morgan Gould, Eric Mathoho, Tsepo Masilela, George Lebese, George Maluleka, Willard Katsande, Knowledge Musona, Bernard Parker, Kingston Nkhatha.
