tadley

Jamie Clarke certainly has the game to get through the qualifiers, as he showed in 2020 and 2022. In 2020 he defeated Allen and looked set to beat McGill when 7-2 up, before McGill complained to him about standing in his eyeline, which seemed to unsettle him. His form has been patchy since, but he clearly has the talent to win this. Pinhey is in wretched form, winning just 2 of his last 17, both against really weak players.

Gujarat Titans have lost both games, but they were competitive in both and can count themselves unlucky to lose them. Their problem appears to be batting depth. Capitals have the opposite form, having won 2 from 2, both against solid sides. They look a really solid all-round side, and sides are going to have to play well to beat them.

It's difficult to get a handle on how good Zalmi are as they have played just one, when they beat a poor Pindiz side. Kingsmen are another weak side, having lost all three games. They posted just 130 and 138 in games one and two, and even though they reached 225 last time it still wasn't enough as they were smacked around the park. They have little going for them, and a powerful Zalmi line-up should have too much power for them.

Barcelona are good corner winners, with an average of over 7 per game. They met Atlético in the league on Sunday, where they won 9 corners. In 6 of their 15 home league games this season they have reached double figures by themselves. When they last met Atlético at home in the Copa del Rey last month, they won 15 corners. Atlético Madrid should chip in with some, so I like the over.

The sides met on Sunday in La Liga, with the game containing 10 yellows and a red. This may well be just as fiercely contested, so 4.5 cards looks achievable. Referee Kovács is never shy to wave cards, so I like the over.

Liverpool somehow won this fixture last season in a game where they were totally out-played, losing the shot game 27??"2. PSG turned it around in the next game, though, and I see them winning tonight. PSG look just as strong this season, whereas Liverpool have regressed and were thrashed 4??"0 by Man City last time. This looks a tough ask to repeat last season's win.

Dodgers send Ohtani to the mound, who is an impressive pitcher. Over three seasons as a regular pitcher for the Angels, his ERA ranged from 2.3??"3.2 with a WHIP of 1.0. He was just as impressive last season for the Dodgers, and in his one game this season he pitched six innings giving up no earned runs. I see a struggling Blue Jays lineup getting hardly anything from him. Jays send out Cease, who has had two solid starts, but those games were against the White Sox and Athletics, and this Dodgers lineup is another level.

Justin Rose has never won the Masters, but he couldn't have come much closer with three second places and twice losing in playoffs. He is still playing well after capturing the Farmers Insurance this year. He doesn't always bring his A game these days, but you can be sure he's up for this one.

Aberg was leading on the final day last weekend until the rain started to fall. He immediately sliced the ball into two consecutive left roughs and his chances went. He will be keen to put that behind him, and his game looks good coming into the Masters. He has taken part here twice, finishing 2nd and 7th. He seems to relish putting on the fast greens, and his approach shots are an ideal fit as they drop and die.

It's a chaotic PSL this season with no crowds, just two venues, and substandard players due to them bizarrely scheduling it against the IPL. Qalandars won last season and have won three of the last four. They retain a strong squad. They possibly have the best selection of bowlers, and although the batting could be said to be a bit too heavy, there is quality there. I expect a strong performance from them.

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.

I'm just not convinced by Boult at the moment and think Bumrah is a much more reliable option. You can guarantee he will play his full quota of overs each match and simply looks the best, most consistent wicket-taker.

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.