Richards Bay vs Mamelodi Sundowns – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The hosts are unbeaten in seven home PSL matches. However, Sundowns have won all 10 of their previous meetings against the Natal Rich Boyz.

Richards Bay Form

Richards Bay have been inconsistent in recent months. After a four-match unbeaten run in the PSL, they lost 3-0 at then bottom-placed Chippa United. They could only draw 0-0 at Orbit College before a fine performance to beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at home. Three straight league losses followed, losing 2-0 at Orlando Pirates and 2-1 at AmaZulu.             

A 1-0 loss at Durban City came next. They’ve since picked up some fine results. They put up 2.01 xG in a 2-1 home win over Stellenbosch. A 2-2 home draw vs Orlando Pirates came despite being outshot 30-6. They conceded 2.22 xG in their last match, but still managed to eke out a 1-0 win at struggling TS Galaxy.

Richards Bay Team News

Left back Sbani Khumalo has missed the last two matches, so Thembela Sikhakhane could deputise in that role. Namibian midfielder Baggio Nashixwa has started the last three matches and has impressed.

Lundi Mahala is set to play up front, with Gabadinho Mhango out injured and Knox Mutizwa released early from his contract. Left winger Thulani Gumede has two goals and two assists in his last seven matches.

Richards Bay Motivation

A defensive approach is expected from Richards Bay. They will sit back and look to use fast counters to relieve the pressure.

A draw would be a fine result from this match. Even at 1-0 down, they could bide their time and try to nick a late equaliser.

Mamelodi Sundowns Form

Sundowns dropped points in their last match, to end a 10-match winning streak in the PSL. They sit second in the table, but have a game in hand on Orlando Pirates. The Brazilians won four straight league matches before beating Stade Malien 3-0 at home in their CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg. A 3-1 league win over Marumo Gallants followed.

Downs lost 2-0 away to Stade Malien but they progressed 3-2 on aggregate. Miguel Cardoso’s side beat Chippa United 4-1 and won 1-0 at Durban City. A fine 1-0 win in Tunisia followed at Esperance despite being outshot 17-7. They won 1-0 in the return leg to reach the CAF Champions League final. On Wednesday, they conceded a late penalty to drop points at home in a 1-1 draw vs Stellenbosch.

Mamelodi Sundowns Team News

Coach Miguel Cardoso is without centre back Mothobi Mvala, attacking midfielder Nuno Santos and striker Peter Shalulile to deal with. Miguel Reisinho is an injury doubt in midfield.

There could be some changes to the starting XI. Khulumani Ndamane may pay the price for his error in midweek with Keanu Cupido taking his place. Jayden Adams is set for a recall in midfield.

Mamelodi Sundowns Motivation

Downs know they have to win this match. However, they will have one eye on the Soweto Derby to see if Pirates beat Chiefs in the earlier kickoff on Sunday.

Sundowns will dominate possession in this match. They will try to score early and will look to kill the game off – something they failed to do in midweek.

Key Stats

• Richards Bay have lost their last 10 matches vs Sundowns
• Richards Bay are unbeaten in 7 home PSL matches (4 draws, 3 wins)
• Sundowns have won 10 of their last 11 PSL matches
• Sundowns have won their last 3 matches vs Richards Bay by 3+ goal margins

Verdict

Sundowns tend to win this fixture with ease. I see a win to zero and on the -2 handicap.

Best Bet: Mamelodi Sundowns win to zero at 2.25

High Value Bet: Mamelodi Sundowns Win (-2 goal handicap) at 5.00

Correct Score Tip: Richards Bay 0-3 Mamelodi Sundowns at 9.00