Cape Town City vs Royal AM Predictions - Extra time predicted in low-scoring cup tie

Cape Town City hold a 4-3 advantage over Royal AM across nine previous meetings with two draws.

The sides played out a 1-1 draw when they last met in September 2024.

City ended a four-match winless run last time out. They had been on a run of four wins in five before that.  

This season began with a 1-0 win at Sekhukhune United in the MTN8 before a 1-1 home draw vs Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final leg. A 2-0 loss in the second leg saw them knocked out. 

The opening game of the PSL season saw a 1-1 draw at Royal AM. After losing 3-0 at Stellenbosch, they bounced back to win 1-0 vs SuperSport United at home before the FIFA break.

Coach Eric Tinkler is set to select youngster Gabriel Amato in midfield once again. Fortune Makaringe and Kamohelo Mokotjo could remain on the bench.

Prins Tjiueza is most likely to play up front. Jody Ah Shene is another option after returning from under-20 national duty in recent weeks. 

Keet; Mkhize, Gordinho, Cupido, Nyama; Petrus, Amato; Rhodes, Domingo Gonzalez; Tjiueza.

Royal AM are on a six-match unbeaten run with five draws. They have scored just three goals in their last 11 matches going back to last season.

They won 2-1 at Moroka Swallows on the final day of last season. This season began with a 1-1 home draw vs Cape Town City and a 0-0 draw away at SuperSport United. 

Two more goalless stalemates have followed. They drew 0-0 at home to Richards Bay and 0-0 away at Magesi FC. 

Coach John Maduka is without forward Mxolisi Macuphu. Khulekani Shezi should return at right back after an injury.

Club chairman Andile Mpisane has featured in every match this season. The big question is whether he will start this match despite his poor fitness levels. 

Ngcobo; Shezi, Zulu, Manganyi, Matlaba; Maxwele, Mpisane, Magaqa, Mahlasela, Sithole; Sera.