Game 52 of the BBL09 and we have another action packed Saturday of Double Headers. The 1st game on Saturday’s schedule sees the final regular season game for the Sydney Sixers (8-4-1) looking to sew up 2nd position on the standings as they host the cellar dweller Melbourne Renegades (2-10) at the SCG. This match is scheduled for a 1540 AEDT start in Sydney.

 

First of all, along with our famous  FREE Cheat Sheets and Data Tools in our Data Tools section, new for the BBL09 season, Daily Fantasy Rankings presents the Draftstars Lineup Builder! Using our Data Tools and Projections you will be able to quickly build and import BBL teams into Draftstars by using the CSV upload. Access the Builder including tutorials on how the builder works by clicking the banner below.

Draftstars have posted a $10,000 contest for a $15 entry, as well as a $1,000 Mini and even a $200 Single Entry contest for a $10 buy-in. A Double Header contest is also available with the "Player Swap" feature enabled. Moneyball are offering a $3,000 contest for a $15 entry as well as a $500 guarantee on their $2 contest.

The Renegades season whilst over games ago, they have improved in their last 3 games with 2 wins and a close loss to the Hobart Hurricanes on Tuesday night. However this squad is now out of control with many comings and goings on this list. The Renegades have made 4 changes to the 13 that played on Tuesday night. Aaron Finch and Kane Richardson return to the team after playing in India last week. They replace Marcus Harris and Andrew Fekete. Then we have the injuries to Sam Harper and Shaun Marsh. Harper was concussed on Tuesday and was subbed out of the game and Marsh’s hamstring is more reliable than above average rainfall on the farm. In there place comes young paceman Zak Evans and Brayden Stepien who has been plucked out of the Vic Super Slam. According to the Renegades, Stepien is averaging 51 with the bat and recently scored a 19 ball 62 against Northcote. The Renegades also stated that Stepien will also keep with the gloves. 

 

After the important win over the Brisbane Heat, it is a short turn around for the Sixers who welcome back Josh Hazlewood to the 13 man squad in place of Ben Manenti. Surprise, surprise the weather forecast for Sydney states a 50% chance of showers in the morning and afternoon but it is likely not to be a factor on Saturday. With this bad weather in previous games in Sydney we do not have a clear picture of the expected run totals this season unless you go right back to Chris Lynn’s explosion back on the 28th of December. Although in the 14 over game against the Stars on Monday night, Moises Henriques also exploded for a 31 ball 72 featuring 8 sixers. This tells me if you get in quick on this surface then batsman can go really large.

 

There is not much left of this Renegades carcass to pick at it but having Finch and Richardson back in the team gives the ‘Gades a hope in pinching a win away from home. This new pairing of Finch and Stepien will be something to watch as Stepien as literally come off the street. With no Marsh nor Harper nor Harris then I expect Beau Webster to slot in 3. From their it is just an all-rounder city with Nabi, Patel, Christian who with Tom Cooper will mix and match their order. Expect a lot of spin from Nabi, Patel and possibly a combination of Webster and Cooper to make up the bowling attack.

 

The Sixers are pretty much now at full strength with the bowlers getting the job done up at the Gabba. Lyon, Curran, O’Keefe, Dwarshuis and Bird all scored fantasy points after all picked up wickets. Possibly Bird maybe squeezed out to accommodate Hazelwood in the XI. You need to pick spinners on this deck. It was interesting to give Vince a go at the top of the order which he seized his opportunity with a 37 ball 51. Not sure they will go to Vince again at the top but the Sixers are adamant on playing Steve Smith at 3. Keep an eye out on teams at the Bat Flip, especially if the Sixers bat first. 

 

The Sixers are big favourites at home and a win will wrap up 2nd spot on the standings. There is just too much firepower with the bat and bowl and should easily account this band-aid job of a side. The problem for contests on Draftstars, the Stars players are all priced accordly with 9 Sixers players all over $14,000. 

 

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Batsman 

 

Love It - Steven Smith ($17,600 Draftstars)

Going for the cream here as I cannot see this Renegades attack getting Smith out apart from Kane Richardson. It has been a long time since Smith played for the Sixers but his innings at the Gabba just knocked the rust off. Helped that he took 3 catches and was patrolling the boundary. If the Sixers bat second I would probably be more wary of a low total chase and spend of my precious salary on the Sixers bowling attack.

 

Don’t Love It - Aaron Finch ($17,100 Draftstars)

Tough call on this one as Finch played pretty well in India and is rested up for these two remaining games. But with so much opportunity at the same salary on Sixers Batsman (Smith, Philippe and Vince) and the Renegades all-rounders (Nabi, Christian and Webster to some extent) then picking Finch is pretty risky. This Sixers bowling attack is the best in the competition I will add. 

 

Who Knows - Brayden Siepen ($10,800 Draftstars) 

A classic who knows case here with Siepen. Pros - Cheap, hits a big ball and keeps. Cons - not sure he has faced the greatest of all-time off-spinner, and English superior all-rounder, the best line and length bowler in Australia and a guy with a moustache. I guess we pick him and see how it goes.   

 

Bowlers

 

Love It - Nathan Lyon ($14,600 Draftstars)

As one of the cheapest Sixers bowlers I like Lyon at home. Got the ball to turn quite well in Brisbane and will enjoy bowling to this weakened ‘Gades batting lineup. Just the 2 wickets so far but these rain affected games have limited Lyon’s game time. 

 

Don’t Love It - Tom Curran ($18,500 Draftstars)  

Nothing against Curran here, the price is what I hate. As I mentioned earlier with so many Sixers options above $14,000 it will be hard to afford Curran. Of course he can pick up many wickets at the death and could end up in the winning lineup but I prefer options elsewhere.  

 

Who Knows - Zak Evans/Nathan McSweeney ($8,000 / $8,800 Draftstars)

Likely we see either of these two get a game here in Sydney. Whether they turn the game for the Renegades with wickets, well that is debatable. But with a lack of value options then you are likely to have Evans or McSweeney taking your last bowling spot.  

 

 

 

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