TWO OF the more tired-looking teams in the Premiership, the campaign-weary Orlando Pirates and ageing Moroka Swallows, contest a Soweto derby at Orlando Stadium tomorrow evening.

Pirates are admittedly trying to lift themselves from a psychological low that is the result of reaching three cup finals, including in a gruelling Champions League campaign, and losing all three.

For Swallows, factors such as time finally catching up on an ageing squad and financial problems have snowballed for a disastrous run in 2014.

After winger Daine Klate's denials of fights with new coach Vladimir Vermezovic, there was more speculation of off-field problems at Bucs when assistant coach Tebogo Moloi was not on the bench in last Friday's 2-0 Nedbank Cup victory at Santos.

While all has been denied, Vermezovic's reputation for a tempestuous nature established in a fiery three-year stint in charge of Kaizer Chiefs has clearly preceded him on his return to SA. On the field, victory over Santos at Athlone Stadium, where Pirates have struggled, would have been encouraging.

Vermezovic appeared to get his selections right in fielding previously out-of-favour Tlou Segolela and Lennox Bacela.

Rooi Mahamutsa's man-of-the-match showing at centre- back, having recently recovered from injury, and Siyabonga Sangweni's expected return against Swallows could help encourage Bucs' rejuvenation.

Swallows have been in dire straights in 2014. After a 1-0 home win against last-placed Golden Arrows 10 days they scraped past second division Mbombela United 4-3 in the Nedbank Cup for the Birds' lone two victories of the year.

Fixtures (kickoff at 3.30pm unless stated otherwise)

Tonight: Ajax vs Aces, Athlone Stadium, 8pm)

Tomorrow: Platinum Stars vs Maritzburg Utd (Royal Bafokeng Stadium); Pirates vs Swallows (Orlando Stadium, 6pm); Arrows vs Wits (King Zwelithini Stadium, 8.15pm); Polokwane City vs Free State Stars (Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, 8.15pm)

Sunday: Sundowns vs Tuks (Loftus Stadium);

Celtic vs AmaZulu (Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium)