All of the big teams are in action including Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chefs and Orlando Pirates this week.
DSTV Premiership is back, OptaJabu combs through the numbers and we come up with the best bets for your multis and bet slips as well as providing value bets.
Kaizer Chiefs v Stellenbosch
It’s a good fixture to ease us into a full week of top-flight football. Many could have predicted that one of these teams would be an early season title challenger a quarter into the season, but few would have predicted that Stellenbosch would be that team. Two years ago when the sides met, Stellies were new to the top-flight sides and Chiefs blew them away 4-0. However, they have drawn each of their last three games (1-1, 0-0 and 2-2), and Stellies are overdue a win in this tie. They are in good form to do just that, except their hosts have rediscovered their mojo as well, winning two on the trot by an aggregate score of 6-1.
Suggested Bet: Kaizer Chiefs win/draw
Orlando Pirates v Sekhukhune
Pirates have already drawn five of their opening eight games this season (Won 2 Lost 1), the most draws for the club at this stage of a PSL season. Their visitors are newly promoted Sekhukhune, who are already punching above their weight in a new league. Among newly promoted sides in the 30-game PSL era, only Swallows last season (18 points) and University of Pretoria (15pts in 2012/13) have won more points at this stage of a season than McDonald Makhubedu’s side (14). A toothless Pirates, with Happy Jele as joint-top scorer may not scare them either.
1 – Pirates have scored Over 1.5 goals only once in their last nine games.
AmaZulu v Marumo Gallants
Two sides who have impressed on the continent, but stumbled locally meet on Wednesday afternoon. Gallants are without a win this season and are perilously close to the relegation zone, which is puzzling given their parallel exploits on the continent. While AmaZulu aren’t involved in the bother of relegation battles, their form is hardly impressive either. Usuthu have won one of seven at home this season, scoring just two open play goals in the process. Their defence has been their saving grace, despite the bluntness up front.
6 – Six goals conceded in the opening 8 league games is AmaZulu’s best defensive start to a PSL season.
Value Bet: Amazulu to win to nil
Cape Town City v Chippa United
Following that ludicrous penalty shootout loss in the MTN8 final, Cape Town City will be looking to rebound immediately on the field. They host a Chippa side who have lost their way since the opening day win over Sekhukhune, failing to win any of the last seven (D4 L3). 10 goals conceded and only two scored under Gavin Hunt is telling, but the rot goes a bit back.
18 – Chippa have not scored Over 1.5 goals in any of their last 18 league games, a run going back to April.
That said City have also won one in six at home, and there could be something here for Hunt’s well rested side.
Suggested bet: CT City win/draw
Mamelodi Sundowns v Maritzburg United
The Brazilians picked up yet another trophy, despite needing a penalty shootout to get past Cape Town City in the MTN8 final with the match ending 1-1 after extra-time. They host Maritzburg, who have won one of the last eight matches away from home (D1 L6). Downs have conceded 11 in the last 11 games in Cup competitions, but their league form (defence wise) is very different. Indeed, they could set a new PSL record this Wednesday (yes another one).
11 – Sundowns are on a run of 10 consecutive clean sheets in the league (a joint PSL record). They could set a new PSL record with a clean sheet on Wednesday.
Suggested Bet: Sundowns to win
Value Bet: Sundowns to win to nil