The Telkom Knockout final is on our doorstep with just one more day to go until Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium lights up to host the match between Baroka FC and Orlando Pirates. For Bakgaga, their giant-killing mission continues, however, they come up against an in-form Pirates side that is determined to slay any team that crosses their path.
Former Zimbabwean international midfielder, Alois Bunjira was our guest predictor this week and he has chosen who he thinks will walk away with the TKO title and on other fixtures around the world.
Match of the Week
Baroka FC v Orlando Pirates (Telkom Knockout)
Match 3 Soccer 6 Pool 8 December S6 V2 P1
League Rankings: Baroka FC 14th Orlando Pirates 1st (Premier Soccer League)
Useful facts: The giant-killing mission continues for the side from Limpopo, who will hope to be the ones smiling at the end of this Telkom Knockout final after dispatching of the more favoured Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits in the two most recent rounds of the competition. In Orlando Pirates, they are facing a team that has arguably been the most in-form in the league in recent times and who will not want to disappoint their fans, who will no doubt be out in full force. Anything is possible in a cup game, let alone a cup final, and this one is delicately poised. As statistics will show, Bucs are the better team in the last third, plus they have experienced campaigners in key positions on the field and this could be where the tie will be won. However, the dream lives on for Bakgaga and they could produce a miracle of all miracles on Saturday evening!
Alois Bunjira: Pirates win
Bournemouth v Liverpool (English Premier League)
Match 1 Soccer 6 Pool 8 December S6 V2 P1
League Rankings: Bournemouth 9th Liverpool 2nd
Useful facts: Liverpool will look to continue with their near-perfect start to the season and keep up with their unbeaten run so far this campaign when they visit Bournemouth. This match, of course, is preceded by a potential banana skin for Jurgen Klopp's charges against lowly placed Burnley FC on Wednesday night, a match they are expected to win comfortably. Bournemouth will be tricky customers, though, as, despite their log position of the ninth place, they have scored 23 goals in 14 goals. They will also be wary of falling to yet another giant, after losing to Arsenal and then Manchester City in their last two games. The last time the two sides met, back in April this year, the Reds thrashed the Cherries 4-0.
Alois Bunjira: Liverpool win
Leicester v Tottenham (English Premier League)
Match 6 Soccer 6 Pool 8 December S6 V2 P1
League Rankings: Leicester 8th Tottenham 5th
Useful facts: For Tottenham so far this season, there is no room for a draw – in the 14 league games played, they have won 10 and lost four. And definitely, against Leicester City on Saturday evening, the only thing on the Lilywhites' minds will be a victory to keep them within touching distance of the log leaders. Another reason why a win would be key for Tottenham is that it would be a good morale boost ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League group stages match against Barcelona. Harry Kane, who continues with his rich scoring form with each passing game, will be vital upfront. Leicester have conceded just one goal in their last four games and could be further boosted by the return of key centre-back Harry Maguire, who has been recovering from injury. True to their resilience, Claude Puel's charges will fancy an upset, especially in front of their home fans. The last time the two teams met, in a pulsating encounter back in May this year, Tottenham came out 5-4 winners, with Kane grabbing a brace and Jamie Vardy also scoring twice.
Alois Bunjira: Tottenham win
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