Melbourne Renegades v Melbourne Stars @ Etihad Stadium – Saturday, 7:10pm AEDT

The Melbourne Renegades started the new year with a rain-reduced 7-run (D/L) victory over the Melbourne Stars, breaking a six-match losing streak in the Melbourne Derby. Cameron White was the hero with the bat, making an unbeaten 64 off 43 balls, while veteran Brad Hogg keeps turning back the clock, picking up 3/22 in a man of the match performance. Despite the loss, the Stars still hold a dominant 7-3 advantage over their cross-town rivals. The Renegades haven’t played a match since the Derby win, while the 1-2 Stars suffered a heart-breaking loss to the Sydney Thunder at Spotless Stadium. The Stars looked set for a big score when Kevin Pietersen (60) was at the crease, but faltered once he was dismissed. It took some last-ball brilliance from Eoin Morgan (71*) to get the Thunder home as he dispatched Ben Hilfenhaus over the fence to hand the defending champions their first victory of the competition. The Renegades currently sit in 4th spot, with the Stars back in 6th spot, making this a must-win for desperate Stars. The Stars success here will be determined by how quickly they can put the Thunder loss behind them and seek revenge against “little brother”. The Renegades could welcome back James Pattinson for this clash, while the loss of Dwayne Bravo for the competition definitely hurts the balance of the side. The Stars will lift for this one and have won their last three games against the Renegades at Etihad Stadium.
Bet: Melbourne Stars ($1.80)

Top Renegades BatsmanThe Wolf has tipped Cameron White to finish as the top scorer for the Renegades twice during BBL 06 and he has delivered on both occasions. He made 37 against the Scorchers and 64* in the first edition of this year’s Melbourne Derby. Stick with him!
Bet: Cameron White ($3.75)

Top Stars BatsmanLuke Wright has made scores of 48,45 and 28 in his three BBL 06 matches and a big one is around the corner. He is a proven performer in this format and is currently the fourth leading runscorer since the inception of the BBL.
Bet: Luke Wright ($3.75)

Top Renegades BowlerSunil Narine went wicketless in the recent Melbourne Derby, but was very economical, recording figures of 0/26 off his 4 overs. He took 2/20 against the Scorchers and 2/32 against the Thunder in the Renegades’ opening two matches. Brad Hogg was the destroyer last time, but The Wolf is predicting that Narine will shine this time around.
Bet: Sunil Narine ($3.50)

Top Stars BowlerJames Faulkner might have only picked up the 1 wicket from the Stars’ three BBL 06 matches, but has been extremely economical with figures of 0/24, 1/19 and 0/25. He averages 19.51 with the ball in T20 internationals for Australia, and like the batting situation with Luke Wright, a good wicket-haul isn’t far away.
Bet: James Faulkner ($4)