Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly of Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix.
Kaizer Chiefs starting XI prediction: Nedbank Cup vs TS Galaxy
Here we try to predict the Kaizer Chiefs starting XI for their Nedbank Cup round of 32 match against TS Galaxy.
Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly of Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix.
It has been over a month since Kaizer Chiefs were last in action and they will look to put the COVID-hit first half of the season behind them.
Kaizer Chiefs begin their quest to win the Nedbank Cup at home to TS Galaxy on Saturday 12 February.
Although they are expected to field a strong lineup, Amakhosi must consider their midweek engagement with Cape Town City.
Kaizer Chiefs starting XI prediction
After Nigeria’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations, Daniel Akpeyi is unlikely to take his place between the sticks.
Instead we expect to see Bruce Bvuma or Itu Khune in goal.
Stuart Baxter has a choice to make when it comes to the defensive line, with several options available.
We believe Kaizer Chiefs will revert to playing four at the back, this takes into account the expected absence of Cole Alexander in midfield.
At left back we expect to see Reeve Frosler come back into the starting XI, with his forward runs a great source of chances for the Glamour Boys.
Over on the right, veteran fullback Ramahlwe Mphahlele should get a start notwithstanding the presence Njabulo Ngcobo.
In the heart of the Kaizer Chiefs defence, we are likely to see Baxter turn to the trusted pairing of Daniel Cardoso and Eric Mathoho.
Kaizer Chiefs lack a left-sided midfielder which might deter them from deploying a 4-4-2 under normal circumstances, however, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya has performed admirably as a wingback-cum-midfielder.
On the right side of the midfield though, Chiefs are likely to turn to the experience of Bernard Parker.
As a central midfield pairing we expect to see Phathutshedzo Nange partner Njabulo Blom. Another option would be to deploy Njabulo Ngcobo as a defensive midfielder, however, in a cup match, we expect Baxter to lean on Blom instead.
Up front we expect to see Chiefs first-choice frontline start this encounter, although fans may have some concerns.
Samir Nurkovic will reunite with Keagan Dolly and Khama Billiat.
Kaizer Chiefs starting XI (predicted)
Bvuma; Frosler, Mathoho, Cardoso, Mphahlele; Ntiya-Ntiya, Nange, Blom, Parker; Dolly, Nurkovic, Billiat.
Confirmed XI
TBA
