Best Bets
The Yankees have been outstanding with an eight-game winning streak that includes back to back wins over the Angels. New York have been back to their dominating best on offence, outscoring their opposition 62-17 during their streak. The Angels took the competition by storm in the opening month of the season but have been brought back to earth, losing eight of their last eleven fixtures. The match-up between Japanese stars Shohei Otani and Masahiro Tanaka will be put on hold with Ohtani picking up an ankle injury. The Yankees are in the middle of a hot-run at the moment and my I’m backing them to keep their streak going with their ninth consecutive win.
The Hornets are without a win in their last six games and the pressure will be on Spurs to secure their place in the Champions League, after Chelsea closed the gap over the weekend to two points. A slip-up for Spurs would be disastrous against a side that is struggling to make an impression the scoresheet. The Hornets will be missing Nathaniel Chalobah and Gerard Deulofeu for the trip to Wembley and it’s difficult to imagine them causing Tottenham any real issues. While this may be Harry Kane’s team, I think Son Heung-Min is good value to get on the scoresheet. The Korean striker has been in outstanding form this season, netting twelve goals this season.
Best Dark Horse Bets
This is a crucial clash with both of these sides looking to stay in contention for the IPL Finals this season. Shreyas Iyer assumes the captaincy from Gautam Gambhir and will be looking to continue their good form after coming over the top of the Kolkata Knight Riders in their last start at home. The Super Kings were outplayed by defending champions Mumbai in their last start and the Daredevils have momentum on their side. Daredevils coach Ricky Ponting made the brave call to replace his skipper midway through the season and I’m backing them to stay in the hunt for the finals with a win over MS Dhoni’s side.
With the Sounders having one eye on their midweek CONCACAF Champions League fixture, I’m expecting a few key players to be rested in their clash with Los Angeles. Seattle have struggled to fire in the early part of the season, picking up their first points of the competition in a 3-1 over Minnesota in the previous round. Los Angeles will be looking to Mexican international Carlos Vela to test out the Seattle defence. Vela is second on the league’s goalscorers list with five goals, one behind Atlanta’s Miguel Almiron and the competition’s newest side will be too good in their opener at home.