SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt expects his players to get their Premiership campaign back on track when they take on Pretoria rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in a league clash in Atteridgeville on Friday night.
Log leaders United suffered their first Premiership defeat of the season when they lost 3-0 to defending champions Orlando Pirates two weeks ago.
They will look to revive their winning ways with two rounds of matches left before a two-month break in the league.
“I'm expecting a reaction from them (United players) this week, and normally after a loss we react well in the next match,” Hunt said on Tuesday.
“We are at home and we've got a good record here.
“It's a local derby and it's going to be tough because they (Sundowns) are also starting to gel.”
Hunt insisted his side had put up a better showing against the Buccaneers than the scoreline suggested.
“We had a 'bleep' against Pirates, but I still don't think it was a 3-0 game, even though they are firing at the moment,” he said.
“I think we still played well and created enough chances.”
Sundowns, lying second in the championship race, are three points off the pace setters and Hunt believed the Brazilians, along with Soweto giants Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, were under more pressure than his side.
United lifted three successive crowns between 2007 and 2010, but they struggled last season as Pirates walked away with the honours.
“There is no pressure with the team,” he said.
“It's the bigger clubs like Sundowns, who have spent millions, who will be under pressure.
“We just keep going and do what we have to do. Anybody can win the league.
“We have a good squad this year and are well within our budget of points at this point.”
He hoped his squad would stay unbeaten and maintain their grip on proceedings ahead of the lengthy break.
“I will be happy if we can get to the next 12 games with just one defeat.
“It will mean we will be right up there in the league.”
Amatsatsantsa a Pitori will be without suspended forward Anthony Laffor for the clash.
Former Bafana Bafana captain Sibusiso Zuma, however, was part of the team's training session at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday morning.
Zuma, 36, signed from relegated Vasco da Gama this season but injured his Achilles tendon before the start of the campaign.
Hunt suggested the one-time Pirates, Sundowns and FC Copenhagen forward could get a run either this week or next, but he was likely to return in the new year.
“He is looking fit, and for me he can play,” Hunt said.
“But I'm not a doctor and that is for the medics to decide.
“I have not used him and 1/8injured Ghanaian forward 3/8 John Arwuah.
“They were down for next year – two big players that can make a difference to the team.” –Sapa