Mutondo Stars vs NAPSA Stars Prediction: I am backing the home side to take advantage of their struggling opponent

Zambia Super League action at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium will see Mutondo Stars take on NAPSA Stars. The two teams are playing on the same level so far this season, with one point separating them in the standings. Coming off a defeat, how will they approach this fixture? Below, I will look into the two teams' run of form and past meetings and offer betting opportunities. 

Mutondo Stars

Mutondo Stars will rely on hope as they look to turn their disgrace into praise. Despite starting the season very strong with just one defeat in nine matches, my expectations for them have greatly reduced, considering that they have picked only three points from a possible 21 in their last games.

In their run of games into this week 17 fixture, Mutondo Stars' lone victory came against Atl. Lusaka, ending 1-0 in this venue. However, other encounters saw them lose to ZESCO United, Lumwana Radiants, Kabwe Warriors, FC Muza, Power Dynamos, and Green Buffaloes. 

Ahead of this fixture, Mutondo Stars have 19 points from 16 matches. This team scored 14 goals in those games, conceding 19, as they sit 13th in the league's log. 

NAPSA Stars

NAPSA Stars head into this game without a win in five consecutive games, and I expect them to show character and competitive play. The previous time out, this team took on a weak Lumwana Radiants side, and despite the fact I had a lot of expectations from them, they failed to pick a point at the home venue. 

In the meantime, NAPSA Stars drew twice in their last five games, coming against MUZA FC and Kabwe Warriors. In fact, they also lost to Power Dynamos and Green Buffaloes in that run. This team's last win was against Zanaco in week eleven matchups, ending 0-1, with Evans Kayombo being the day's hero. 

Heading into this fixture, NAPSA Stars have lost two, won one, and drew two of their last games away from home. In those games, this team scored three times while conceding five. 

Interesting Match Facts:

The two teams have met twice, and each side secured a win on their turf. However, each encounter ended with at least three goals. Their meetings also ended in a draw at the end of the first half. 

Prediction: 1-0

Prediction: 1-0

Expert Betting Tips

This is a crucial game for the two sides, who will feel confident in taking maximum points following a run of disappointing performances. While their previous meetings have seen each side take advantage of their turf, a similar outcome is possible. However, I feel this game could be much closer like their past ones, but this time, with a few goals. In fact, the home team has failed to net in five of their last six matches, while the visiting team has scored fewer goals than the host so far this season, a testament that the two teams struggle offensively. I will be very considerate in this game, and while we have witnessed this game end with a draw at halftime in the past, the two teams' recent performances this season have also shown indications that this game could end with a similar outcome. Given their turf advantage, I will take the home team to win this game as the primary option, even though they will not have things easy. 

Betting Tips: 

Mutondo Stars to Win (Odds:2.86) - The past fixture has ended with the home side taking advantage, and while their recent plays are on the same, I have no doubt the record will repeat itself.

Halftime Result - Draw (Odds:1.80) - The two teams' offensive level is poor, and I think they will struggle to blend and implement their game plan at halftime.

Under 1.5 Goals (Odds:1.94) - With the two teams, the major focus is expected to be on avoiding; approaching this will be from the defensive end. Also, with their offensive power being very weak, I will bet on a low-scoring game.