Chiefs have made a good start to the season, as have Sundowns despite their disruptive preseason. History suggests Sundowns will take the points and I am leaning that way, too.
Key Stats - Tight Contest Expected
- Kaizer Chiefs have lost 5 of their last 8 matches vs Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Kaizer Chiefs have failed to score in 3 of their last 4 PSL matches vs Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Mamelodi Sundowns have won 14 of their last 18 PSL matches.
- Mamelodi Sundowns have kept 7 clean sheets in their last 13 matches.
Sundowns Lead H2H against Chiefs
Mamelodi Sundowns have won 24 of their 55 matches against Chiefs while 13 draws have occured. Chiefs have won 18 times.
Chiefs in Strong League Form
Kaizer Chiefs have won eight of their last 13 league matches. Whilst they suffered a cup exit last weekend, they’ve won both PSL matches and sit top of the table.
They ended last season with a 1-0 win at AmaZulu before a 1-0 home defeat to Chippa United as they started several younger players. This term began with a 3-1 win at Kruger United in the PSL.
A 1-0 home loss to Golden Arrows followed in the MTN8 quarter-finals despite a 21-7 shot count. In midweek, two second-half goals sealed a 2-0 home victory over Sekhukhune United.
Sundowns have Won their Opening Two Games of the Season
Sundowns dropped points in four of their final seven matches last season. They ended off the campaign by lifting the CAF Champions League crown.
The Brazilians beat AS FAR Rabat 2-1 on aggregate, winning 1-0 at home in the first leg before drawing 1-1 in the second leg. The new season began with a 3-2 win vs Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-finals after extra time.
Their last match brought a 3-2 win at TS Galaxy. Sundowns scored two very late goals to rescue a slightly undeserved victory on the night.
Predicted Lineups & News
Kaizer Chiefs (4-2-3-1): Petersen; Monyane, Kwinika, Miguel, Frosler; Ndlovu, Maboe; Vilakazi, Baartman, Phili; Da Silva.
Striker Flavio Da Silva is fit and available for this game. Attacking midfielder Ethan Chislett is carrying a knock whilst first-choice number ten Mduduzi Shabalala is still being eased back into action after surgery.
Defender Rushwin Dortley is out injured. In attack, Luke Baartman will hope to play in support of Da Silva after the teenager scored his first Chiefs goal in midweek.
Mamelodi Sundowns (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Johannes, Kekana, Modiba; Allende, T. Mokoena; Van Wyk, Santos, Matthews; Leon.
Sundowns are without winger Monnapule Saleng for this match after an internal suspension. Attacking midfielder Arthur Sales is also ruled out.
Centre back Keanu Cupido is unavailable after surgery. Teboho Mokoena and Grant Kekana are set to start in midfield and defence respectively after playing no part in the midweek victory.