tadley

Anything other than a London win could see them relegated back to the third tier. It looks a tall order, though, facing a Laois side. Laois know a win will secure a third successive Joe McDonagh Cup final. London do attack well at times, but they are wildly inconsistent and look very vulnerable at the back. Laois look too classy to slip up.

Kerry have lost to Donegal twice this season, but Donegal suffered a shock defeat in the Ulster quarter-final to Down. Kerry are strong defensively and, with home advantage, can do enough to edge this.

It's one win each so far, but to me Cork look the better outfit. Meath were a tad fortunate to win when they last met, with Cork looking the more dangerous but missing a whole host of chances. I expect them to be more clinical in front of their own fans.

Gloucestershire were 121 all out in 16.1 overs against Warwickshire in their opener, so looked unlikely winners. However, they ripped through the Bears' batting, skittling them out for just 74. It was probably a good bowling wicket, but if there is something in today's wicket for the bowlers, they can cause the Glamorgan batting all sorts of problems. Glamorgan narrowly went down to Northants in their opener. It was a disappointing batting performance, with only Dan Douthwaite, batting at number 7, hitting 51 not out that kept them in it. I can see a good Gloucestershire attack causing all sorts of problems.

Galway are expected to cruise to an easy victory, but I don't see them being that dominant. They were expected to beat Roscommon in the Connacht final and were seven points up before Roscommon stormed back to win. Kildare are no world-beaters but will give it their all, and with Galway looking vulnerable I wouldn't be surprised if they keep within 7.

The draw is just 2.8, but it's easy to see why. I really don't see much goalmouth action in this one. Getafe's 32 goals scored is the second lowest total in the league, and Osasuna just need a point for safety. I see a tight, low-scoring draw.

Getafe have had a solid season, which has been built on a solid defence. Their 32 goals scored is the second-lowest total in the league, with only bottom side Oviedo scoring less. Four straight defeats for Osasuna have brought them into the relegation dogfight. However, a point today will ensure their survival. I therefore expect this to be a tight, low-scoring game.

Gian van Veen seemed to have lost his way as the Premier League progressed, but that's now behind him. I'm now expecting an upturn in form, and if he rediscovers his best form he should win this. Scutt is capable, but his A game falls below the standard of Van Veen's.

18th-placed Girona play 17th-placed Elche in a crucial battle on the final day. Elche are in pole position, having leapfrogged Girona with an upset 1-0 victory over European-seeking Getafe. They just need a point to secure their safety. Girona are strong favourites but are winless in seven. Elche are playing better and should get the draw they need.

Since Martín Demichelis was installed as manager, Mallorca have been far stronger at home. They have won three and drawn two of their last five. Not bad for a struggling side. They simply have to win this to have a chance of surviving relegation and play an ideal opponent. Oviedo are long relegated and have just 26 goals from their 37 games. So I think the hosts will do what they have to do.

Qingdao West Coast are the draw specialists in the league, drawing 8 of their last 9. Even the game they didn't draw came courtesy of a 97th-minute winner. They have drawn against good sides and bad sides, so I like the draw once again.

Torino have a dreadful record against Juventus, but you can guarantee they will be up for this game against their city rivals. Torino have nothing to play for, but they would love to end Juventus' Champions League hopes, so will be eager to get something out of this Derby della Mole. Juventus simply must win to have any chance of making the Champions League, so they will surely be going for goals. I see this being a high-scoring end-to-end game.

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.