IN-FORM Orlando Pirates are expected to provide further evidence that they are building momentum towards a third successive league title.

Pirates have been terrible in knockout competitions this season, having already lost both their MTN8 and Telkom Knockout trophies. But it appears they're not about to let slip their remaining title, the Absa Premiership, and they have put in a great effort to that end.

After humiliating rivals Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 in midweek, the Soweto giants will be looking to narrow the gap at the top of the log when they host Free State Stars at Orlando Stadium tomorrow night (6pm).

Bucs are sitting pretty in second place, four points adrift of Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs after nine games. It has been a while since the two sides have hit league form simultaneously, and that could only generate excitement in the league marathon, seeing that the other giants, bottom-placed Sundowns, aren't really keen to get in on the act.

Despite recording their fifth win of the season, Pirates haven't been convincing at home, where they have only won two of four matches so far. Coach Roger de Sa, however, has raised mild concern about a performance he insisted wasn't pretty, but gutsy.

But he should be happy his strikers are justifying their places in the starting line-up, having seen the team score six goals in their past two matches.

Thulasizwe Mbuyane marked his return to the starting 11 with the opening goal against Sundowns, while Takesure Chinyama scored his second league goal.

Having broken a six-game winless streak, beating Ajax Cape Town 2-1 in midweek, Stars will be looking to end their travelling blues. Ea Lla Koto have not won on the road since their 2-1 victory over Chippa United in August.

In Luyolo Nomandela, Stars have unearthed a gem who hasn't missed a game this season.

Elsewhere, Lamontville Golden Arrows will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they host Maritzburg United in a KwaZulu-Natal derby at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

Kickoff is also at 6pm.