SASoccerMag writer Byron Lukas predicts Kaizer Chiefs’ starting XI for their much-anticipated Soweto derby clash against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

From the days of Shaun Bartlett to Benni McCarthy and Moeneeb Josephs pulling off some theatrics during a penalty shoutout, the Soweto Derby has always delivered. However, with both teams looking to regain their best form, Saturday’s match will definitely serve up something interesting.

Chiefs come into the derby following a shocking 1-0 home defeat to Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday, November 2. Amakhosi currently sit in seventh in the DSTV Premiership standings collecting only 12 points from nine games, as the Soweto giants continue their fight to get their hands on a league trophy their last one at the end of the 2014-15 season.

Coach Stuart Baxter’s charges will have to do with the services of veteran defender Sifiso Hlanti who has been ruled out of the match with an Achilles tendon injury and their Serbian marksman Samir Nurkovic who has been sidelined since September.

Meanwhile, the black and white side of Soweto comes into the clash in high spirits following their 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United in the DSTV Premiership on Tuesday.

The match at the FNB Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 pm

Here’s the predicted Kaizer Chiefs starting XI:

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi

Defenders: Sibusiso Mabaliso, Eric Mathoho, Njabulo Ngcobo, Reeve Frosler

Midfielders: Njabulo Blom, Cole Alexander, Keagan Dolly, Phathutshedzo Nange, Bernard Parker

Forwards: Khama Billiat