Orlando Pirates vs Marumo Gallants – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Sea Robbers sit at the top of the table after 11 wins in their last 13 PSL matches. Gallants have won just twice in their last 20 matches.

Orlando Pirates Form

The Sea Robbers have won two domestic trophies this season and sit three points above Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the PSL log. After two straight wins, they scored in extra time to beat Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the Carling Knockout final. They drew 0-0 at Sekhukhune United in their first match after the mid-season break.

Three wins have followed. A 2-0 home win over Magesi saw a 20-4 shot count and 3.33 xG produced. They dominated AmaZulu in a 2-0 away win with an 18-3 shot count. Last Saturday, Bucs had 27 shots at they beat TTM 4-1 in the Nedbank Cup.

Orlando Pirates Team News

Bucs sold key defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the January transfer window. Mpho Chabatsane arrived in defence from Marumo Gallants, but it’s set to be Lebone Seema at the back after serving a ban.

Sipho Mbule and Patrick Maswanganyi both scored off the bench in the last match. With Rele Mofokeng set to return, the former duo may remain amongst the subs.

Orlando Pirates Motivation

Pirates will go all out to win this match. They host Sundowns in midweek and want to go into that key match with a six-point lead.

An attacking approach is expected from coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. He will demand high intensity and plenty of speed to his side’s play.

Marumo Gallants Form

Gallants have won just twice in their last 20 matches in all competitions. They are currently on a run of five straight losses. They suffered a heavy 4-0 loss away to Golden Arrows before a 1-0 loss at Durban City. A Carling Knockout Cup win followed vs Arrows after a penalty shootout.

They drew successive PSL matches 1-1 before losing 1-0 to Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup final. They resumed the season after the AFCON hiatus with four straight losses. A 2-0 defeat at TS Galaxy was followed by a 1-0 home loss to Kaizer Chiefs. They lost 1-0 at home to AmaZulu before a 1-0 Nedbank Cup exit away at TS Galaxy after extra time.

Marumo Gallants Team News

Coach Alexandre Lafitte saw two key men sold in the transfer window. Both defender Mpho Chabatsane and winger Daniel Msendami moved to Orlando Pirates.

Azola Ntsabo has arrived to increase options at left back after his release from Chippa United. Zambian winger Emmanuel Mwiinde and Ivorian forward Romaric Ouattara have been signed to boost the forward areas.

Marumo Gallants Motivation

Gallants play some good football. They will try to be solid, but they won’t park the bus in this match.

A draw at Orlando Stadium would feel like a win. Failing that, they will want to avoid a heavy defeat.

Key Stats

• Pirates have won 11 of their last 13 PSL matches
• Orlando Pirates have kept 7 clean sheets in their last 8 matches
• Marumo Gallants have lost their last 5 matches
• Marumo Gallants have lost their last 4 away matches vs Pirates

Verdict

Based on recent form, there is only one winner here. Pirates are backed to win with a clean sheet and on the -1 handicap.

Best Bet: Orlando Pirates win to zero at 1.90

Alternate Bet: Orlando Pirates win (-1 handicap) at 2.15