Sundowns players celebrate a late winning goal scored by Peter Shalulile during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 game between Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns at Danie Craven Stadium on 13 March 2021 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns starting XI prediction: DStv Premiership vs Orlando Pirates

Here is how Mamelodi Sundowns might line up in this weekend’s Dstv Premiership clash with Orlando Pirates.

by James Richardson

25-09-2021 07:33

in Premier Soccer League

Mamelodi Sundowns face a big test in the form of Orlando Pirates, who come into their clash in good form and with a chance to go top of the table.

Here we detail the potential starting XI Mamelodi Sundowns could field in their crucial clash with Orlando Pirates on Saturday 25 September 2021.

Mamelodi Sundowns starting XI prediction

Mamelodi Sundowns will almost certainly retain Denis Onyango in goal after the Ugandan stopper delivered yet another clean sheet last time out.

Kaizer Chiefs Mamelodi Sundowns Club World Cup — Keletso Sifama of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Mosa Lebusa during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto on the 27 August 2020 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Grant Kekana coped well with being shifted to right back to accommodate Mosa Lebusa’s return to the starting XI and should continue in that role. Lyle Lakay offers Sundowns a more attacking option at left back, and he should also start yet another Premiership match having done so in all four of the Brazilians league games to date.

READ: Orlando Pirates starting XI prediction – DStv Premiership vs Mamelodi Sundowns

Lebusa and Rushine de Reuck will be tasked with neutralising the attacking forces of Orlando Pirates in the box and surrounds, while both players are a goal threat from setpieces.

Rivaldo Coetzee looked a little out on his feet later on against TS Galaxy, and it might be time for Mothobi Mvala to return to the Mamelodi Sundowns starting XI. Mvala should partner Andile Jali who has seized his opportunity to reassert himself as a regular starter.

Thabiso Kutumela made a case for his inclusion from the start with a goal against the rockets, and he might replace Gaston Sirino while Themba Zwane will retain his place on the left.

Thabiso Kutumela Mamelodi Sundowns — Thabiso Kutumela celebrates a goal with teammates during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and TS Galaxy at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, on 19 September 2021 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Peter Shalulile was pleased with the efforts of strike partner Kermit Erasmus and that pairing should be given another chance after delivering plenty of chances last Sunday.

Predicted XI

Mamelodi Sundowns starting XI prediction: Denis Onyango, Grant Kekana, Rushine de Reuck, Mosa Lebusa, Lyle Lakay, Mothobi Mvala, Andile Jali, Thabiso Kutumela, Themba Zwane, Kermit Erasmus, Peter Shalulile.