Matthew Stevens vs Neil Robertson Prediction: Robertson to qualify for the next round

The UK Championship qualifying stage continues, and in this Thursday fixture, Matthew Stevens will play Neil Robertson at Mattioli Arena in Leicester. The two players are playing well in this qualifier and will hope for a good result. Who wins here?

Matthew Stevens will look to give this game his all as he eyes a spot in the main tournament of this UK Championship. In the first two qualifying matches, the Welsh player defeated Martin O’Donnell and Manasawin Phetmalaikul, games that ended 3-6 and 6-4. However, prior encounters with this qualifier saw him struggle, picking up just one win in four matches against a poor Simon Blackwell. While he is the underdog this time, the Welsh 51-year-old professional is expected to be at his best following recent performances. 

Neil Robertson defeated Oliver Lines in his first qualifying encounter, which ended 6-5. However, the Australian professional player comes in as a favourite once again in this fixture, and he is expected to show character. In his last matches into this crucial qualifying stage, Neil Robertson defeated Judd Trump, Ali Carter and Zhengyi Fan. Yet, he faced defeats, taking on Barry Hawkins and Mark Williams. 

Neil Robertson has been disappointed in many matches, but the Australian looks to be in fine form at the moment. While looking at Matthew Stevens, he has struggled against tough opponents, and that could be the case here, also. This is an important game for the two players, and I expect them to approach it with the best strategy. Yet, Neil Robertson is ahead in this fixture and should win with ease.