Punjab Kings v Rajasthan Royals IPL Tips: Livingstone and Buttler to deliver

• Royals favourites to hit back

• Mullanpur a fair wicket

• Livingstone a win-rate bet

• Read about Ed's Betfair Exchange strategy below

Punjab Kings v Rajasthan Royals
Saturday 13 April, 15:00
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Punjab Kings v Rajasthan Royals team news

Punjab are sweating on the fitness of Liam Livingstone. Jonny Bairstow could also feel likewise but for different reasons. Bairstow could be replaced by Livingstone if he comes back from a calf injury with Sikandar Raza impressing. Prab Singh may open.

Possible XI: Dhawan, P Singh/Arshdeep (subs), Livingstone, S Curran, Raza, Shashank, Jitesh, Ashutosh, Harpreet, Rabada, Harshal

Royals could do with Sandeep Sharam being fit. They failed to defend 197 last time out against Gujarat to keep their 100% record. Kuldeep Sen in the XI is an issue, despite three wickets. His career economy is approaching nine.

Possible XI: Jaiswal, Buttler, Samson, Parag, Hetmyer, Jurel, Ashwin, Boult, Avesh, Sen, Chaha

Punjab Kings v Rajasthan Royals pitch report

In the most recent Syed Mushtaq tournament, more than 175 was busted five in nine at Mullanpur. Scores of 174 and 182, significantly by Sunrisers, suggests bowlers are in the game. Backing under 175.5 runs may be a play, then, if Punjab were to bat first against a strong Royals attack.

Punjab Kings v Rajasthan Royals match odds

Royals are 1.748/11 favourites with Punjab 2.3411/8. One suspects had Royals - and Sen - held on against Gujarat they could be going off sub 1.705/7 here.

There was also the not insignificant matter of the Jaipur dew which hurt them.

In time this could look a very good price about Royals. They do appear to be the best side in it and Punjab remain one of the worst.

Punjab's top order needs to be far more aggressive and there was no excuse for defeat by Sunrisers with such dangerous hitters lower down.

We're unconvinced they recognise this folly and if Sen doesn't play, we'll back the Royals.

Punjab Kings v Rajasthan Royals Betfair Exchange strategy

A strike rate of 187 for Royals in the death overs and economy of almost 11 for Punjab suggests a strategy for late innings runs if Royals bat first.

Add up to 70 on the market at decent numbers if the toss goes our way.

Punjab Kings v Rajasthan Royals player bets

Livingstone has a win rate of 28% in the last three seasons in IPL so Sportsbook's 4/15.00 that he top scores for Punjab remains value. Jos Buttler is as big as 3/14.00 and our view that he was one to swerve was emphatically proved wrong with a ton against Bangalore. He wins at a rate of 36%.

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