Orlando Pirates vs Maritzburg United Predictions & Tips - Bucs to Bounce Back with home win

Pirates have been in strong form of late while Maritzburg United have a terrible record against their hosts. Maritzburg are also poor on the road so a home win is my best bet.

Pirates hold an 18-6 advantage against Maritzburg United over the 31 meetings with six draws.

The sides last side in the Nedbank Cup in February as Maritzburg were beaten 3-1 at home by Pirates.

Pirates have lost two of their last four matches having previously been ten matches unbeaten in all competitions. They sit fifth on the PSL table but are just five points off second place with a game in hand. They are chasing a place in the CAF Champions League for next season.

Pirates won consecutive league matches before playing four of their next six matches in the CAF Confederations Cup. They had two goalless draws away and two home wins as they beat Enyimba 2-1 and Al Ahli Benghazi 3-0. 

In their last match, Pirates were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup after a 4-1 thrashing at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates are missing centre back Thulani Hlatshwayo for this match and also have forward Gabadinho Mhango banned. Siphesihle Ndlovu and Vincent Pule are expected to replace them.

Kabelo Dlamini should get a start in midfield but both goalkeeper Richard Ofori and winger Thembinkosi Lorch are out injured.

After a run of four league defeats in a row, Maritzburg looked set to be relegated. They have since gone on a streak of three wins and two draws to move out of the relegation zone and into 13th place on the PSL table.

After beating Black Leopards 1-0, Maritzburg drew 1-1 at Bloemfontein Celtic and 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs. A fine 2-0 win at TS Galaxy followed.

In their last match, Ernst Middendorp’s team thrashed Chippa United 5-1 having trailed 1-0.

Maritzburg United have no suspensions and a clean bill of health.

They are not expected to make any changes to the team which beat Chippa United 5-1 in their last match.