Soweto Derby Prediction: Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates – Who Will Win?
CRUNCH CLASH Get ready for the Soweto Derby as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates face off in a tactical Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium, with both teams eager to bounce back from recent defeats. Picture: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
The Soweto Derby is the most anticipated match in South African football, and just who will come away victorious in the Betway Premiership clash between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday at FNB Stadium remains to be seen.
Kick-off is at 3 p.m.
Pirates, though they were dealt a massive blow to their title challenge in midweek with the shock 1-0 loss to Sekhukhune United, will be hoping to bounce back against their old foes.
For Chiefs, they too lost in their previous outing in a 2-1 league defeat to Marumo Gallants over the weekend.
Impact of Chiefs' Defeat and Pirates' Title Hopes in Jeopardy
For Amakhosi, the loss was probably not quite as big a surprise as they have struggled all season long, as their ninth position in the table indicates.
Before their loss on Wednesday, Pirates would have been considered heavy favourites for the match against Chiefs. Now it will be difficult to get back up from the result that provided a sucker punch to their title ambitions.
Pirates are now 12 points behind the table-topping Mamelodi Sundowns. Even with two games in hand over Sundowns, it’s difficult to see Pirates closing that gap in their final nine games of the season which will come thick and fast.
Pirates coach José Riveiro will have nothing left to prove in the league as another second-place finish behind Sundowns has become the most likely result.
As for Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, a win will be something he and his charges will desperately seek.
However, with both sides clashing again just a week later in the Nedbank Cup final, it will mean the league encounter will probably become a rather tactical affair.
Neither side will want to risk too much for fear of losing, and that’s why I firmly believe we’re in for a goalless draw.
The Soweto Derby often fails to deliver fireworks, and this match has all the ingredients for a match that could soon be forgotten.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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