AmaZulu vs Bloemfontein Celtic Predictions & Tips - Stalemate expected as both sides to continue unbeaten runs in the league

AmaZulu are finding good form under Benni McCarthy whilst Bloemfontein Celtic have gone three unbeaten in the league, and will be a tough nut to crack in their 5-3-2 formation. I am tipping the sides to share the spoils.

Bloemfontein Celtic hold an 11-8 advantage over 28 matches against AmaZulu. Nine matches have ended in draws.

Their last meeting was in January as the side’s drew 1-1 in Bloemfontein. Mzwanele Mahashe opened the scoring for the hosts before Augustine Mulenga levelled for AmaZulu.

AmaZulu are finding some good form under coach Benni McCarthy. After the coach arrived in mid-December, AmaZulu lost two of his first four matches in charge.

Since then, they drew 0-0 at home with Maritzburg United in a match they dominated before a 1-1 draw away at SuperSport United. The return to the XI of star striker Bongi Ntuli then inspired a 2-0 away win against Baroka.

In their last match, AmaZulu beat Stellenbosch 2-1 at home as Ntuli and Lehlohonolo Majoro scored the goals. They were somewhat fortunate as they only created 1.12 Expected Goals to 1.84 for Stellenbosch.

Benni McCarthy has close to a full squad available and no suspensions for this match. Talent Chawapiwa is doubtful on the wing but Augustine Mulenga should be fit to reclaim a starting position in attack.

The returns from injury of key players in Bongi Ntuli up front and Sibusiso Mabiliso at left back has seen the side’s form turn around.

Celtic have been on a poor run of form of late. They ended an eight game winless run in their last match against TTM as Motebang Sera scored early on. They played the final half an hour of that match with ten men after Ronald Pfumbidzai was red carded.

Prior to that, they had four losses and four draws in their previous eight matches. A 1-1 home draw with Stellenbosch was followed by a credible 0-0 home draw with Mamelodi Sundowns.

They followed that up with a 3-0 away defeat in Nigeria to Rivers United in the CAF Confederations Cup.

Bloemfontein Celtic will be without left wingback Ronald Pfumbidzai due to suspension but Sifiso Ngobeni is a good replacement. Captain and top striker Ndumiso Mabena is doubtful having missed the last few matches.

Sipho Chaine should continue in goal due to an injury to Jackson Mabokgwane.

The odds for this match have yet to be released. When they are, we will be looking at it to end in a draw.