The action in the Premier Soccer League has every South African football lover on the edge of their seats! From the title race at the top of the log standings to the fight for a Top Eight spot as well as the relegation battle at the other end, no one can predict what is going to happen, come the end of the current season.
Owen Da Gama's Highland's Park will host the struggling Baroka FC, who since winning the Telkom Knockout title have failed to collect maximum points in the league and will be in serious trouble if they do not register a win away in Makhulong this weekend.
Former Kaizer Chiefs right back, Isaac Mabotsa has given us his predictions on the following league matches. Do you agree with his choices?
Crystal Palace v Brighton (English Premier League)
Match 1 Soccer 6 Pool March 9 S6 V1 P1
League Rankings: Crystal Palace 13th Brighton 15th
Useful facts: Only three points separate the two sides in the bottom side of the league table, with Brighton having a game in hand. That makes a win for the visitors all the more important in their aim of moving up and escaping relegation territory. When it comes to goals scored and conceded, not much separates the two teams, which is why a draw could be the likeliest result. However, the home side seems to be favourites to edge it on the basis of home ground advantage. The last time the two clubs met, in April, 10-men Brighton won 3-1.
Isaac Mabotsa: Draw
Highlands Park v Baroka FC (Premier Soccer League)
Match 2 Soccer 6 Pool March 9 S6 V1 P1
League Rankings: Highlands Park 9th Baroka FC 13th
Useful facts: Highlands Park have collected one out of a possible nine points in their last three league games and that does not augur well for their ambitions to finish inside the Top Eight bracket in their first season back in the top flight. Playing at home, against what appears to be a hapless Baroka FC side at present, maximum points is what they will be gunning for. Head coach Owen da has time and time again bemoaned his charges' failure to put away the chances they create, and Saturday's game presents them with an opportunity to right their wrongs. For the visitors, time is running out and they could be in serious trouble if they fail to register a win at Makhulong Stadium. Pressure is certainly mounting on Wedson Nyirenda, who will be out to avoid the unwelcome spectre of relegating a team in the same season he helped them win a cup competition.
Isaac Mabotsa: Draw
Polokwane City v Golden Arrows (Premier Soccer League)
Match 3 Soccer 6 Pool March 9 S6 V1 P1
League Rankings: Polokwane City 7th Golden Arrows 10th
Useful facts: This is a fixture between two teams who have been entertaining to watch this season and should be a humdinger for the neutrals. That Polokwane City are currently on the same number of points as giants Kaizer Chiefs, with Jozef Vukusic in his first season in charge, speaks volumes about their progress. Having beaten neighbours Baroka FC 3-1 last weekend, Rise and Shine now turn their attention to Golden Arrows. They will look to none other than evergreen veteran Jabu Maluleke to orchestrate things from the middle of the park and help them secure what would be an important victory. The visitors have been impressive under new mentor Steve Komphela and, despite the 1-0 loss to Orlando Pirates over the weekend, appear to be on track. A win is a must for them in order to close in on a Top Eight position, with so few games remaining this season.
Isaac Mabotsa: Draw
Check out the betting pools here
