Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Scottish Open snooker match.
Mark Allen
2018 Scottish Open Champion Mark Allen, following his performances in the semi-finals of the Champion of Champions and UK Championship, will begin the tournament with a match against He Guoqiang. Allen is ranked 13th in the season rankings and has reached the semi-finals three times, but was defeated by Mark Selby, Xiao Guodong, and Barry Hawkins. Mark has altered his playing style and has started winning more frequently thanks to this new approach. He now plays with discipline, avoids attacking at every opportunity, and focuses on his opponent, restricting their freedom in shot selection.
He Guoqiang
He Guoqiang has reached the final of the UK Championship this season. He secured victories over Robbie McGuigan (6-1), Anthony McGill (6-5), and Stan Moody (6-5), but was comprehensively defeated by John Higgins (6-0) in the first match. Guoqiang also claimed wins against Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Maguire at the English Open and is currently ranked 42nd in the season rankings and 55th overall, which will help him retain his place on the tour at the end of the season.
Mark Allen vs He Guoqiang Prediction
Mark Allen has been involved in more closely contested matches throughout the season and hasn't consistently dominated his opponents. We doubt Mark will win 4-0, but Guoqiang will likely have good opportunities to contest each frame. The first-round matches allow players to acclimatise to the conditions and build form. Therefore, we suggest a bet on the match going at least 6 frames.
