tadley

Afghanistan are almost certainly out, and even if they win their last two games by big margins they will probably still be out. That won't stop them trying, though, and I can see them batting way too hard and losing wickets. UAE are an inferior side, but they are solid enough, and the flat surface should suit them. If Afghanistan do over-hit, an upset could be on the cards.

If comparing the performances against Nepal, Italy look the value. They bowled out Nepal for 123 and chased it down in 12.4 overs without losing a wicket. England, by contrast, were lucky to get over the line against Nepal. England have an impressive batting line-up on paper, but they have mostly been underwhelming and their bowling unit hasn't impressed. Italy at 12.00 look the value.

Raducanu is never one I have fully trusted, but she has been more consistent of late. She recently reached the final at the Transylvania Open, where she ran into an inspired Cîrstea. She did retire with high blood pressure due to an infection last time at the Qatar Open but should be over that. Ruzic comes into this having lost five straight. So if Raducanu brings her A-game, she can wrap this up in two.

Pierre-Hugues Herbert loves the fast conditions here and is twice a quarter-finalist. He's come through two rounds of qualifying nicely and will be keen to beat his fellow Frenchman at a venue he likes. Royer climbed to 56 in the world last year but has now slid to 60 after a poor 2026. He's lost all five matches, putting him on an eight-game losing streak. The problem is that he is a good Challenger-level player but not so good on the main tour. Herbert's strong serve will make him tough to break.

Siniakova seems to concentrate more on doubles, as she obviously has a better chance of winning titles in that format. However, that should not distract from her ability in singles. She has a good A-game but can be frustrating and can go for too many winners, making the errors pile up. If near her best, she can win this against waning star Badosa, whose slide down the rankings is alarming.

Sri Lanka have won both games so far. They rather cozily beat Ireland and thrashed Oman. Australia, by contrast, were upset by Zimbabwe in their last game, so look vulnerable. However, the wicket clearly favoured the Zimbabwe spinners, whereas this Pallekele wicket looks more favourable for pace bowlers. There is so much batting quality in the Australian side, with multiple players who can go hard and fast. If the wicket suits, they can win this.

Kypson is favourite for a combination of three reasons: he won their one head-to-head, he is playing at home, and Atmane's form isn't good. However, in terms of talent Atmane is on a different level. He's not the sort of player to sulk about his recent losses and can shake it off. His superior skills should see him through.

The top two meet, but there's no question that Middlesbrough are playing better right now. Coventry's earlier-season form, when they were banging in the goals, has long gone. They are looking very ordinary at the moment and toothless up front. Middlesbrough, by contrast, have won six on the trot and should fancy their chances of at least getting a draw.

Jodar is a promising youngster, but he has only played five times on the main tour. In his last game he was thoroughly outclassed by Shapovalov 6-1, 2-2, exposing his limitations at this stage of his career. Quinn, although only 22 himself, is far more experienced and has climbed to No. 70 in the world. At this stage of their careers, I have to favour Quinn.

Leaders Cardiff are very impressive at home with a record of W10 D1 from their last 11. They are averaging 2.37 goals per home match and should have too much firepower for Wimbledon. Cardiff won at Wimbledon earlier in the season and can do the double.

Plymouth have been erratic all season, pulling off some fine wins mixed in with poor losses. However, they have been more consistent of late, with just two losses from their last nine. Those losses were against top-four side Stockport and Lincoln. Leyton Orient haven't impressed of late, with just two wins from their last 12, which includes seven losses.

Northampton have had a poor season but have done better of late, being unbeaten in three. However, they have just three points from their last eight away games, and this looks a tough assignment for them. Lincoln are playing exceptionally well, with only a late Bolton goal depriving them of yet another win. Their last 14 games' form reads W10 D4 L0. They look far too strong for Northampton.

Stevenage have lost just once at home but they have drawn 6 of their 14 games. However, they have won their last two 1-0, against improving Peterborough and in-form Huddersfield, which is encouraging. Port Vale are playing a bit better after the departure of Darren Moore, but that isn't saying a lot. They are basically a good League Two side, not a League One side, so I think they come away empty-handed.

Nadiem Amiri drew a blank last time against Dortmund, which wasn't really a surprise. However, prior to that he netted in his previous five matches, scoring six goals. At 11.00 he looks solid value.

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.