SportPesa ambassador, Doctor Khumalo throws his weight behind some of the biggest local and international matches this week. This includes PSL and English Premier League fixtures.
Providing analysis and insight is just as important a tool as the game itself. With that said, Doc will give his expert opinion on the prediction of upcoming fixtures, for you to make more informed decisions! Make sure you scroll through all the infographics above to get an idea of team form which can also help you when making your predictions.
Maritzburg United v Highlands Park
This isn’t going to be an easy game for Maritzburg following their loss to Golden Arrows in the opening game. You might be wondering why I’m saying that when Highlands also lost their opening game to Kaizer Chiefs. Well, Highlands scored two goals while Maritzburg are yet to find the back of the net and that will definitely count, even though both teams lost their first games. I believe Highlands will go into this game in a much better space that United, which is why I believe Coach Owen da Gama’s charges will put one over Coach Eric Tinkler’s team.
Soccer Laduma tip: This will be tight affair as both sides lost during the weekend, but Highlands Park appear more confident due to their abilityscore goals. Maritzburg, although a good team to watch, seem to lack the killer instinct. This was the case in their match against Golden Arrows. We have to go with Doc on this one.
Polokwane City v AmaZulu
City enjoyed a great start to the new campaign by beating Black Leopards in the Limpopo derby while AmaZulu were disappointingly hammered 3-0 by Bidvest Wits, in their own backyard. If you concede three unanswered goals at home then, surely, something is not right. It is never easy for anyone to go to Thohoyandou stadium and come back with maximum points but City did just that. You also look at the fact that whenever a team loses the way Usuthu did, they are usually tempted to make changes and that makes them either vulnerable or dangerous to play. Having said that, I will give this one to City.
Soccer Laduma tip: After AmaZulu`s awful defensive display, it’s clear that Coach Cavin Johnson has his work cut out, starting from current number one, Moeneeb Josephs. The Durbanites look seriously vulnerable and Polokwane City, who in contrast, looked solid and organised against Black Leopards, could take advantage. We’ll go with Doc on this one.
Kaizer Chiefs v Black Leopards
Look, this game came too soon for Kaizer Chiefs and I know some people will be surprised to hear that. Yes, they might have beat Highlands Park 3-2 last weekend, with Leopards also losing their Limpopo derby against Polokwane City however, if you follow these two teams’ clashes Leopards always seem to get it right against Chiefs. I really don’t know why but that’s been happening a lot. Whether they lost or drew their game before facing Chiefs, Leopards just seem to know what to do against Chiefs. They beat Chiefs at FNB last season and I think this one will be a draw.
Soccer Laduma tip: We’ll go with Doc on this one. Although Kaizer Chiefs won their first game via an Eric Mathoho deflection, the Glamour Boys didn’t look particularly convincing. With the pace that Leopards have on the break with the likes of Thabo Matlaba, a stalemate looks the most likely result.
Manchester United v Chelsea
Another game that I think came too soon. This isn’t going to be easy at all and with Chelsea having lost a couple of influential players, including Eden Hazard who recently joined Real Madrid, I think it is going to take them a while to get settled. That was a boy that made things happen for the club and it remains to be seen what impact his departure will have. However, I think Man United will grab this one and run with it.
Soccer Laduma tip: Chelsea look fresher than Manchester United. The likes of Christian Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi and co could really pose a threat to United. In contrast, the Red Devils don’t look like a unit. And with the Lukaku issue failing to subside, Lampard’s men seem to be in a better place mentally. Chelsea to win this titan clash.
