16 January 2019, by: Leonard Solms

PSL Predictions – Matchday 19

After two midweek thrillers, the PSL continues over the weekend with some interesting games set to be served up. Notably, Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to keep their fading title ambitions alive in the Tshwane derby.

Stellenbosch host Baroka at Athlone Stadium with both teams coming into this off the back of victories.

Stellies downed Highlands Park 4-1 away while Baroka won the derby against Polokwane City 1-0 thanks to a superb performance from goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze.

Speaking of goalkeepers, it will be interesting to see who Steve Barker picks in between the sticks after he dropped Boy de Jong for Lee Langeveldt in the last game. Despite uncertainty at that end of the field, Stellies are in form upfront.

This should be an interesting contest between two teams who will be hoping to end up in the top eight battle rather than a relegation scrap. Ultimately, they are evenly-matched and a draw is tipped.

Maritzburg United host AmaZulu in a KwaZulu-Natal derby at the Harry Gwala Stadium, where the Team of Choice have not lost in 18 games on a Friday.

Usuthu are without a win in three fixtures this year and will be desperate to get off the mark, particularly given that they sit 14th on the league table.

Maritzburg began with a 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows and have since followed it up with draws against SuperSport United and Chippa United.

Eric Tinkler’s men should have the edge given their good form and home advantage. In addition, they have not lost to AmaZulu in seven meetings.

League leaders Kaizer Chiefs were handed a major midweek boost when Orlando Pirates beat Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0. Now, Amakhosi will look to take full advantage as they visit Thohoyandou Stadium.

While Ernst Middendorp’s men are flying, Cavin Johnson is struggling to get off the ground after replacing Luc Eymael as Black Leopards boss.

Lidoda Duvha sits 15th with 11 goals conceded from their last four games, including eight from three under Johnson. To make matters worse, they will be up against a ruthlessly efficient Chiefs attack with 36 goals to their name in 17 league fixtures this season.

Although Leopards boast plenty of attacking talent, their problems at the back are likely to cost them dearly in this game.

Orlando Pirates host Highlands Park at Orlando Stadium as they seek to build on a fantastic 1-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns.

Gabadinho Mhango was on target for the Buccaneers on Wednesday, but they have little time to celebrate. There is almost no room for error in the race for CAF football.

The Lions of the North have had mixed fortunes of late, recording victories over Golden Arrows and Black Leopards before embarrassing defeats to Kaizer Chiefs (3-0) and Stellenbosch (4-1).

They will be desperate for a victory to help them cling onto their top eighth spot, but at Orlando Stadium against the rejuvenated Sea Robbers, this is sure to be a tough ask.

Cape Town City host Bidvest Wits at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday evening as they look to bounce back from a dismal display in a 3-0 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs.

Wits, meanwhile, kept themselves in the title race with a 3-2 Wednesday win over Bloemfontein Celtic. Gavin Hunt’s men showed their strength of character, coming back from 2-1 down to seal all three points.

The Clever Boys have won their last two away matches against Cape Town City, so they have every right to head into this one feeling confident of another victory against a struggling side.

Clinton Larsen hosts his former club as embattled Polokwane City take on Golden Arrows at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. The derby defeat to Baroka left Rise and Shine bottom of the table, but they sit only two points behind 11th-placed Stellenbosch.

The scrap for top eight positions is every bit as tight as the relegation battle and Steve Komphela is looking to get Arrows back on course for MTN8 football after a mid-season wobble.

A 1-0 win over Baroka in their last game ended a run of four straight defeats for Arrows. They now sit ninth on the table, trailing eighth-placed Highlands Park on goal difference with a game in hand.

Komphela’s charges are backed to capitalise on Polokwane City’s defensive frailties and take all three points back to Durban.

Bloemfontein Celtic face Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday in an important fixture in the race for top eight spots.

Although it is listed as a home game for Phunya Sele Sele, the fixture will be played at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium due to the Dr Molemela Stadium pitch not being up to standard.

Celtic sit sixth on the table and Chippa 10th with three points separating the two sides after 18 games played.

It is difficult to pick a winner between the solidity of Chippa United and free-scoring Bloemfontein Celtic. We are calling a draw.

Right off the back of their 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns head straight into another fixture which could all but rule them out of the title race should it not go according to plan.

The Tshwane derby against SuperSport United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium could, in fact, be a make-or-break game for both sides. Matsatsantsa’s chances of winning the league may be slim, but they are definitely in the race for CAF Champions League qualification.

SuperSport United have gotten 2020 off to a good start with two victories and a draw. Having already beaten Kaizer Chiefs, they now set their sights on another national giant.

However, Sundowns will be fired up for this game and will likely give as good as they get. Nevertheless, Kaitano Tembo is tipped to nick a point off his former coach in a result that would suit Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits more than either of the two Tshwane title-chasers.

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