Wits look to consolidate top spot

Mark Mayambela

Friday Dec 21, 2018. 09:01

Absa Premiership leaders Bidvest Wits will look to consolidate their hold on top spot when they host Chippa United at the Bidvest Stadium on 21 December 2018, kick-off at 20h00.

Wits reclaimed pole position – and picked up their eighth win of the season – by defeating Baroka FC 21- away from home on December 16, thanks to goals from Lehlohonolo Majoro and Deon Hotto.

The Clever Boys have claimed 10 points from seven home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 2-2 draw with Golden Arrows on December 12.

Chippa played to a fourth draw in the space of five league matches (and extended their winless run to seven games) with a 2-2 draw at home to Polokwane City on December 14. The Eastern Cape side needed a last-gasp equaliser to salvage a share of the spoils.

The Chilli Boys have claimed just four points from seven away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-1 draw at Cape Town City on December 11.

In head-to-head stats, Chippa and Wits have met in 10 league matches since 2012/13. The Clever Boys have claimed three wins compared to two for the Chilli Boys, while five games have been drawn. The Johannesburg side has claimed two wins, two draws and one loss in five home matches in the rivalry.

Chippa took four points off Wits in the teams’ two league meetings last season, winning 2-0 in Johannesburg in the first half of the campaign, before the return game in the Eastern Cape ended in a 1-1 draw.

Wits’ line-up from their 2-1 win over Baroka on December 16: Keet, Mere, Hlatshwayo, Nonyane, Hlanti, Claasen (Ritchie 76’), Alexander, Hotto (Johannes 85’), Pelembe, Mhango (Dzvukamanja 77’), Majoro.

Chippa’s line-up from their 2-2 draw with Polokwane on December14: Akpeyi, Nsabiyumva, Sangweni, Mokeke, Macheke, Mbenyane (Lentjies 75'), Shongwe (Sali 60'), Tlolane (L.Manzini 84'), R.Manzini, Mayambela, Rakhale.