Xolani Mdaki of Chippa United during the Absa Premiership 2016/17 game between Chippa United and Supersport United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on 17 May 2017 © Deryck Foster/BackpagePix
by
Graeme Jackson
Friday Feb 02, 2018. 09:19
Chippa United will look to break a run of draws in the Absa Premiership when they host Platinum Stars at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 4 February 2018, kick-off at 15h30.
Chippa are unbeaten in their last four league matches, but the last three in a row have all been draws - the latest was a 1-1 away to Maritzburg United on January 26. Overall, the Eastern Cape side has drawn a total of 10 matches (out of 19) so far this season.
The Chilli Boys have claimed just 14 points from 10 home matches this season, with their last three turns as hosts producing two draws and a loss. Their last home win was against Kaizer Chiefs back in early December.
Stars suffered a fourth successive league loss when they were beaten 2-0 at home by Orlando Pirates on January 27. The Rustenburg side are placed stone last on the log and look the clear favourites to suffer direct relegation to the second tier.
Dikwena have claimed 10 points from as many away matches this season, though their last two games on the road have brought defeats at the hands of Ajax Cape Town (3-1) and Mamelodi Sundowns (3-0).
In head-to-head stats, Stars and Chippa have met in nine league matches since 2012/13. The Chilli Boys have claimed three wins compared to two for Dikwena, with four matches ending in draws. The Eastern Cape side boasts an unbeaten record at home in the rivalry, with three wins and a draw in four turns as hosts.
When the teams met earlier this season they played out a goalless draw in Rustenburg. It was just the second 0-0 draw in league meetings of these teams, both of which have come in home matches for Dikwena.
Chippa’s line-up from their 1-1 draw with Maritzburg on January 26: Akpeyi, Okwuosa, Modisane, Hachi, Macheke, Mabaso, Lentjies (Mbenyane 82'), Maholo (Rakhale 52'), Mako (Sali 69'), Macuphu, Mntambo.
Stars’ line-up from their 2-0 loss to Pirates on January 27: Visser, De Jongh, Sithole, Mthethwa, Mpeta (Nale 86’), Mere, Mekoa (Monama 77’), Rambuwane, Ng'ambi, Msomi (Koapeng 46’), Ntuli.
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