tadley

Steven Okert has been installed as a starting pitcher, which isn't great news for the Astros, and I don't see him lasting long. That means the bulk of the pitching will be done by the bullpen, which has struggled of late with a 7.25 ERA over the last fortnight. Dodgers batters haven't been at their best lately, but they are quite a force when getting going, and I expect them to wake up tonight.

After losing four straight, the Padres arrested the slide with a win over the White Sox last time. I think they can follow that up with another against the Giants, who have also been struggling. The Padres have the clear pitching edge with Vásquez, who has won all five games in which he's pitched with a 2.94 ERA. The Giants promoted Trevor McDonald from the minors and, although he has been in the bullpen this year, he is yet to be used, so it seems a strange choice today.

Shi doesn't play a lot of clay tennis and it shows with her losing the last eight matches. Six of those were 2??"0. Pieri is an adept clay player who plays almost exclusively on the surface, so I give her the edge.

Inter Turku have won 6 of the last 7 meetings with Gnistan, drawing the other. They look well placed to win again given their fine unbeaten start to the season. Gnistan, by contrast, are winless with just one point from 4 games.

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.

It's a Greg Norman-designed course, and it's unknown how it will play, but it doesn't look like one for long drivers. Daniel Rodrigues was impressive last week in search of his maiden win with some good driving and approach play. He ended up T2 but showed enough to suggest he can perform well on a course like this.

It's difficult to know what to expect from this course, but it certainly doesn't look like one for the big hitters. Rather, it's for someone who can strike the ball accurately and putt well with its undulating greens. Norris ticks both of these boxes and has been in good form of late, with a 4th and 6th in his last two starts.

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.

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.