Orlando Pirates to ring the changes: Predicted starting XI

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will do battle at the FNB Stadium on Saturday in the latest edition of the highly-anticipated Soweto Derby.

So, following a shock defeat to Casric Stars that saw the Buccaneers knocked out of the Nedbank Cup, Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to make several key changes to his Pirates starting XI for their must-win clash against Amakhosi.

MBATHA SET TO RETURN FOR PIRATES IN TIME FOR SOWETO DERBY

Thalente Mbatha was a notable absentee during Pirates’ 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as in their shock Nedbank Cup defeat to Casric Stars.

Some reports claimed that the midfielder had fallen out of favour with Ouaddou. However, this is not true, as the disciplined and talented Pirates midfielder missed both matches due to injury.

Mbatha is now back in training with Pirates. So, he is set to make his return against Chiefs according to KickOff. Mbatha is expected to replace Masindi Nemtajela in midfield.

BIG CHANGES EXPECTED TO PIRATES STARTING XI

Up front, Ouaddou is likely to revert to his tried and tested attacking options. Buccaneers speedster and attacking star Oswin Appollis should return to the starting XI ahead of Tshepang Moremi. Meanwhile, Yanela Mbuthuma is expected to replace the New Zealander Andre de Jong in another notable adjustment.

These are the anticipated changes, after which Ouaddou is expected to stick with his trusted core.

OUADDOU TO RELY ON HIS TRUSTED BUCS STARS

Sipho Chaine will remain in goal.

Despite recent criticism, Ouaddou is likely to retain Nkosinathi Sibisi as captain. Meaning, he is set to start. He will probably be joined in defence by Lebone Seema, Deon Hotto and Kamogelo Sebelebele.

Alternatively, Ouaddou could opt to deploy Hotto at right-back and introduce Mpho Chabatsane to partner Nkosinathi Sibisi in defence. So, the final decision will depend on his tactical approach against Chiefs.

In midfield, as mentioned, Mbatha should return to the starting XI alongside Makhehlene Makhaula and Patrick Maswanganyi. Meanwhile, up front, an exciting attacking trio of Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis and Yanela Mbuthuma is expected. Therefore, the only changes expected are Mbuthuma, Appollis and Mbatha in for De Jong, Moremi and Nemtamjela.

PREDICTED PIRATES STARTING XI V CHIEFS: S. Chaine; Seema, N. Sibisi (C), D. Hotto, K. Sebelebele; M. Makhaula, T. Mbatha, P. Maswanganyi; R. Mofokeng, O. Appollis, Y. Mbuthuma.