Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Predictions & Tips - Royal Challengers backed to win again

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have won five of their opening six fixtures in the 2021 IPL. They look a very balanced side with a number of players in-form and bringing the heat. My best bet is for the Royal Challengers to win this clash, while AB de Villiers is set to shine again.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have won three of their last five matches against the Punjab Kings but it is the Kings who won their two encounters last season. The Kings won the first match by 97 runs and the second by eight wickets.

The Punjab Kings have two wins from their opening six matches and will need a turnaround in fortunes if they are to challenge for the playoffs. They made a positive start to the tournament but have since lost four of their last five matches.

The batting woes continued for the Kings in their last match as the Kolkata Knight Riders restricted them to 123 runs in their 20 overs. Mayank Agarwal top scored with 31 runs although it was proven yet again that if KL Rahul doesn’t come good with the bat the Punjab Kings are lost for ideas.

The Knight Riders easily chased down the total to win by five wickets with more than three overs to spare. If the Kings are to challenge this season they will need to stop the batting implosions – they have now failed to reach 130 runs in three of their six matches.

The Punjab Kings may look to strengthen their middle order coming into this match. KL Rahul is the only player scoring regular runs at the moment. Dawid Malan is an option and he could come in for the out of sorts Chris Gayle.

The Royal Bangalore Challengers are top of the table although that could change before this match gets underway. They have won five of their six matches in the IPL and look in good shape to challenge for their first IPL title.

In the last match the Royal Challengers put in a very solid display. Batting first in Ahamedabad against the Delhi Capitals, RCB posted a total of 171 runs. This was largely due to another incredible innings by AB de Villiers who hit 75 unbeaten runs off 42 balls.

Leading IPL wicket-taker, Harshal Patel continued his fine form with the ball, taking 2-37 for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. They almost let it slip at the end but managed to claim a two-run win that sent them back to the top of the table.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have a very settled lineup at the moment. They have made a few changes but the core of the side has remained the same.

Daniel Sams made his debut in the previous match and should continue after an impressive bowling effort. He offers plenty of hitting power with the bat as well.