Marumo Gallants vs Kaizer Chiefs – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Amakhosi have kept 10 clean sheets in 14 league matches but have scored just 14 goals from 22.1 xG created.

Marumo Gallants Form

Gallants are winless in seven matches in all competitions and have tasted victory just twice in 17 fixtures. A 4-0 league thrashing at Golden Arrows with ten men, was followed by a 1-0 defeat at Durban City. A 2-2 draw vs Arrows and a win on penalties followed in the Carling Knockout semi-final.

Successive league draws saw them twice come from 1-0 down at home to both Sekhukhune United and Magesi. Marumo took Orlando Pirates to extra time in the Nedbank Cup final but lost 1-0 in the 105^th minute as they were outshot 23-7. Last Wednesday, they lost 2-0 at TS Galaxy as the Rockets put up 2.41 xG.

Marumo Gallants Team News

Marumo Gallants have sold Mpho Chabatsane to Orlando Pirates. Azola Ntsabo has been signed to take his place as a left-footed defender.

Daniel Msendami also departed for Pirates with Msendisi Kunene signed as a replacement. Diminutive midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo may again be used as a false nine.

Marumo Gallants Motivation

A defensive outlook is expected from the hosts. They will look to frustrate Chiefs by using a compact defensive shape.

A draw from this match would be a fine result. Marumo have beaten Orlando Pirates this season and drawn with Mamelodi Sundowns, so belief will be strong.

Kaizer Chiefs Form

Chiefs have lost just one of their last 15 matches across three different competitions. After successive league wins, they lost 2-1 away to Al Masry in their CAF Confederations Cup opener. A late own goal rescued a 1-1 draw at home to Zamalek on matchday two. They went into the AFCON break with two draws.

A 0-0 stalemate at Chippa United saw 17 shots and 2.04 xG produced. Another 0-0 draw followed at TS Galaxy as they outshot their opponents 26-2 in a frustrating match. The season resumed with a 1-0 win over Golden Arrows with an offside winner, before winning 1-0 in Zambia at Zesco United. Amakhosi scored from their only shot on target in the 2^nd minute of the match.

Kaizer Chiefs Team News

Co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef may consider rotating their XI. They face Zesco United in a must-win match on Sunday. Bradley Cross, George Matlou and Sibongiseni Mthethwa are out injured.

Gaston Sirino is training again, but this match may come too soon for him to feature. If the side is rotated, there could be starts for Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, Glodi Lilepo and even young midfielder Thulani Mabaso.

Kaizer Chiefs Motivation

Chiefs need a win from this match. They began this week just two points off the summit and a win is needed to keep pace.

They will look to dominate possession in their usual 3-box-3 setup.

Key Stats

• Gallants have lost 4 of their last 7 matches
• Marumo Gallants have failed to score in their last 2 matches
• Chiefs have won 5 of their last 9 matches
• Kaizer Chiefs have kept 4 clean sheets in their last 4 fixtures
• These sides have drawn 1-1 in 3 of their last 5 meetings

Verdict

This is set to be a tight match. A low-scoring draw or narrow Amakhosi win are the most likely outcomes. Chiefs could keep yet another clean sheet.

Best Bet: Kaizer Chiefs win at 2.00

Alternate Bet: Kaizer Chiefs clean sheet at 2.05