Orlando Pirates supporters pose ahead of the football match against Kaizer Chiefs during their derby match on October 29, 2016 at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. / AFP PHOTO / STRINGER

PSL fixtures: Orlando Pirates v Bidvest Wits preview- Head to head, starting XI, kick off and live stream

The Buccaneers need three points to secure a spot in next year’s CAF Champions League.

by Siviwe Breakfast

25-04-2018 13:40

in Premier Soccer League

Orlando Pirates supporters pose ahead of the football match against Kaizer Chiefs during their derby match on October 29, 2016 at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. / AFP PHOTO / STRINGER

Orlando Pirates are still in pursuit of the PSL title and, on Wednesday night, they take on outgoing champions Bidvest Wits at Orlando Stadium.

Thanks to last year’s crowd violence at Loftus Versfeld, which was perpetuated by Pirates fans, this particular fixture will be played behind closed doors, after a PSL Disciplinary Committee ordered that the Soweto giants play two matches in front of empty stands as punishment.

The good news though for the Buccaneers, is that the defeat suffered by bitter rivals, Kaizer Chiefs has secured them a spot in CAF football, and a further three points will mean they get to take part in the more prestigious CAF Champions League.

Form guide

They come up against a side still with a mathematical chance of relegation, thanks to a disappointing run which has seen them collect just a single point in their last three outings.

Having clawed their way up the league table into the top eight, Gavin Hunt’s men have dropped back down to 11th, after losing to fellow relegation candidates, Ajax Cape Town before a 2-0 defeat to log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, which was followed by a one-all draw against Polokwane City on Sunday.

The Buccaneers, on the other hand, recently suffered a major setback in their title challenge when they were held to a goalless draw by Supersport United. They bounced back with a thrilling 2-1 win away to AmaZulu in their most recent fixture.

Prior to the disappointment against United, they had gone on an impressive five-game winning streak, their longest since the 2011/12 season, when they claimed the league title.

Head to head

Based on recent history alone, the odds are firmly stacked against the hosts, who have lost the last seven encounters in all competitions against Wits.

Their last victory came in the first half of the 2014/15 season, and was the last positive result of their 10-match winning streak in clashes between these two sides.