However, there’s plenty of sport happening outside the local sphere, particularly in the professional arena, that demand us sports fanatics to sit in front of the TV every weekend.
And for that reason, I will provide Caxton readers match previews, opinions and predictions to the weekend’s sporting action.
So without wasting time, let’s get started.
FOOTBALL
English Premier League
English Premier League (EPL) action returns this weekend following the international break with a number of teams looking to carry over their momentum before the break.
Here are some fixtures to look out for featuring three members of the highly rated Top 4 in England:
Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur, Etihad Stadium, Saturday, October 18.
With Chelsea five points clear after seven rounds of play, runners-up City can ill-afford to drop anymore points even at this early stage of the campaign. Manuel Pellegrini’s men, however, have had the edge over Spurs in recent times and have Chelsea-enough motivation to maintain their dominance over the visitors. Kick-off is 1.45pm.
My prediction: City 3-1 Spurs.
Arsenal vs Hull City, Emirates Stadium, Saturday, October 18.
Injury stricken Arsenal will be looking to get their season back on track following an indifferent start. Humbled by Chelsea in their most recent game, expect Arsene Wenger’s men to come out with vengeance.
My prediction: Arsenal too strong for Hull, 3-1 to the Gunners.
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea, Selhurst Park, Saturday, October 18.
No one has been able to stop the Blues this season, only Man City has managed to slow them down, holding John Terry and co. to a one-all draw. Meanwhile, Palace have already suffered three defeats. It’s first vs 15th. Tricky to see any chance of an upset against the early pace-setters.
My prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Palace.
Arsenal and Hull; Palace and Chelsea to kick-off at 4pm.
West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United, The Hawthorns, Monday, October 20.
The Baggies will be secretly fancying their chances against a Man United side seemingly on the rise, but remain vulnerable with a suspect defensive line. Louis van Gaal’s men have let in ten goals so far this season, one more than West Brom. On the form sheet, United have the edge but this United side is full of surprises (such as the slightly surprising defeat to Leicester City). Kick-off is at 9pm.
My prediction: West Brom 2-3 United.
ABSA Premiership
The premier local division returns with a bang with two mouth-watering clashes involving the current make-up of the Top 4.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Bidvest Wits, Loftus Stadium, Saturday, October 18.
In Saturday’s stand-out fixture, defending champions Sundowns face-off against The Students, in a fourth against third clash. With nothing separating them on the log, both teams will be looking to gain the early advantage over the other in what would be a vital three points. Kick-off is 6pm.
My prediction: Tough one, I’m going to sit on the fence here, 2-2.
Ajax Cape Town vs Kaizer Chiefs, Cape Town Stadium, Sunday, October 19.
The Cape side will be looking to stain Stuart Baxter’s men’s bright start to the season with the rampant Glamour Boys claiming seven wins in as many games. A win for the hosts will prolong the guessing on who’ll claim the title. A win for Amakhosi could mean the title will be for Chiefs to lose.
RUGBY
ABSA Currie Cup
The county’s oldest rugby competition this weekend, with two exciting semi-final fixtures. Defending champions, the Sharks travel to Johannesburg to take on an in-form Golden Lions outfit, while the Blue Bulls make the long trip to Newlands for the day’s late fixture.
Golden Lions vs Sharks, Ellis Park Stadium, Saturday, October 18.
The homeside have proven time and time again that they can beat anyone at Ellis Park, which has somewhat been turned into a fortress in recent times by Johan Ackermann’s men. They also come into the match as arguably the more in-form team following their blowout 47-7 win over the Free State Cheetahs at Ellis Park last weekend.
No side has successfully defended the title since the Blue Bulls a decade ago (2004), and the Sharks will be determined to change that trend. Overturning the Lions at home is a tough task for the Durbanites, but they have enough reason for motivation to get the job done. Kick-off is 2.30pm.
My prediction: Lions win by less than five.
Western Province vs Blue Bulls, Newlands Stadium, Saturday, October 18.
It doesn’t get bigger than the North vs South Derby contested by these two foes, and it’s been a lot tougher to call in past matches.
Having just snuck into the last semi-final spot, the Bulls will be hoping that their fairytale story prolongs with a victory over this season’s favourites, Province. That story could become a reality of course, because anything is possible in a final match – but provided they achieve the tall order of pipping Allister Coetzee’s men at home.
The memory of the painful loss to the Sharks in last season’s final will still be fresh in the Province camp, and expect them to be pumped up for this one, because on; it’s the Bulls at home, and two; they will be desperate to go a step further this time around by correcting last season’s wrongs and three; they know very well that a win will guarantee a home final.
My prediction: Province wins by seven. – @SabeloBoksburg
