Ajax have been able to get two only points out of a possible nine in testing encounters with a defiant Platinum Stars, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns - but they will be keen to consolidate their position at the head of the table as the festive break draws nearer.

Two weeks ago, the 'Urban Warriors' fought hard for a point in the North West heat against Stars, courtesy of a late goal by hard-working striker Nathan Paulse.

This weekend, however, the 'Urban Warriors' will be looking to Israel-bound Bafana Bafana striker Thembinkosi 'Tera' Fanteni for inspiration - the star marksman having scored in their last two games.

'Tera' scored the opener against Pirates last Saturday, although Ajax went on to lose the match 1-2, but a late equaliser against Sundowns on Wednesday was enough to save his team from a second consecutive defeat.

Their in-form Cape rivals, meanwhile, will not make life easy for the 'Urban Warriors'.

The Jean-Marc Ithier-coached side have secured seven points from their last three league games, against the likes of Bloemfontein Celtic, Kaizer Chiefs and, most recently, SuperSport United.

In fact, given their current form, the 'Peoples' Team' might well feel that this derby against Ajax has come at just the right time - although one has to go back to the 2003/04 season to find the last time Santos defeated their Cape Town rivals in a league match.

Erwin Isaacs, after netting against SuperSport in midweek, will look to continue his good form for Santos and will be targetting this clash against Ajax to further demonstrate his abilities to the South African football public.

Coaches profiles:

Both Craig Rosslee and Jean-Marc Ithier will be handling their debut Premiership derbies.

Rosslee has made a steady progress since his retirement from professional soccer, mentoring the youth teams at Ajax, whilst also leading the 'Urban Warriors' Under-19 side to the inaugural SuperSport Youth Cup title in 2006. It was regarded as a bold decision by the Ajax management to appoint the young coach at the helm of the 2006/07 Absa cup champions - taking over from Muhsin Ertugral - but they currently find themselves at the top of the league standings.

Ithier, meanwhile - a former Santos player - saw his side languishing at the bottom of the log at one stage this season. But with all his charges fully fit and in form, Ithier has got Santos playing more attacking football, but the lack finishing has seen them drop points that could become crucial in their bid for a better log position come the festive recess.