With six points separating the two Gauteng giants, the stakes could not be higher.

Orlando Pirates come into the fixture on the back of a dominant 3-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, extending their unbeaten league run since 12 August. The Buccaneers now sit atop the table with 38 points from 12 wins, two draws, and two losses, buoyed by a perfect home record of 11 consecutive wins.

Under Abdeslam Ouaddou, Pirates have been unstoppable in recent weeks, recording wins against Magesi, AmaZulu, and Gallants, alongside back-to-back cup successes in the MTN8 and Carling Knockout. Their attack has been spearheaded by 21-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng, who has scored three goals and provided two assists in his last three matches.

Mamelodi Sundowns, trailing Pirates by six points with a game in hand, enter the match on the back of a 2-0 CAF Champions League win over MC Alger at Loftus Versfeld, securing a spot in the knockout stage. Despite a slow start to their league campaign, Sundowns have gone unbeaten in their last three matches, and new signing Brayan Leon has already netted four goals in six appearances.

Miguel Cardoso's side faces a stern challenge at FNB Stadium, having struggled for consistency on the road this season, with just three away wins recorded. The Brazilians will also be without suspended midfielder Bathusi Aubaas and injured defender Mothobi Mvala, though Keanu Cupido may return soon.

The rivalry between the two sides stretches back decades, with Sundowns historically holding the upper hand: in league meetings since 1985, Sundowns have 38 wins to Pirates' 22, with 22 draws. However, recent encounters have been more evenly matched. This season alone, all three meetings ended 1-1, while Pirates progressed past Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-finals on penalties. Notably, Relebohile Mofokeng scored a decisive brace in Pirates' 2-1 win at FNB Stadium last March, breaking Sundowns' long-standing league dominance over the Soweto giants.

For Pirates, Wednesday represents an opportunity to extend their lead at the summit to nine points, consolidating their title credentials. Ouaddou's squad is largely injury-free, with Thapelo Xoki and Thabiso Lebitso still recovering. The Buccaneers will rely on their solid home record and attacking momentum, particularly the form of Mofokeng.

Sundowns, meanwhile, must recover from a recent dip in league form and capitalize on their superior squad depth. Leon's pace and goal threat will be key to unsettling the Pirates' defense, while the team must manage without key suspended and injured players.

This top-of-the-table showdown is more than just a fixture; it's a potential title decider with less than half of the season remaining. Pirates have the chance to deal a significant blow to the defending champions, while Sundowns can narrow the gap and reclaim momentum. Both managers acknowledge the magnitude of the match, with Ouaddou calling it "one of the biggest Classicos in Africa," and Cardoso emphasizing maximum focus on the encounter.

With both sides in fine form, the Wednesday clash promises to be a tactical and emotional spectacle, with every goal likely to have major implications for the remainder of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign.

Emotional Innocent Maela wishes Thembinkosi Lorch well at Downs