Kaizer Chiefs

Daniel Akpeyi talking to Reeve Frosler of Kaizer Chiefs during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United on the 16 October 2021 at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs starting XI prediction: DStv Premiership vs Orlando Pirates

Here we try to predict how Kaizer Chiefs will line up in their DSTV Premiership clash against Orlando Pirates on Saturday 6 November.

Kaizer Chiefs

Daniel Akpeyi talking to Reeve Frosler of Kaizer Chiefs during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United on the 16 October 2021 at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs had their bubble burst by Stellenbosch earlier in the week but face the old enemy over the weekend in a massive Soweto derby.

After drawing a blank at home to Stellies, it might be time for Stuart Baxter to rejig a lineup that has been fairly stable.

Here we try to predict how Kaizer Chiefs will line up against Orlando Pirates on Saturday 6 November.

Kaizer Chiefs starting XI prediction

Daniel Akpeyi continued to be solid in goal against Stellies and wasn’t culpable in Ashley du Preez’ winner, he should retain the gloves.

Kaizer Chiefs
Daniel Akpeyi of Kaizer Chiefs during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 21 March 2021 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Baxter could revert to a standard back four to face Pirates and Sifiso Hlanti should hold on to his place at left back, while over on the other flank we expect Reeve Frosler to come into the lineup to give Chiefs more going forward.

In the heart of defence, the return of Daniel Cardoso had a destabilising effect and he should now get the axe in favour of pairing Eric Mathoho with Njabulo Ngcobo, who was again asked to play out of position last time out.

Kaizer Chiefs
Erick Mathoho of Kaizer Chiefs celebrates goal with teammates during the 2021 CAF Champions League Quarterfinal match between Kaizer Chiefs and Simba FC on the 15 May 2021 at FNB Stadium/ Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Ngcobo’s move back to centre back would allow Njabulo Blom to move into the midfield to perform a holding role.

Blom’s support should provide a boost to the central midfield pairing of Phathutshedzo Nange and Cole Alexander who should also hang onto their places despite a desperately poor match against Stellies.

Up front Kaizer Chiefs have a choice to make regarding their strike trio.

Keagan Dolly continues to create chances in the final third although his finishing hasn’t been the best, Khama Billiat has strangled out of the game last time out and Bernard Parker faded as the match went on. Kgaogelo Sekgota and Lazarous Kambole wait in the wings but we expect Baxter to keep faith with Dolly, Billiat and Parker.

Kaizer Chiefs starting XI (Prediction)

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

Confirmed XI

TBA