19 September 2019, by: Leonard Solms

PSL Predictions – Matchday 6

The past week has been a rollercoaster for many PSL clubs. Chippa United, AmaZulu and Black Leopards have all parted ways with their coaches while fans have been treated to two thrilling MTN8 semifinal second legs.

It is now time for league action to return. Saturday will offer viewers a mouthwatering Johannesburg derby in Durban and a fight between two of the early surprise packages in Polokwane. Sunday and Tuesday will also see key games.

As always, we offer our tips for all eight matchday 6 fixtures in what could be a make-or-break gameweek across the PSL.

It’s still early days in the PSL, but both of these teams ought to be worried about the threat of relegation. Lidoda Duvha currently sits in 12th after parting ways with coach Lionel Soccoia whilst Stellies sit 15th ahead of Saturday’s clash at Cape Town Stadium.

Soccoia has been accused of failing to heed advice from other members of his technical team. According to claims by an anonymous source in a KickOff article, this played a significant role in his downfall as Leopards boss.

Stellenbosch have problems of their own having struggled to find the net since the season began. They were on target against Bloemfontein Celtic in their last match but still lost 2-1.

Black Leopards tend to struggle on the road, so Stellies are tipped to clinch this one by the skin of their teeth.

BET NOW: STL v LEO

Chippa are in turmoil following the sacking of Clinton Larsen — arguably one of the most inexplicable moves ever made by chairman Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi. The notoriously trigger-happy Mpengesi has brought in Duran Francis in the interim.

Home advantage at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium could not have come at a better time for strugglers Chippa. They are up against a strong outfit, but one which tends to be somewhat shaky at the back.

Bloem Celtic are nevertheless predicted to take full advantage of the Chilli Boys’ troubles.

BET: CHI v CEL

Masandawana will be eager to bounce back after losing their MTN8 semi-final against SuperSport United. At home to a struggling outfit, they have an ideal opportunity.

Much of the pre-match talk has centred around striker Jeremy Brockie, who recently signed for Maritzburg on loan from Sundowns. However, Eric Tinkler has revealed that he will not be able to play against Masandawana as per the loan agreement.

Fatigue might be an issue for Sundowns, but on familiar territory at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, the defending champions should have the quality to prevail.

BET: PLK v SSU

Masandawana will be eager to bounce back after losing their MTN8 semi-final against SuperSport United. At home to a struggling outfit, they have an ideal opportunity.

Much of the pre-match talk has centred around striker Jeremy Brockie, who recently signed for Maritzburg on loan from Sundowns. However, Eric Tinkler has revealed that he will not be able to play against Masandawana as per the loan agreement.

Fatigue might be an issue for Sundowns, but on familiar territory at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, the defending champions should have the quality to prevail.

BET: SUN v MAR

Bidvest Wits and Orlando Pirates face off at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium in what is arguably the clash of the weekend. Wits are among the early frontrunners in the title race, but the Buccaneers remain in the mix.

Pirates have not had an ideal start to the season, but they have seldom been a team that comes out of the blocks flying in recent years. Now would be a perfect time to get some momentum behind them.

Although this is technically a home game for Wits, they will be playing on unfamiliar territory in Durban as their stadium has to undergo renovations in order to be suitable for big games. This could well hand Pirates the edge.

BET: WIT v PIR

Cape Town City remains an impressive outfit going forward, but they have struggled defensively of late. With Taariq Fielies in line for a possible injury return at the time of writing, they can almost breathe a sigh of relief.

Almost, but not quite. What Fielies cannot do is guarantee that all will go well as soon as he is back in the team. The Citizens appear to have underlying issues and coach Benni McCarthy has repeatedly stressed the need for his players to improve.

Golden Arrows, by contrast, are in good form under Steve Komphela and are backed to pick up the point.

BET: CTC v GA

Highlands Park are on a high after their MTN8 semi triumph, but Baroka have pulled off a few big results already this season — notably a draw with Cape Town City and win over Wits.

Being on home soil at the Peter Mokaba Stadium will play to Bakgaga’s advantage. Wedson Nyirenda’s men are expected to edge the tired Lions of the North.

BET: BAR v HIG

Like Chippa and Black Leopards, Usuthu also have a new coach heading into this encounter. Fortunately for them, it is one with a proven track record in South African football.

Jozef Vukušič masterminded Polokwane City’s fifth-place finish last season, but he starts his new job with a tough task at home to league leaders Kaizer Chiefs.

After losing their last game to Vukušič’s former employers, we are likely to see a backlash from Amakhosi. Usuthu are no easy targets, but Chiefs are backed to claim the win

BET: AMA v CHI

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