At stake tonight are the three precious league points - and four days later they meet in the semifinal of the MTN8.

While he will not travel to Dobsonville Stadium with the rest of the Urban Warriors, captain Brett Evans expects a tough night out for his teammates. Evans, who is fresh from long-term injury, is being rested for this match as a precaution after a knock during training.

"It will be an interesting game. Obviously this match is one of three that we have with them within a very short period," Evans said.

"The league is very important, especially since we have not done that well in the past few seasons.

"But we also have to ensure our performance (tonight) becomes a platform of what unfolds not only for Sunday but the rest of the season."

Ajax will also miss defender Derek Deschamps, who was ruled out by a groin injury, but other than that coach Foppe de Haan has 19 players to choose from, including the four Under-23 national players Thulani Serero, Thulani Hlatshwayo, George Maluleke and Sameegh Doutie.

It is safe to say the visitors are raring to hand the hosts their second loss in a row.

"Anything can happen - the Swallows defence look very organised and, of course, everyone knows about their attacking ability," Evans said.

Evans was referring to the trio of captain Siyabonga Nomvethe, young Bafana Bafana striker Keegan Ritchie, Augustine Leonard and Sicelo Zuma, the youngster the Dube Birds brought from Thanda Royal Zulu.

Having lost their opening match 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns, Swallows simply cannot afford to falter again.

Kickoff is at 8pm.