Zanaco vs Red Arrows Prediction: Incredible Red Arrows have a tough job away from home

In week 17 of the Zambia Super League, Zanaco will play Red Arrows at Sunset Stadium. The two teams have been impressive in recent games and have had a good run of matches lately. While the visiting team has not lost in recent times in this fixture, can the home side, with a run of unbeaten games without a defeat, turn the tables?

Zanaco will look to extend their unbeaten run, this time with a win. In their last nine matches, Zanaco lost only one, coming in week eleven against NAPSA Stars. However, surprisingly, this team had only one win in that run, showing they needed a lot from them. While I expect them to put on a good fighting spirit, being on home turf should also boost their momentum. 

Zanaco has drawn Mufuira, Nchanga Rangers, Green Eagles, Nkwazi, ZESCO United, Mutondo Stars, and Lumwana Radiants in recent games. In the meantime, Zanaco are one of the sides with the fewest points accumulated after the first 16 matches of the season. This team scored 13 goals in that run while conceding 15. 

Red Arrows will look to extend their winning run in this fixture, and I expect them to approach it with confidence. The previous weekend, this team took on Forest Rangers, and they won at home, with a 44th-minute Godfrey Ngwenya strike securing the maximum points for them. However, this team has won three consecutive matches, defeating Indeni and Atl. Lusaka in that run. 

However, away from home, the Red Arrows have three wins in their last five games while losing to Nkana and Nchanga Rangers. This season, the Red Arrows have 28 points accumulated from 16 matches, scoring 16 goals while conceding 11, and they sit 5th in the league standings. 

Zanaco's last win in this fixture came in 2020, ending 2-1. However, these two teams met eight times after that win, with the Red Arrows not losing any. In fact, Red Arrows won three times in that run, with other games ending in five draws. However, we have witnessed both teams scoring in six of their last eight games. 

Prediction: 1-1

The two teams have not lost any of their recent games and will have a lot to give here. While Red Arrows have won each of their last matches, Zanaco remain unbeaten, with just one defeat in recent times. However, I expect these teams to be at their best, just like they have been competitive in recent matches. However, the performances and points accumulated by Zanaco this season are not impressive. While they will need a lot of offensive play, I also expect them to show character defensively. This will be a very close game in between, but I do not see a winner in this one, hence a draw. 

Betting Tips:

Both Teams to Score (Odds:2.04) - These two teams have been competitive offensively recently, and their past meetings are an indication. I believe Zanaco should be able to score despite the Red Arrows' tough defence. 

Full-Time Draw (Odds:3.00) - I do not see a clear winner in this one. While things could go down the wire, I expect both teams to focus on avoiding defeat. 

W2/X (Odds:17.00)- The Red Arrows have been the most impressive side in this fixture, and their recent games have ended with wins in the first half. Yet, I expect Zanaco to respond in the second half, holding their bitter rivals to a draw at full time.