Daily Sports Tips – Monday, June 4

New Italian coach Roberto Mancini will be hoping that his side can continue their good run of form when they clash with the Netherlands in Turin. Both of these sides will be playing for pride after missing out on qualification for Russia. The Italians were able to defeat Saudi Arabia 2-1 last week, while the Dutch are coming off a disappointing 1-all draw with Slovakia. Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is expected to return to the starting line-up for Holland, while Italy have made a number of changes with Torino striker Andrea Belotti starting ahead of Mario Balotelli. I’m backing the Italians to find the back of the net and notch back-to-back wins.

Sporting Kansas will be looking for all three points when they clash with Minnesota United for the second time in two weeks. United were able to able to escape with a 1-all draw the last time these two sides met, but they may struggle to find the back of the net at Children’s Mercy Park. Kansas City will be desperate to avoid their third consecutive draw and expect them to dominate possession. Kansas have struggled in the past against United, but the home ground advantage should be enough to help them grind out a win.

The Cavs and LeBron James will be looking to get back in the series with a strong performance in game two against the Warriors. The Cavs will feel they were unlucky in game one, with some last-minute calls from officials going the way of Golden State. While the Warriors were expected to dominate this series, the Cavs showed that they can match Golden State on offence. LeBron James was brilliant in the opening game of the series with a career-high 51-points in game one.  After their performance in game one, there’s a case to be made for the Cavs to level the series before they move back to Cleveland for the next two games. I’m backing the Cavs to level things up on the back of another stellar performance from LeBron James.

Reigning French Open champion Rafael Nadal will be back on court as he continues to push towards the final against Maximilian Marterer. Nadal has been relatively untroubled at his pet event and expect him to make short work of the German star. Serena Williams will square off against Maria Sharapova in what will be a highly entertaining affair. There’s plenty of history between these two players and expect Williams to ride the way of emotion to record a memorable victory. The Houston Astros take on the Boston Red Sox in game four of their series. After winning the opening two games, the Astros fell to the Red Sox in game three and Houston will be looking for the series win to help them move back up the AL West Standings.