FOR once, SuperSport United's coach Gordon Igesund is seriously worried about his opponents.

The usually confident Igesund is spending sleepless nights ahead of his Absa Premiership clash against the red-hot Polokwane City at the Lucas Moripe Stadium tomorrow (6pm kickoff).

Giving him even more nightmares is the fact that he will be without seven of his key players, including Thuso Phala.

"At a glance, the place could be mistaken for a casualty department," said a worried Igesund yesterday.

Phala was removed from proceedings for ungentlemanly play in the game against Mamelodi Sundowns, though Igesund had hoped the red card could be rescinded as the winger caused no harm to Khama Billiat.

Replays showed referee Victor Gomes erred in sending Phala off as he had made minimal contact with Billiat.

Striker Dove Wome will also miss tomorrow's clash after he picked up a knock in the same game. Midfield anchor Michael Morton is suspended.

The rest of the players nursing an assortment of injuries are defenders Thabo September, Innocent Mkhabela, Sibusiso Khumalo and Thato Mokeke.

These injuries could not have come at a worse time for United, who have to play against a team that is picking up speed with incredible form.

Expected to stutter through the season, as was the case in their maiden 2013-2014 season, City have instead held their own this season and instilled fear in the hearts of many of their opponents.

"You underestimate them at your own peril," warned Igesund. "City have suddenly become the most respected team and surprised all and sundry when they won the PSL Q2 Innovation this week. They also boast the league's top goalscorer, Puleng Tlolane, who has banged in seven goals so far.

"But we are not going to sit back and mope about our injuries. We are going to bring in some of the players who graduated from our development structures. We are playing at home and are expected to win this game."

The responsibility will fall to the likes of Dino Ndlovu, Bradley Grobler, Lerato Manzini, Ryan Chapman and Prince Nxumalo to secure maximum points for SuperSport.