Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates Prediction: We expect an open game with goals at both ends

After two months without league action, the DSTV Premier League resumes as champions Mamelodi Sundowns square off against Orlando Pirates at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The Buccaneers will aim to replicate their cup form, following their success in the MTN 8, where they overcame all comers en route to the title.

Last five games: WWWWW

Despite their poor start to the season, the Brazilians have hit the ground running in recent games, with six wins in the last six. They sit at the apex of the log, having picked up twenty-eight points from a possible thirty-six. The Brazilians have conceded the fewest goals (5) while funding the back of the net a record (24) times.

Before the break, Mamelodi Sundowns ensured a total rampage against Royal AM, scoring three times to cart off all the points.

The Brazilians have won five and lost once in their last six games at home.

Last five games: LDDWL

Jose Riveiro’s side currently sit in fifth place after enduring indifferent form in the league prior to the break, with just one win in their last five fixtures, which have yielded a total of five points. The Buccaneers lost at home to their arch-rival Kaizer Chiefs before the break. Yusuf Mart's goal in the 74th minute was enough to hand the visitors all the points as Orlando Pirates' woes continued.

Orlando Pirates have won two, lost two and drawn twice in the last six away games.

The Brazilians have won eleven while the visitors have recorded four wins and five games ending in a draw in the previous twenty meetings. However, the Orlando Pirates' victory in the MTN8 cup broke their six-game winless run in all competitions against the Brazilians. They will look to string together some victories in this fixture to signal a turnaround of fortunes.

The Buccaneers will be up against an in-form Sundowns side in search of a seventh straight league win which could see them pull further away from the chasing pack. The home side will strive to amass points before embarking on their CAF championship journey in February, and a win here is inevitable for 1.65.

We expect an open game full of goals; bet on a total of over 2.5 goals for 2.30.

We expect the home side to win and score more than once for 2.09.

Good luck!