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| Hollywoodbets’ preview for the |
The 2016 Nedbank Cup semi-finals will be on showcase this weekend, with Free State Stars playing host to Orlando Pirates, while the other semi-finals sees SuperSport entertain NFD log-leaders Baroka FC – both matchups will be played on Saturday. Free State Stars and Orlando Pirates have some recent history in the competition to look back on ahead of their clash. The 2016 tournament will be the third time the two clubs meet in the Nedbank Cup since 2008 and each have claimed a victory in that time.
To Win (90mins)
Free State Stars 28/10 | Draw 22/10 | Orlando Pirates 9/10
Free State Stars
Free State Stars have clawed their way into the final four of the Nedbank Cup.
Beginning with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Ajax Cape Town, before edging NFD side Santos 1-0, and then finally playing to a goalless draw against Bidvest Wits – eventually advancing 5-4 on penalties.
In the league, Free State Stars are without a win in their last six matches at the time of writing, scoring a measly two goals in the process.
So when it comes to goals, they are going through a bit of a drought.
Andrea Fileccia is Ea Lla Koto’s top goal scorer with six to his name, but unfortunately, he is out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.
Paulus Masehe and Katlego Mashego will offer Stars plenty of experience in midfield.
Masehe plays as a box-to-box player, while Mashego offers more of a creative side to Ea Lla Koto’s game.
Orlando Pirates
Pirates have had arguably the toughest run in the Nedbank Cup.
But nonetheless, they made an explosive start after ousting their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the round of 32, before thrashing Jomo Cosmos 3-1 on their own ground.
The quarter-finals saw them face-off against newly-crowned PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns. But even they were no match for the Bucs who claimed a 2-0 victory in extra-time.
Mathematically, at the time of writing, Eric Tinkler’s men still have a chance to finish fourth in the league, despite their dismal start to the season.
However, Pirates, just like their opponents, have gone off the boil in recent weeks.
Tendai Ndoro is the leading scorer in the competition with five goals, and he will be hungry to add to that already impressive tally.
Betting Verdict: Draw (22/10)
In 20 of the last 22 meetings between these teams, the match has produced Under 2.5 Goals – looks like easy money to be made. If you looking for a winner, then good luck with that, because this one has draw written all over it.
Written by Aaron Crowie for @Hollywoodbets.
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