Today, Wednesday August 15, Orlando Pirates will be looking for their first home win in the league. The Buccaneers faced off against Highlands Park in the first encounter for the 2018/19 season where the game ended in a 1-all draw. Milutin Sredojevic’s charges will play host to current log leaders, Bidvest Wits who, since the start of the season, have not lost a league match. Pirates will be without the services of defender Mthokozisi Dube after the player received his marching orders in the previous game against Chippa United.
On the international scene, Chelsea will take on Arsenal on Saturday. The Blues are currently placed second on the EPL log standings, while their opponents are 15th after losing their first encounter against the high-flying Manchester City. Some pundits might say that the Gunners had a tough task tackling the current league champions. They will be looking to overcome their defeat as they take on Chelsea, however after the team’s first three points having been collected over the weekend, their confidence is boosted going into their next fixture.
As we look forward to this week’s round of fixtures, see what SportPesa ambassador, Doctor Khumalo has predicted for the following matches:
Orlando Pirates v Bidvest Wits
“Like I said on the podcast on Soccer Laduma’s website, I think this is going to be a draw. The reason being, Wits were unbelievable in their last game against Kaizer Chiefs. They looked very, very sharp and good. They were going forward very well but the problem with Wits is that they last played a competitive games eight days ago before meeting Pirates. That’s usually a problem because most teams don’t like to go that long without a game when they’re enjoying a good run of momentum. It becomes very difficult for the players to find their rhythm again. With Pirates having lost to SuperSport United in the cup game, they are under pressure to deliver. With those points, I feel this might end as a draw.”
Doc: Draw
Everton v Southampton
“Everton are not an easy side to beat at home, their home ground has become some kind of a slaughterhouse. They’ve assembled a great team and, like I said, they’re not an easy side to beat at home. I think they will win this one.”
Doc: Everton win
Chelsea v Arsenal
“Chelsea have the home advantage and Arsenal have just come from a 2-0 drubbing by Manchester City in their own backyard. From the look of things, I don’t think Arsenal have gelled yet because there are certain loopholes that I have identified from them. Their tactical discipline in terms of defending was questionable against City. Playing against an attacking side like Chelsea, who are also not an easy side to beat at home, I see The Blues winning this one.”
Doc: Chelsea win
FC Torin v AS Roma
“Well, maybe Roma can steal this one not just because they have better players but because they’re one of the strongest teams in Serie A. Torin are not a small team but they don’t have much to hold Roma off. They are one of those teams that try to play for survival.”
Doc: Roma win
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