Liam Garcia
Dailysports's expert
On May 13, 2025, the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg will host another clash in the South African Premier League as Orlando Pirates take on Golden Arrows. All signs point to a low-scoring affair in this encounter.
Orlando Pirates
Last weekend, Orlando Pirates missed their chance to end the season with silverware, falling 2-1 to arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the South African Cup final. Despite leading in several key metrics, including shots and possession, the crucial expected goals (xG) stat favored the Amakhosi — 1.24 to 0.52. This underscores that Chiefs created higher-quality chances, which directly influenced the final outcome.
The league situation looks just as bleak. Pirates trail table-toppers Mamelodi Sundowns by 15 points, though they do have three games in hand. Even with maximum points from these fixtures, the title remains out of their hands. Mamelodi need just six more points from their remaining four matches to clinch the championship early. In this scenario, even a perfect finish from Orlando won't be enough to take them to the summit.
For now, Pirates can only hope for a slip-up from the leaders and focus on their own results. Winning every remaining match is their only theoretical lifeline. However, after such a painful cup final defeat, overcoming the psychological blow will be no easy feat.
Golden Arrows
Over the past three seasons, Golden Arrows have shown remarkable consistency, finishing ninth in the table each time. But this campaign has turned into a real test for the club, both in the league and in cup competitions.
They crashed out of the South African Cup in the Round of 32, surprisingly losing 2-1 at home to Chippa United. League form hasn't been much better: after 24 matches, Arrows sit 14th, perilously close to the drop zone — just three points above safety.
Despite the tough situation, Arrows still have a glimmer of hope. Unlike their closest relegation rivals, they have six games in hand, giving them room to maneuver and the potential for a late surge. The gap is especially notable when compared to Cape Town City, who are lower in the table but have already played two more matches.
Probable lineups
- Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Ndlozi, Hoki, Mbokazi, van Rooyen, Mahawula, Ndondlo, Hotto, Nkota, Mofokeng, Makgopa
- Golden Arrows: Maova, Ayabulela, Matlaba, Shitolo, Sele, Ndwandwe, Dlamini, Mthanti, Sithole, Kobedi, Malinga
Match facts and H2H
- Orlando Pirates have won each of the last five head-to-head meetings. Four of those matches saw over 2.5 goals scored.
- All of the Pirates’ last three matches also featured over 2.5 goals.
- Golden Arrows are on a three-game losing streak and have netted just two goals in their last five outings.
Prediction
Orlando are emotionally drained after the cup final, and motivation is running low as the season winds down. Golden Arrows will be desperate to avoid defeat and are likely to opt for a pragmatic approach. In this scenario, a bet on "Under 2.5 goals" at odds of 1.76 looks like a solid choice.
