Wits aim to outsmart Arrows

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Dec 12, 2018. 08:59

Bidvest Wits will target another haul of three Absa Premiership points when they host Golden Arrows at Bidvest Stadium on 12 December 2018, kick-off at 19h30.

Wits claimed their seventh win of the season when they defeated Black Leopards 1-0 in Thohoyandou on December 1, courtesy of a late goal from Frank Mhango. The Johannesburg side kept up their unbeaten away record this campaign in the process.

The Clever Boys have claimed nine points from six home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 2-1 loss to Bloemfontein Celtic in early November.

Arrows claimed just their third victory of the season when they defeated Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at home on December 1, with defender Limbikani Mzava scoring two goals from the penalty spot. The result ended a three-game winless streak for the Durban side.

Abafana Bes’thende have claimed just seven points from six away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-1 draw at SuperSport United in late October.

In head-to-head stats, Wits and Arrows have met in 30 league matches since 2001/02. The Johannesburg side has claimed 18 wins compared to five for their Durban counterparts, while seven matches have been drawn. The Clever Boys have won have won 10 of their 15 home matches in the rivalry, suffering just two defeats in the process.

Last season the teams each won in the other’s back yard: Arrows triumphed 3-1 in Johannesburg in the first half of the campaign, while Wits secured a 2-1 victory in Durban in the return game played in February 2018.

Wits’ line-up from their 1-0 win over Leopards on December 1: Keet, Mere, Hlatshwayo, Nonyane, Hlanti, Alexander, Monare, Motupa (Mhango 72’), Hotto (Claasen 83’), Pelembe, Murray (Majoro 65’).

Arrows’ line-up from their 2-1 win over Chiefs on December 1: Mbaeva, Sibisi, Mzava, Mngwengwe, Lunga, Conco (Jooste 68’), Bilankulu, Molefe (Magubane 75’), Venter (Cele 62’), Mutizwa, Lamola.