09 January 2019, by: Leonard Solms

PSL Predictions – Matchday 18

With Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits off this weekend due to CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup commitments respectively, there are six weekend PSL fixtures to look forward to.

Sundowns will later play Orlando Pirates on Wednesday, while Wits will face Bloemfontein Celtic that same day. First things first, though: Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table in their Sunday clash with Cape Town City.

That aside, there are also some key fixtures to look forward to in the relegation battle.

Highlands Park host Stellenbosch at Tembisa’s Makhulong Stadium with both teams looking to bounce back from defeats.

The Lions of the North were outclassed 3-0 by Kaizer Chiefs in midweek, while Stellies went down 2-1 to Bloemfontein Celtic, leaving the 15th-placed side in a perilous position.

Highlands should be seen as favourites for this game given that they beat Golden Arrows and Black Leopards prior to the loss to Amakhosi. In addition, they are a tough team to beat in Tembisa and have won five of eight home league fixtures this season.

This Polokwane derby pits two relatively new coaches in the city up against each other in Clinton Larsen and Dylan Kerr. Both are desperately fighting for top flight survival.

Polokwane City lost 10 games in a row in all competitions before beating Chippa United. However, a 4-1 loss to Orlando Pirates showed that Rise and Shine are not yet out of the woods.

Baroka are on a six-match winless run, which extended with a 1-0 away defeat to Golden Arrows on Wednesday. They sit rock bottom at present, but still only three points off 11th.

Expect a titanic tussle between two teams in desperate need of the points, which are predicted to be shared.

Two in-form sides do battle when Chippa United host Maritzburg United in the Saturday evening game at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium.

The Chilli Boys edged out Black Leopards 2-1 thanks to Silas Maziya’s winner. Norman Mapeza’s men have three wins from their last four fixtures.

Maritzburg United boss Eric Tinkler will be up against his old club. Another match against a former side saw the Team of Choice draw 2-2 with SuperSport United on Wednesday.

There is little to separate these teams on paper and a draw is predicted for what could be a crucial game in the race for the top eight spots.

Kaizer Chiefs celebrated their 50th anniversary with a 3-0 win over Highlands Park. Now, they seek to continue their superb streak against Cape Town City.

Amakhosi have already beaten them twice this season in the Mother City, edging them out 2-1 in the league and on penalties in the Telkom Knockout following a 1-1 draw. Kermit Erasmus was electrifying for City in both fixtures, but the games changed after he was brought off.

It is difficult to see the league leaders letting this one slip on home soil and a comfortable win is on the cards for Ernst Middendorp’s men.

Bloemfontein Celtic’s top eight battle received a boost with a 2-1 win over Stellenbosch. They will now seek to complement that with victory over embattled Black Leopards at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

Cavin Johnson has not had an easy time in the hot seat at Lidoda Duvha. Leopards have lost 2-1 to Highlands Park away and Chippa United at home since he replaced Luc Eymael as coach.

Lesedi Kapinga’s form gives Lidoda Duvha hope, particularly given that Bloem Celtic can be vulnerable at the back.

Lots of goals are expected in this game with the spoils tipped to be shared at the end of the 90 minutes.

AmaZulu host SuperSport United at Kings Park Stadium looking to gain their first win of 2020.

Usuthu will be on unfamiliar territory at the home of the Sharks amid a dispute with eThekwini municipality. General manager Lunga Sokhela made no secret of his frustration,  the municipality of failing to ensure its stadiums are fit for use.

SuperSport United are in a far more stable state than their hosts heading into this clash. Third, in the Premiership and in fine attacking form, they are tipped for the away win.

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