It's fair to say that Delhi have surprised us this year with three straight wins that take them into the top half of the table. It looked like another poor season was in store when DD were dismissed for 98 in their opener and few believed Zaheer Khan when he said it was just one bad day but they've certainly been impressive since.

Gujarat Lions meanwhile have been strong since the start of the tournament and are in second coming into Wednesday's match - level on points with leaders KKR - so what do the bookies make of this one?

The result betting shows that they are coming down heavily on the side of the Lions who are clear favourites for the points at a best of 1.73 with Paddy Power and Stan James. That leaves the Daredevils as the outside punt at a top price of 2.25 with Skybet.

I suppose people may argue that Delhi's batting has been carried a lot by Quinton De Kock who scored the first century of IPL9 and has made the most runs in three of his side's four matches to date. With a record like that it's no surprise to see the South African as a hot favourite to top score for DD here at best odds of 3.25 with Skybet.

Shreyas Iyer is next at a best price of 4.50 with Paddy Power and Stan James while Sanju Samson, who top scored with 60 last time out, is quoted at a best of 5.50 with bet365 and Coral.

I'm going for De Kock here as he is the type of player who stays in form when he finds it but the value pick may be JP Duminy at a tempting top price of 7.00 with Paddy Power.

Aaron Finch continues to struggle with injury although he is listed at best odds of 4.00 with Skybet to score most Lions' runs on Wednesday. Obviously check the final XI before parting with any money or you can take any of these alternatives:

Suresh Raina has been fairly consistent with the bat and would be my pick at his top price of 4.50 with Skybet while Brendon McCullum continues to threaten a big score and is quoted at a best of 5.00 with Paddy Power.

That's a real tempter but so is the best price of 9.00 with Skybet, next to the name of Dinesh Karthik who got Guajarat over the line against RCB. There's some good value in that market so it's a great one to get involved in.

The same can be said about the Lions' best bowler bet where it's hard enough to guess who will form part of their attack. They only took two wickets against Royal Challengers and most went around the park so expect some changes for the Delhi fixture.

The exception in that previous game was Ravi Jadeja who went for just 17 from his three overs and can be picked up now at a top price of 4.50 with Paddy Power and Coral. Dwayne Bravo is the favourite here at best odds of 3.75 with bet365 and Paddy Power but Jadeja gives more value and unlike other bowlers, is a definite starter.

And that's where the game will be won and lost for me: Gujarat's bowlers were expensive against RCB but they should be the tightest in the tournament and if they get QDK early, this should be a comfortable evening. I expect the Lions to take it but 1.73 looks too short so I'm switching to side markets for better value.

My Picks
  • Back Quinton De Kock to top score for Delhi Daredevils at 3.25 with Skybet.
  • Back Suresh Raina to top score for Gujarat Lions at 4.50 with Skybet.
  • Back Ravi Jadeja to return best bowling figures for Gujarat Lions at 4.50 with Paddy Power.

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