MAMELODI Sundowns' midfield will be more solid when they take on Black Leopards in an Absa Premiership fixture in Polokwane tonight, thanks to the return of influential linkman Teko Modise.

Modise, who is also the side's skipper, returns from a one-match suspension that saw him miss last week's match against Lamontville Golden Arrows, which ended goalless.

Tonight's match, which is vital for both sides, takes place at Peter Mokaba Stadium and kickoff is at 7.30pm.

The Brazilians are determined to shoot down Leopards in their own lair as they hope to reclaim top spot.

Sundowns will have their 5-1 mauling of Lidoda Duvha in the first round in mind going into tonight's match and on paper, Johan Neeskens' side are favourites to prevail in Polokwane.

But they face an improved Leopards side who beat Kaizer Chiefs in their last league match.

Though big spenders Sundowns have not lost in their last 10 games, they have drawn six of their last seven.

They are now second on the log, thanks to Orlando Pirates' 2-1 win over basement club Jomo Cosmos on Monday.

But attacking midfielder Hlompho Kekana, who started his professional soccer career at Leopards, warned his former side to brace themselves for another defeat.

"This is a must-win match for us to go back to the top of the log and the time of sharing points is over if we are serious about winning the league," he said

After a wobble early in the season, Leopards seem to have turned the corner.

"It is good Sundowns are coming at a time when we have regained our winning form and our supporters should expect another big upset, but it will be a tough match," said striker David Zulu, scorer of the solitary goal against Chiefs.