Big Bash League (BBL 2018): Brisbane Heat vs. Sydney Sixers, Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips

The dawn of a new year directs to perhaps a change in fortunes for some and Brisbane Heat will be hoping for the same as they aim to restart a wayward BBL campaign as they take on the Sydney Sixers, who come off a resounding win against a formidable Renegades side. With a belter of a pitch on offer at the Carrara Oval, 2019 could not have a better match to get underway.

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Squads to pick from:

Brisbane Heat

Max Bryant, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Brendan Doggett, Sam Heazlett, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum, James Pattinson, James Peirson, Jack Prestwidge, Matt Renshaw, Alex Ross, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson

Sydney Sixers:

Sean Abbott, Justin Avendano, Tom Curran, Ben Dwarshuis, Joe Denly, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Daniel Fallins, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Nathan Lyon, Peter Nevill, Stephen O'Keefe, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Jordan Silk, Henry Thornton, Greg West, Ben Manenti

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Playing XI Updates:

Sydney Sixers: Not many changes are expected from the Sixers although they would be hoping for a better show with the bat. Sixers have only scored in excess of 150 once so far and would be a very huge concern for the management. The Sixers top-order has not delivered yet with overseas batsmen Joe Denly and captain, Moises Henriques under pressure to uphold an inexperienced batting unit.

Justin Avendano could swap places with Edwards to possibly strengthen the fragile batting while young off-spinner Ben Manenti, who had a debut worth remembering, will play on Monday.

Possible XI: Denly, Avendano, Hughes, Henriques (C), Silk, Phillipe (WK), Manenti, Curran, Abbott, Dwarshius and O' Keefe

Brisbane Heat: Chris Lynn and co have had a long break after losses in their first two matches in this year's BBL. The last time Chris Lynn captained the Heat in 2015/16, it took them five matches to open their points tally in spite of good performances from Lynn.

Although it shouldn't mean much to the Heat management, a few tweaks to the side that lost to Hobart should be on order. James Pattinson should return to the side after missing the last one while Alex Ross has been drafted into the squad for the first time this season and will be hoping to play against Sixers at the expense of Heazlett.

Possible XI: Bryant, McCullum, Lynn (C), Burns, Ross, Pierson (WK), Cutting, Pattinson, Mujeeb, Steketee and Swepson.

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Wicketkeeper: Both Pierson and Phillipe have performed decently to warrant places in your fantasy sides. With the prospect of Lynn looming large and Peirson coming late down the order, Phillipe would be the better choice to go for. With a fragile top order, Phillipe's case is all the more strengthened.

Batsmen: Chris Lynn is a must for the New Year's day clash. He is by far the most destructive batsman of the BBL although Jos Buttler might have something to say about that. Max Bryant has shown glimpses of what he is capable of and should make the side as well. Moises Henriques and Daniel Hughes have to come good if the Sixers are to get anywhere close to a win against the Heat. Jordan Silk has been their best batsman so far and could be opted for as well.

All-rounders: Joe Denly and Ben Cutting are the ideal choices with the former recently scoring his first BBL fifty against Hobart Hurricanes at the same venue. Tom Curran has been in scintillating form as well and could slot in for Denly.

Bowlers: Mujeeb caused panic in the Hobart camp after sniffling two key wickets within the powerplay and more of the same can be expected from the youngster. James Pattinson's return should see him or Mitchell Swepson being opted for. Ben Dwarshius and Sean Abbott are also viable options to go for.

Captain: Chris Lynn should be the more popular choice with the big Queensland batsman in good form as well. You can back your fantasy instincts as well by going along with the likes of McCullum and Henriques as well!

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Josh Phillipe (WK), Chris Lynn, Max Bryant, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Joe Denly, Ben Cutting, Ben Manenti, Ben Dwarshius, James Pattinson, Mujeeb ur Rahman. Captain: Chris Lynn

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Josh Phillipe (WK), Chris Lynn, Max Bryant, Daniel Hughes, Jordan Silk, Joe Denly, Ben Cutting, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshius, Mujeeb and Swepson. Captain: Joe Denly