Mamelodi Sundowns' leading goalscorer in the league Dario Monteiro is a doubtful starter for the Orlando Pirates visit tomorrow with a thigh muscle strain.

Monteiro has scored four league goals for the Brazilians so far and he is among the top scorers in the league.

Monteiro was replaced by Lungisani Ndlela just before the half-time break during the 1-1 away draw to Free State Stars on Saturday afternoon at Charles Mopeli Stadium and team medic Arnold Human says they will send the Mozambican international for an ultra sound scan to determine the extent of his injury.

Monteiro joins Sibusiso Zuma, Mbulelo Mabizela and Manqoba Ngwenya on the sidelines through injury.

Orlando Pirates too, have suffered a major blow ahead of the match at Atteridgeville's Super Stadium following the injuries to midfielder Dikgang Mabalane and defender Innocent Mdledle.

Further bad news for Bucs is that fast improving defender Rooi Mahamutsa has also been ruled out of the clash against the Brazilians due to suspension after collecting his third yellow card against Thanda Royal Zulu at Orlando Stadium last Saturday.

Despite the absence of the trio, Pirates' communication manager Mickey Modisane has given the Ghost the assurance that they still have capable players to fill the void.

"Mabalane is still struggling with a hamstring injury whilst Mdledle got a knock on his leg. However, we still have other good players at Pirates, like Lucky Lekgwathi and Michael Morton, and the coach (Rudi Krol) may give them a chance tomorrow."

Tomorrow's match at Super Stadium sees 6th placed Sundowns take on 7th placed Pirates in an all or nothing fight for three points that could take either side to second spot on the log.

Both teams' statistics this season look nearly exactly the same: the two sides currently sit on 15 points apiece, both with four wins, three draws and two losses. The only thing that separates the two is the goal difference.

Pirates have accumulated their four wins in their last five league games. At the moment they are on a hot streak, winning their last three league matches, including a 2-0 win over their Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

Furthermore, the Buccaneers will be high on confidence because they thrashed Thanda Royal Zulu 4-2 in their last league match at Orlando Stadium.

The Tshwane giants failed to pick up a win in their last match, drawing 1-1 to Free State Stars away from home.

The two clubs have a lot of history between them. The game at Super Stadium will represent the 48th time the two will meet each other in league competition.

In their previous 47 meetings the Brazilians have won the majority of matches beating Pirates on 22 occasions whereas Pirates have only won 13.