Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers BBL preview & tips | January 9

Stars vs Sixers best bets

Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers match preview

The Melbourne Stars will be looking to continue their mid-season BBL resurgence as they welcome the top-of-the-ladder Sixers this Thursday night at the MCG.

After losing their first five games of the Big Bash League, Melbourne have turned their form around, winning their last two games.

Last Saturday, they were winners of the Melbourne Derby, beating the Renegades by five wickets with two balls to spare. Chasing a competitive 168, it was a strong showing from English import Ben Duckett (67 off 49) and Marcus Stoinis (48 off 35) that did most of the damage.

Despite a star-studded lineup, the Stars have consistently struggled to get results over the history of the BBL. With this season looking very similar, they have the second worst odds to win the tournament at $13 with leading BBL bookmakers.

On the other hand, the Sixers have the best odds for the tournament at $3.50 as they sit on top of the ladder with just one loss so far. However, they are winless in their last two games, after a washout in Coffs Harbour and a 50-run loss to the Hurricanes on New Years Day.

With one of the most experienced lineups in the BBL, there are no clear weaknesses in the Sydney side and that was shown last time these sides met, as the Sixers comfortably chased down 195 with eight balls remaining.

At $1.80, the Sixers are slight favourites for this clash.

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Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers predictions

Despite the Sixers’ recent hiccup, expect them to be far too strong in this clash. They have an excellent bowling attack, while their batting is a great mix of composure and late order hitting. The Stars are prone to a collapse with the bat, while their bowling lacks depth, so back the visitors.

Despite playing in just five games in BBL14, Stars opener Ben Duckett ranks inside the top five run scorers in the competition. He led the Stars in three of those games with scores of 60 or more, including a season-high 68 last time these sides met. At $4 with top cricket bookies, back Duckett to continue his good form with 50 or more runs.

Similarly, last time these met it was the Sixers’ English opener James Vince who stole the show, scoring 101*. He leads the Sixers for runs this season and with the Stars lacking a strong pace attack, expect him to take advantage of the powerplay overs. As the clear choice, back Vince to lead the Sixers run scorers at $4 with Neds.

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