LIVE | Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows

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Orlando Pirates chase another three points as they return to the Betway Premiership with a clash against Golden Arrows on Tuesday night.

This second league encounter in the space of a few days between the two sides takes place at Orlando Stadium, with the Buccaneers back in familiar territory after two weeks on the road.

It also marks a departure from home comforts for Abafana Bes’thende, who gear up for their first away fixture this month.

Form guide

Three straight matches away from home have produced mixed results for the Soweto giants. The most recent of these was a devastating defeat in the Nedbank Cup final where they lost 2-1 to rivals Kaizer Chiefs, falling short of a third consecutive title.

The defeat at Moses Mabhida Stadium had been preceded by back-to-back league wins including one at the same venue against the team they are hosting on Tuesday.

The six points earned in those two matches have secured a finish in the top two with another 15 up for grabs in the remainder of the season.

This will require bouncing back in their backyard, where they suffered a rare slip-up in their last home outing.

That narrow defeat to Sekhukhune United was only the second in 11 home games for Orlando Pirates, who have claimed victory in each of their other nine league fixtures in Soweto.

They have conceded just seven goals in the process, while finding the net 23 times.

For the visitors, the change of venue will be a welcome one after a lengthy stay at home failed to yield a single point in three attempts.

This has placed them in unwanted territory in the standings, where they currently languish in 14th place with just four games left to play.

It has been a disappointing campaign for Golden Arrows who have been a feature in the contest for a spot in the top eight in recent years, finishing ninth for three seasons running.

Those heights are still mathematically possible through a remarkable turnaround, starting with three points at Orlando Stadium.

That will be no mean feat, however, as their struggles have extended well beyond their home base.

They boast just three wins in 11 games on the road with their last away victory dating back to early March when they stunned Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Having managed a measly two points in their last five fixtures home and away, Abafana Bes’thende now face the immense task of rescuing their season as they set their sights on a wounded Bucs side.

Team news

The visitors have been bolstered by the return of midfielder Blessing Mchunu, who missed last week’s encounter in Durban.

The 24-year-old has served his one-match suspension and is now part of his side’s options for the clash in Orlando.

Orlando Pirates meanwhile could be tempted to make a few changes for the fixture following a bruising weekend assignment against their biggest rivals.

They have picked up no fresh suspensions over the past week and will welcome two key players back to league action after both sat out the previous encounter between the two sides.

Defender Nkosinathi Sibisi will relish against his former side after a red card ruled him out of the match held in Durban, while Thalente Mbatha makes his first Premiership appearance since the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium.

Key players

Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates): The big striker provides extra height and physicality up front and will be high in confidence after getting on the scoresheet in consecutive starts. He sits on 10 goals in all competitions this season, and will be determined to increase that figure as he faces off against Arrows.

Siyanda Mthanti (Golden Arrows): The young winger has been one of the shining lights in a season that has not gone his side’s way. Mthanti has so far contributed to five of Arrows’ goals this season – a figure which includes last Tuesday’s equaliser against the Buccaneers.

Head-to-head

The midweek win over Abafana Bes’thende further cemented the Buccaneers’ dominance in the fixture.

It extended their winning streak to five matches, and they have the opportunity to claim a third consecutive league double should they emerge victorious in Soweto.

Golden Arrows meanwhile chase a rare away win over Orlando Pirates. It’s a feat they last achieved nearly 10 years ago when second-half goals from Kudakwashe Mahachi and Gladwin Shitolo secured a 2-0 upset at Orlando Stadium.

While the Soweto giants have had a clear upper hand on home soil since then – posting three convincing victories, they have not always achieved the desired results with stalemates standing out as the most common outcome.

A total of five out of the eight matches played in Orlando Pirates’ backyard during this period have finished in a share of the spoils, with all failing to produce a goal.

TV coverage and ticket info

Kick-off is at 19:30 with the fixture televised live on SuperSport PSL.

Tickets are available for sale online on OpenTickets while physical tickets can be purchased at various Shoprite, Checkers, and USave outlets nationwide.