As Pirates look to haul in the Brazilians and make a strong statement of intent, we assess the key areas of the pitch.
Attack
Sundowns no longer have the devastating force of Lucas Ribeiro, and Iqraam Rayner has been injured, so it could be that Peter Shalulile once more leads their attack, especially after scoring two goals in his last two outings. With Arthur Sales behind him and Tashreeq Matthews to his left, it will be intriguing to see how much ball he gets and how many chances he has to find the net. Pirates have always liked a centre-forward figure, and Evidence Makgopa will likely start, but their effective impetus comes off the flanks, notably through Oswin Appollis.
Defence
There has been high praise for the work of the inexperienced Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Lebone Seema, thrown together as a new-look Pirates’ centre-back pairing because of injuries in the camp at the start of the season. But they are, understandably, prone to lapses and will be severely tested by Sundowns, who have had injury problems of their own in the centre-back department but whose main defensive concern will rather be on the flanks. However, Aubrey Modiba is in the form of his life, according to coach Miguel Cardoso, and Khuliso Mudau is back on the right-hand side, imperious as ever.
Midfield
New Portuguese signing Nuno Santos has been brought in to try and replace Ribeiro and does move the ball swiftly through the middle and is quick with his link-up play. Pirates are now using Sipho Mbule in the creative department but he remains overrated, effective only in patches but with a poor work rate and inability to shoot on target. Patrick Maswanganyi has not been at peak form either so this is a sector of the pitch that Sundowns are likely to boss.
Situation
Sundowns have a three-point advantage but have played two more matches. If they win, the Brazilians will stretch that to six points, but if Pirates pull off an away triumph, then they will feel they are on track for a first league title in more than a decade.