Dave1962

Both these players won their last match by four frames. Their previous three meetings have all been won by Barry Hawkins. The last match was in November 2024, which Hawkins won in the deciding frame. Allen put in a very good display in beating Kyren Wilson in the last round. If in the same mood, he could run out a comfortable winner against Hawkins.

With O'Sullivan and Trump being knocked out yesterday, the current world champion looks vulnerable against an in-form Shaun Murphy. Having come through a final-frame decider in the first round, Murphy looked much more assured of himself in his second rout against Xiao Gudong. Using that form as a springboard, Murphy could send another favourite for this year's title packing.

These two players have met nine times before, with Shaun Murphy winning six of those meetings. Murphy was in blistering form in his last match, dropping only three frames. With Xintong only beating Ding by four frames, if Murphy can have a very good first session, there is every chance he could secure a six-frame win against the current world champion and open the door for himself to once again become world champion.

Leeds are six points ahead of Tottenham, who currently sit in the last relegation spot, with West Ham and Forest immediately below Leeds. All three of those clubs won their last match, whilst Leeds drew away at Bournemouth. Leeds won their last home game, which was against relegated Wolves. They face another relegated team in the form of Burnley, who have lost their last three away games. With nothing to lose, Burnley are sure to make a game of this, but Leeds will likely get the necessary three points.

This season Jack Lisowski finally won his first ranking tournament. If he can find that level of form and consistency in Sheffield, then Jack Lisowski could prove to be a lively outsider to lift the trophy. At the time of writing, he still has one more qualifying game to play. Providing he is successful in that match, I cannot see his price being as big as this once the World Championship starts at the weekend.

With first-time defending champions having a bad record at the Crucible, it could be Judd Trump who once again lifts the world crown. Provided he is happy with his cue and tip and finds consistency in his play, then the Ace in the Pack could go all the way.