The Royal Challengers Bangalore will look to continue with their winning streak against the Chennai Super Kings in the 18th game of the IPL at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

Bangalore has won three successive games going into this match, whereas Chennai has won two out of four, but will still be rankled by their rather shocking defeat to the Kings XI Punjab in the Super Over. The manner in which the Bangalore side has played in the tournament so far, it is difficult not to see them go into the game as favourites; 4/5 at Bet Fred, as compared to William Hill offering 6/5 for a Chennai win.

There were rumours that MS Dhoni (5/1 at Blue Square to top-score for Chennai) may return for this game, but it is not yet sure. Even if he does return, it is difficult to see whether he would be back to his full repertoire of shots from the word go, though with Dhoni, that is highly likely. The man who will have quite a few expectations from him, but who is blowing hot and cold in the tournament so far for Chennai is Matthew Hayden (9/4 at Sky Bet to top-score for his side). He had looked good with his new opening partner in Parthiv Patel (5/1 at Blue Square to be the best for Chennai) in the previous game, even as Murali Vijay (6/1 at Blue Square to be the best batsman in the side) continued to struggle to get the runs.

If Dhoni does return as the captain, the one player who could be the most relieved would be Suresh Raina (4/1 at Stan James to be the best batsman for the side), and may make batting much easier for him.

Jacques Kallis (2/1 at Boylesports to top-score for his side) has continued with his giant-scoring spree in the tournament, and has yet to be dismissed yet. With the Orange Cap sitting pretty on his head, he will look to make most of this purple patch, even as his opening partner in Manish Pandey (5/1 at Coral to be the best batsman for Bangalore) tries to regain his form from 2009. Eoin Morgan (15/2 at Boylesports to top-score for Royal Challengers) has continued to remain a part of the side, but without any significant contributions due to the lack of opportunities. He will be gunning to get a bat and assist his side in their quest for the fourth successive win.

Tips:
Favourites: Chennai Super Kings (6/5 at William Hill)
Top Chennai batsman: Suresh Raina (4/1 at Stan James)
Top Bangalore batsman: Eoin Morgan (15/2 at Boylesports)