South Africa
South Korea
With Mexico already through as group winners, this Group A finale at Monterrey Stadium is effectively a play-in for the runner-up spot. South Korea, on three points after splitting their first two games, should be through with a win or a draw. South Africa, on one point following a defeat to Mexico and a draw with Czechia, have to win and hope the other result in the group goes their way too.
South Africa — Bafana Bafana
Teboho Mokoena, the hero of the draw with Czechia after his penalty, is suspended after picking up a second yellow card of the tournament, a real blow given his importance to the side. Themba Zwane remains banned too. The lineup pencilled in here has Sphephelo Sithole returning from his own suspension to play alongside Thalente Mbatha and Lebohang Mofokeng, with Jayden Adams dropping out after being substituted at half-time last time out. Thapelo Maseko and Oswin Appollis provide the width either side of Evidence Makgopa, though Makgopa's understudy Iqraam Rayners has started both games so far and could yet keep his place instead. Ronwen Williams continues in goal behind a back four of Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon and Aubrey Modiba.
South Korea — Taegeuk Warriors
South Korea have no fresh injury concerns after their narrow 1-0 defeat to Mexico, a game in which a goalkeeping error from Kim Seung-gyu proved costly. He's expected to continue regardless. Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, both substituted in the 57th minute last time out, are nonetheless predicted to start again, with Paik Seung-ho retaining his place in central midfield and Lee Han-beom and Lee Gi-hyuk continuing to edge out the competition at centre-back. Lee Tae-seok had a minor fitness scare during the week but is in the predicted XI regardless of the doubts around him.
Predicted Lineups
Key Battle
Son Heung-min vs South Africa's defence in transition. South Africa have to commit numbers forward to get the win they need, and that's exactly the kind of game state Son thrives in on the counter. If Mbokazi and Okon get caught upfield, Son and Lee Kang-in have the pace and quality to make South Africa pay for every gamble.
Prediction
South Africa's need to win could make this an open, end-to-end contest, but that plays into South Korea's hands more than their own. Korea can sit in, soak up pressure, and use Son's pace to hurt South Africa on the break. Expect South Africa to push hard and create chances, but ultimately come up short.
South Africa 1–2 South Korea — Makgopa — Son, Lee Kang-in
⚽ Don't forget to submit your prediction at bantamtalk.com/predictionleague before kickoff!