Our soccer pundit previews the PSL Gameweek 23 action which kicks off on Friday 2 March 2018.
The race for the PSL title is heating up after Mamelodi Sundowns’ consecutive draws against Free State Stars and SuperSport United. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates have surged into second place with a thrilling 4-2 win over Chippa United. This weekend promises a cracking encounter between Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. Platinum Stars’ struggles continue, which makes their upcoming clash against Free State Stars an easier call. Let’s dive into the predictions for this week’s PSL fixtures!
Friday 2 March
Bidvest Wits 7/10
Draw 24/10
Baroka 4/1
Defending champs Bidvest Wits have truly transformed their season — climbing into the top eight with an unbeaten streak of seven games. Gavin Hunt finally saw his side beat Benni McCarthy’s team for the first time last week. In contrast, Baroka are struggling without their suspended coach and have yet to win against Wits in four attempts. The home side looks set to clinch the win.
Cape Town City 13/10
Draw 2/1
Chippa United 22/10
Cape Town City’s recent four-game winless run has seen them drop to sixth place, scoring only a solitary goal in their last 13 encounters. Chippa United, on the other hand, have been tough to beat, drawing more games than any other PSL side this season. After a high-scoring 4-2 loss to Pirates last week, they should be ready to test Cape Town City. A draw seems the likely outcome.
Saturday 3 March
Orlando Pirates 17/10
Draw 18/10
Kaizer Chiefs 18/10
I’ve got a great feeling about Kaizer Chiefs again. Ryan Moon has been in sparkling form, and I reckon he’ll open the scoring against Pirates at a brilliant 8/1 odds! This Soweto Derby clash is not to be missed. Click here to read the full Soweto derby preview.
SuperSport United 15/10
Draw 19/10
Maritzburg United 19/10
SuperSport United let slip a 1-0 lead in last weekend’s Tshwane derby but showed resilience. Maritzburg United are flying high after a late brace secured maximum points. Although a tough match to call, I’m leaning towards Maritzburg United snatching the win.
AmaZulu 24/10
Draw 2/1
Mamelodi Sundowns 12/10
AmaZulu held Sundowns to a 2-1 win last time these sides met, and will be aiming to trip them up again at King Zwelithini Stadium. Sundowns cannot afford to drop points after recent draws, so expect another tight encounter, possibly ending all square.
Platinum Stars 3/1
Draw 22/10
Free State Stars 9/10
Platinum Stars remain the PSL’s underdogs, winless in eight matches. Free State Stars carry better recent form and should claim the victory. Backing the visitors here is the smart play.
Sunday 4 March
Bloemfontein Celtic 11/10
Draw 2/1
Ajax Cape Town 26/10
Bloemfontein Celtic are desperate for points to escape relegation troubles and managed a tough draw against Chiefs last week. Ajax Cape Town need points too but have struggled lately. A draw seems the reasonable forecast here.
Polokwane City 13/10
Draw 19/10
Golden Arrows 23/10
Polokwane City have been stuck in a rut with six games without a win, including five draws. Golden Arrows will be looking to build on last week’s 1-0 victory. This could end in a tight stalemate.
TREBLE 9/1
Bidvest Wits Win 7/10
Maritzburg United Win 19/10
Free State Stars Win 9/10
