Saturday is a huge day in the Betway Premiership as Orlando Pirates take on Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby whilst Mamelodi Sundowns host Durban City
Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs
Pirates return to league action after straight forward progress in the Caf Champions League and then the Carling Knockout where they were 3-0 winners at home to Milford FC in midweek.
They have lost their grip on the MTN8 trophy after losing the final to Sundowns but they are in second spot in the Betway Premiership with a record of 7 wins and 1 draw and sit 1 point behind Sundowns with a game in hand. A -1 draw at Amazulu early in the season represents the only dropped Betway Premiership points and the only league goal conceded whilst at the other the park Pirates have found the net 19 times.
Chiefs bounced back from the disappointment of failing to progress in the CAF Confederations Cup after losing a penalty shoot out to Red Arrows of Zambia last In the Betway Premiership Chiefs are fifth, unbeaten with a record of 3 wins and 5 draws and those draws came in the last 6 league outings. That sequence of draws started with a home fixture against Sundowns which finished 1-1, they now take aim at Pirates who took 4 ponts from the two Betway Premiership heads last season with a 3-0 win and 1-1 draw.
In the match result betting Pirates are favourites at 13/20 with the draw at 23/10 and Chiefs can be backed at 48/10.
The Verdict
Chiefs have been disappointing in drawing games they ought to have won but I imagine they would privately be happy to take a point against a free scoring Pirates side who rarely concede. Still, it’s the derby and I think we will see a decent game buy there might be a few tired legs after a hectic schedule and my play is for 2 goals or more in the second half.
Bets: 2nd half total goals over 1.5 at 14/10 with Lucky Fish
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Marumo Gallants
Sundowns have already banked a trophy this season after beating Pirates in the MTN8 and they progressed in the Carling Knockout with a 1-0 home win over Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, however they were hugely disappointing in failing to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League. Downs currently top the Betway Premiership standings, unbeaten with 7 wins and 2 draws although second placed Pirates are 1 point behind and have a game in hand. At home Downs have won 4 from 4 scoring 12 goals and conceding just 2. They have been prolific away from home as well although they did drop points in 1-1 draws at Chiefs and more recently at Chippa.
Durban City have progressed in the Caf Confederations Cup but they subsequently lost 2-0 to Stellies in the Carling knockout. In terms of the Betway Premiership they have a record of 1 win, 4 draws and 3 defeats and with 7 points from 8 matches they are just below halfway in the standings, Goals have been scarce just 5 scored and 7 conceded and their only 3 point haul came in a 2-0 win at Kruger on the 25th August. They lost 2-0 when visiting Pirates last month and that defeat was followed by 1-1 draw at Milford and 2-1 loss in a KZN derby against Amazulu.
The Verdict
Eric Tinkler is the man tasked with improving City’s fortunes although odds of 10/1 for his side to upset Sundowns illustrate what a tough task this is. I think City will set up to try and frustrate and whilst that could backfire if they concede early I’ll take my chances that we will see no more than 1 goal in the first half and likewise in the second.
Bets: Both halves under 1.5 goals? Yes at 14/10 with Lucky Fish
Note, odds are subject to change