tadley

Knights look to be kicking into top gear, winning their last three and compiling 124 points in the process. They face an Eels side that have injuries and collapsed when last playing against Storm. I can see Knights distancing them in this one.

Zachary Svajda seems to have taken his form to a new level here. He was far more aggressive than in the past in round one when upsetting warm favourite Popyrin, banging in 17 aces in four sets. He was equally impressive when beating Walton in round two. The quicker conditions obviously suit him, and when the pair met on a hardcourt in 2024 he won in straight sets. Cerúndolo can often disappoint when the chips are down, and with the draw opening up for him he's not the sort of player to thrive.

Berrettini has done well to come through two rounds, but I'm not sure how much more he has left in the tank. He hasn't won three matches on the trot all year, so he will have to break that run in order to win. He faces a tricky opponent in Comesana. Comesana has come through two rounds against tricky opponents in Quinn and Darderi and looks like a confident player who thrives on the big occasion. He has recorded wins over Rublev and Zverev, so isn't phased by the bigger names. I think he looks a lively outsider in this one.

I'm not convinced that this is as one-sided as the odds suggest. I'm really not convinced by Félix on the clay. Last season he played just nine matches on it, winning only three. Against Altmaier in round one he had an almighty struggle, needing five sets to come through. In round two he lost the first set to Burruchaga, who then lost his way and tailed off tamely. Nakashima looks a tougher opponent. He has an impressive service game and can be fiendishly hard to break. He won't be phased by playing Félix and can give as good as he gets.

According to the bookies, Gujarat Titans are the second-worst side in the competition, but I don't see it. Jos Buttler is a concern after a poor T20 World Cup campaign, but he is too good a player to keep playing that badly. I see him enjoying the fresh start. Even if he underperforms, there are enough quality batters in the side to step up. I also like their mix of bowlers and can see them going deep.

Mumbai Indians look the strongest side on paper and should go well. They had the best net run rate last season but just missed out on the play-offs by one point. They have a wealth of batting talent to choose from, although perhaps they are over-reliant on Bumrah in the bowling department. That may not matter, as I see them posting consistently high scores.

Clare won in 2024, but last year it didn't go well. Severe injury problems probably took their toll. They look in better shape this time and can certainly mix it with the best.

Lancashire underperformed, finishing 5th despite having a strong squad. They've really impressed with signings over the winter, enrolling quality players at this level, so I see them doing a lot better than 5th.

Warwickshire finished down in 5th last season but were hampered by drawing nine games, the most in the league. They've strengthened their squad and look capable of a better performance this season.

Verstappen kept himself in the title race last season despite clearly not having the best car. That speaks volumes about his skill, which should see him once again go well this season. Despite him slamming the new regulation, it should be to his benefit as he has the skills to master the new designs. The Red Bull has looked very promising in practice, so I rate him as the most likely winner.