Our football analyst previews the PSL week 27 action which kicks off on Saturday 14 April 2018.
With about four games remaining for each team, there’s no margin for error.
In key fixtures of the weekend, Sundowns visit last season’s champions in the shape of Bidvest Wits, while Pirates travel to AmaZulu and Chiefs host Platinum Stars. Here are my predictions.
Saturday 14 April
Mamelodi Sundowns 7/10
Draw 5/2
Bidvest Wits 15/4
I think if anyone can snap Sundowns’ three-match winning streak it’s Wits! The Clever Boys will definitely have their work cut out defensively as containing Billiat and Tau is a nightmare but their rock-solid defence which has the likes of Thulani Hlatswayo, Sifiso Hlanti, Buhle Mkhwanazi and Nazeer Alli can manage.
Wits’ attacking prowess can also not be easily undermined as their attacking force is teeming with experienced players like Elias Pelembe, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Daine Klate, Sifiso Myeni and others. I think the sides will cancel each other out in a low scoring affair.
Free State Stars 11/10
Draw 21/10
Bloemfontein Celtic 5/2
Free State Stars have dropped points in each of their recent three games with two defeats and one draw to their name. They’ll have their captain, Paulus Masehe back from suspension on this occasion. Celtic came back from a goal down to salvage a point against AmaZulu last week and that continued their inconsistent run as they’re currently sitting on eight wins, nine draws and nine defeats. We must also that this is a derby where form can go out the window. My money is on Free State Stars.
Cape Town City 9/10
Draw 22/10
SuperSport United 3/1
Benni McCarthy’s Cape Town City managed to score a stoppage time equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw in an entertaining matchup at Maritzburg United. Kenyan striker, Masud Juma, came off the bench to score his first goal for the club and he showed some signs of being a dangerous player. SuperSport find themselves just one spot above the relegation zone and without a single victory in five games, at the time of writing. Last weekend, they crashed out of the CAF Confederations Cup after losing 1-0 at Gor Mahia in Kenya. Back Benni’s charges to triumph.
Kaizer Chiefs 5/10
Draw 28/10
Platinum Stars 11/2
Kaizer Chiefs produced a shambolic performance against Chippa United and they got thrashed 3-0. They finished with 10 men as Eric Mathoho limped off the pitch with the team having already made all three substitutions. He is a doubt for this clash but Amakhosi should be delighted about the return of George Maluleka from injury. In their quest to survive relegation, Platinum Stars have promised their players a R10 000 incentive for every victory they achieve in this run in and that seems to be paying off as they collected maximum points against Polokwane City last week, however, they’re still rooted to the foot of the table. I’m backing a draw here.
Sunday 15 April
AmaZulu 28/10
Draw 22/10
Orlando Pirates 19/20
After having officially announced that they’re fighting to finish in the top eight, AmaZulu came back from a goal down against Bloemfontein Celtic to earn a hard-fought point, courtesy of a Mhlengi Cele strike. Usuthu will have midfield maestro, Siyethemba Mnguni, back from suspension. Pirates are in hot pursuit of the league title and their recent performances have pushed Sundowns to the limit. The Buccaneers head into this one on the back of six consecutive league wins. I don’t see the hosts upsetting the form book, hence my money is on Pirates.
Baroka 13/10
Draw 21/10
Maritzburg United 21/10
Baroka have only won one of their last five matches and last week they took an early lead against Sundowns only to end up losing 2-1. MacDonald Makhubedu’s men are eighth on the log and this is their chance to consolidate their position and avoid slipping down the table. Maritzburg United have collected one point out of a possible six over their last two matches against Bidvest Wits and Cape Town City. They will be hoping to return to winning ways against a lesser opponent and I foresee that happening. Put your money on The Team of Choice.
Chippa United 19/20
Draw 22/10
Ajax Cape Town 28/10
The Chilli Boys stunned Kaizer Chiefs with a 3-0 drubbing last week with Thabo Rakhale and Mark Mayambela displaying some scintillating champagne football. It was also good to see Mxolisi Macuphu and Edward Manqele finding their scoring boots, and on their day, they can demolish any team. Ajax head into this one on the back of two successive defeats and they’re in the relegation zone with five matches to go. I don’t see them getting a result in the Eastern Cape. I’m tipping Chippa United to win.
TREBLE @ 11/1
Free State Stars Win 11/10
Orlando Pirates Win 19/20
Maritzburg United Win 21/10
