Mamelodi Sundowns vs Sekhukhune United – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Downs have won the last seven clashes between these clubs.

Mamelodi Sundowns Form

The Brazilians have won six of their last 12 fixtures across all competitions. A 2-2 draw at home to Al-Hilal in the CAF Champions League was followed by a 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United with two late goals. A 2-1 loss away vs Al-Hilal was followed by a 2-1 home win over Gomora United in the Nedbank Cup.

A 1-1 draw in Congo vs St Eloi Lupopo meant they had to beat MC Alger 2-0 to progress to the CAF Champions League knockout rounds. A 2-1 win at Orlando Pirates was a huge result in the title race. They made ten changes in a 2-0 Nedbank Cup loss to TS Galaxy but bounced back to win 1-0 at AmaZulu on Tuesday with 29 shots.

Mamelodi Sundowns Team News

Coach Miguel Cardoso is without two attackers in Monnapule Saleng and Arthur Sales. Defenders Keanu Cupido, Mothobi Mvala and Zuko Mdunyelwa are all injured in defence.

Bathusi Aubaas is injured in the engine room and Thapelo Morena hurt his groin in midweek. Nuno Santos and Marcelo Allende could be recalled to the starting XI.

Mamelodi Sundowns Motivation

Downs are fully focused on winning this match. They will know if Orlando Pirates won the day before vs Kaizer Chiefs.

Cardoso’s side will look to dominate possession and control counter attacks. They know they will face a low block in this one, and will have to be patient and persistent.

Sekhukhune United Form

Sekhukhune United had a slump which saw just seven points picked up across nine PSL matches. They’ve bounced back to win four straight matches across the league and Nedbank Cup. Despite being outshot 21-8, they secured a 1-0 win at Magesi. A 1-0 home defeat to Stellenbosch preceded a 0-0 draw vs Orlando Pirates and a late 2-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.

They fought hard to win 1-0 away at TS Galaxy in the league. A 1-0 win followed away at Highbury in the Nedbank Cup round of 32. Babina Noko secured a 2-0 home win over Orbit College before narrowly being AmaTuks 1-0 away in Saturday’s Nedbank Cup last-16.

Sekhukhune United Team News

Coach Eric Tinkler is without right back Tsepo Matsimbi and midfielder Linda Mntambo. Lehlohonolo Mojela will miss this match due to suspension.

Bright Ndlovu will return in defence. Bradley Grobler is available to start up front in place of Mojela. Keletso Makgalwa may have to settle for a place on the bench after falling out of favour in recent weeks.

Sekhukhune United Motivation

Sekhukhune have beaten Pirates and also drawn vs Bucs. They nearly took a draw in the last meeting vs Sundowns.

There will be belief that they can get a result in this one. A low block is expected with around 30% possession, and they’d settle for a draw here.

Key Stats

• Sundowns have won 6 of their last 12 matches
• Mamelodi Sundowns have their last 7 matches vs Sekhukhune (4 clean sheets)
• Sekhukhune have won their last 2 PSL matches (1 win in 9 PSL matches before that)
• Sekhukhune have failed to score in 3 of their last 5 league matches

Verdict

Sundowns are set to dominate this game. They may need a second-half goal to secure the three points. I’m backing a 1-0 victory.

Best Bet: Mamelodi Sundowns win to zero at 1.95

Correct Score Tip: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Sekhukhune United at 3.95