TIPSTER'S TABLE | Premiership midweek battles promise drama as clubs fight for early-season momentum

The Premiership enters a decisive midweek round with seven fixtures spread across Tuesday and Wednesday. From the relegation fight at the foot of the table to a top-of-the-log clash, every game carries weight.

Chippa United and Orbit College will battle for their first win of the campaign, Durban City look to steady their promising start against Siwelele, and AmaZulu face Stellenbosch in Durban. Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United meet in a headline contest that will test both clubs’ unbeaten records.

On Wednesday, champions Mamelodi Sundowns travel to Marumo Gallants, while Polokwane City host Golden Arrows and Richards Bay take on an in-form TS Galaxy.

Tuesday

Chippa United v Orbit College FC @ Buffalo City Stadium, East London, 7.30pm

Chippa United host Orbit College desperate to end a nightmare start that has left them winless after five games and rock-bottom with just one point. New coach Luc Eymael has promised improvements following the international break. Orbit, too, have struggled, with one win and four defeats, and a defence that has leaked eight goals. Both sides will see this as a must-win.

Betting odds: Chippa United 1.1 | Draw 1.95 | Orbit College FC 3.0

Prediction: Chippa United 1 Orbit College FC 0

Durban City v Siwelele FC @ Chatsworth Stadium, Durban, 7.30pm 

Durban City host Premiership newcomers Siwelele at Chatsworth. City, sixth on the log with eight points, start as favourites, though coach Gavin Hunt’s familiarity with Siwelele — whose squad features several of his former SuperSport United players — could make for a tricky contest. City were unbeaten in their first four matches but fell to Sekhukhune last time out. Siwelele, without a win in four, will find it tough to secure a result.

Betting odds: Durban City 1.3 | Draw 2.2 | Siwelele FC 2.2

Prediction: Durban City 2 Siwelele FC 1

AmaZulu FC v Stellenbosch FC @ Princess Magogo Stadium, Durban, 7.30pm 

AmaZulu welcome Stellenbosch looking to end their poor run against the Cape side. Stellies, despite three defeats in five games, have shown promise, most recently taking Pirates to extra time in the MTN8 final before losing 3-0. The two teams are more evenly matched than the table suggests, though AmaZulu will be slight favourites at home.

Betting odds: AmaZulu win 1.9 | Draw 2.6 | Stellenbosch FC win 1.3

Prediction: Stellenbosch to win 1-0

Kaizer Chiefs vs Sekhukhune United @ FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, 7.30pm 

Kaizer Chiefs face Sekhukhune in the marquee clash. Both sides are unbeaten after five games, level on 13 points, one behind leaders Sundowns. Chiefs have built consistency this season, while Sekhukhune’s squad overhaul is paying dividends. One unbeaten run is set to end under the lights at FNB.

Betting odds: Kaizer Chiefs 1.0 | Draw 2.0 | Sekhukhune United 3.5

Prediction: Kaizer Chiefs 2 Sekhukhune United 1

Wednesday

Marumo Gallants v Mamelodi Sundowns @ Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, Bloemfontein, 7.30pm 

Marumo Gallants will try to rediscover their early momentum after three matches without a win. They face a Sundowns side regaining top form after a 3-0 victory over Magesi. Gallants are dangerous at home, as shown by their 2-1 win over Pirates earlier this season, but Sundowns will be overwhelming favourites.

Betting odds: Marumo Gallants win 6.8 | Draw 3.1 | Mamelodi Sundowns win 0.45

Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns to win 2-0

Polokwane City vs Golden Arrows @ Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, 7.30pm 

Polokwane City will look to turn draws into wins, having shared the points three times already in five outings. Golden Arrows remain unpredictable, making this a finely balanced fixture. With home advantage, City could edge it.

Betting odds: Polokwane City win 0.9 | Draw 2.1 | Golden Arrows win 3.7

Prediction: Polokwane City to win 1-0

Richards Bay vs TS Galaxy @ Richards Bay Stadium, Richards Bay, 7.30pm

Richards Bay are slowly recovering from a shaky start but face a dangerous TS Galaxy who are enjoying a strong run now that their full squad is available after Fifa clearance. The Rockets will be tough opponents despite losing here last season.

Betting odds: Richards Bay win 1.65 | Draw 2.1 | TS Galaxy win 1.75

Prediction: TS Galaxy to win 2-1

Postponed

Orlando Pirates v Magesi