The PSL week 30 action takes place on Saturday 12 May 2018 and our soccer analyst gives his analysis and betting tips.
The ultimate gameweek of the 2017/18 season is upon us with four teams – Ajax Cape Town, SuperSport United, Polokwane City and Baroka FC – involved in the relegation dogfight. Platinum Stars, who have already been relegated will play a dead rubber against Bidvest Wits and it will be tough for Dikwena to put up a decent fight.
Elsewhere, it’s coronation time for Mamelodi Sundowns and it shall be interesting to see if the celebration mode doesn’t affect their result against Bloemfontein Celtic. Let’s take a look at the final week of what has been an exciting campaign.
Saturday 28 May
Ajax Cape Town 3/1
Draw 24/10
Kaizer Chiefs 17/20
Both clubs have plenty to play for – Ajax in their quest for survival and Chiefs with the CAF Confederations Cup in their sights. However, in Cape Town, Ajax have been unstoppable of late. They have a decent record at home against Chiefs and I fancy them to come out of the clash unscathed, meaning we will be seeing the red and white colours of Ajax for at least another season in the Absa Premiership. Ajax are tipped to win at 3/1.
AmaZulu 19/10
Draw 21/10
Cape Town City 14/10
AmaZulu lie 11th and a victory here could see them earning a place in the top eight. They have won two and lost two of their last five matches and the result will depend on which team pitches up on the day. Cape Town City finally returned to winning ways last week after beating Orlando Pirates 1-0, snapping a six-match winless run across all competitions. I’m expecting Cape Town City’s confidence to see them record a victory in KZN.
Bloemfontein Celtic 23/10
Draw 21/10
Mamelodi Sundowns 12/10
This is where the league title will be lifted and the occasion might get to a few players. Celtic are winless in six matches across all competitions, while Sundowns have only lost one game in their last 19 encounters across all competitions. Percy Tau is currently tied on 11 goals with Rodney Ramagalela at the summit of the goalscorers’ chart and comes into this encounter well-rested as he didn’t take part in their CAF Champions League 1-1 draw with Wydad Casablanca due to suspension. Everything points towards Sundowns winning so I’m getting on!
Maritzburg United 9/10
Draw 22/10
Golden Arrows 3/1
Maritzburg United currently lie fourth on the PSL standings and they’ve already booked a spot in the Nedbank Cup final but their recent form in the league leaves a lot to be desired as they hold a record of one win in their last five matches. On the other hand, Golden Arrows head into the KZN derby on the back of two successive wins and looking to confirm a top-eight finish. I’m going against the form book and tipping Maritzburg due to quality and big match temperament.
Orlando Pirates 7/10
Draw 24/10
Free State Stars 4/1
This match is a dead rubber to Orlando Pirates as they will finish second, no matter the result. They will just be hoping to just finish the season on a high and return to winning ways after losing 1-0 to Cape Town City the last time out. Free State Stars’ 2-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium, which was marred by crowd violence, is still fresh in memory and they have their sights set on the final but they haven’t been so good in the league lately. Ea Lla Koto are winless in six league matches as they’ve lost three and drawn three of those. My money is on the home side.
Platinum Stars 5/2
Draw 21/10
Bidvest Wits 11/10
Platinum Stars have nothing to play for as their relegation has already been confirmed. Dikwena have lost their last three games and they have won only four of their 29 games so far this season. They face a Wits side which lies 10th on the log and in desperate need of points to finish in the top eight. The Clever Boys finally returned to winning ways the last time out against AmaZulu after going four league matches without a victory. I say Wits record another win here.
Polokwane City 12/10
Draw 21/10
Chippa United 22/10
This will be one of the most tightly-contested encounters as Polokwane City need at least a draw to survive playing off for a spot in the PSL next season as their goal difference is superior to Ajax’s. Rise And Shine are winless in the last four matches with the recent three ending in successive draws. That has made them, jointly with Chippa United, the most draw-laden teams in the PSL. The Chilli Boys also have drawn 15 games so far this season and they also come into the encounter on the back of three consecutive draws. A win would see the Eastern Cape side confirm a place in the top eight. However, I’m backing another draw here.
SuperSport United 11/10
Draw 22/10
Baroka 24/10
It’s do-or-die for both teams, who need to win to avoid being leapfrogged by Ajax Cape Town and possibly finishing second from the bottom. SuperSport United are undefeated in their last four games as they have drawn three and won one of those. Baroka, after starting the season superbly, are winless in their last six league matches with a record of three draws and three defeats. SuperSport should manage to grind out a win here.
TREBLE @ 6/1
Mamelodi Sundowns Win 12/10
Maritzburg United Win 9/10
Orlando Pirates Win 7/10
