The top two in the Betway Premiership are in midweek action, on Tuesday Mamelodi Sundowns visit Orbit College and on Wednesday Orlando Pirates host Richards Bay
Orbit College v Sundowns (Tuesday)
Orbit College sprang something of a surprise last time out when they came away from a visit to TS Galaxy with a 2-1 win. That ended a run of 8 Betway Premiership matches without a victory, a miserable run which had seen them pick up just 2 points. Orbit are second from bottom but they are now level with Marumo Gallants on 18 points and just 1 point behind fourth bottom Chippa. Magesi are bottom with 13 points but they do have a game in hand.
Sundowns were 2-1 winners at home to Golden Arrows last week and they are now unbeaten in their last 10 league games, a run comprising of 8 wins and 2 draws. That victory keeps them running neck and neck with Pirates in the title race, both sides have 44 points from 9 games and the Bucs shade top spot with a goal difference of +23 to Sundowns’ +22. Downs were 2-0 winners at home to Orbit College when the teams met in the first league meeting on the 19th January.
The Verdict:
This is a big ask for Orbit and given that Pirates don’t play until Wednesday Downs have the chance to go clear and rank up the pressure. I think the visitors will oblige but for a betting interest in my usual price range, Downs to score 2-3 goals in total is my play.
Bet: Sundowns multi goal, 2-3 at even money with Sportingbet
Orlando Pirates v Richards Bay (Wednesday)
Pirates found a late winner to come away from Polokwane City with a 2-1 victory last week to keep their noses in front in the title race. Prior to that they had seen off Chiefs 3-0 in the Soweto Derby and after a jolt to their season with a league defeat to Sundowns and shock Nedbank Cup exit they look to have recovered their composure. Pirates who have kept a clean sheet in 7 of their last 9 league outings and the defeat to Downs is their only loss in their last 17 in the Betway Premiership.
Richards Bay upset Kaizer Chiefs last week, coming through with a 1-0 home win to move themselves back towards mid table. Their last 10 league games have delivered 6 draws, 2 wins and 2 defeats and overall 4 of their 5 wins this season have arrived in home games.
These teams have met just the once this season and that came in the semi finals of the carling Knockout in November where Pirates came out on top 1-0.
The Verdict:
It’s almost as though Pirates and Downs are shadowing each other in a title race which looks set to go very deep. Once again I’m with the favourites to score 2-3 goals in their individual multi goals market.
Bet: Pirates multi goal, 2-3 at 11/10 with Sportingbet
Note, odds are subject to change