Maritzburg United vs Chippa United Predictions & Tips - Resurgent Maritzburg backed to win

Since focusing on improving the physical conditioning of his players, Ernst Middendorp has seen a strong improvement in form from Maritzburg with a four match unbeaten run. Chippa United are struggling right now and I am tipping Maritzburg to win this crucial relegation battle.

Maritzburg United hold a 5-3 advantage against Chippa United with seven draws. Their last meeting was in November as Chippa won 3-1 at home courtesy of a Bienvenu Eva Nga hattrick.

Maritzburg had enjoyed a turnaround in form of late with two wins and two draws in their last four matches. That has seen Ernst Middendorp’s side move out of the relegation zone into 14th place on the Premier Soccer League table.

After four consecutive league defeats, Maritzburg lost 3-1 at home in the Nedbank Cup to Orlando Pirates. A deserved 1-0 win at home against Black Leopards followed before a 1-1 draw away at Bloemfontein Celtic and a 1-1 home draw with Kaizer Chiefs.

Their last match saw a very impressive 2-0 away win at TS Galaxy with two goals scored in the final 16 minutes to take three points.

Maritzburg welcome back their best central defender in Clayton Daniels after suspension. Travis Graham made his return from a knock in central midfield against TS Galaxy and should start this match.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane should keep his place up front after scoring in the last match. Serbian right back Duan Stevic could be set to make his debut.

Chippa United are seven league matches without a win and sit just one point above the relegation zone in 14th spot in the PSL table. They have progressed to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after beating two lower league opponents but their form is very poor aside from that.

A 2-1 home win against Cape Town City in the Nedbank Cup was followed by drawing 0-0 at home with the same opponents. A 3-0 home defeat to Orlando Pirates and a 1-0 home loss to AmaZulu followed before a 2-1 victory at home to Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup.

In their last match, Chippa drew 2-2 at home with Swallows having been 2-0 down.

Chippa United will have Thami Sangweni available again in midfield after serving a suspension. Frederic Nsabiyumva is fit again at centre back but Isaac Nhlapo is carrying a knock in defence.

Thabiso Lebitso is fit again on the flank whilst Anthony Laffor could move into a wide role to allow the selection of a genuine striker as they used a false nine against Swallows.

Odds for this match have not yet been released. We will be looking at a Maritzburg United victory once they are.