Richards Bay vs Royal AM Prediction: Relegation battle continues for the two teams

Richards Bay and Royal AM are poised for a pivotal clash at the lower end of the South Africa Premier League on Sunday afternoon. Occupying the 15th spot in the league standings, the hosts will confront the 14th-placed visitors in a battle with significant implications. Below, you'll find a detailed match preview along with betting opportunities.

Having narrowly avoided relegation by a mere four points last season, Richards Bay finds itself in a precarious position once again this season. With just 13 points from 17 league games, they currently occupy the relegation playoff spot, trailing six points behind safety. Despite a recent 3-2 victory over Polokwane City in the Nedbank Cup providing a boost in confidence, their league performance has been less convincing, with only one win in the last five matches, coupled with one draw and three losses.

Richards Bay's home record at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium this season reflects a mixed bag, comprising two wins, two draws, and five losses in nine PSL contests. Nonetheless, they are presently on a three-match unbeaten streak at home.

Royal AM's journey in the Nedbank Cup concluded with a 1-0 defeat to Amazulu on the road last week, marking their fourth consecutive match without a win (W0 D2 L2) and their fourth game without finding the back of the net. In league standings, Thwihli Thwahla sits on 19 points, maintaining a six-point cushion above the relegation zone, though they have a game in hand compared to the teams around them. Their recent home fixture against Kaizer Chiefs ended in a draw, extending their winless streak to three games.

On the road this season, Royal AM has secured two wins, one draw, and suffered five losses. In their last five away games, they managed only one win while losing four. Despite being considered the underdogs in this upcoming match, it's worth noting that Royal AM emerged victorious in the reverse fixture with a 3-2 scoreline back in December, suggesting they shouldn't be underestimated in this contest.

The home team has experienced a recent resurgence, making them the favorites in this KZN derby. Richards Bay has struggled on away grounds, displaying a limited ability to score goals while traveling. My prediction leans towards a clean sheet for the home team, with Richards Bay narrowly securing the three points.