Stellenbosch vs Orlando Pirates Predictions & Tips - Stalemate tipped in Cape Town

This is a big match as Stellenbosch look to move away from the relegation zone and Pirates chase down CAF Champions League qualification for next season. Stellies have been poor at home with a severe lack of goals while Pirates are average on the road. 

My best bet is for this encounter to end in a stalemate.

Orlando Pirates hold a 2-1 advantage across the four previous matches between these sides with one draw.

When Pirates hosted Stellenbosch in October, the match ended 1-1. Ntsikelelo Nyauza gave the hosts the lead before Nathan Sinkala equalised for Stellenbosch.

After a run of eight matches without victory, Stellenbosch are genuine relegation candidates. They sit 12th in PSL table and are just one point above the relegation zone.

A 1-0 loss at AmaZulu was followed by a 0-0 draw at Black Leopards and a 1-1 home draw with Bloemfontein Celtic having trailed 1-0. A 1-0 defeat to Maritzburg United followed after a dubious last minute penalty was conceded having missed a plethora of clear chances.

In their last match, Stellenbosch travelled to relegation rivals Chippa United and lost 1-0.

Stellenbosch have doubts over two key players. Robyn Johannes has missed several matches at centre back and could again be absent for this clash.

Top scorer Stanley Dimgba has been ruled out of the last three matches and is in a race against time to be fit to face Orlando Pirates.

Pirates have had a disappointing campaign with just 11 wins in their 25 PSL matches. They sit fourth in the table with just one win in their last five matches in all competitions.

After a 2-0 win against Maritzburg United, Pirates drew 0-0 with ES Setif in a much they were expected to win. A 1-1 draw at Swallows came next before a 1-0 defeat at Enyimba although they still progressed to the CAF Confederations Cup quarter-finals.

Pirates’ last two matches saw a 3-0 defeat at Mamelodi Sundowns after some poor finishing before bouncing back to beat Black Leopards 3-0 last time out. Tshegofatso Mabasa scored a brace before substitute Gabadinho Mhango scored the third.

Pirates continue to suffer an injury crisis as goalkeeper Richard Ofori misses out and Happy Jele is a doubt in defence.

Fortune Makaringe and Thabang Monare missed the last match in midfield so Abel Mabaso and Siphesihle Ndlovu could start again. Thembinkosi Lorch, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Zakhele Lepasa all remain absent in attack.