PREVIEW: Orlando Pirates vs CR Belouizdad

All eyes will be on the CAF Champions League Group C encounter between Orlando Pirates and CR Belouizdad on Sunday, 12 January.

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With three teams still vying for a place in the knockout stages, the stakes could not be higher.

The challenge, however, is that only two teams can advance.

The Algerian giants come into this match seeking three crucial points.

However, a draw might also suffice depending on results elsewhere, with the Buccaneers facing Al Ahly and Belouizdad set to meet the already eliminated Stade d’Abidjan.

Current form (Last five matches)

The last time we analysed CR Belouizdad, the club was in turmoil.

Coaching changes and struggles for consistency saw them flirting with the relegation zone in the Algerian Ligue 1.

Now, “The Reds,” as they are affectionately known, seem to have turned a corner impressively.

Currently ninth in the Algerian Ligue 1 table with 19 points, they have three games in hand over league leaders JS Kabylie, who sit on 24 points.

Their resurgence extends to the CAF Champions League as well. Following a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Al Ahly, the Algerians bounced back with a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture, keeping their hopes alive.

In their last five matches, they’ve registered four wins, signalling a team in form.

To attack or defend: The tactical dilemma

When CR Belouizdad faced Al Ahly in their return leg, their intentions were clear from the first whistle: attack at all costs.

The Algerians adopted an aggressive, high-pressing strategy, seeking nothing less than victory.

Against Orlando Pirates, their approach will likely dictate their setup.

If they adopt an attacking mindset, Pirates can expect a repeat of the second half of their earlier 2-1 win over Belouizdad.

This approach featured relentless pressing, early crosses, and quick throw-ins aimed at unsettling the opposition before they could regroup.

Players such as Khanyiso Mayo and Abderrahmane Meziane (as well as the two full backs) will be central to this strategy.

Conversely, a more conservative approach might see the midfield pairing of Housseyn Selmi and Abdelraouf Benguit anchoring the side.

Their roles would focus on breaking up play and maintaining possession.

This defensive setup often slows the game’s tempo, with Belouizdad excelling in disrupting their opponents’ rhythm.

What do the numbers say?

CR Belouizdad are the undisputed crossing specialists of the competition.

Ranking second overall for total crosses, they delivered an astonishing 30+ crosses in their first clash against the Buccaneers and average 23.75 crosses per game.

For context, Orlando Pirates rank 16th with an average of only 7 crosses per game.

Al Hilal of Sudan (log leaders of Group A) rank 15th with 8 crosses per game while Sundowns rank 14th with 9 crosses per game.

This speaks to the contrasting styles of these two teams.

For open-play crosses, Belouizdad leads the pack with an average of 18.75 per match.

Key contributors include:

Houcine Benayada: The right-back ranks first in the competition for open-play crosses, averaging five per game. Left-back Naoufel Khacef, ranks fourth overall, Khacef contributes 4.2 open-play crosses per match.

Key players

Aymen Mahious: Ranking fourth in shots per game (3.75), Mahious poses a consistent goal threat.

Khanyiso Mayo: The South African forward ranks second among Belouizdad players and 13th overall with 2.35 shots per game.

Abderrahmane Meziane: The creative lynchpin, Meziane leads the competition in intentional assists with a rating of 0.78.

The closest player to him is Ramadam Sobhi of Pyramids who sits on 0.62.

Orlando Pirates’ highest-ranking player is Relebohile Mofokeng who is ranked ninth place.

Conclusion

Khanyiso Mayo and Abderrahmane Meziane represent the dual threat of goals and creativity for CR Belouizdad.

Mayo’s recent rise to prominence underscores his growing importance, while Meziane’s ability to conjure chances from seemingly nothing makes him a constant headache for defences.

With so much on the line, the tactical battle between Orlando Pirates and CR Belouizdad promises to be a fascinating clash.

Whether “The Reds” opt for attack or a more measured approach, we will see on Sunday.

The match will be played at the the Orlando Stadium.

Kick off is 15:00.

Score prediction for Sunday’s encounter?

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