tadley

Pedro Martinez isn't at his best. Only a 7-11 win/loss ratio this year and 6-15 last year. Sakamoto has done well on clay this year with a 9-5 record, so he appears to have the edge.

Harry Wendelken recently reached the final of a Challenger, but this being on clay puts him at a disadvantage. He rarely plays on the surface, winning just 3 of his 14 games. This year he lost both clay matches. Luka Pavlovic is 6??"7 this season on clay but is accomplished on the surface, with a 30??"19 win/loss record last year.

This fixture last season went over with Bournemouth winning 2-1, as did the meeting between them this season, making it now four times on the trot where the total went over between these two. Although City are strong favourites, Bournemouth are still chasing a European spot, which could even be a Champions League spot depending on Aston Villa. They have been scoring well of late, putting two past Arsenal, Man United, Newcastle and Leeds, and three against Palace. I can definitely see them adding to the total.

With the FA Cup gone, the best Chelsea can hope for is a minor European spot. To even win that, they would possibly need to win both games. That looks unlikely, as they have just one point and two goals from their last seven games. Spurs' survival hopes had a major boost at the weekend with West Ham losing. That means a draw tonight should ensure their survival. Their form has picked up with two wins and two draws from their last four, and their away form this season has been good, with only Man City and Arsenal accruing more points.

Chongqing Tonglianglong have been a good unders side this season. However, their form has taken a turn for the worse. After leading the league, they are now winless in five and have started conceding more, with their last two going over. Yunnan Yukun are the best overs side in the league, with 11 of 12 obliging.

There was just one point separating the sides in the league phase, with both sides winning 15 games. When the sides met earlier this year it ended all square at 28-28. Another draw wouldn't surprise.

Both sides finished level on 42 points in the regular season, but Kristianstad dominated the head-to-heads, winning by 4 away and 12 at home. I expect them to win again with home advantage in the first leg.

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.