tadley

There is little between the pair in world rankings, but the surface swings the match heavily in the favour of Yastremska. Bejlek had a fine win this year on the hard court in Abu Dhabi, but her grass tennis is limited. She's played just five matches, winning only one. Yastremska also won a tournament this year and is a more accomplished grass player, with an 8??"3 record last year.

With his powerful service game, you would expect Hurkacz to have an impressive grass record, but he hasn't really played much tennis on it. Fucsovics is a capable grass player and leads the head-to-head against Hurkacz 3-0, including on the grass at Stuttgart. He looks a lively outsider at 3.00

Moutet can't be happy with his current form, losing his last five matches. He has a tricky first-round draw against Kyrgios, who, although has had more than his fair share of injuries, is a top-notch grass player. Kyrgios has admitted he's more happy playing exhibition matches for big bucks, but I'm sure he'd love another crack at Wimbledon, and this is a warm-up for it. I think he starts well, and out-of-form Moutet won't be able to cope with the serves.

The pair just met, with it going to a third set and all three sets going to a tiebreak. Virtanen appears to have the more solid grass game with his powerful service. He struggled to land first serves in that win, so if he serves better he should win again.

Griekspoor is versatile regarding surfaces and has a solid record on grass with a W25 L11 record. Van de Zandschulp doesn't play a lot of tennis and, although capable enough, he seems better on clay. He's lost in the first round in all three attempts here.

I can't resist a nibble on the rag Affection at 50/1. It has solid form, winning 4 from 10. It's now changed hands to David Pipe, and I'm not sure what he has in store for it, but it has shown enough to suggest it can be competitive in this one.

Durham have lost three on the trot, but those defeats were to the top two in the North Group and 5-from-5 Central Group leaders Northants. They looked in a position to win the Northants game but couldn't get to grips with a tricky wicket. I think they end that losing run as they play struggling Lancs. If the wicket is good for the bowlers, Lancs should be in trouble, as their batting looks fragile on such wickets and their bowling looks easy to take on.

Kent started well with back-to-back wins but have lost two of their last three. That includes a hammering by Essex just over a week ago, where they weren't at all competitive. Essex have won three on the trot with some impressive bowling. They are looking in the better form.

A tale of two pitchers in different form. Trevor Rogers pitches for the Orioles, who to be fair had a decent start last time against the Red Sox, but he has struggled badly at home, giving up 21 earned runs in his last 19.2 innings. By contrast, Logan Gilbert for the Mariners has been hugely impressive on the road with a 0.96 ERA and no earned runs in his last three away starts (17.2 innings).

Troy Melton pitches for the Tigers. He had a fine rookie season with a 2.76 ERA over 16 outings. He's done even better in his two starts this season with a 1.74 ERA and 0.87 WHIP. The Tigers have picked up significantly of late, winning 5 of their last 6, whereas the Twins have lost 4 of 5. There is plenty going for the Tigers.

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

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.