tadley

The winners have an excellent chance of qualifying, while the losers pack their bags. It's one point each, but the way Canada ripped through Qatar suggests that a decent enough Bosnia side should edge this.

Bosnia have had three yellows in one game and two yellows and a red in the other. Qatar have had two yellows in one game and one yellow and three reds in the other. Even if the sides maintain that level, it should go over. But with everything on the line in this game, I do see either side holding back.

There is every incentive for Canada to win this, as it would mean a home last-32 tie for them. A defeat for Switzerland won't matter one jot, as the head-to-head rules ensure they will go through instead of Bosnia. To be honest, Canada have looked the more impressive side so far, with Jonathan David the stand-out player.

Canada won plenty of corners in their warm-up games with 12 against Ireland, 9 against Tunisia, 7 against Uzbekistan, 8 against Iceland, and 12 against Guatemala. They continued that form with 9 against Bosnia and 19 against Qatar. The Swiss themselves have won 7 and 10 in their two games. This really should go over, with the only slight worry being that a draw would suit both sides fine, with them both qualifying in the top two.

Brazil could only finish 5th in qualifying, 10 points adrift of Argentina. It's certainly not an elite Brazilian side, even if they are priced up as if they are. Scotland are a dogged side and, although lacking a bit of quality, they may be up for it with determination and grit. They may get steamrollered, but I'm more inclined to think they will give Brazil a good scrap.

It's been a while since Scottie Scheffler won, with his win at the American Express in January being his last victory. It's not that his game has deserted him. In his last seven starts he's finished 14, 12, 4, 3, 2, 2, and 2. It's just a matter of time before he wins again, and he has shown he can master this course with his win here in 2024.

Calum Hill is one of the best putters on the European Tour, but the other aspects of his game have been coming along nicely. Last at the KLM Open, he stated that he had been striking the ball better than he had for some time, and he ranked high for greens in regulation. Only a poor final day cost him a top-three place, and he looks poised for a big effort this weekend.

Joaquin Niemann looks the class of the field, and if bringing his best form he really ought to figure. He was a respectable 7th at last week's U.S. Open, but that doesn't tell the whole story. He had a nightmare start at hole 6 in round one when shooting 11 on a par 4. If he'd parred that hole he would have won. This is a weaker field, so I like his chances.

JT Poston was second here in 2022, and although his last three visits here have been poor, he's in strong form coming into this, so could go well again. He won the Memorial two starts ago and followed that up with a fine 4th at last week's US Open. Good putting is imperative here, and those last two performances show Poston's putting is top-notch.

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.