Kaizer Chiefs Bernard Parker

Bernard Parker is coming to the end of his current Kaizer Chiefs contract and at 35 years of age he has made a HUGE decision on his career. ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs starting XI prediction: DStv Premiership vs Chippa United

Here we look at how Kaizer Chiefs might line up in the DStv Premiership clash against Chippa United on Saturday 16 October.

Kaizer Chiefs Bernard Parker

Bernard Parker is coming to the end of his current Kaizer Chiefs contract and at 35 years of age he has made a HUGE decision on his career. ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs come up against former coach Gavin Hunt this weekend when they host Chippa United.

Here we look at how Kaizer Chiefs might line up in the DStv Premiership clash against Chippa United on Saturday 16 October.

Kaizer Chiefs starting XI prediction

Starting from the back, it’s likely we will see Nigerian stopper Daniel Akpeyi retain the gloves after a solid display against Amazulu before the international break.

Kaizer Chiefs
Bruce Bvuma, Daniel Akpeyi, Itumeleng Khune and Brandon Petersen during the 2021 Carling Black Label Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on 01 August 2021 at Orlando Stadium / Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackapagePix

Sifiso Hlanti has served his one-match ban after being sent off against Marumo Gallants and should return to occupy the left back position. That move will allow Reeve Frosler to take up his favoured slot at right back.

Kaizer Chiefs
Reeve Frosler during the 2021 CAF Champions League Semi Final 1st Leg football match between Wydad Casablanca and Chiefs at Stade Mohamed V,Casablanca,Morocco on 19 June 2021 ©/BackpagePix

Last time out, Austin Dube failed to impress as partner to Erick Mathoho in central defence despite starting well. Stuart Baxter has faced criticism for his choices of centre backs but he is likely to revert to using Daniel Cardoso alongside Mathoho.

Kaizer Chiefs
Daniel Cardoso celebrates a goal with teammates during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 match between Chiefs and Baroka FC on 25 August 2021 at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

If Kaizer Chiefs retain their 4-3-3 shape it is likely that Njabulo Blom will take up a defensive midfield role while Phathutshedzo Nange and Cole Alexander are Baxter’s favoured central midfield duo. Without a recognised target man, Kaizer Chiefs could look to sacrifice width in midfield in order to hold the centre of the park.

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Baxter will almost certainly stick with Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly on the wings.

Keagan Dolly Kaizer Chiefs
Keegan Dolly during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 game between TS Galaxy and Chiefs at Mbombela Stadium on 22 August 2021 © Dirk Kotze/BackpagePix

The lack of a fit recognised striker leaves Baxter in a pickle up front with makeshift options likely to prevail ahead of the promotion of young prospects. With that said Bernard Parker could start despite a poor showing as a false nine against Amazulu.

Kaizer Chiefs starting XI (predicted)

Daniel Akpeyi, Sifiso Hlanti, Erick Mathoho, Daniel Cardoso, Reeve Frosler, Njabulo Blom, Phathutshedzo Nange, Cole Alexander, Keagan Dolly, Khama Billiat, Bernard Parker.

Confirmed starting XI

TBA