Log leaders Orlando Pirates should easily pocket the three points against Santos during their Castle Premiership match at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Sunday.
Bucs are the only club in the league who have yet to lose and Supersport United coach Pitso Mosimane has already tipped them to walk away with the title this season.
This was after Pirates beat Supersport 2-0 at Johannesburg Stadium last Saturday. Experts had tipped Supersport to become the first club to bring Pirates down to earth.
Santos, who are blowing hot and cold this season, are still reeling from a midweek 3-1 defeat by Bloemfontein Celtic at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in Mangaung.
Pirates communications manager Mickey Modisane said they are geared up to extend their unbeaten run to 13 matches.
”We are well prepared for the match. It will be a tough one with Santos still trying to recover from the defeat by Bloemfontein Celtic on Thursday.
”Our campaign of collecting nothing less than the three points at stake continues. Santos should not expect any mercy.
”We want to give The Ghost [Pirates supporters] a memorable Christmas present in the form of a convincing win over Santos,” added Modisane.
Pirates will also be at full strength with the return from suspension of attacking midfielder Gift Leremi and defender Edward Malinga.
The duo were sent off when Pirates beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 during their league match at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria last month.
In addition, Zimbabwean midfielder Edelbert Dinha has fully recovered from an ankle injury. He was rested during the match against Supersport.
Santos coach David Notoane said they are bracing themselves for a tough match.
Notoane said the defeat by Celtic is water under the bridge, adding that their focus is on Sunday’s match.
”There is no doubt that Pirates are the team of the moment in the Premier Soccer League; they have some brilliant players who play fantastic football.
”We also want to end 2004 on a high note by winning. Pirates will find themselves in big trouble if they expect an easy match,” said Notoane. — Sapa