Jwaneng Galaxy vs Orlando Pirates Predictions - Bucs to win first leg handsomely

These sides have met on two previous occasions in February 2021. 

Pirates won 3-0 away in the first leg and 1-0 at home in the second leg.

Galaxy won the league last season with 22 wins in 30 matches. 

A 2-0 home win over Holy Ghost in round 29 sealed the title. They beat Eleven Angles 2-1 at home to finish the season back in June. 

They have since played two matches in the CAF Champions League. They beat Vipers 2-0 at home before losing 2-1 in the second leg to progress on aggregate. 

South African coach Morena Ramoreboli has a fully fit squad to choose from for this match. 

Midfielder Gilbert Baruti scored against Vipers last time out from the bench. He is pushing to start this match.

Phoko, Leinanyane, Thulare, Molefe, Mangolo, Sechele, Moyo, Baruti, Masuku, Kebatho, Sesinyi.

After losing their opening match of this season, Pirates have won six and drawn one of their last seven fixtures.

Bucs thrashed Sekhukhune United 5-0 in the MTN8 quarter-finals before a 1-1 draw at Chippa United. They beat Djabal Club 4-0 on aggregate in the last round of the CAF Champions League (1-0 away, 3-0 at home).

After a steady 2-0 home win over Cape Town City, Pirates won 2-1 at Stellenbosch in the MTN8 semis first leg. They played against ten men from the 38th minute and only got the winner in the 94th minute.

Coach Jose Riveiro is set to play a full strength lineup in this match. Zakhele Lepasa has 10 goals this season already and will lead the attack. 

Midfielder Miguel Timm is back from injury and could feature. Playmaker Thembinkosi Lorch is ruled out with a long-term injury.

Chaine; Monyane, Xoki, Sibisi, Mako; Ndlondlo, Monare; Saleng, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Lepasa.

The odds are yet to be released. I will be backing Pirates to win with relative ease. A victory to zero and a win on the handicap are my tips.