Big Bash League: Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers, Preview and prediction

    The 34th game of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) will see the two city rivals clash when the Sydney Thunder host the Sydney Sixers at the Sydney Showground Stadium on January 8.

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    Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers

    Ranked third in the table, the Thunder have a great chance to topple the Sixers and Perth Scorchers and move to the top of the standings. The Thunder have won their last four games and have ten points on their account after eight games. The Thunder's batters are in fine form now and can make the difference when these two teams meet on Sunday.

    The Sixers defeated the Melbourne Stars in their last game and have 11 points on their account after nine games. In the previous game, James Vince (91 off 59) played a superb innings that decided the game in favour of the Sixers. As for the bowlers, Sean Abbott took three wickets, and Todd Murphy bowled well, but others can improve.

    Pitch report

    The surface at Sydney Showground Stadium will suit the pacers as it supports the bowlers at the start of the innings. The team that wins the toss should opt to bat first.

    Players to watch

    Josh Philippe

    Sean Abbott

    Alex Hales

    Daniel Sams

    Game prediction: Sydney Sixers should win as their batters are in good form, and they have won the last five out of six games against Sydney Thunder.

    Squads:

    Sydney Sixers squad: Josh Philippe(w), James Vince, Daniel Hughes, Jordan Silk, Moises Henriques(c), Daniel Christian, Hayden Kerr, Chris Jordan, Todd Murphy, Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Izharulhaq Naveed, Ben Dwarshuis, Steve OKeefe, Kurtis Patterson, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards

    Sydney Thunder squad: Matthew Gilkes(w), Alex Hales, Oliver Davies, Alex Ross, Joel Davies, Nathan McAndrew, Ben Cutting, Chris Green(c), Brendan Doggett, Usman Qadir, Ross Pawson, Daniel Sams, Sam Whiteman, Toby Grey, Baxter Holt