Our football expert gives you a comprehensive preview of the thrilling PSL Week 18 action kicking off on Friday, 19 January 2018.
The second half of the 2017/18 PSL season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, with just one game ending in a draw last week – a tense 1-1 between Chippa United and Bidvest Wits. Orlando Pirates made a strong statement with a solid win over leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld. Meanwhile, Platinum Stars are struggling at the bottom, and SuperSport United finds itself precariously just two points above the drop zone. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to watch for this weekend.
Friday 19 January
Bidvest Wits 15/10 | Draw 21/10 | Bloemfontein Celtic 7/4
Bidvest Wits currently hover just above the bottom along with Platinum Stars, having only three wins this season. Last week’s draw against Chippa United, where they let a 1-0 lead slip in the dying moments, was disappointing for the defending champions.
Bloemfontein Celtic made a confident start after the break with a win over Golden Arrows but suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Maritzburg United last week. Coach Veselin Jelusic’s side face a tough challenge at home against the Clever Boys. Backing the home side looks like the smart play here.
Saturday 20 January
Cape Town City 8/10 | Draw 23/10 | Ajax Cape Town 33/10
Cape Town City and Ajax Cape Town clash in what is known as the intense iKapa Derby, one of South Africa’s biggest football rivalries. Since its formation, Cape Town City has had the upper hand, yet the Urban Warriors are desperate for their first derby win and will come out fighting.
Though the form book favours Cape Town City as title contenders, Ajax’s hunger and skill, spearheaded by Lakay and Morris, make them a formidable foe. This is one derby where the unexpected should be expected, and the odds on Ajax are definitely tempting.
Free State Stars 11/10 | Draw 43/20 | Maritzburg United 49/20
Free State Stars have enjoyed remarkable success recently with four straight wins, lifting them to second place on the table. All wins have been close-fought affairs, each by a single goal.
Maritzburg United has also been on the rise, registering back-to-back victories with a potent attack featuring four different goalscorers last week. This promises to be a tight contest, and a draw might be the likely outcome.
Mamelodi Sundowns 11/20 | Draw 28/10 | Platinum Stars 9/2
Sundowns’ recent matches have been a struggle, with plenty of chances but poor finishing leading to a 3-1 loss against Orlando Pirates. Percy Tau remains a bright spark with seven goals this season. Defensively, Sundowns need urgent improvements.
Platinum Stars remain bottom after conceding a late defeat to Ajax Cape Town. Their fight for survival continues, but a home victory for Sundowns seems the sensible bet.
AmaZulu 7/4 | Draw 21/10 | SuperSport United 15/10
Both AmaZulu and SuperSport United have endured rough patches, each failing to win in their last eight matches, and discussions about AmaZulu’s coaching future are underway.
SuperSport United’s loss of Jeremy Brockie to Sundowns is a blow, and with three KZN teams battling in the league, competition is fierce. Expect a cautious, goalless draw.
Orlando Pirates 11/20 | Draw 28/10 | Polokwane City 9/2
Orlando Pirates have been blazing recently with two consecutive 3-1 wins, including a stunning victory over Sundowns. Luvuyo Memela has been in excellent form with three goals, and keeper Jackson Mabokgwane has been rock-solid.
Polokwane City have faced a tough schedule but managed to defeat Sundowns, though they lost their following game to Kaizer Chiefs. Another win for the Pirates looks very likely.
Sunday 21 January
21/10 Baroka | Draw 43/20 | Kaizer Chiefs 5/4
Baroka hold the edge in their historical matches against Kaizer Chiefs with two wins and two draws since 2011. They are just a point behind Chiefs and will be eager to extend their unbeaten record.
Kaizer Chiefs have found form again with three wins in their last four games. Siphelele Ntshangase meets his former side for the first time since his recent move. This looks like the Chiefs’ moment to get their first win against Baroka.
Chippa United 13/10 | Draw 43/20 | Golden Arrows 2/1
Chippa United’s new year has been promising with four points so far, including a vital equaliser against Bidvest Wits.
Golden Arrows have broken their winless streak with an inspiring last-minute victory over SuperSport United. Backing Chippa United on a win/draw double chance is a smart and safe pick.
TREBLE @ 4/1
Orlando Pirates Win 11/20
Mamelodi Sundowns Win 11/20
Kaizer Chiefs Win 5/4
