Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Bucs have won their last five league meeting with Amakhosi and have scored 27 goals in their last nine league matches.

Orlando Pirates Form

Pirates sit top of the PSL table by one point, though Mamelodi Sundowns have a game in hand. The Sea Robbers have won 18 of their last 23 matches in the league, but two slip-ups in the last five fixtures could cost them the title. A dominant 3-0 win vs Kaizer Chiefs in the first Soweto Derby was followed by a 2-1 win at Polokwane City.

A 2-0 home win vs Richards Bay preceded a 1-1 home draw vs Siwelele despite dominating 27-3 on the shot count. They smashed ten-man TS Galaxy 6-0 before putting up 30 shots in a 5-0 home win over Golden Arrows. A 2-2 draw at Richards Bay needed a late equaliser as they again had 30 shots attempts. Last Saturday, they beat AmaZulu 3-0 with 3.97 xG and eight big chances created.

Orlando Pirates Team News

Bucs remain without midfielder Sihle Nduli for this match. Thalente Mbatha should return to the squad for this one. Evidence Makgopa has scored in four of his last five Soweto Derbies, but did not even make the squad against Usuthu.

Tapelo Xoki is injured at centre back. Deon Hotto will return to the XI after being rested last time out. Nkosikhona Ndaba is set to drop down to the bench at left back.

Orlando Pirates Motivation

Bucs need to win their remaining five matches to keep their title hopes alive. They will be hugely focused and motivated for this match.

Bucs will look to make a fast start. They will attempt to overwhelm Chiefs with their energy and intensity.

Kaizer Chiefs Form

After a dire run of five losses in six matches – which saw Chiefs exit the Nedbank Cup, CAF Confederations Cup and the PSL title race – they are back in very strong form. After a poor display to lose 1-0 at Richards Bay in the league, they bounced back with five straight PSL victories. A 1-0 success at Durban City was followed by a 2-0 home win over Magesi.

Chiefs went to Orbit College and had 74% possession as they came from 1-0 down to win 3-1. A 2-0 home win over TS Galaxy saw Amakhosi allow just one shot on target. They won 4-1 at Magesi, again defending well and allowing just one shot on target. Their last match saw a toothless 0-0 draw at Polokwane City to end their winning streak.

Kaizer Chiefs Team News

Chiefs are expected to recall Inacio Miguel in central defence. Rushwin Dortley remains absent after a year-long battle with knee injuries. Zitha Kwinika will need a late fitness test to determine his involvement.

Siphesihle Ndlovu will return to the starting XI after a rest in the last match. George Matlou is out injured in midfield and Etiosa Ighodaro is doubtful after a long injury absence.

Kaizer Chiefs Motivation

Amakhosi are chasing a top three finish. They will want to end their losing streak in the league to Pirates and may be satisfied with a draw. 

A defensive approach is likely. They need to learn from their recent 3-0 humiliation in the Soweto Derby.

Key Stats

• Orlando Pirates have won 15 of their last 20 matches in all competitions.

• Pirates have kept 13 clean sheets in their last 19 matches.

• Pirates have scored 27 goals in their last 9 PSL matches (3 goals per match).

• Kaizer Chiefs have lost their last 5 league matches vs Pirates.

• Chiefs have lost 3 of their last 6 away matches

Verdict

I see Pirates continuing their recent dominance in the Derby. I’m backing a win with a clean sheet.

Best Bet: Orlando Pirates win at 1.58

Value Bet: Orlando Pirates win to zero at 2.20

Correct Score Bet: Pirates 2-0 Kaizer Chiefs at 5.25