A break from league action this weekend saw SuperSport United claiming cup glory in the Telkom Knockout final, as well Bafana Bafana impressing in a 2-0 win in a friendly against Ivory Coast. With much catch-up to do, the run in to Christmas is packed with league action, starting with a full set of midweek fixtures to kick off the festive season.
Orlando Pirates vs Maritzburg United | Tuesday 02 December | FNB Stadium | 19:30
Another dull result for Pirates saw them fail to find the net in a goalless draw away to AmaTuks a week back. It means they have only earned seven points from a possible fifteen; disappointing by their standards. Maritzburg are on a great run, despite their first loss in two months last week against Swallows. The two sides sit a point apart in the PSL and travelling to Soweto will be the biggest determining factor for the KZN side. Pirates have the advantage here, and a home win looks the most likely. Pirates have a good chance to get back on track, let’s hope they take it on Tuesday night.
AmaZulu vs University of Pretoria | Tuesday 02 December | Princess Magogo Stadium | 19:30
Despite dumping Rosslee as head coach, AmaZulu are yet to register a win this campaign. Recent losses to tough opposition have given them little chance to turn the tide, but hosting AmaTuks on Tuesday evening could be their chance. The varsity side are unbeaten in their last three, two wins and a draw against Ajax, Swallows and Pirates respectively. That form alone puts AmaTuks at an advantage, despite never winning this fixture previously. You have to feel they’ll get something, if not an outright win. Head towards the Away/Draw Double Chance to cover for either result.
Free State Stars vs Bloemfontein Celtic | Wednesday 03 December | Charles Mopeli Stadium | 18:00
Sitting second bottom, Free State Stars will be starting to forget what winning feels like. One good win could boost them clear of relegation, but with their last one coming against lowly Usuthu back in August, it seems a distant hope at this stage. A local derby normally helps even things out a bit, but with Celtic in great recent form, a short trip to Bethlehem won’t be too much of a worry. The crowds are sure to follow, meaning a good atmosphere and hopefully a lively game. Celtic have also commanded recent fixtures, both home and away, and I fancy them to leave with some points. An Away/Draw Double Chance is the way to go, and I’m sure the Phunya Sele Sele will agree.
Polokwane City vs Platinum Stars | Wednesday 03 December | Old Peter Mokaba Stadium | 19:30
Unexpectedly, Polokwane City find themselves three points clear of Dikwena, although the North West based side have two games in hand. Stars have been severely underperforming in the league, and cup final defeat in extra time on the weekend will further dent their confidence. The home side are unbeaten in their last four and will want to continue this run. The bookies could well price this up pretty evenly, and rightly so. It’s not often I back a draw, but with a combination of City’s recent form and Dikwena’s previous success in this fixture, I fancy it on this occasion.
Moroka Swallows vs Ajax Cape Town | Wednesday 03 December | Dobsonville Stadium | 19:30
Swallows proved me wrong last week, with a deserving 2-1 win away to Maritzburg. It saw them narrowly pull away from relegation and hopefully for them, a start of better things to come. Ajax got back to winning ways with a win over Celtic, but will be wary of the Dube Birds upsetting high-flying Maritzburg. In this fixture last season, Ajax came away with the spoils and with their impressive success this season, they will surely get something from this fixture. Away wins are hard to come by in the PSL, so if there’s value in the Away/Draw Double Chance go for it, otherwise an Ajax win will have to do.
Chippa United vs Mpumalanga Black Aces | Wednesday 03 December | Nelson Mandela Stadium | 19:30
Chippa are in full swing this season, sitting in fourth with only one loss at home so far. Black Aces, despite the last couple of weeks, have looked decent this season, and I still maintain they have bigger things to come. These two sides haven’t met since promotion playoffs back in 2013, with Black Aces progressing into the PSL over the two legs. Chippa could well be out for revenge, although it will probably be a distant memory for them at the moment. With Chippa’s strong home form, Aces will need a season best performance to get any result here. Chippa should be good for three points in this one.
Bidvest Wits vs Kaizer Chiefs | Wednesday 03 December | Bidvest Stadium | 19:30
This will be the highest profile clash of the gameweek, with third-placed Wits looking to add to their back-to-back league wins. They unfortunately host table-topping Chiefs, who still remain unbeaten in the league. The last time these two met was earlier this year in cup action, where Wits progressed on penalties. I can’t see this altering AmaKhosi’s thoughts of continuing their scintillating run of form. Not many punters will go against form and with Chiefs in their current mind set, I can’t see them losing their first game on Wednesday. They may not walk away with all three points and pick up their fourth draw of the season, so an Away/Draw Double Chance is where I’m heading. It may well offer little value, but include in multiples to boost returns.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs SuperSport United | Wednesday 03 December | Lucas Moripe Stadium | 19:30
Whilst all eyes will be on the previous clash previewed, this battle may well be the more entertaining. Sundowns have drawn four league games but are unbeaten since August and seem to be gathering more momentum as the season rolls on. SuperSport are also getting back on track, despite a 2-1 loss to Pirates last time out in the league. With both sides separated by just a couple of points, we could see the most entertainment of the week in these ninety minutes. Something tells me hosting this fixture isn’t guaranteeing Sundowns a win, and I fancy SuperSport to get something from this one. As a single bet, the draw offers huge value, but in multiples an Away/Draw Double Chance looks a good bet to me.
