Click here for MI New York v Washington Freedom odds
Sunday 12 July, 21:30
TV: Live on Sky Sports
MI New York v Washington Freedom MLC Tips
MI New York and Washington Freedom are in the play-offs after Seattle Orcas and Texas Super Kings were eliminated overnight. There is a chance the winner could make it into the top two but it would require massive net run rate swings.
A big victory is required and then a big defeat for LA Knight Riders against Texas, who are bottom of the pile.
Freedom were the team that knocked out Texas, who endured their fourth consecutive loss. Chasing 165, they got home by three wickets with Steve Smith, back in the opening slot, producing an overdue top-bat win for the tournament and for these pages.
They were grateful to an unlikely source, though. Ben Dwarshuis hit 38 off 16 balls to rescue a chase which had stalled. Rachin Ravindra is now available at No 3 for Freedom.
MINY have been leaving out Quinton de Kock in favour of Shakib-al-Hasan. Ryan Rickleton is being used as the opener alongside Monank Patel. De Kock, if he plays, should be expected to produce as he is overdue on his hit rates.
The previous meeting between the two, right at the start of the tournament, was a runfest in Dallas. Freedom smashed 245 with Mitch Owen breaking records with his 155.
It might be smart to return to Owen for another top-bat win. He has two this tournament and is coming back into the runs zone in his role as destroyer-in-chief. Sportsbook offer 11/43.75.
Back Mitch Owen top Freedom bat
Click here for Texas Super Kings v LA Knight Riders odds
Monday 13 July, 01:30
TV: Live on Sky Sports
Texas Super Kings v LA Knight Riders MLC Tips
Super Kings are out and LA are assured of a play-off spot. However, the Knight Riders can confirm a top-two finish with the win thanks to a healthy net run rate. Defeat and they will finish third, thus having to enter the eliminator stage instead of having two bites at getting to the final.
LA have been the surprise package in this MLC. So have Texas, to be fair. LA have probably done what Texas were expected to do. They have been competitive and ground out results, hitting back just when adversity appeared to be taking over.
The Knight Riders have won their last two and three of their last four. That sequence began with a win over Texas in the head-to-head. It was a watershed match for both teams. LA looked beaten chasing 174 at 59 for three in the 11th over. But Rovman Powell's blitz brought them back from the dead.
Andre Russell has cut an interesting figure. He is rather underused these days in franchise but LA have recognised late on that in a poor quality tournament, he can still hit. He has been batting in the top four. Sportsbook's runs quote of over 19.5 could look cheap.
We were on Faf Du Plessis a significantly overdue top-bat win last time out. That was his second of the tournament in eight games. Given that he had a 40% hit rate in the previous two editions there is an argument that a third (to take him to 33%) would still be under par. He is 9/43.25.