Orlando Pirates vs AmaZulu – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Bucs can go top of the table, but Sundowns will have two games in hand. Usuthu have lost eight of their last ten matches vs the Sea Robbers.

Orlando Pirates Form

Pirates have had an incredible PSL season, but two recent slip-ups may cost them the title. They need to win their six remaining matches and hope for Mamelodi Sundowns to drop points in two matches. After losing to Sundowns in the league and being knocked out by Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup, they have five wins and two draws in seven PSL matches.

A resounding 3-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs was followed by a 2-1 win at Polokwane City and a 2-0 home win vs Richards Bay. They dominated 27-3 on the shot count, but could only draw 1-1 at home to Siwelele. They won 6-0 at TS Galaxy after facing ten men for almost the entire match. A 5-0 home win over Golden Arrows saw 30 shots. Their last match saw another 30 shots attempted, but they could only draw 2-2 at Richards Bay.

Orlando Pirates Team News

Bucs have just two injuries to deal with. Sihle Nduli is absent in central midfield and Tapelo Xoki will play no part at centre back. The last two matches have seen unchanged lineups but there could be some changes here after the coach cited fatigue.

Patrick Maswanganyi or Andre de Jong could freshen up the attacking midfield areas. Evidence Makgopa is an option to replace Yanela Mbuthuma in the number nine role.

Orlando Pirates Motivation

Bucs need to win all six of their remaining matches. They may be a bit down after the dropped points last time out.

Pirates will play at a high tempo and look to score plenty of goals. Goal difference could still be a factor in the title race.

AmaZulu Form

Usuthu’s form has been mixed. After losing 2-0 to Pirates in February, they suffered a 1-0 home loss to Mamelodi Sundowns and a 1-0 defeat at Stellenbosch. After a 0-0 home draw vs bottom-placed Magesi, they lost 2-1 to Casric Stars in a Nedbank Cup upset. Since then, they’ve been unbeaten in four matches.

A 2-1 home win over Richards Bay came from just three shots on target. They won 1-0 at Polokwane City despite being outshot 15-4. A 2-2 home draw vs Sekhukhune United saw AmaZulu outshot 21-8. Their last match saw a 1-1 draw at Siwelele. AmaZulu found an equaliser despite being down to ten men at the time.

AmaZulu Team News

Coach Arthur Zwane is a bit short of options up front. Top striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya is injured and both Elmo Kambindu and Ryan Moon have also missed recent matches.

Right wingback Nkosikhona Radebe was sent off against Siwelele and is suspended for this match. Darren Johnson missed the last match so Olwethu Mzimela is on standby to deputise.

AmaZulu Motivation

AmaZulu have been struggling with their performance levels of late. They’re giving up a lot of chances and shots to opponents.

A defensive outlook is expected in this match, similar to what we saw when they faced Sundowns. It will be about fast breaks to try to nick a result.

Key Stats

• Orlando Pirates have won 14 of their last 19 matches in all competitions.
• Orlando Pirates have kept 12 clean sheets in their last 18 matches.
• Pirates have scored 24 goals in their last 8 PSL matches (3 goals per match).
• AmaZulu have lost 8 of their last 10 clashes with Pirates.
• AmaZulu have failed to score in 5 of their last 8 matches vs Pirates.

Verdict

I see Pirates getting back to winning ways. I’m tipping yet another clean sheet for goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. Bucs are worth backing on the -2 handicap to extract some value.

Best Bet: Orlando Pirates win to zero at 1.66

Value Bet: Orlando Pirates win (-2 goal handicap) at 2.80

Correct Score Bet: Pirates 3-0 AmaZulu at 5.50