Celtic fighting for top-eight finish

by BackPageTXT

Friday May 10, 2019. 13:09

Bloemfontein Celtic will fight for a top-eight finish in the Absa Premiership when they host AmaZulu at Sisa Dukashe Stadium on 11 May 2019, kick-off at 15h00.

Celtic’s hopes suffered a major blow when they were beaten 1-0 at Highlands Park on May 4, though a win in this game plus favourable results elsewhere could see the Bloemfontein side end in the top half of the log.

Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 18 points from 14 home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs in late April.

AmaZulu recorded their seventh draw of the season (and are one a run of just one win from their last six league matches) when they were held 1-1 at home by Black Leopards on May 4. The Durban side can neither finish in the top eight, nor are they under threat of relegation.

Usuthu have claimed just 10 points from 14 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-0 defeat at Baroka FC in late April.

In head-to-head stats, AmaZulu and Celtic have met in 51 league matches since 1985. Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 19 wins compared to 13 for Usuthu, while 19 matches have been drawn. The Bloemfontein side has won 13 of their 26 home league matches against the Durban club, suffering just two defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at the King Zwelithini Stadium in December 2018, AmaZulu claimed an emphatic 3-0 home win thanks to goals from Emiliano Tade (two) and Siyabonga Nomvethe. The result broke a run of six unbeaten games in this rivalry for Celtic.

Celtic’s line-up from their 1-0 loss to Highlands on May 4: Tignyemb, Latlabika, Rikhotso (Letsoalo 89’), Mahashe, Pfumbidzai, Baloyi, Phalane, Masuku, Maema, Dlamini (Ramasimong 70’), Mabasa (Ndou 81’).

AmaZulu’s line-up from their 1-1 draw with Leopards on May 4: Mbatha, M. Gumede, Mabiliso, T. Gumede, Van Heerden, Morton, Ncube, Sithebe (Karuru 39'), Maduna (Nomvethe 65'), Ntsundwana (Hlalele 73'), Ntuli.