PSL Betting Notebook: Black Friday Weekend

While shoppers hunt for Black Friday bargains this weekend, PSL teams will be shopping for three points across five matches this weekend. And there is a possibility that one of the teams might bag the biggest deal of all – top spot on the table. Indeed, we may have a new leader by Saturday afternoon, with Orlando Pirates traveling to KZN to face Durban City in the early kickoff, knowing a draw or win takes them top. Elsewhere, it’s Polokwane City versus TS Galaxy and Siwelele v Chippa later on Saturday, before Marumo Gallants and Magesi lock horns on Sunday. Betting Notebook is a statistical betting guide.

Durban City (7th) v Orlando Pirates (2nd)

Pirates have a chance to go top of the PSL standings when they take on Gavin Hunt’s Durban City. As far as form is concerned, Pirates enjoy the upper hand in this one. This will be their 20th game since losing against Marumo Gallants in August, and they have lost once in all competitions (P19 W15 D3 L1). Their hosts meanwhile have won just one of their last five matches across competitions. The odds reflect this, with Pirates (59% implied win probability significantly higher than City’s 19%). That said, City have been hard to beat at home – one loss in seven home games, thanks to an 88th minute conceded goal. Like he did against Chiefs, Gavin Hunt will look to frustrate Pirates here, but it will be tough going.

25/27 – Pirates have won 25 of the last 27 points they’ve played for (P9 W8 D1 L0), their best points tally over a 9-game spell in PSL history.

You can bet on a  Pirates win or draw

You can be on Under 2.5 goals

Polokwane City (8th) v TS Galaxy (6th)

Goals are raining at TS Galaxy this season, whose 18-goal haul is one below the two top scoring teams in the league. But on Saturday, they visit a Polokwane City team that hardly gives anything away. City’s five clean sheets may not be the best record, but they have conceded just seven goals this season. Since the start of the year, only Sundowns(16) & Pirates (20) have conceded fewer goals among teams who have been in the league all year. This has “low scoring” written all over, moreso when you consider the last 3 games between these sides: 1-0, 1-1 & 0-0. The bookies are also split – Polokwane (2.4/1 to win) are slight favourites, but Galaxy’s 3/1 may be worth backing, if you reckon they can knick a 1-0 smash & grab.

1 – Since the start of last season, only one team has scored Over 1.5 away to Polokwane (20 games).

You can bet on a draw

You can bet on Under 1.5 goals for TS Galaxy

Marumo Gallants (11th) v Magesi (15th)

There is a hint of irony in that the 2025 Carling Cup finalists meet the 2024 Carling Cup finalists a week before the 2025 Carling Cup final. On paper, this looks like a low concern game, but there is a bit riding on this. Marumo will be desperate to gain some momentum ahead of the final, but they are winless in four games (L2 D2). Magesi are equally desperate to get out of the relegation zone, having been sucked back in during the week. Yet, they are also stuck in a rut, with no wins in three, but will be well aware they are facing the only team without a clean sheet this season. The odds are slightly on Marumo’s side for this one, and a lot of that has to do with the teams’ contrasting form depending on where they play.

1 – Magesi have won just one of nine away games this season (P9 W1 D2 L6), while Marumo are unbeaten at home all season (P6 W3 D3 L0).

You can bet on Marumo win or draw

You can bet on both teams to score