The 2017/18 Absa Premiership has returned with a bang after the festive-season break. We look at the 10 talking points which will shape the rest of the campaign.

Could Wits really be relegated?

Well, they’re bottom of the standings – albeit in a three-way tie with Platinum Stars and AmaZulu – after 17 rounds, so the answer has to be ‘yes’. Bidvest Wits’ decline from champions to chumps has been astounding, but coach Gavin Hunt will believe they have the quality to pull themselves out of trouble.

Will Sundowns run away with it?

That’s really up to Sundowns. Toward the end of 2017 it seemed as if ‘Downs would put together a winning run and open up a big gap at the top, but three head-scratching losses from their last four matches has seen them stumble. Yet they still hold a three-point lead and have beefed up their squad, making them the title favourites early in the New Year.

Can Chiefs go up a gear and challenge for the title?

Their inability to really find an identity under coach Steve Komphela suggests not. The Amakhosi have performed strongly of late, but you get the feeling that a lack of real strength in depth and the absence of a prolific striker will preclude them from really challenging.

And what about Pirates?

Th early signs in 2018 are looking good for the Buccaneers, with their 3-1 win over Sundowns this past weekend suggesting that coach Milutin Sredojevic’s methods are beginning to take hold. They have a lot of work to do and a title tilt this season is unlikely, but ‘Micho’ appears to be laying the foundations for success.

How long before Free State Stars’ bubble bursts?

Credit to the humble Bethlehem-based squad: the acquisition of a quality coach in Luc Eymael and some intelligent transfers have transformed Stars from potential relegation fodder to Sundowns’ nearest chasers. They’re unlikely to remain so high in the standings, but at least the Ea Lla Koto faithful won’t be worrying about the dreaded drop come May.

Can Benni McCarthy draw some consistency out of his CT City team?

Cape Town City are hardly the only team struggling for consistency, but given the quality they possess, their unpredictability is hard for coach Benni McCarthy to swallow. The Citizens are in danger of fizzling out, much as they did in the latter stages of last season.

How will playing in Africa affect Wits, Sundowns, CT City and SuperSport?

Sundowns and SuperSport have gone deep into African club competitions in recent years and know how to balance domestic and continental demands. As for Wits, well, saving themselves from relegation is far more pressing, while City may find it tough, though the excitement of their first African campaign could drive them on strongly.

Can SuperSport get back to winning form?

SuperSport haven’t won a league match since late November and any thoughts that they could rack up wins from their many games in hand and challenge for the title appear to have evaporated. In fact, Eric Tinkler’s side could be in danger of missing out on the top half if they don’t pull their act together.

Is Jeremy Brockie the missing puzzle piece for the Brazilians?

New Zealand striker Jeremy Brockie has finally signed for Mamelodi Sundowns, after what seemed like years of being courted by Pitso Mosimane. The 30-year-old striker very much went off the boil for SuperSport in recent weeks, but if he can recapture his best form he could prove to be a brilliant acquisition for the Brazilians.

Will the return of Muhsin Ertugral bring a resurgence for Ajax?

The Turkish-German coach is back at the helm of Ajax Cape Town for the fourth time, with the club putting out an SOS call in their battle against relegation. Ertugral has a knack of getting the best out of young players, so don’t be surprised if the Urban Warriors rise into mid-table safety by the end of the season.