Orlando Pirates v Baroka FC: Preview, form guide, team news – and MORE!

After four straight matches on the road, Orlando Pirates return home to the Orlando Stadium for their next fixture when they host Baroka FC in the DStv Premiership on Thursday, 2 December.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30. 

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The Soweto giants will tread on their iconic home turf for the first time in exactly a month, having not played there since beating Sekhukhune United 2-1 in the league in early November. 

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Form guide 

The two sides featured in different competitions over the weekend, experiencing contrasting results. 

It was the Buccaneers who returned a positive result, beating reigning Liberian champions LPRC Oilers 2-0 away in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday. 

Orlando Pirates have now won three of their last five matches and will be hoping that their upturn in results continues against Baroka FC who have had a bit of a struggle in recent weeks. 

Bakgakga are currently 15th in the standings, level on points with Swallows who are in 16th – and last – place. 

They were on the losing side this past weekend, and have gone eight league games without tasting victory, with their last win dating as far back as September. 

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Latest team news

Bakgaka will go into the fixture without the services of influential forward Richard Mbulu, who was red-carded during the loss to Golden Arrows over the weekend. 

The Malawian international has been suspended for two matches, beginning with the game at Orlando Stadium. 

At the same time, the Buccaneers are expected to welcome the versatile Abel Mabaso back to league football after he served his one-match ban. 

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Key players 

Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates): Fresh of a match-winning brace in the Buccaneers’ last league fixture, Hotto is hitting his stride and will once again be vital to his side’s cause on Thursday. The 31-year-old was a lively presence on attack in Liberia before being withdrawn in a tactical switch in the second half, and will be fresh and ready to cause more problems for Baroka on Thursday.

Denwin Farmer (Baroka FC): The visitors have the ever-improving Denwin Farmer at the back, who is just as dependable when operating in the centre of the defence as he is at left-back. The defender has been a mainstay in the Baroka lineup, chipping in with two league goals so far this season. 

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Orlando Pirates v Baroka FC: Head-to-head 

Orlando Pirates have locked horns with Baroka FC a total of 10 times in the league, with seven of those matches ending in a stalemate. 

The Soweto giants are unbeaten in this fixture, winning the remaining three and have scored a total of 15 goals while conceding 11. 

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How to follow Orlando Pirates vs Baroka FC 

SuperSport PSL will be broadcasting the game live from 19:30.

But as always, the very BEST place to follow the action is right HERE on The South African website!

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