tadley

South Africa were poor against Mexico, managing three tame efforts only, with an expected goals (xG) of 0.08. If Mexico had posed a greater threat it could have been ugly. The Czech Republic offer a serious threat from set pieces, and surely one of them will tell during this game. One goal may be enough against a weak-looking South Africa side.

I don't rate South Africa and feel there could be goals for the Czech Republic in this one. They are adept at creating goals from set pieces, which was evident in game one when Krejci scored. I wouldn't rule out a repeat performance in this one.

I wasn't impressed with South Africa against Mexico. If Mexico offered more of an attack, they could have filled their boots. The Czech Republic didn't play too badly against South Korea, as Korea look a decent side. The Czechs rely heavily on set pieces, so that looks their most likely route to goal. Their two wide defenders, Chaloupek and Krej?í, both get forward for set pieces and get a fair return. Chaloupek netted eight times for Slavia Prague last season from 28 games, so 9.5 looks a decent price.

Since switching to the LIV Tour, Smith's form has clearly deteriorated. There have been positive signs of late, though, with four top-10s from his last 12. That includes a recent 7th at the PGA Championship. I get the impression he relishes his chance to play in the PGA Tour majors, so I can see him going well.

Jacob Bridgeman missed the cut in his only start here but is better than that. Accurate approach play and putting are essential this weekend, and Bridgeman excels in both. His putting is elite, ranking 3rd for SG: Putting on the tour. If he can handle the difficult greens, he could figure it out this weekend.

Ryan Gerard is an elite driver, but his approach play and putting seem to have come on of late, making him of interest. He was second going into the final round at the Charles Schwab, but a poor final round dropped him to 10th. Last time out, though, at the Memorial he did even better, finishing second after a playoff. He's clearly in fine form, so can outperform his odds.

Wyndham Clark won in 2023, so obviously has the ability to go well here. He enters in fine form. He won the recent Bryan Nelson CJ Cup, was third at the Memorial, and last week was 2nd going into the last round, but a poor Sunday dropped him to 11th. He is one of the best putters around, which should stand him in good stead for around here.

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.