Saturday is a huge day in the Betway Premiership title race as Mamelodi Sundowns clash with Orlando Pirates

 

 

 

Sundowns

 

Sundowns made short work of Supersport on Wednesday, Tashreeq Matthews scored twice in the the 3-0 win which maintained Sundowns 6 point lead over Pirates in the title race. Downs have now won 13 and lost just the 1 of their league matches and the sole defeat came at Polokwane back in late October.

 

Since then they have won all of their subsequent 9 league matches, conceding just the 1 goal in the process. Overall Downs have scored 31 Betway Premiership goals and conceded just 5 giving them the best stats at either end of the park.

 

 

Orlando Pirates

 

Pirates were also in action on Wednesday and they too claimed maximum points. Their visit to Sekhukhune looked potentially awkward but they were in front after just 5 minutes and added a second just after half time. Sekhukhune did pull a goal back on 77 minutes but the Bucs had done enough to earn the 2-1 win.

 

Pirates remain 6 points behind Sundowns but they do have a game in hand and given Polokwane are a further 4 points back in third having played 3 more matches, the title race looks to be between the current top 2. The Bucs have won 11 and lost 2 of their league games, scoring 25 goals and conceding just 6.

 

Head to Head

 

The teams haven't met since the 2024 Nedbank Cup Final in June and Pirates edged it 2-1. Pirates also beat Downs in last season's MTN Final which went all the way to spot kicks after a goalless draw.

 

In last season's league meetings Downs won 1-0 away from home and the return finished all square at 1-1.

 

 

The Betting

 

Sundowns are 5/4 to win the match with the draw trading at around 2.15/1 and Pirates can be backed at 23/10.

 

It's 21/20 for both teams to score and a game of 3 goals or more is priced at 1.35/1

 

Note, prices from Betway are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change

 

The Verdict:

 

The respective records of these sides suggest there is very little between them, both are free scoring and have been miserly in defence. Throw into the mix the recent close nature of league and cup games between the teams and the draw has to be considered but my gut feel is that Downs can edge this one by a single goal margin.

 

Bets: Winning Margin, Sundowns by 1 goal exactly (1-0, 2-1, 3-2 etc... ) at 3/1 with Betway

 

Note, prices quoted are subject to change

 

 

GFTG Newsletter

 

Subscribe to our free weekly betting mailer which will include our best and value bets below.