PSL Matchday 3 Betting Guide and Stats by OptaJabu

Another bumper weekend in the DSTV Premiership as league football returns after the international break and there are some huge matches to look forward to. OptaJabu has crunched the numbers and gives statistics to inform you on the best betting options for this weekend.

Orlando Pirates v Swallows FC

Pirates are winless in three matches across all competitions (four if you go back to the end of last season). They need the points here, if not to arrest a run of form that has brought them just two wins in the last ten games, then at least to get revenge on a Swallows side that knocked them out of the MTN8 just two weeks ago. Pirates at home used to be a daunting fixture, but less so in the absence of fans. 

They were unlucky to draw against TTM (remember them?) but needed all the fortune and bravery to escape with a draw against Stellenbosch having gone down to 10 men. They drew both matches against Swallows FC last season (who didn’t?), and we’re anticipating another draw.

2 – Only twice in PSL history (2008 and 2014) have Pirates failed to win any of their opening three league matches.

Suggested Bet: Draw

TS Galaxy v Golden Arrows

For all the criticism aimed at Golden Arrows for sitting back after taking the lead against Sundowns in their MTN8 semi-final, one can understand their rationale. Had they held on for another 5 minutes for the 1-0 home win, they would have been favourites to progress to the final. The mood would be totally different, but at this point, Sundowns will still be considered favourites. That said Arrows’ 3-0 win over The Rockets at the end of last season was their biggest win in four years, so the swords could be out again – either way.

3.5 – Arrows’ last three away matches have each seen Over 3.5 goals in total.

Indeed, Arrows have played 12 league matches away from home this year, with six of those seeing Over 3.5 goals.

Suggested Bet: Over 1.5

Value Bet: Over 2.5

Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs – Betting Options by OptaJabu

17:00 – Supersport Utd v Golden Arrows

Maritzburg travel to Baroka on the back of a rather flat start to the season. Middendorp’s men only secured safety on the last day of the previous campaign, and are already making hard work of the new one – they are already rooted at the bottom of the table. The home win looks like a banker here, and The Team Of Choice could be ready for Gift of the Givers memes and banter should they lose a 3rd successive game.

3 – Baroka have won more matches against Maritzburg in the last three seasons than they have against any other team currently in the top-flight (W3 D2 L1).

Yet, Maritzburg have never lost all three games at the start of a season.

Suggested Bet: Baroka win/draw

Value Bet: Baroka to win