This weekend, the KwaZulu-Natal derby between AmaZulu FC and Golden Arrows will see two Durban-based teams in search of much-needed points in the league.
Usuthu go into this fixture on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Black Leopards, while Abafana Bes'thende walked away with a point in their two-all draw with log leaders, Bidvest Wits.
Who will end the first half of the season with bragging rights?
See who former Zimbabwean international footballer, Alois Ngwerume, has picked to bag the three points!
Match of the Week
AmaZulu v Golden Arrows (Premier Soccer League)
Match 2 Soccer 6 Pool 22 December S6 V1 P1
League Rankings: AmaZulu 11th Golden Arrows 10th
Useful facts: Derby games are do-or-die affairs by their nature, and they don't come any better than the Durban Derby between two teams in desperate need of points. AmaZulu were docked some (six to be exact) by FIFA and were on an incredible three-game winning streak before losing to Black Leopards last weekend. Cavin Johnson's men will therefore want to go back to winning ways and will be looking to none other than Emiliano Tade and veteran Siyabonga Nomvethe to do the business in front of goal. On the other side, Golden Arrows cannot be taken lightly, especially after holding Bidvest Wits in their last game. A win for Clinton Larsen's side could see them getting into the Top Eight bracket, which would be a welcome prospect at the halfway mark of the season. The general consensus is that this game has goals in it... it's just not known who will walk away with the precious victory on Saturday!
Alois Ngwerume: Draw
Cape Town City v Bloemfontein Celtic (Premier Soccer League)
Match 3 Soccer 6 Pool 22 December S6 V1 P1
League Rankings: Cape Town City 9th Bloemfontein Celtic 7th
Useful facts: Benni McCarthy's lads will be out to finish the first round of the season on a positive note in front of their home fans. Cape Town City have only won three games at home so far this season and Saturday presents a perfect chance for them to add to their wins tally in the Mother City. Bloemfontein Celtic, who lost to Highlands Park on Monday, will however not hand them a victory on a silver platter. After starting the season on a high note despite their off-field issues, Siwelele's recent results suggests the team is on a downward spiral and Steve Komphela will be out to arrest the slide and avoid slipping down the log.
Alois Ngwerume: Cape Town City win
Maritzburg United v Baroka FC (Premier Soccer League)
Match 6 Soccer 6 Pool 22 December S6 V1 P1
League Rankings: Maritzburg United 15th Baroka FC 16th
Useful facts: Following the euphoria of the Telkom Knockout triumph, Baroka FC came crashing down to Mother Earth with a loss to Bidvest Wits in their penultimate game of the first round of the season. With each passing round, the spectre of relegation is looking ever more likely for the Limpopo-based outfit and they need to start collecting points as in yesterday. A win against Maritzburg United is, therefore, non-negotiable, although it's going to be tough seeing the Team of Choice are in the same predicament. Whispers in the corridors of the Pietermaritzburg-based club are that Fadlu Davids is a man living on borrowed time and collecting all three points on Saturday would definitely ease the pressure and ensure he has a comfortable Christmas. The two sides are equal on points, with Maritzburg having a game in hand, and a draw will aid neither of the two teams' cause.
Alois Ngwerume: Maritzburg United win
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