Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars Preview Dream11

Anyone pick Perth Scorchers to challenge for the title? Hi-five. The wooden spoon? Start your own cricket fortunes or betting tips website, as that is one hell of a prediction.

Perth Scorchers have undoubtedly been BBL08’s most disappointing side, all but set to take the wooden spoon. The perennial overachievers have underachieved big time this season, with a number of factors such as injuries and national duties hurting them at times. However, the squad they have certainly warranted a better season, and tonight, they have the chance to hurt the Stars’ finals chances. Can they farewell Michael Klinger with a win?

Melbourne Stars would be grateful that Marcus Stoinis wasn’t picked for Australia in their ongoing Test vs Sri Lanka in Canberra. He has been central to their run to the finals, with the Stars currently on a three match winning run since the return of their Australian ODI representatives. A win would all but seal a finals place, which is a good return for the Stars after a last-placed finish in BBL07. Will they hold their nerve in a big game?

Key to a Perth Scorchers win

Michael Klinger, the man who plays his final home game for Perth Scorchers, will be key up top for his team. His lack of form this season has been a huge reason why the Scorchers have struggled, as he was central to their success over a number of years in BBL Cricket. The key tonight would be for him to anchor the innings well in the powerplay overs, providing a foil for the likes of Cameron Bancroft and Ashton Turner to find some much-needed form. With the Scorchers’ top order failing in the last two matches, resulting in a combined total of just 207 runs, the onus is on them to deliver against the likes of Marcus Stoinis, Jackson Bird, Adam Zampa and Liam Plunkett.

Also, the Scorchers’ attack, meant to be a strength of theirs, has been under par for most of BBL08. To be fair, they did do well against the Renegades, and then were given nothing to defend against the Heat, but their bowling in crunch stages against the likes of Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder earlier in the season really hurt their chances of a miracle recovery. Can the likes of Jason Behrendhorff and the returning Nathan Coulter-Nile deliver early wickets? Can the Scorchers see the back of Marcus Stoinis early and ask significant questions of the remaining batsmen? Positive answers to those questions will be key.

Key to a Melbourne Stars win

With Perth Scorchers shattered, it is fair to say that Melbourne Stars are more in battle with themselves rather than the opposition. The key is to remain focused on the goal in a game they are widely expected to win. Marcus Stoinis will be a key man at the top of the order, as he has been in recent matches, and his battle against Jason Behrendhorff could be key. Runs for Stoinis could lead to victory, along with Ben Dunk, who has shown spurts of good form in BBL08. Can Peter Handscomb continue his good summer in white-ball cricket? Can Nic Maddinson find form at the business end of the season? What can Glenn Maxwell deliver? With the Stars possessing a strong lineup also including Dwayne Bravo, the onus is on the top six to setup a strong batting performance that could prove too much for their struggling opponents.

Also, the Stars used eight bowlers in their nail biting win against Brisbane Heat last week, showcasing the depth in their lineup. However, Glenn Maxwell will be keen to use five or six efficient options, with his new ball bowlers delivering powerplay wickets against a side that has struggled at this stage of the innings throughout the season. Marcus Stoinis will also be key with the ball, but he needs support from the likes of Liam Plunkett, Jackson Bird and Adam Zampa. If these bowlers can do damage, it paves the way for the likes of Dwayne Bravo and Glenn Maxwell to fill in with effective overs. A good opportunity awaits against a side struggling.

Possible Playing 11

Michael Klinger comes into the squad for Shaun Marsh, who is out with hamstring soreness. Also, Nathan Coulter-Nile comes back after his own hamstring soreness issues. He replaces Usman Qadir.

Perth Scorchers Possible Playing 11: 1. Michael Klinger, 2. Josh Inglis, 3. Cameron Bancroft (wk), 4. Mitchell Marsh (c), 5. Ashton Turner, 6. Hilton Cartwright/Clint Hinchcliffe, 7. Nick Hobson, 8. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9. Andrew Tye, 10. Matt Kelly, 11. Jason Behrendhorff

Jackson Coleman comes into the Melbourne Stars squad in place of Tom O’Connell. Marcus Stoinis is set to play.

Melbourne Stars Possible Playing 11: 1. Marcus Stoinis, 2. Ben Dunk, 3. Peter Handscomb (wk), 4. Nic Maddinson, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Dwayne Bravo, 7. Evan Gulbis, 8. Liam Plunkett, 9. Adam Zampa, 10. Jackson Coleman, 11. Jackson Bird

Dream11 Prediction

Stats and Facts

• This will be Michael Klinger’s final match at home for Perth Scorchers.
• Perth Scorchers have won just three games in BBL08, and one of them was against Melbourne Stars earlier this season. However, the Stars didn’t have their ODI representatives.
• Marcus Stoinis has scores of 78*, 34, 70*, 53 and 43 in his last five games, along with 14 wickets.

Match Prediction

Perth Scorchers will be out to cause some headaches for Melbourne Stars, but I will back the Stars to win as they have much more to play for.

Thanks for reading!

Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars Preview Dream11