Big Bash League | Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers Predictions

With Perth sitting 2nd and Sydney Thunder sitting second from bottom* - the home side will desperate to get one over the reigning champions on Monday night 
 
*At the time of writing 

Scorchers look formidable at their home ground, which was expected by almost everyone! However, their away form can be shoddy - as Adelaide Strikers comfortably beat Perth in their last outing.  
 
Elsewhere we have Sydney Thunder, who have been far from impressive this season - winning just one game and losing four. Scorchers, Sixers and Strikers await them in a tricky finish to the group stage - they will be looking for an inspiring performance to surge up the ladder.  

Sydney Thunder 

Predicted XI: Bancroft, Hales, Kohler-Cadmore, Sangha, Davies, Ross, Sams, McAndrew, Green, Sandhu, Sangha 

Thunder are desperate for two points in this clash and will be turning to their premier batsman to deliver runs which has not happened consistently this season. Overseas signing, Kohler-Cadmore, has been poor so far but we expect him to keep his place in the team. The bowling options are of a decent quality and they should be able to perform well if the pitch plays slow and low - which Perth will take a dislike to. Hatcher might be dropped for another batting option, in an attempt to strengthen that order. Gilkes or Sangha have potential to replace the fast bowler. 

Perth Scorchers 

Predicted XI: Eskinazi, Whiteman, Hardie, Inglis, Evans, Connolly, Agar, McKenzie, Tye, Behrendorff, Morris 

Perth are usually pretty consistent with their lineup, which could be a reason why they see a lot of success as they possess a tight-knit squad. However, we expect a few changes in this match to keep players fresh. Richardson may drop out due to off-season injury recovery, Behrendorff will be straight into the team. Perth may anticipate a slower track at the Showground which will sway them into going with McKenzie and Agar as their spin options. This will keep Thunder’s right hand batters under pressure through the middle phase. Crawley looked far from impressive at the Adelaide Oval which may force Scorchers into selecting Eskinazi as the direct replacement for him. 

Sydney Thunder have had the better of Scorchers in their last 5 outings, winning 3 and losing 2 - however Perth have won the most recent match.  
 
Sydney have lost 60% of their BBL matches at the Showground historically 
 
Perth Scorchers average just 149 runs per innings at Sydney Showground 
 
Scorchers are significantly weaker away from home with their win rate dropping to 53% away from 70% at home

Daniel Sams has been in good form with the ball this season, he has even taken a 5 wicket haul which has boosted his figures for the season. He can be backed at 3.25 for top Sydney bowler with PlayUp. 
 
Perth may struggle with conditions at the Showground as it is the polar opposite to home conditions, this may mean early wickets which gives Laurie Evans plenty of time to score big again, he can be backed at 6.00 for top Perth Batter with PlayUp. 

We certainly think the reigning champions will be given a run for their money away from home. Thunder will be familiar with conditions and they will be aware of how to equip their team ahead of the match. This is the reason for us backing Sydney Thunder at 2.35 with PlayUp! 

To summarise, we expect a low scoring match in Sydney, however this will be a very close game and it will be very dependent on which batting lineup can adapt to conditions. Also, bowlers will have to be at their best if they are defending low scores or trying to restrict opposition.