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| PSL action returns this weekend with The Doctor’s Orders taking an in-depth look at each fixture. |
The Absa Premiership returns with Kaizer Chiefs at the summit of the table – ahead of Golden Arrows on goal difference – with Steve Komphela’s side finally starting to find their groove. Gameweek 6 has seven fixtures lined up with Mamelodi Sundowns playing in the CAF Champions League final against Zamalek on Saturday.
Saturday 15 October
12/10 Free State Stars | Draw 21/10 | Maritzburg Utd 21/10 (15:30)
Struggling Free State Stars are yet to win in the Absa Premiership and sit at a lowly 14th. They have been battling to find the back of the net with midfielder Charles Kampi scoring their only goal in the 2016 league campaign. Maritzburg United have lost their last three games consecutively, although two of those have come against stronger opposition in SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs. The Team of Choice are struggling to score as well, with PSL league veteran Kurt Lentjies bagging their solitary goal of the season. I’m tipping a draw as both teams will nullify each other.
11/10 Golden Arrows | 21/10 | Chippa United 23/10 (15:30)
High-flyers Golden Arrows are sitting pretty in 2nd position in the ABSA Premiership, only behind Kaizer Chiefs on goal difference. Abafana Bes’thende have enjoyed a brilliant start to the season. After a draw on the opening week against SuperSport, they went on a three-game winning streak but were undone last time out at the Orlando Stadium after a 2nd half Tendai Ndoro hat-trick. Only playing three league games thus far due to cup competition, the Chilli Boys are unbeaten having won two of them. Dan Malesela’s visiting team will have to be on top of their game to get anything on the road. A tight affair is expected, but Arrows are tipped to make home advantage count.
11/10 Platinum Stars | 21/10 | Bloem Celtic 23/10 (15:30)
Platinum Stars have got off to a slow and inconsistent start to this season. They have earned valuable points with gritty draws away at much-favoured Chiefs and Pirates, yet were narrowly beaten 1-0 by last year’s NFD Champions Baroka FC. Robert Ng’ambi’s winner last game saw Dikwena bag their first three points of the season. Bottom-of-the-log Phunya Sele Sele are in woeful form, losing two of their three matches – both defeats coming at home. The home win looks a good bet.
4/10 Kaizer Chiefs | 28/10 | Ajax Cape Town 7/1 (18:00)
After a slow start to the Absa Premiership, Kaizer Chiefs seem to have found their rhythm. Steve Komphela’s charges are unbeaten in their last four matches with three wins on the spin, scoring six goals while conceding once – keeping three clean sheets. Chiefs will be looking to extend their superb run of form when they host an Ajax Cape Town side in disarray. The Urban Warriors are still searching for their first win of the season. Roger De Sa’s side have picked up just two points from their opening four matches. Chiefs are unbeaten in their last five encounters against Ajax Cape Town, winning three times. Back Komphela’s side to oust their opponents.
8/10 Cape Town City | 23/10 | Baroka FC 3/1 (20:15)
Eric Tinkler’s charges have made quite a decent start to the Absa Premiership, having lost just one game of the five they played. The City Boyz’ points have come from two wins and two draws, one of which came impressively away at Tinkler’s ex-employers and heavyweights Pirates. New boys Baroka are struggling to compete in the top flight. Although they beat Platinum stars 1-0 two games ago, they were then thumped 4-1 by Chippa at their home ground in Polokwane last round. None of their strikers have yet to hit the back of the net – they must regret selling Thabiso Kutumela to Pirates. The home win is tipped confidently. Get on!
Sunday 16 October
8/10 SuperSport Utd | 23/10 | Highlands Park 3/1 (15:30)
Under-performing SuperSport United have not gelled as a team and Stuart Baxter will need this to happen sooner rather than later. Matsatsantsa need to turn their recent draws into wins and pick up maximum points or they could find themselves struggling to make the top eight come end of the season. They have only scored two goals from five league games – this is the area which needs most improvement. Newcomers Highlands Park started the season off poorly but after a three-game winless streak; they got their first league win against fellow new boys Baroka FC. Collins Mbesuma and Charlton Mashumba have been netting the goals for Allan Freese’s side. SuperSport might not have it easy, but they should grab all three points this time.
5/2 Polokwane City | 22/10 | Orlando Pirates 1/1 (15:30)
Polokwane City got off to a poor start to the league, not winning any of the first three games, but are now enjoying an upturn in form having won back-to-back matches. Belgium coach Luc Eymael seems to be getting his team performing, but Rise and Shine will face a stern test this weekend. The unbeaten Buccaneers have a game in hand on log leaders Chiefs. Muhsin Ertugral’s side will be looking to come away with maximum points after consecutive draws against Cape Town City and Platinum Stars. Tendai Ndoro has been in top form for the Bucs, scoring five times in the league.Back Pirates to get the job done at even money.
TREBLE @ 4/1
Chiefs Win 4/10
Cape Town City Win 8/10
Pirates Win 1/1
Written by The Doctors Orders
