Essex Eagles v Kent Spitfires – 05/09/2020

Essex Eagles v Kent Spitfires – Betting Tips, Latest Odds, Team News and Predictions – 05/09/2020

Kent head into this clash on the back of a thrilling last-ball victory over Sussex Sharks.

That sent them to the top of the southern group and they’ll be determined to consolidate that place by maintaining their unbeaten start.

Defending champions Essex sit bottom of the group and are yet to pick up their first win.

Have a look at our free T20 Blast tips for this fixture.

Essex Eagles v Kent Spitfires – Match Preview

The start to the 2020 Vitality Blast couldn’t be much more of a contrast for these two teams.

The Spitfires are flying high after an unbeaten start to this year’s contest, while the Eagles remain grounded after two defeats, a tie, and one no result from the first four.

Where: The Oval, London

When: Saturday, 5 September 2020

Start Time: 12:05 GMT (16:35 IST)

Pitch conditions: The Oval should offer a fair test between bat and ball but will also have some pace and bounce to assist the bowlers. Batting first at the Oval and putting on a good score has historically been the best choice.

Weather conditions: The weather forecast suggests a clear afternoon is on the cards for this clash. There will be some cloud cover but rain is unlikely. Temperatures will be around 17 degrees.

Essex Eagles v Kent Spitfires – Latest Odds

In-form Kent Spitfires are made favourites to come out on top. They can be backed at 1.64 with LeoVegas.

Essex are available at 2.38 with 22Bet for those who think they can bag the win.

Essex Eagles v Kent Spitfires – Team News

Essex have struggled to get into any sort of rhythm so far in 2020 as they aim to be the first team to ever retain the T20 Blast title.

Batsman Tom Westley recovered from a hand injury to feature in the last game and should be available again to play at number three.

Cameron Delport has shown flashes at the top of the order but Varun Chopra has struggled to support him.

The Eagles will also be looking to England prospect Dan Lawrence to come to the party to help them turn their fortunes around. They have no other injury concerns heading into this one.

Kent remain without England duo Sam Billings and Joe Denly.

However, they have not let it hamper them early in the tournament with England Test player Zak Crawley showing his talent in the shorter form of the game.

His opening partnership with stand-in captain Daniel Bell-Drummond has been vital.

Fred Klaassen and Tim Groenewald have done well with the ball. They are again set to feature alongside the economical left-arm spin of Imran Qayyum.

Essex Eagles v Kent Spitfires – Squads

Essex Eagles v Kent Spitfires – Betting Tips and Prediction

Don’t be surprised to see defending champions Essex bounce back with a win in this one.

They have not been at their best but have some top players in their ranks that will be hurting from their disappointing start.

Their price of 2.38 with 22Bet looks appealing despite their stuttering start.

If Chopra and Delport can set a solid foundation then the likes of Dan Lawrence and Tom Westley could do some damage.

They also have plenty of bowling options to turn to.

Bell-Drummond to Outshine Crawley

While England’s Zak Crawley has looked in fine form, so has his opening partner Daniel Bell-Drummond.

The stand-in captain has hit 22 and 25 in his last two innings but looks ready to go big.

Backing him to come out on top of a head-to-head battle with Crawley looks an interesting prospect at 1.91 with bet365.

Delport for Player of the Match

South African Cameron Delport has made a solid start to this year’s competition.

He smashed 20 against Middlesex after 36 against Hampshire. The opener could be an option in the player of the match market if he can build on his starts.

In the last match, he also bagged two wickets as his all-round capabilities were on show. He may not need to get a bowl to scoop the honour but it’s certainly a good option to have.

He can be backed at 10.0 with 22Bet to claim the award.

Don’t forget to check out our round-up of best bets for this contest.