tadley

Empoli are installed as favourites, but I'm assuming that's priced up on their need to win to climb out of the relegation zone rather than their form. They have one win from their last 17, so I won't be rushing to back them as favourites. Avellino are the stronger side and also have motivation, as they occupy the last play-off place.

Although Oxford won two of their last four, it wasn't enough to avoid relegation, as West Brom rallied well to climb clear of them. Subsequently, there is nothing on the line for them apart from pride in this one. That's not the case for Millwall, though, who can still make the automatic promotion spot if Ipswich don't win. They must win this, though, so I don't see them slipping up.

It's been a terrible campaign for Wednesday with just one win all season. Unless they win this, they will finish on an embarrassing negative points total. They would obviously love to win this to restore some pride and aren't without a chance. They have drawn three of their last four home games, so it's not a big step up to turn one into a win. They could be playing an ideal team in West Brom. West Brom have ended the season well and have pulled to safety away from the relegation zone. Now they are guaranteed Championship football next season, they can relax and surely won't have the same motivation as in recent games.

The only game in the Championship with something on it for both sides. Middlesbrough can still gain an automatic promotion spot, but it's a long shot. They must win and hope Ipswich lose and hope Millwall don't win. With those two sides having very winnable home games, I doubt even the most optimistic Middlesbrough fan will believe they can do it. Wrexham have play-off ambitions, sitting in the last play-off place. To make the play-offs they simply have to match Hull's performance. That's a tricky thing to do, and their style of play is to go for goals and not sit back, so I see them winning this.

Reading are safely in mid-table with nothing on the line in this one. They appear to be somewhat on the beach with no wins in five. Blackpool also have nothing on this game, but unlike Reading are finishing the season well, winning six of their last eight and eking out four 1-0 wins from their last six.

Darius van Driel's best performances have come on tree-lined fairways. It's little wonder, as he always ranks high in the driving accuracy rankings. His one win on the DP Tour came at the tree-lined Kenya Open, and it's not the only time he's performed well on courses such as this. He was a solid 8th last time, so he carries momentum into this.

Liv star David Puig tries his luck at the Turkish Open, and in fairness he is clearly the best player in it. He warmed up for this with a 2nd to Rahm in Mexico City, and if he produces his game he is surely the one to beat.

Chris Gotterup had a great start to the year, mopping up both the Phoenix Open and the Sony Open in Hawaii. Although his form has tailed off a tad??"24th, 25th, and 6th in his last three starts is hardly disastrous. This venue looks far more up his street, though. The key to winning here is simply hitting it long and being consistent with the putter. Gotterup is one of the longest strikers on the tour, so he should be vying for another win.

This is a monster of a course with five long par 5s, one being 667 yds. Even the par 4s are long, with six of the eight being over 450 yds. It's therefore an obvious advantage to hit the ball long here, and what's more, it's not a particularly tricky course. That makes Gary Woodland of interest, with only Potgieter hitting the ball longer on average. He brings strong form into this with a solid 8th last time out and a win at the Houston Open in late March.

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.

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.