Kaizer Chiefs v AmaZulu – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Amakhosi’s last four matches have seen just one win. Usuthu have lost just one of their last seven away trips to Chiefs with four draws.

Kaizer Chiefs Form

Chiefs ended last term on a nine-match winless run in the league, but they lifted the Nedbank Cup to end a decade-long trophy drought. This season began in fine fashion with four wins and a draw in the first five rounds of action with no goals conceded.

Since then, a 3-1 loss at home to Sekhukhune United proved to be coach Nasreddine Nabi’s final game in charge. A 1-0 loss in Angola to Kabuscorp in the CAF Champions League qualifying round was followed by a 1-1 home draw vs Marumo Gallants in the PSL. On Saturday, Chiefs beat Kabuscorp 1-0 at home in the second leg and progressed on penalties to the next round.

Kaizer Chiefs Team News

There are a number of injuries for Amakhosi to contend with. Centre backs Rushwin Dortley and Given Msimango remain absent. Right back Thabiso Monyane and left back Paseko Mako are also ruled out.

In midfield, Siphesihle Ndlovu is doubtful. Khanyisa Mayo is available again in attack, but none of Etiosa Ighodaro, Luke Baartman or Mfundo Vilakazi will feature for various reasons.

Kaizer Chiefs Motivation

Chiefs need a league win and would see a draw as a poor result. However, they may have one eye on their Carling Knockout Cup tie at Stellenbosch on Sunday.

Amakhosi have looked at their best this term when playing a solid defensive game. They are not expected to open up and risk being caught on the break here.

AmaZulu Form

Arthur Zwane’s AmaZulu are having a strong start to this season. Their seven matches in the league have yielded 11 points and they put together a four-match unbeaten run before a loss last time out. They beat Orbit College 2-0 in Round One before a 2-0 loss at Mamelodi Sundowns. A 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants preceded two draws.

They burgled a 1-1 draw at Sekhukune United before surrendering a 1-0 lead in a 1-1 draw at Magesi. They beat Stellenbosch 2-1 before losing 3-1 in their most recent fixture at TS Galaxy. Usuthu had a man sent off in the 65th minute of that defeat.

AmaZulu Team News

AmaZulu have a settled team in most areas. There are question marks in midfield for this match as Siyanda Hlangabeza serves a suspension for a red card. Two veteran central midfielders in 0Bongani Zungu and Ben Motshwari have missed recent fixtures.

Arthur Zwane is set to stick with a back three. Zimbabwean international Thando Ngwenya has netted three goals in his last four outings up front. Thabiso Kutumela is set to play in support of him.

AmaZulu Motivation

Usuthu will have no fear in this match. They will see Chiefs as beatable, but may still consider a draw to be a good result.

Expect AmaZulu to sit in a compact 5-4-1 at times, but also to spend parts of the game in an expansive 3-4-3. They will look to keep the ball and play on the front foot in stages.

Key Stats

• Kaizer Chiefs have won just 1 of their last 4 matches
• Chiefs have kept 6 clean sheets in their last 8 PSL fixtures
• AmaZulu have lost just 1 of their last 5 matches (2 wins, 2 draws)
• AmaZulu have lost just 1 of their last 7 away games vs Chiefs (2 wins, 4 draws)

Verdict

On current form, a Kaizer Chiefs win looks unlikely. AmaZulu are backed to leave with at least a draw in this one.

Best Bet: AmaZulu win/draw double chance at 1.83

High Value Bet: AmaZulu win at 4.75

Alternate Bet: Draw at 3.00