Betway Premiership Preview: Kaizer Chiefs Aim for Top Spot

Image by Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images

The stakes are high in tonight’s Betway Premiership action, with Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu all chasing a decisive victory as they look to dethrone defending champions Orlando Pirates at the summit of the standings. Meanwhile, Golden Arrows are searching for their first league win of the campaign, while Polokwane City will be aiming to return to winning ways against Milford.

Here is our preview, predictions and betting odds on the Lucky Fish platform.

31/10 Richards Bay | Draw 16/10 | Kaizer Chiefs 21/20

Chiefs come into this one with the stronger overall momentum, having begun the season with back-to-back wins and a draw against Sundowns. Fernando Da Cruz will be eyeing another victory to keep the pressure on Orlando Pirates, who are currently topping the log standings.

On the other hand, Richards Bay could make life difficult for Amakhosi. They are capable of keeping games tight, and Chiefs may need patience to break them down. I expect Chiefs to have the better chances, but I don't see a high-scoring game, with their target man, Flavio da Silva, a major doubt for this clash. My prediction is Kaizer Chiefs to win 1–0.

2/7 Mamelodi Sundowns | Draw 38/10 | AmaZulu 10/1

Sundowns have started the season strongly and are yet to taste a league defeat. They will be looking to make amends after being stunned by Golden Arrows 1-0 in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final on Sunday.

They should have enough quality to control the game, particularly at home, despite a number of their stars being sidelined due to injuries; squad depth has never been a problem for the African champions.

AmaZulu have also made a strong start; their 1-1 draw against Pirates showed their determination to compete for the league title. So, I don't expect an easy match, but Sundowns should create more opportunities and have enough attacking quality to take the points or at least be held to a draw. I predict a draw.

33/20 Golden Arrows | Draw 31/20 | Stellenbosch 2/1

This looks like a much tighter contest as both teams are coming from emphatic victories and will be highly motivated to stay on the winning lane. Arrows have struggled to find the back of the net so far, but have also managed to keep clean sheets across all three matches, while Stellenbosch have shown more attacking threat following their 3-1 win over Gallants.

However, I don't expect either side to take too many risks early on. This has the feel of a low-scoring match, so under 2.5 goals is my preferred selection. For the result, I would favour Stellenbosch or a draw, with 0–1 or 0–0 my two most likely scorelines.

11/10 Polokwane City | Draw 31/20 | Milford FC 31/10

Milford have made a promising start following their two consecutive wins and shouldn't be underestimated. They have shown that they can compete at this level, but Polokwane have home advantage and should be more comfortable playing on their own ground. City will be looking to turn the tide following a terrible start to their campaign.

I expect Polokwane to have more of the game but Milford to cause problems on the counter. I'm leaning towards Milford to win 2–1, although a draw is also possible.