Cape Town City should beat struggling Chippa United at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday, based on log position.
City are in mid-table eighth place on 16 points, while Chippa are second-bottom on 10 points and in the relegation playoff position.
League newcomers Black Leopards prop up the table on nine points.
City coach Benni McCarthy would love nothing more than to close out the year with two victories, as City face Bloemfontein Celtic in their last match of the year.
“I’m not happy where we find ourselves on the table, but it’s all in our hands to change that. We have two crucial home games before the Christmas break, and this can put us in a better position.
“We’ve got to get past Chippa, and then we square off with high-flying Bloemfontein Celtic, who are currently in fourth place.
“The 2-0 defeat away to Highlands Park last time zapped a three-game winning run, which was a bit of a setback, but we’ve put that performance behind us, and have another chance to show what we’re made of,” he said.
Chippa arrive in the Mother City with a new head coach in the form of former Leopards coach Joel Masutha.
He previously worked with the Chilli Boys as an assistant to the late Roger Sikhakhane.
Masutha replaced Eric Tinkler (former Cape Town City coach), who was given the boot by club owner Chippa Mpengesi after a run of poor results that culminated with the 1-0 home loss to AmaZulu.
Chippa have gone six games without a win, losing four of them, and haven’t been able to score a goal in their last five fixtures, resulting in a slide down the table.
Masutha has been contracted until the end of the season with an option to renew, provided he moves his side away from the danger zone.
McCarthy and Masutha clashed last month, with City downing Leopards 3-1, leading to the losing coach being fired.
While Masutha will be hoping for a turn of fortunes second time round and does feel his charges can get a positive result, McCarthy views the threat as one not to be underestimated.
“It’s a tricky game because Chippa have just lost their manager, so the players might want to put in a sterling performance to impress the new coach,” he said.
🗣️🎙️ | Roland Putsche
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— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) December 10, 2018
“If we have a quick start and put them under pressure and score an all-important early goal, then Chippa will be under pressure.
“We pride ourselves in playing good attacking football, and that’s what we will continue to do. Hopefully we can add scoring more goals to complement the good football we play.
“As for my players, I’m happy and proud with the performance of the team, with everyone working really hard to try and make sure we collect maximum points from our games.”
City have no new injury concerns, but are still without Matthew Rusike.