tadley

Armagh won the Ulster title after an impressive win over Monaghan. They are a well-organised side with significant squad depth, and they rarely play a bad game. Louth were well beaten by Dublin in the Leinster final but responded superbly by getting their revenge a fortnight ago, which shows their fighting spirit. However, I don't see them beating an Armagh side that defends well and scores from all over the place.

Provence racked up the points in Division Two, averaging 37 per home game. It may not be as easy against Top 14 side Perpignan, but Perpignan aren't exactly known for their strong defence, conceding 471 points from 13 away games. Perpignan are expected to win this well, so I see tries all round and a total in the 50s.

Minnows Curaçao look hopelessly out of their depth in this one. They came through qualification unbeaten, but that was against very weak sides. Recent 5??"1 defeats to Australia and 4??"1 to Scotland show their limitations. Germany have won nine on the trot, including a 6??"0 hiding of Slovakia. They aren't a side to sit back on their lead and look capable of banging in plenty of goals.

Scotland recently put 4 past Curaçao, which shows their limitations. Germany are adept at putting away lesser sides with ease and could really fill their boots today. That could mean a whole host of goal scorers. Felix Nmecha should start and play a more advanced role in midfield. I'd be surprised if he doesn't get a shot or two, so 4.5 looks decent value.

Curaçao recently conceded 5 against Australia and 4 against Scotland and look well out of their depth against Germany, who regularly put poor sides to the sword. I see plenty of goals for Germany and Havertz should be among them. Havertz should lead the line tonight and should get plenty of chances against Curaçao. He's scored in his last two: against the USA in a friendly and against PSG in the Champions League final.

Curaçao are the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup finals and look out of their depth. They did come through qualification unbeaten, but this is a huge step up in class for them. They may be able to beat weak sides, but recent 5??"1 defeat to Australia and 4??"1 to Scotland expose their weaknesses. Germany did have a bad patch when losing three on the trot but shook that off by winning their next nine, banging in the goals. I can see them shutting the minnows out, and five goals looks very doable.

2.5 is a low line and I can see Curaçao going over it by themselves. We recently saw them against Scotland where they picked up two yellows and a red. In a game where they will be constantly on the back foot, I can see this going over.

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

Netherlands are around evens to win, but this looks far from straightforward. Japan were the first team to qualify for the World Cup, doing so with three games to spare. They've continued that fine form in recent friendlies. They've won six on the trot, including wins over Brazil and England. I can see this ending all square.

Netherlands romped through qualification, scoring 27 from their 8 games. They attack with purpose and should be confident of scoring today. We recently saw Japan against England, and although they didn't see much of the ball they still managed seven shots and scored the only goal of the game. With the Dutch conceding in all four warm-up games against Uzbekistan, Algeria, Ecuador, and Norway, I can see both teams scoring.

Doan does get forward a fair bit, but he could be busy defending in this one with Gakpo running down the left wing. Gakpo draws an awful lot of fouls, and Doan certainly isn't immune to picking up cards. He got one in the recent friendly with Scotland and picked up five for Frankfurt.

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.

It looks a step up for Garcia on paper, but he's beaten some solid fighters and looks a lively outsider in this one. I have little doubt he will win the exchanges on the feet. He takes surprisingly little damage and throws an abundance of quality punches and kicks. Even if not finishing his opponent, he should impress the judges. Lopes has to take this to the mat to win, in my opinion, but that won't be easy with Garcia's defence.

Kyle Daukaus is on a six-fight winning run and has been in with some tough guys. He's a wily campaigner and will be tough to put away. Nickal is an impressive fighter, especially on the mat, and his striking is also coming along. He has the tools to impress the judges, but putting Daukaus away won't be easy.

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.