22 October 2019, by: Leonard Solms

PSL Predictions – Matchday 9

The Premiership finally returns this week after a lengthy cup and international break. There are a couple of Telkom Knockout rematches on the cards, as well as arguably the most important match in the title race to date.

We’re in for a thrilling weekend of local football, so get ready to hedge your bets.

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns face a major test of character when they host Highlands Park at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

One can’t help but get the sense that something special is happening at Highlands Park. They are fresh off a Telkom Knockout win over Black Leopards and flying high. Sundowns have a game on Sunday against Kaizer Chiefs and need to be wary of overworking star players.

However, Pitso Mosimane’s men are experts at grinding out results under pressure and are backed to do just that.

Pressure is mounting on Benni McCarthy’s men, but they put in a solid cup performance against Kaizer Chiefs albeit in defeat. However, Maritzburg United themselves are on song going into their visit to Cape Town Stadium.

Eric Tinkler’s team has three wins in a row behind them including a Telkom Knockout penalty shootout win over Bidvest Wits. Still, their seven Premiership matches this season have seen just nine goals to date. Quite the contrast with City, who have seen 27 in eight games.

Cape Town City have drawn more games (5) than any other team this season and another one is predicted here.

SuperSport United are in fine form, but had to sweat for their Telkom Knockout win against Baroka. They now head into another clash against a Limpopo side at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Black Leopards head into this off the back of a Telkom Knockout penalty shootout defeat to Highlands Park, but they are a dangerous side — especially with Mwape Musonda in the team.

Both teams have the potential for lots of goals and action at both ends is expected, but with MTN8 champions SuperSport riding a wave at present, they are backed for the victory.

Golden Arrows and Polokwane City are set for a rematch after Abafana Bes’thende’s triumph in the Telkom Knockout. Once again, Steve Komphela’s side will host the clash at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.

Rise and Shine got the season off to a flying start, but after three straight defeats in all competitions, they desperately need a win.

Arrows have often failed to see out games and therefore have four draws from eight league fixtures this season. Another is predicted for this game against Zlatko Krmpotić’s charges.

In another rematch of a Telkom Knockout tie, Stellenbosch seek revenge on Orlando Pirates at Cape Town Stadium.

Steve Barker sprung several surprises with his team selection for the 1-0 defeat at Orlando Stadium, but goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt impressed with a Man-of-the-Match performance. It will be interesting to see how many starters Barker retains for this game.

Ezikamagebhula dominated on their own turf, but failed to take many chances. A backlash is expected in Cape Town, where the Buccaneers often struggle.

The Lions of the North still have a game against Sundowns before this one, while Chippa still have to play Bloemfontein Celtic in the Telkom Knockout at the time of writing. Nevertheless, an early stab at predicting the outcome wouldn’t hurt.

Chippa United are still engulfed by the storm created by Siviwe Mpengesi’s constant hiring and firing of coaches. Highlands Park will be on home soil at Makhulong Stadium, giving them the added advantage.

The Lions of the North are predicted to claim a comfortable victory here, heaping pressure on Norman Mapeza.

Two teams who have perhaps been rather unfortunate in recent times face off at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. AmaZulu were thumped 5-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout and will want a quick recovery. Baroka, meanwhile, are winless in four games in all competitions.

Bakgaga have home advantage, but they have had more luck away from home this season than on their own turf. Their two league wins this season have come on the road against Bidvest Wits and Black Leopards.

The predicted outcome here is a stalemate, which will not exactly suit either side.

This Loftus Versfeld showdown could play a huge role in determining the destiny of the title, so fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride.

Kaizer Chiefs beat Mamelodi Sundowns 4-2 in the Shell Helix Ultra Cup, but don’t read too much into that result against an experimental Pitso Mosimane side.

Nevertheless, Chiefs have been playing with plenty of heart this season and have fared well in away matches against Sundowns recently. Amakhosi are backed to escape Pretoria with a vital point.

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