tadley

Chris Sale for the Braves has impressed this year with a 2.23 ERA. He regularly goes over five innings, putting less pressure on the bullpen. Fedde for the White Sox is one of the most erratic pitchers around, and you never quite know what you'll get from him. He is 1-5 this season, and I see him struggling against a hard-hitting Braves side.

Forget Adrian Mannarino's form coming into the event, as he has always been hapless on clay and grass is far better suited to his game. He had a fine win over the tricky Diallo in the last round, so has a game under his belt. This is Rinderknech's first grass match of the season, and it looks a tricky assignment for him. Rinderknech will get easy points with his powerful serve, but once Mannarino is in the point he should have problems. Lefty Mannarino plays with no pace, keeps the ball low, and produces a whole host of unconventional shots. 6 ft 5 in Rinderknech will find himself constantly bending down for the low-bouncing balls, which is far from ideal for him. I think Mannarino has the nous to win this.

Slovenia made hard work of beating China in their opener. They were trailing 2-1 in sets and 22-20 before turning it around. That was a game they were expected to win without too much fuss, so it wasn't a strong performance. Poland brushed aside Bulgaria with ease and are looking a useful side.

Nitin Kumar is joined this year by Ankit Goenka, who doesn't impress with a 99 ranking on the Asian Tour. Last year they lost both group games with averages of 69 and 73, including a defeat to the Czech Republic. Karel Sedlá?ek and Adam Gawlas are both solid enough players for the Czechs, so unless they badly underperform they should win.

The pair met last year, with Japan winning 4-3 and both teams averaging 80.6. Japan look a bit stronger with Haruki Muramatsu and particularly Motomu Sakai, but they don't look a whole lot stronger, so I can see Croatia winning a couple of legs.

Neither side impresses, with four very average players on show. I simply don't see either of these teams being able to gap the other team. I'm expecting a poor-quality game, with averages in the 70s and the score being 4-3 or 4-2 either way.

Northern Ireland may lack the quality of the best sides, but they look head and shoulders above the other two teams in the group. Paul Lim has shown his class over the years, but his form is clearly on the wane, and partner Phuay Wey Tan doesn't inspire confidence. William O'Connor and Mickey Mansell should breeze through this.

José de Sousa was a major force a few years ago, but that's long gone. He now finds himself playing at Q School and simply doesn't have the current form to trouble the Poles. His partner, Luís Camacho, is a very limited player, and it's doubtful he can do much. Poland look a decent side. Sebastian Bia?ecki is in fine form, and Krzysztof Ratajski is as solid as they come. I see them winning comfortably.

Mexico have home advantage at the Estadio Azteca, which will be scorching hot and 7,200 feet above sea level. Their record there is very impressive, with them losing just two competitive games there. It can be a hostile environment for visiting sides, and I don't see South Africa having what it takes to get something out of this game. The South Africans' friendly matches haven't gone well, with them failing to win any of the four against Panama (x2), Nicaragua, and Jamaica.

Raúl Jiménez may struggle to get a starting place for Fulham, but he will surely lead the line for Mexico. He may be 35, but he is still very capable, as seen by his goal and Man of the Match performance last time against Serbia. I see South Africa struggling to be competitive at this stadium, so I like his chances.

Mexico win a fair amount of corners, and in their last three games won 5, 6, and 9. South Africa are one of the better African sides for corners, so I think this can go over.

Mexico have been picking up a fair amount of yellows even in friendlies. South Africa can lose the plot if things aren't going their way. An example of this was their last competitive game at the Africa Cup of Nations where they picked up 5 against Cameroon. So 3.5 looks achievable.

The German duo of Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko will be looking to go deep again and will be guaranteed plenty of support. However, they may be vulnerable over this short format. Ricardo Pietreczko has had a torrid time this year, and when his confidence is low he can lose to anyone. Schindler has a great A game, but his B game is lacking. If Pietreczko is struggling, he could well drag Schindler down. Even if both play solidly, the Philippines are still a tricky side with Toylo and Nebrida both reliable players, so an upset in this one wouldn't surprise.

England clearly have the best players, with the two Lukes occupying the top two places in the rankings. It didn't do them any good last year when they were dumped out by Germany 9-4. Netherlands have the world number three and four in the form of Van Veen and Van Gerwen. They make a formidable team and look far better value at 8.00

It may be tree-lined, but the fairways are wide, meaning powerful driving is a plus. Michael Brennan is up there with the best for driving distance and enters this in good form. He was a solid sixth, two off the lead last time at the Charles Schwab, where he produced four solid rounds. I think he can go well at a good price.

Fleetwood didn't play last year but was a fine 2nd in 2023. He comes in in decent form after a solid 4th last time at the Memorial Tournament where he finished two off the lead. His chances were wrecked by a 73 on Friday, which may well have cost him the win. He should go well on this course and looks a potential winner.

Wyndham Clark comes into this in great form after winning the CJ Cup two starts ago. He shot four impressive rounds of 66, 63, 65, and 60. He followed that up with a solid 3rd at the Memorial, one shot off the lead despite a poor Friday when he shot 75. If he had had a solid Friday he may well have had back-to-back wins. In this form he could easily win again.

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.