Melbourne Stars vs Melbourne Renegades | Big Bash Predictions & Previews

Stars, who in red-hot form will be hosting their rivals, Renegades who are lacking confidence and lurk around the foot of the table.

After a poor start to the season for the Stars, with their first 3 games resulting in losses. Their fortunes have turned and they are now aiming for a fourth victory in a row with a win over their rivals. Renegades have struggled thus far, with just 3 points on the board - they will be bitterly disappointed with this as the squad this season is capable of much better things. 

Melbourne Stars 

Predicted Starting XI: Lawrence, Rogers, Webster, Maxwell, Stoinis, Cartwright, Wasim, Harper, Rocchiccioli, Paris, Steketee 
 
We expect the same lineup that beat the Strikers on NYE. Lawrence will be kept in the opening pair as it is likely they will want him to expose the powerplay to the best of his ability. Meanwhile, Sam Harper will vacate a role around 7-8 targeting death hitting. The Stars lineup almost picks itself as other options are unavailable due to various reasons.  
 
Expect an aggressive top 5 for Melbourne Stars as each player will look to keep their boundary % high throughout their innings. 

Melbourne Renegades 

Predicted Starting XI: De Kock, Maddinson, Fraser McGurk, Marsh, Harvey, Wells, Sutherland, Rogers, Richardson, Zampa, Mujeeb 
 
With Joe Clarke picking up a quad injury in the last game, he will be unavailable leaving a top order spot up for grabs. We expect the skipper, Maddinson, to be pushed up the order to open. Aaron Finch is also likely to be left out with a sore back, he is likely to be replaced directly with Mackenzie Harvey as he has been the substitute fielder for a few games this season. Kane Richardson should return back to the lineup after a match on the bench to keep him fresh for the season.

Stars hold a 15-9 win/loss record against their rivals, Renegades. 
 
Watch out if Stars are chasing as their historical BBL win % increases to 51% from 45% if they bat 1st. 
 
The Renegades have a poor history at the MCG, winning just 6 games and losing 8.  
 
Renegades’ highest score ever against the Stars is just 171 runs. 

Keep an eye on Nic Maddinson if he is the chosen opening replacement for Joe Clarke, He may adopt an ultra-aggressive style if at the top. 
 
Tom Rogers (Renegades) may enjoy conditions at the ‘G’ as he will take the new ball and look to use the seaming ball. 
 
Beau Webster is the man in-form for Stars with an exceptional state record this season, keeping an eye on another solid batting performance. He can be backed for top Melbourne Stars batter @ 5.00 with Bet365.

With both teams in opposite form and the Melbourne Stars heading into the game with huge confidence, I will be backing Stars at $1.72 with Bet365. 
 
The form of the Stars batters should carry enough for them to out-nurdle the Renegades on a big outfield at MCG.

A good crowd should be expected in the summer holidays for this match at the ‘G’. Both teams will be desperate to snatch the two points off each other and it looks set to be a good game of bat and ball!