Melbourne Stars v Renegades BBL preview & tips | Saturday, 4/1/25

Stars v Renegades best bets

Melbourne Stars v Melbourne Renegades BBL match preview

The first Melbourne Derby of BBL|14 pits the Melbourne Stars against the Melbourne Renegades at the iconic MCG. Both teams are eager to turn their seasons around, making this clash pivotal.

The Stars finally broke their losing streak in their last match, driven by a commanding performance from skipper Marcus Stoinis. Their batting lineup, featuring Glenn Maxwell and Ben Duckett, has begun to show signs of life, while the bowling attack, spearheaded by Adam Milne and Peter Siddle, is starting to find its rhythm. However, with just one win in six matches, the Stars are still desperate for consistency.

The Renegades have had a mixed campaign, starting strong but faltering with back-to-back losses. Their bowling unit, led by Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson, has been their backbone, while Jake Fraser-McGurk and Laurie Evans have shown flashes of brilliance with the bat. A victory here would solidify their push for a top-four spot.

Historically, the Stars have dominated this cricket rivalry, winning 16 of the 26 encounters. However, with the Renegades’ balanced squad and recent performances, this match promises to be a closely fought battle.

Melbourne Stars v Melbourne Renegades BBL predictions

While the Stars have struggled to find consistency this season, their first win in the previous match could act as a much-needed confidence booster. Historically, the Stars have dominated the Melbourne Derby, winning 16 of the 26 encounters. At odds of -117.65 with PlayUp, backing them to win is an excellent value bet, especially on their home ground.

Glenn Maxwell is synonymous with match-winning performances at the MCG. As the Stars’ key batsman and one of the league’s most dynamic hitters, Maxwell thrives in high-pressure situations like the Melbourne Derby. After some quieter outings, this match provides the perfect stage for him to step up and anchor the innings. With his ability to find gaps and clear the boundary, backing him to score 30+ runs at +110 offers solid value at Bet365.

The Renegades’ Adam Zampa has been one of the most consistent bowlers in the BBL this season, and the MCG’s large dimensions provide the perfect canvas for his leg-spin. Zampa has the ability to stifle batters in the middle overs and pick up wickets when batsmen look to accelerate. With the Stars’ middle order prone to collapse under pressure, Zampa’s knack for breaking partnerships makes the +175 odds for him to take 2+ wickets a high-value proposition at Picklebet.

Sports betting tips