30 September 2019, by: Leonard Solms

PSL Predictions – Matchday 8

Bidvest Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns return to league action in midweek after continental commitments over the weekend.

Their task has been made tougher by Kaizer Chiefs’ win over Baroka, but will Amakhosi pick up all three points against old boss Steve Komphela?

Another key clash sees AmaZulu host Cape Town City with both teams desperate for the three points.

The chaos at Chippa has worsened and at the time of writing, the Chilli Boys have reportedly fired caretaker coach Duran Francis after just two games.

Assistant Mbuyiselo Sambu looks set to take over ahead of the clash with the in-form Clever Boys at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium. The timing could hardly be worse.

Wits rang the changes for their CAF Confederation Cup win over Young Buffaloes and this has likely preserved some energy. The Students are expected to pass Tuesday’s test with flying colours.

Cape Town City have a chance to regain their winning touch as they visit bottom club AmaZulu at the Princess Magogo Stadium.

The Citizens head into this match off the back of a 3-3 draw with Orlando Pirates — their sixth straight game without a win in all competitions. Usuthu, meanwhile, have lost five and drawn two of their seven league matches this season.

With the likes of Kermit Erasmus and Thabo Nodada firing on all cylinders, the team from the Mother City should edge this one despite their defensive difficulties.

Amakhosi scraped another lucky win over Baroka, edging Wedson Nyirenda’s men 1-0 on Saturday. Chiefs got away with one as Lazarous Kambole contentiously avoided being flagged offside in the build-up to Lebogang Manyama’s goal.

They will be up against another highly capable side in Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium. All five of the points Kaizer Chiefs have dropped this season were in home games while Arrows have drawn four of their seven league fixtures home and away.

Arrows were complacent against Stellenbosch and let a 2-0 lead slip to draw 2-2, but won’t repeat that mistake against Chiefs. Steve Komphela is tipped to escape with a point at the home of his past employers.

After an 11-1 CAF Champions League drubbing of Côte d’Or, Mamelodi Sundowns return to league action against Luc Eymael’s Lidoda Duvha.

Black Leopards have their tails up after a 1-0 win over Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday. However, this will be a tougher test even at Thohoyandou Stadium.

It won’t be an easy assignment for Masandawana either, but they know how to grind out wins and are backed to emerge with all three points.

A Stellenbosch side still in search of a first Premiership win visits Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Rise and Shine have been in tremendous form this season but suffered a blip in a 2-0 Sunday defeat to Highlands Park. They may have home advantage for this clash, but Stellies have had an extra day to prepare.

All factors considered, this looks set to be an even battle and one which should offer plenty of entertainment.

Two low-scoring sides go head to head when Maritzburg United host Baroka at the Harry Gwala Stadium.

Baroka started the season well but have struggled to stay consistent. They have been held scoreless in three of their last five games.

Maritzburg gained their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Chippa United, but Thabiso Kutumela’s winner was only their third goal all season.

All trends point to a low-scoring clash and a goalless draw is therefore the tip.

In a repeat of the MTN8 semi-final, the Lions of the North take on Rise and Shine at Tembisa’s Makhulong Stadium on Sunday.

Polokwane City are in fine league form at the moment but are tipped to suffer a blemish against a Highlands Park side which is very much on a high.

Owen da Gama’s men gained a psychological edge when they knocked Polokwane City out of the MTN8 and home advantage should see them clinch all three points.

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