Big Bash Tips Matches 21 and 22: Three players to bet this weekend

• Thunder lose Ferguson and Topley

• Warner in the win zone

• Stars shocked by Heat

• Renegades have Zampa worry

• Seifert and behrendorff follows

Sydney Thunder v Hobart Hurricanes
Saturday 3 January, 08.15
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Sydney Thunder v Hobart Hurricanes Big Bash tips

Thunder have early squad churn with Reece Topley out and David Willey in. Topley is leaving for the SAT20 while Willey arrives from the ILT20 after Dubai Capitals were knocked out on Thursday by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. This game comes too early for Willey, however.

In addition, it has been confirmed that Lockie Ferguson will not be joining up with Thunder for the season after being ruled out with a calf injury. Wes Agar and Nic Maddinson have been added to the group.

Will Prestwidge returns to the Hobart squad, replacing Hugo Burdon in the 14-player travelling group. Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster remain unavailable due to Ashes commitments.

Hobart can go top of the table after Melbourne Stars' surprise defeat by Brisbane Heat. They won the head-to-head at the start of the season by four wickets. 

David Warner is back at the top of the order for Thunder and can drop anchor for an overdue win. On two-year win rates Warner is in the zone so we will take a risk that he delivers at 3/14.00.

Melbourne Stars v Melbourne Renegades
Sunday 4 January, 07.05
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Melbourne Stars v Melbourne Renegades Big Bash tips

Renegades have an injury worry about Adam Zampa for the Melbourne derby. Zampa missed the defeat by Sixers with a neck strain and is rated as a doubt. 

It is a significant blow for Renegades, who have now lost three on the spin. But they do face a Stars side chastened by the surprise loss to Brisbane Heat.

Stars were well in control defending 196 with Heat reduced 133 for six. But they were undone by a tremendous partnership from Max Bryant and Xavier Bartlett.

We do have two strong tops options for the contest. Two are from the Renegades with Tim Seifert, the opening bat, close to the win zone on top runscorer. He would be our favourite instead of the 3/14.00 second-jolly behind Mohammad Rizwan. With the ball we're happy to keep faith with Jason Behrendorff at 11/43.75. Behrendorff is one of the most reliable on the market in the tournament.

Glenn Maxwell has been shortened to 7/2] for top Stars bat. That's a chunky cut from 9/25.50 for no reason so it is hard to get involved again having been on against Heat.

Now read our dedicated Ashes section here.