All roads lead to Orlando Stadium for the Premier Soccer League game between Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City on Friday night. Which of these teams will go home with all three points?
Kick-off is scheduled at 19:30 SAST, 27 October 2023 in Johannesburg.
Orlando Pirates vs Polokwane City match preview
Orlando Pirates
The Buccaneers were kept at bay by AmaZulu on their return to PSL action last Tuesday with both teams playing out a goalless draw in a scrappy affair at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Pirates have not been in league action since 20th September, and so were looking for three points that could take them up from 14th place in the standings and fight to challenge Sundowns for the title.
However, their attempts at making the most of a nervy start from the hosts proved unsuccessful as chances at goal ended fruitless after 90 minutes leaving the team with two wins after six league games.
At home, Jose Riveiro's men will battle to take all three points against an in-form Polokwane with history favouring the Bucs to nick a win.
Polokwane City
While Pirates are struggling in the league, Duncan Lechesa's outfit are making the most of their time back in the Premier Soccer League, as they are determined to avoid relegation come the end of the season.
They're currently on the back of four games without defeat, picking two wins and a draw in the process.
They visit the Orlando Stadium on the back of a 4-1 win against SuperSport away from home in the Carling Knockout Cup.
City will be determined to continue their good run that has seen them rank 5th on the table after nine league matches.
Orlando Pirates vs Polokwane City predictions
This match is going to be the first time since 2020 that these teams lock horns in the Premier Soccer League. Here are three predictions for the game.
Prediction 1: Orlando Pirates to reign supreme
Jose Riveiro's side are coming into this game as bookies favourites to win. They're on the back of three matches without defeat, and have enjoyed utmost dominance in this fixture.
Pirates have beaten Polokwane City in all of their last four meetings, and they've done this in dominant fashion.
Even though the Buccaneers have not been consistent in the league this season while Lechesa's men have gone unbeaten in their last four PSL games, we still back the home side to emerge victorious at home based on the fact that this fixture has been one-sided in their last meetings.
Prediction 2: Goals at both ends
As much as Orlando Pirates have dominated this fixture with six wins in the last 14 meetings between them, Polokwane have not been pushovers when it comes to finding the back of the net.
As a matter of fact, both teams have scored in eight of the last nine meetings, setting up thrilling affairs for the fans who love to see them play.
Although both teams haven't met since 2020, we're fairly confident in both teams finding the back of the net at full-time.
Prediction 3: At least three goals
The last four clashes involving Pirates and City have ended on a high-scoring note, while a total of nine–out of the 14 meetings since 2020–have seen at least three goals scored.
Granted, Bucs and City only scored 10 and 12 goals, respectively in their last ten matches across all competitions, but this does not deter us as we fancy these teams to continue the goal-scoring trend that has resulted in at least three goals in four of the most recent meetings.
Orlando Pirates form
AmaZulu 0-0 Orlando Pirates (24/10) – Premier Soccer League
Orlando Pirates 2-0 Cape Town Spurs (20/10) – Carling Knockout Cup
Orlando Pirates 0-0 [2-1 AP] Mamelodi Sundowns (07/10) – MTN8
Orlando Pirates 1-0 [4-5 AP] Jwaneng Galaxy (29/09) – Champions League
Orlando Pirates 0-1 Stellenbosch (24/09) – MTN8
Polokwane City form
SuperSport United 1-4 Polokwane City (22/10) – Carling Knockout Cup
Sekhukhune United 0-0 Polokwane City (08/10) – Premier Soccer League
Richards Bay 0-1 Polokwane City (04/10) – Premier Soccer League
Polokwane City 1-0 Royal AM (30/09) – Premier Soccer League
Polokwane City 0-0 AmaZulu (25/09) – Premier Soccer League
Orlando Pirates vs Polokwane City last five results
South Africa Premier 07/01/20
Polokwane City
Orlando Pirates
South Africa Premier 26/11/19
Orlando Pirates
Polokwane City
South Africa Premier 11/05/19
Orlando Pirates
Polokwane City
South Africa Premier 06/11/18
Polokwane City
Orlando Pirates
South Africa Premier 20/01/18
Orlando Pirates
Polokwane City
Where to watch Orlando Pirates vs Polokwane City live in South Africa
Football fans in South Africa will be able to watch the live action from Orlando Pirates' game with Polokwane City through the SuperSport PSL, and SABC Sports channels.
Live action will also be brought to fans on both club's YouTube channels.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
