tadley

With Haaland leading the line, Norway are always going to be a goal threat. That was certainly the case in their opener when he netted twice. Senegal struggled after the break to contain France, so I can see Norway scoring. Senegal look a decent side going forward and created two big chances against France. They have plenty of pace up front, so if they catch Norway on the break there could be goals. I see this being an open game with goals.

Haaland got a brace in game one, and although Senegal are a step up in class from Iraq, their defence doesn't look the best. France found it too easy to breach them in the second half, and Haaland has shown in the Premier League he can score against even the best defences.

Nicolas Jackson gets a fair share of stick for his poor finishing percentage. That may be the case, but he puts himself in the right position an awful lot of times and isn't phased by his misses. In game one he had a goal disallowed and hit the post. I thought he generally played well. In what could be an entertaining game, I can see him scoring.

Algeria are fuming after game one when Messi stood on the calf of Algeria defender Aïssa Mandi, which was a clear red-card incident, but he was allowed to stay on and score two further goals. Alexis Mac Allister should also have had his marching orders, so the game could have been very different with nine men. Algeria are now up against it and this looks a must-win game. There should be goals for them as Jordan's defence looks suspect and the keeper a liability. Jordan, though, did have 11 shots resulting in one goal against Austria. Neither defence impresses, so there should be goals.

Algeria could well make several changes after the opening loss. However, Ramy Bensebaini should continue at the heart of the defence. The Dortmund central defender netted 5 times in 21 games and looks certain to push forward for set pieces. Jordan look very suspect at the back and the keeper untrustworthy, so I can see goals for Algeria.

The loser will almost certainly be on their way home, so both sides should give it their all, which often leads to cards. I can see a few players from either side getting booked, and Algerian central defenders Aïssa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaini pick up more than their fair share of cards.

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.