London Spirit vs Trent Rockets predictions: Rockets can keep their roll going
Simon Barlow
Trent Rockets have won three of the four past matches against London Spirit
The Rockets are unbeaten and second in the table after two games
London Spirit have lost two of their opening three fixtures and sit fifth
Recommended Bet: Trent Rockets to win
London Spirit seek lift-off when they host the Trent Rockets in a pivotal group clash of The Hundred at Lord's on Wednesday.
The match marks the halfway point of Spirit's season and, with only one win from their opening three contests, Kane Williamson's side are running out of time to launch their bid to reach the knockout stages.
An opening-night home defeat to the reigning champion Oval Invincibles was followed by an encouraging win over Welsh Fire.
However, they come into this clash off the back of a 10-run defeat to Manchester Originals.
The Rockets, meanwhile, have strung together solid wins against Birmingham Phoenix and Northern Superchargers as they seek to better last year's fifth-place finish.
The latest London Spirit vs Trent Rockets odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team News
The Spirit's batting remains heavily reliant on David Warner, whose 71 against the Originals was not enough to drag them to victory.
The rest of Spirit's top order – including captain Kane Williamson – has failed to make a consistent impact, with Williamson posting just 19 runs from 20 balls in the previous outing.
Warner's opening fireworks have not been backed up through the middle order, with Jamie Smith and Ollie Pope yet to sparkle, while Ashton Turner and Sean Dickson are still searching for form.
With the ball Olly Stone and Jamie Overton have provided a few bright moments, but overall, the Spirit attack has been expensive and lacked penetration in the crucial overs.
The Rockets, meanwhile, arrive with momentum, fresh off a five-wicket victory over the Superchargers.
Led by new captain David Willey, their deep batting line-up features the explosive Tom Banton, the ever-reliable Joe Root, plus all-round stars Marcus Stoinis and Rehan Ahmed.
West Indian spinner Akeal Hosein took the Player of the Match award last time out after posting figures of 2-28 at Trent Bridge.
The stats
Warner is the leading Spirit run scorer this campaign with 150 runs in three innings, while Banton tops the Rockets charts with 80 runs in two games, including a gritty 37 last time out.
The Rockets have managed the better opening partnerships in both of their fixtures so far this season.
The Nottingham franchise have won three of the four previous matches between the sides, including a 22-run victory at home last season.
The Spirit have posted the second-highest ratio of losses since The Hundred began, behind only Welsh Fire and finished at the bottom of the table last year.
The latest London Spirit vs Trent Rockets odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
The Rockets are in great shape to continue their flawless run with another statement win at Lord's.
Their bowling is disciplined and varied, while their middle-order batting boasts depth that Spirit simply cannot match unless Warner delivers a solo masterclass.
The Spirit's struggles for form – particularly outside their opening partnership – have left them exposed against more balanced sides.
With Willey's Rockets riding momentum and possessing the edge on opening partnerships and bowling quality, the smart money is on them to make it three wins out of three.
