AmaZulu vs Mamelodi Sundowns – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Usuthu sit fifth in the PSL table whilst Masandawana can go top of the table by winning this game in hand.

AmaZulu Form

Arthur Zwane’s side are having an excellent season. Their last 11 matches have yielded eight wins and their home league form is strong – six wins in the last eight. They’re into the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals and have a strong chance of winning that trophy.

A 1-0 win away at Marumo Gallants made it three wins on the bounce. However, they were totally outplayed throughout in a 2-0 home loss to Orlando Pirates. Bucs had 63% possession and outshot Usuthu 18-3. They won 2-1 at Polokwane City after extra time in the Nedbank Cup and won 1-0 at Richards Bay on Friday in the same competition.

AmaZulu Team News

Coach Arthur Zwane has a strong side. He will use his usual 3-4-3 formation in this one. He has three injuries to contend with. Ryan Moon is absent up front but would not have started anyway.

Central midfielders Siyanda Hlangabeza and Bongani Zungu are both out injured. Hendrick Ekstein is a key man with seven goal contributions (four scored, three assisted) in the PSL this season.

AmaZulu Motivation

AmaZulu will play to win at home. They won’t fear an inconsistent Sundowns side.

However, after being outclassed by Pirates, they may feel like a draw is a good result. Zwane could settle for a point in the second half.

Mamelodi Sundowns Form

The Brazilians have won just five of their last 11 matches across three different competitions. They are yet to win three games in a row all season and their away league form has seen points dropped in five of nine road matches (four draws, one loss). They came from 1-0 down to draw 1-1 in Congo vs St Eloi Lupopo.

A must-win CAF Champions League match saw a 2-0 home win over Rhulani Mokwena’s MC Alger with just two shots on target allowed. Sundowns showed their class by winning 2-1 at Orlando Pirates last Wednesday. On Saturday, they made 10 changes to their XI and were beaten 2-0 away by TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup.

Mamelodi Sundowns Team News

Coach Miguel Cardoso made 10 changes on Saturday to his tired-looking team. Very few of his squad players stood up to be counted. For this one, there are four injuries to deal with. Arthur Sales went off injured against MC Alger and remains a doubut.

Keanu Cupido and Zuko Mdunyelwa are injured in defence, whilst Mothobi Mvala is absent. Sundowns are set to revert to their XI from the win over Pirates.

Mamelodi Sundowns Motivation

Downs will be very focused on this match, knowing that a win would send them to the summit. They  will want to ramp up pressure on Orlando Pirates ahead of the Soweto Derby.

Sundowns will try to control the game and protect any lead they may get. It won’t be an open style of play.

Key Stats

• AmaZulu have won 8 of their last 11 matches in all competitions
• AmaZulu have failed to score in 8 of their last 10 matches vs Sundowns
• Sundowns have won 5 of their last 11 matches
• Mamelodi Sundowns have won 10 of their last 14 matches vs AmaZulu

Verdict

The hosts are in better form. However, they have a dire record vs Sundowns and were recently outclassed in a home match by Pirates.

Best Bet: Mamelodi Sundowns win at 1.51

Alternate Bet: Mamelodi Sundowns win to zero at 2.15

Correct Score Tip: AmaZulu 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns at 4.20