KAIZER Chiefs will walk out onto the Loftus pitch tonight against defending champions SuperSport United knowing exactly what a slip-up will do to their title hopes this season.

The Chiefs players admitted as much after yesterday's training session in Naturena.

This highly anticipated clash kicks off at 7.30pm.

Midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala said Amakhosi need to narrow the eight-point gap between themselves and Matsatsantsa a Pitori.

"We need to minimise the gap between ourselves and United because if we lose, it will be very difficult to catch up with them," Tshabalala said.

He said they would have to work hard to break up United's central defensive pairing of Morgan Gould and Bongani Khumalo.

Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic paid a glowing tribute to United for assembling a formidable team.

"We are playing against the best team in our league. They always seem to have a plan B and they are dangerous on set-pieces. They have a very good coach and Anthony Laffor is very dangerous, I like his style of play," Vermezovic said.

The Serb also indicated that he is not in favour of video technology to help referees. He was referring to last Friday night's incident involving Chiefs and Santos, when a legitimate Santos goal was not awarded for reasons known only to the referee.

Vermezovic's opposite number at United, Gavin Hunt, said the match will present his side with an opportunity to maintain their stay at the top of the table.

"It's a big game for everybody but I think they are very confident having won their last match," Hunt said.

"They certainly look more settled now and I think Vladimir has adapted well to the local game. We'll obviously try to win it but it won't be easy."

Hunt believes Nkosinathi Nhleko and Tinashe Nengomasha will be the key players for Chiefs.