Orlando Pirates resume their Nedbank Cup defence bid with a trip to Gqeberha to face Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

It is a semi-final showdown against the Chilli Boys who are keen on lifting their first-ever major trophy.

Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is likely to field a strong squad in this key game and GOAL predicts how the Spaniard could pick his men.

GOALKEEPER: Sipho Chaine

He returned from suspension to keep a clean sheet against Cape Town City on Wednesday and will be hoping to keep Chippa attackers at bay.

RIGHT-BACK: Thabiso Monyane

With his namesake Thabiso Lebitso and Bandile Shandu both out injured, this is a chance for Monyane to enjoy some game time.

LEFT-BACK: Deon Hotto

The Namibian is preferred in this position ahead of captain Innocent Maela and his forays upfront on the left flank are always dangerous.

CENTRE-BACK: Tapelo Xoki

Xoki's leadership qualities are key in the absence of Maela and he has been carrying the Buccaneers from the back.

CENTRE-BACK: Thabiso Sesane

Riveiro is spoilt for choice at the back and these days he has been preferring Sesane as one of the central defenders.

After starting the season with very little chance of ever playing, Sesane has muscled his way into the starting lineup in recent games, being selected ahead of Nkosinathi Sibisi, Maela and Sandile Mthethwa.

CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Thalente Mbatha

With Makhehlene Makhaula an injury doubt, the SuperSport United loanee should keen his place in the team.

CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Miguel Timm

The man who takes things easy in the middle of the park, Timm is at home partnering anyone in central midfield from Makhaula, Thabang Monare, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo to Mbatha.

RIGHT FORWARD: Kabelo Dlamini

After being frozen out earlier in the season, Dlamini has made his case strong to be started through solid displays.

LEFT FORWARD: Relebohile Mofokeng

The teenage attacker is in top form and divided opinion when he was snubbed for the Man of the Match award against City after providing two assists for Tshegofatso Mabasa to fire home a brace.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Patrick Maswanganyi

Arguably Pirates' best performer this season, Maswanganyi is back from suspension and that is scary for Chippa United defenders who will need a special plan to contain him.

CENTRE FORWARD: Tshegofatso Mabasa

He is Pirates' man of the moment with his top-class displays upfront and another player to make the Chilli Boys defenders quake in their boots.