Amakhosi returned from the Africa Cup of Nations break with a 1-0 defeat of Golden Arrows before seeing off ZESCO United 1-0 in their CAF Confederation Cup Group D encounter.

They are now unbeaten in their last eight league fixtures, since losing to Sekhukhune United in September - a week before their first-round 1-1 stalemate with Gallants.

A win for Amakhosi could lift them above Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates into second place, and just two adrift of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Gallants are, meanwhile, down in 12th place on the Premiership standings with 15 points from 15 games.

They were most recently in action last week, going down 2-0 to a competitive TS Galaxy side.

Ahead of the game, Amakhosi co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef said on SuperSport: "We know this month is so busy for us, every two days or three days we have a game. We'll play 11 games in 48 days so we will need all the squad.

"We have big squads so we can make rotation also and we can allow for the other players to take rest."

Attacker Mfundo Vilakazi told his club's website: "Because of the AFCON break, there's very little time between games but as players we have to adjust to the situation and get on with it.

"As a player, I am just looking to help the team because everyone is going to have to contribute. I think the most important thing in these conditions is to get some rest between matches.”

Vilakazi was on target the last time these two teams faced each other.

“I believe that if we play our football, the results will come. It will be nice to get another three points away from home," he added.

Gallants midfielder Edgar Manaka has, meanwhile, praised head coach Alexandre Lafitte., who joined the club at the start of the season.

He said in the Sowetan: "We spent six months with coach Lafitte and I think now we understand his philosophy. I think we will make something interesting in the second half (of the season).

"The preparations have gone well and we just came back. The boys have been working hard and we just have to continue where we left off."

Nedbank Cup Round of 32 draw