Melbourne Renegades vs. Sydney Sixers – Big Bash League, December 29, 2020

The Renegades will be looking to bounce back from a humiliating 129-run defeat when they face the Sixers at Metricon Stadium on Tuesday, December 29.

Michael Klinger’s side was crushed by the Thunder last time out, while the defending champions claimed a dramatic victory over the Stars on Boxing Day.

You can find my Melbourne Renegades vs. Sydney Sixers prediction and betting pick below.

With four games gone, the Sixers (1.67) sit at the top of the table – eight points clear of the Renegades (2.20), who find themselves second from bottom.

Greg Shipperd’s men head into this clash on a three-game winning streak, while the Gades have lost each of their previous three outings, so it is difficult to argue with the leading online sportsbooks’ viewpoint here.

The Renegades kicked off their BBL 10 campaign with a seven-wicket victory over the Scorchers, but it’s been all downhill since then. Indeed, three straight losses have seen the Victorians plummet down the standings.

Klinger’s men managed a measly 60 runs as they suffered a 145-run defeat to the Sixers a fortnight ago. If their previous performance is anything to go by, another thrashing is on the cards.

The Gades’ third consecutive loss came at the hands of the Thunder on Boxing Day – and it was another embarrassing performance. They were set 209/8, yet they only managed to score 80 runs in reply.

To make matters worse, Imran Tahir has withdrawn from BBL 10. The South African leg spinner looked set to play a key role for the Victorians, yet he will not travel to Australia due to personal reasons.

With the Renegades’ bowling unit underperforming this season, the loss of Tahir is a massive blow.

The final over – 20 required, two wickets in hand.

And then THIS happened ? #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/cM7LAleVLM

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 26, 2020

On the flip side, the Sixers’ defense of their crown has gotten off to a solid start, with the reigning champions winning three of their four games this term.

After losing to the Hurricanes on the opening days, victories over the Renegades, the Strikers, and the Stars have seen the men in Magenta cement their place at the top of the table.

We already know that the Sixers completely annihilated the Gades a fortnight ago, but their previous two matches have been a lot closer. Shipperd’s side beat Adelaide by 38 runs before Christmas before edging the Stars in a Boxing Day thriller.

The Stars posted a hugely competitive total of 193/5, with Steve O’Keefe (2/13) the only Sixer to take two wickets. But a phenomenal inning from Daniel Hughes (96), along with supporting knocks from Josh Pilippe (22) and Carlos Brathwaite (21), saw the Sydneysiders win with one ball to spare.

The Sixers seem to have an unstoppable winning spirit at the moment.

Given that Shipperd’s men thrashed the Renegades by 145 runs earlier in the month, I think odds of 1.67 for the Sixers to win are very generous here.

If the Gades aren’t careful, they could end up replicating last season’s last-place finish. Klinger’s side has been nowhere near good enough in the early stages of BBL 10.