tadley

There has been money for Haiti, but for the life of me I can't see why. Admittedly Scotland have a poor record at the World Cup finals and have lost to sides like Costa Rica and, more notably, Peru in 1978. They seem a more reliable side these days and look on a different level to Haiti. Yes, Haiti did beat New Zealand 4-0 in a warm-up, but the Kiwis didn't play anywhere near as solidly as they did against England, so I'm not reading too much into that. The only half-decent side they beat was in qualifying,was Cosat Rica with the rest of the games being against sides ranked in the 100s. They look out of their depth.

Scotland have Morocco and Brazil in their group, so this looks like a must-win game. Goal difference could be key, so they must go for goals today. I expect them to dominate a weak-looking Haiti side, so there should be goals. Shankland should start after netting 16 times for Hearts. He has 4 international goals from 4 games this year and should fancy his chances against this side.

I'm not expecting too many corners from Haiti, but if, as expected, they fall behind against Scotland they must come forward, so should win some. Scotland have been notching up plenty of corners, winning 6, 8, 7, 7, 12 and 7 in their last six games. I see them dominating possession and getting 7+. That should take this over.

Haiti picked up two or more yellow cards in four of their five qualifiers, including four against Nicaragua. They will almost certainly be on the back foot today, so should get at least a couple. Scotland games regularly produce cards, so I think this at least reaches 4.

With the run line set at 14.5 and two poor pitchers and bullpens on show, this is expected to be a run fest with balls flying out of the park. If that's the case, then I favor the Athletics. They are the better-hitting side and perform well against lefties.

At the last World Cup, Australia got out of their group thanks to 1-0 wins over Tunisia and Denmark. I expect a similar approach today, with them defending and willing to concede possession and hitting Turkey on the break. Turkey are the better side and solid at the back. They were hardly free-scoring in their two knockout games to get here, winning 1-0 against Romania and Kosovo. I see Turkey dominating possession but struggling to break Australia down.

Harry Souttar played in the last World Cup after recovering from a ligament injury just before the tournament. It's been a similar situation this time, with him suffering an Achilles injury ruling him out until late May. The main thing is he's made it, and he will do his utmost to make the most of the opportunity. He should be very busy against a Turkish side that push forward in numbers, so he will be a busy man and have to make several tackles he may not want to. He's barely played this season but last season picked up 5 yellows and a red in 21 games for Sheffield United.

Australia will most likely sit back and absorb the pressure and hit Turkey on the break. This won't generate many corners for Australia, but it should give them two or three. Turkey love to get shots away, which can generate plenty of corners. In their two warm-up games they won 12 and 13. Six or seven corners for them should take this over, and they look capable of doing that.

Jesús Valenzuela is the referee, which could be interesting. He loves his whistle, averaging 30 fouls per game. He also loves his cards, with 87 yellows and 5 reds last season and an average of 5.1 cards per game. Australia averages 2 cards a game and Turkey 2.9, so I like the over.

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.

Antonelli has won five races in a row and seems to hold a clear edge over teammate Russell. As long as qualifying isn't a disaster, I expect him to once again stamp his authority on the race.

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

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.