Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Sea Robbers sit six points clear at the top of the table. Sundowns have stuttered of late but they can move within three points of Bucs with a game in hand.

Orlando Pirates Form

The Sea Robbers lost their opening two league games this season. They’ve since won 12 of 14 PSL matches with two draws. Added to two domestic trophies, Bucs are still in with a shout of a quadruple. They drew 0-0 at Sekhukhune United after the AFCON break.

Four wins have followed as they show great consistency. A 2-0 home win over Magesi saw 3.33 xG produced. They outshot AmaZulu 18-3 in a 2-0 away win. Pirates had 27 shots at they beat TTM 4-1 in the Nedbank Cup before cruising past Marumo Gallants 3-0 on Saturday.

Orlando Pirates Team News

Pirates tend to attack Sundowns in these clashes. They’re four unbeaten vs Downs so belief will be high.

A win extends their lead to nine points. A defeat would see the lead cut to three points having played a match more, and with the Soweto Derby on the horizon.

Orlando Pirates Motivation

Monaco have looked distracted in domestic action. Their focus is on doing well in the Champions League right now, so full focus is on this PSG match.

They know that they need to win this first leg. Next week’s trip to PSG in the second leg will be very tough. They will look to attack and try to exploit PSG’s current defensive issues.

Mamelodi Sundowns Form

The Brazilians have won four of their last nine matches across all competitions. They drew 0-0 away to MC Alger and 1-1 vs Siwelele in the league before the AFCON break. A 2-2 win over Orbit College was straightforward, before drawing 2-2 at home to Al-Hilal in the CAF Champions League.

Their last five matches have seen three wins. They scored two late goals to beat Sekhukhune United 2-0 before a shock 2-1 loss in Rwanda against Al-Hilal. After 2-1 home win over Gomora United in the Nedbank Cup preceded a 1-1 draw in Congo vs St Eloi Lupopo. Downs gave a focused display on Saturday to beat MC Alger 2-0 and progress to the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League.

Mamelodi Sundowns Team News

Coach Miguel Cardoso has four players who are questionable for this match. Keanu Cupido and Zuko Mdunyelwa are injured in defence, but are nearing returns. Bathusi Aubaas is suspended in midfield but he is has only featured once in the last 11 fixtures.

Arthur Sales hobbled off injured against MC Alger but Nuno Santos is back from a ban to replace him. Brayan Leon will lead the line after four goals in his first six appearances following a R 50m move to the club in January.

Mamelodi Sundowns Motivation

Downs will be very focused for this match. A draw would be a decent result as it keeps them in the thick of the title race – this is a must-not-lose clash.

Cardoso’s side plays a patient, low-risk game. They will keep 4-5 men behind the ball to guard against Pirates’ fast counters.

Key Stats

• Pirates have won 12 of their last 14 PSL matches
• Orlando Pirates have kept 8 clean sheets in their last 9 matches
• Sundowns have won 4 of their last 9 matches
• Mamelodi Sundowns are winless in 4 matches vs Pirates (3 draws, 1 loss)

Verdict

Pirates are flying and you can’t see them losing this match. A win for Bucs or a high-scoring draw are the best bets based on form and the stats.

Best Bet: Orlando Pirates win at 2.94

Alternate Bet: Orlando Pirates win/draw double chance & Both Teams to Score at 3.10

High Value Bet: Score Draw at 4.50