La Masia vs Mamelodi Sundowns Prediction: Expect a one-sided affair

To say the writing is on the wall is an understatement. La Masia are a National First Division side who are up against one of Africa’s best football clubs. La Masia are a mid-table team in their division, and it would take a miracle for them to cause an upset in this match.

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3 Way – Mamelodi Sundowns 3/100

Mamelodi Sundown have not suffered a defeat in any of their last 7 fixtures. However, they are on a run of 2 matches without a win. This after they played out to a one all draw on the weekend against Orlando Pirates. With just three days between these two games, we expect Rhulani Mokwena will rest some of his stars and play a youthful side. Especially with the CAF Champions League right around the corner. They play Nouadhibou on the 24th of February 2024 away from home. A win in that game would give them control of Group A in the CAF Champions League.

La Masia has seen better days. They come into this fixture with no win in their last 4 fixtures. The last time they managed to walk away with a win was on the 10th of December 2023. It is highly likely that they will continue their terrible run when these teams meet on Tuesday evening.

Both Teams to Score – No 7/25

Mamelodi Sundowns have secured 11 clean sheets in the DSTV Premiership. They were defensively sound and very competent in attack. They are the best team in the land by a long distance and it is evident when you consider how many goals they conceded in the league this season. They have only conceded 4 goals in 15 games in this season's DSTV Premiership. To put that into perspective, Cape Town City, who have the league’s second-best defense, have conceded 12 goals in 17 games. That is 8 goals more than Mamelodi Sundowns who have played two matches fewer. I do not see La Masia cracking this defense at all. 

Away Team to Score in Both Halves – Yes 29/50

Rhulani Mokwena’s Mamelodi Sundowns loves to dominate possession. In their last game against Orlando Pirates, they enjoyed the bulk of possession dominating the ball in both halves. They ended the game with 69% of the possession. With all that possession comes a lot of chances created and La Masia will have to try keep themselves in the game by playing Sundowns on the counter, however Sundowns will look to dictate the speed of the game and push impose their style of play on the match. I see this resulting in a goal or two in both halves.