Mamelodi Sundowns vs Stellenbosch – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Downs can return to the top of the PSL table with a win here. Stellies have lost six of their last eight clashes with Masandawana.

Mamelodi Sundowns Form

Sundowns have won 10 straight league matches since the AFCON break. They have two games in hand over the current log leaders Orlando Pirates, yet are just two points behind them. The Brazilians reached the CAF Champions League final on Saturday as they look to end a 10-year wait for a second continental crown.

After four straight PSL wins, Downs beat Stade Malien 3-0. A 3-1 league win over Marumo Gallants was followed by a 2-0 loss away to Stade Malien, but they progressed on aggregate. They beat Chippa United 4-1 and Durban City 1-0 away ahead of their tie vs Esperance. Sundowns won 1-0 in Tunisia and 1-0 at home in the second leg to reach a second consecutive CAF Champions League final.

Mamelodi Sundowns Team News

Coach Miguel Cardoso has injuries to Mothobi Mvala, Nuno Santos and Peter Shalulile to deal with. Aubrey Modiba is available after serving a two-match continental ban.

Grant Kekana is available domestically and will start at centre back. There could be starts for Iqraam Rayners and Monnapule Saleng if the team is freshened up in attack.

Mamelodi Sundowns Motivation

Downs know they can go top with a win. They are focused on ending this season with the PSL crown and a ‘second star’ by winning the CAF Champions League.

Cardoso’s side will look to dominate possession and keep a good rest defence structure to stop fast Stellies breaks.

Stellenbosch Form

Stellies have turned their season around since coach Gavin Hunt took over. He oversaw an eight-match unbeaten run in the PSL with four wins and four draws. In all, it’s just one loss in 10 league fixtures with 19 points accrued. They beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 away and dominated AmaZulu in a 1-0 home win. Three straight draws followed.

A 0-0 stalemate at Siwelele was followed by 1-1 draw at home to TS Galaxy and away at Golden Arrows. A 2-1 home win over Chippa United was followed by a 2-1 loss at Richards Bay to end their unbeaten run. They bounced back to beat Sekhukhune United 3-1 in their last match with 2.36 xG, 16 shots and six big chances created.

Stellenbosch Team News

Stellies are without their two Sundowns loanees for this match. Kabomelo Kodisang and Asekho Tiwani will play no part, with Omega Mdaka set to replace the latter at left back.

Wonderboy Makhuba is suspended for this match up-front. Mosa Lebusa missed the last match so Olisa Ndah will partner Thabo Maloisane in defence.

Stellenbosch Motivation

Stellies would take a point from this match. They have a poor record vs Sundowns and would see a draw as being like a win.

Coach Gavin Hunt is set to play quite a compact, defensive setup. His side is likely to only have about 30% possession.

Key Stats

• Sundowns have kept 15 clean sheets in their last 25 home PSL fixtures
• Mamelodi Sundowns have won 24 of their last 25 PSL matches at home
• Mamelodi Sundowns have won 21/25 home PSL matches by 2+ goals margins.
• Stellenbosch have lost just 1 of their last 10 PSL matches (5 wins, 4 draws)
• Stellenbosch have lost 6 of their last 8 matches vs Mamelodi Sundowns

Verdict

Sundowns are tipped to win to nil and to beat the -1 handicap market.

Best Bet: Mamelodi Sundowns win to zero at 1.85

Alternate Bet: Sundowns win (-1 goal handicap) at 1.93

Correct Score Tip: Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Stellenbosch at 4.50