Polokwane City vs Mamelodi Sundowns – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The hosts have lost just two of 13 home PSL matches this season. Sundowns have dropped points in successive matches, but can go top of the table by winning this game in hand.

Polokwane City Form

Polokwane City are a tough team to beat. Their last 14 matches have seen eight draws and just two defeats. Their 13 home matches in the league have seen just two losses, albeit with a paltry 10 goals scored. After successive league draws, they won 2-0 at Magesi. A 2-1 home loss followed to Orlando Pirates as they allowed 29 shots and 3.69 xG.    

A 0-0 draw at Sekhukhune United preceded a 1-0 home loss to AmaZulu. They went to struggling TS Galaxy and won 2-1 before a well-deserved 1-1 draw at Chippa United. Polokwane showed their ability to nullify good teams in a 0-0 home draw vs Kaizer Chiefs. On Sunday, they scored in added time to grind out a 1-0 home win over Stellenbosch.

Polokwane City Team News

Coach Phuti Mohafe has selected the same XI for the last two matches. He has a small, tight-knit squad. Bulelani Nikani is injured at centre back, so Edwin Ramaja is set to deputise once again.

Zimbabwean midfielder Juan Mutudza will start once again. Thabang Matuludi is the key man from right back, whilst Ndamulelo Maphangule and Manuel Kambala provide a strong defensive base in midfield.

Polokwane City Motivation

A draw from this game would be a great result. They will set out to deny Sundowns time and space.

A physical defensive plan is expected. They will look to man mark in certain areas and use their physical size on set pieces.

Mamelodi Sundowns Form

Sundowns strung together a 10-match winning streak in the league, but have since dropped points in successive fixtures. The title race is still in their hands if they win this game in hand. A 3-1 win vs Marumo Gallants was followed by a 4-1 win vs Chippa United and a 1-0 victory at Durban City.

They were somewhat fortunate to win 1-0 away in Tunisia vs Esperance, but they won 1-0 in the second leg to reach a second successive CAF Champions League final. Two shock draws have followed. They conceded a late penalty to draw 1-1 at home to Stellenbosch before playing out a 0-0 draw at Richards Bay on Sunday.

Mamelodi Sundowns Team News

Coach Miguel Cardoso saw Arthur Sales go off injured in the last game. Fellow number ten Nuno Santos is also injured, as is prolific striker Brayan Leon. Miguel Reisinho is ruled out in midfield.

Mothobi Mvala is absent in defence. This match should see Grant Kekana and Teboho Mokoena recalled to the starting XI.

Mamelodi Sundowns Motivation

Downs seemed to take their foot off the gas in their last match, perhaps having seen Pirates slip up in the earlier fixture.

They have to refocus themselves as only a win will do in this fixture.

Key Stats

• Polokwane have lost 2 of their last 4 home matches (1 loss in 9 before that)
• Polokwane City have failed to score in 3 of their last 6 matches
• Sundowns have won 11 of their last 12 PSL matches
• Sundowns’ last 8 meetings with Polokwane have seen them keep 7 clean sheets

Verdict

I see Sundowns keeping a clean sheet and winning this match.

Best Bet: Mamelodi Sundowns win to zero at 2.10

Alternate Bet: Mamelodi Sundowns Win (-1 goal handicap) at 2.50