28 February 2020, by: Leonard Solms

PSL Predictions – Matchday 23

One of the biggest football weekends of the year lies ahead as Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs do battle at FNB Stadium in a crucial Soweto derby. Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns will be occupied by a massive CAF Champions League clash with Al Ahly.

There will also be some important games between relegation-threatened sides as the scramble for safety reaches fever pitch.ALSO READ: THE MOST UNDERRATED PLAYERS IN THE PSL

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ALSO READ: PLAYER OF THE SEASON CANDIDATESMaritzburg United host Stellenbosch at the Harry Gwala Stadium, where Eric Tinkler’s men tend to be just about unbeatable on Friday nights.

The Team of Choice have not lost a home fixture on a Friday since 2017. That said, Stellies are a team in form and we can expect a fierce fight.

Having had two weeks off since beating SuperSport United 1-0, the Cape Winelands team will be looking to use their fresh legs to their full potential.

Penalties separated the sides in the Nedbank Cup, and with those not available as a means of settling the score, the spoils are expected to be shared this time.

Golden Arrows will be after a third league win in a row as they host a Highlands Park side fresh off victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup.

Highlands Park sit seventh on the table, leading eighth-placed Golden Arrows on goal difference after playing one more game than Abafana Bes’thende.

Steve Komphela and Owen da Gama know South African football inside out and we can expect an intriguing tactical battle. The teams are expected to come out even when all is said and done.

Read the most comprehensive Soweto Derby Betting Preview here.

Chippa United host AmaZulu at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with both teams looking to arrest runs of poor form.

The Chilli Boys showed tremendous promise in the early months under Norman Mapeza, but have lost their way slightly with three league defeats in a row.

In all fairness, two of those were against SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns. All is not lost for the team sitting 12th on the league table. They are still in a better position than bottom club AmaZulu, who have lost five of their last six fixtures in all competitions.

Usuthu could leapfrog Chippa with a win. However, on home soil, one has to fancy the Chilli Boys to turn up the heat.

Bidvest Wits visit bogey team SuperSport United at Mbombela Stadium as they look to keep their title ambitions alive.

The Clever Boys were held to a 2-2 draw by Highlands Park in their last league game and trail Kaizer Chiefs by 11 points with two games in hand. At least one of Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will drop points this weekend, so they will be looking to take advantage.

SuperSport United are not without a cause as they continue their hunt for CAF football next season. They have been struggling for form lately and could use a win against a direct rival.

Both teams possess attacking quality in abundance, so this game might well produce lots of goals.

This Limpopo derby between two relegation-threatened sides sees Black Leopards visit Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Leopards have seen improved performances under Alan Clark, but need to ensure they convert that into wins as often as possible at this crucial stage of the survival race.

Polokwane City lost three games on the trot in all competitions but bounced back in their last fixture with a 3-2 victory over Cape Town City.

Nevertheless, Leopards have been more consistent in their performances lately and are tipped to claim the win.

Bloemfontein Celtic seek to pick up a major win in their quest for a top eight spot as they host Baroka at the Dr Molemela Stadium.

Phunya Sele Sele suffered league disappointments against Highlands Park and Mamelodi Sundowns, but bounced back with a 3-2 cup win against Maritzburg United.

As they face relegation-threatened Baroka, they will be looking to keep riding the wave of momentum from that exciting game.

Baroka needed penalties to see off Hungry Lions in their Nedbank Cup last 16 match and have been struggling to get any real momentum going themselves. Bloem Celtic are likely to capitalise on home advantage.

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