Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates

Njabulo Blom of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Happy Jele of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on the 30 January 2020 at Orlando Stadium, Soweto Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates: Soweto derby team predictions

Here we try to predict the starting XIs for the massive Soweto derby match Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates on Saturday 6 November 2021.

Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates

Njabulo Blom of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Happy Jele of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on the 30 January 2020 at Orlando Stadium, Soweto Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates: Amakhosi face the Buccaneers in the first DStv Premiership Soweto Derby of the current season with just two points separating the fierce rivals.

Here we try to predict the starting XIs for the massive Soweto derby match on Saturday 6 November 2021.

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.

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.*

*Sifiso Hlanti has been ruled out of the match with injury. Prediction altered with Sibusiso Mabaliso to come into the starting XI,

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.

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

Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates: Your TV guide to the Soweto Derby!

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.

ORLANDO PIRATES STARTING XI PREDICTION

Orlando Pirates will be thrilled at the stability offered by veteran stopper Siyabonga Mpontshane and it is highly unlikely that anyone else will start given the injuries to glovemen.

Paseka Mako has consistently been the best player in the Orlando Pirates backline and should be an automatic choice at left back.

On the right flank we expect to see Wayde Jooste replace Bandile Shandu after an unconvincing display from the former Maritzburg United man in recent weeks.

In central defence it might be time for the coaching staff to revert back to the highly experienced duo and Thulani Hlatshwayo and Happy Jele. Should Jele not recover from the knock he took on continental duty then Ntsikelelo Nyauza is likely to start.

We expect to see a return to the central midfield partnership between Abel Mabaso and Goodman Mosele to shore up the middle of the park and stunt Kaizer Chiefs’ progress.

Kaizer Chiefs starting XI prediction: DStv Premiership vs Orlando Pirates

Fortune Makaringe could be asked to take up the role of traditional number ten behind the Orlando Pirates frontline.

In that front three we expect to see the in-form Linda Mntambo team up with Deon Hotto and Tshegofatso Mabasa.

Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates: Soweto derby team predictions

Kaizer Chiefs: Daniel Akpeyi, Sibusiso Mabaliso, Eric Mathoho, Njabulo Ngcobo, Reeve Frosler, Njabulo Blom, Phathutshedzo Nange, Cole Alexander, Keagan Dolly, Bernard Parker, Khama Billiat.

Orlando Pirates: Siyabonga Mpontshane, Paseka Mako, Happy Jele, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Wayde Jooste, Abel Mabaso, Goodman Mosele, Fortune Makaringe, Deon Hotto, Linda Mntambo, Tshegofatso Mabasa.

CONFIRMED XIs


TBA