Week on the Punt: BBL Final headlines big week in Aussie sport

Although the Australian Open is done and dusted, there is an abundance of local sporting action to keep us entertained this weekend. Here are the highlights.

Rain threatens to spoil BBL Final

Everyone is excited for the upcoming Big Bash League Final, but there are some serious concerns with the weather forecast for Saturday’s decider.

The Sydney Sixers will host the championship match after downing the Melbourne Stars in the first week of the finals, but the NSW capital is expected to cop a heavy downpour this weekend.

The BBL does not keep a reserve date in the event of rain, but it probably would not matter as the deluge is projected to continue on Sunday.

Each team must participate in five overs or the match is considered a washout, in which case the Sydney Sixers would take out the title.

AFLW Round 1 kicks off

After record crowds witnessed Adelaide’s win over Carlton in the 2019 AFLW Grand Final, there is plenty of excitement surrounding the imminent launch of the 2020 season.

The teams to look out for in the AFL Women’s competition this year are Adelaide, North Melbourne, Melbourne and Richmond, whilst Fremantle, Carlton, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs are also smokies.

The fourth season of the AFLW will see Gold Coast, Richmond, St Kilda and West Coast join the fray, bringing the total number of teams to 14.

Double derby in A-League Round 18

There are two matches in the A-League this week that we will be keeping our eyes on.

On Friday night, Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory will renew hostilities at AAMI Park in a clash that could have a big impact on the latter side’s chances of sneaking into the finals.

The action heats up again on Saturday, when runaway leaders Sydney FC will play host to the Western Sydney Wanderers at Jubilee Oval.

The match betting well and truly in favours the home teams, as Sydney and City occupy the top two spots on the A-League ladder.

Tough draw for many NBL Finals hopefuls

With two rounds remaining in the NBL regular season, time is running out for teams in the lower half of the ladder to make their case for a finals berth.

Melbourne United has been a championship favourite for many punters this season, but a poor run of form at the wrong time will see them relying on other teams to lose.

The New Zealand Breakers are in the opposite situation, as they have come from the clouds and will be a massive chance at making the final four if they beat the Brisbane Bullets this weekend.

The Sydney Kings and the Perth Wildcats look set to enter the playoffs as the top two teams, while the Cairns Taipans and the Bullets currently hold the other two places.