Color me ecstatic because we're looking at a real corker of a matchup today, ladies and gents. It's the seasoned warriors of Mumbai Indians against the fighting force of Lucknow Super Giants. And no, we're not talking about what you get if you cross a Bollywood actor with a Kabbadi Titans team.

Consider this a boxing match. Over the last five face-offs, Lucknow's snagged the trophy three times to Mumbai's two. Take a not-so-subtle hint, you know? But, yet, past performance and your grandmother's casserole recipe: both can surprise, and not always in a good way.

State of the season? We're seeing ferocious competitiveness that's hotter than my ex-wife's temper. Both the teams are at a 1-2 hustle, their records as lopsided as a drifter's suitcase. But then again, who am I to judge? Especially given my lawn bowling score last summer.

Now, I wouldn't be here if not for a keen sense of the plank walking, now would I? Take a gander at the standings, Mumbai's placed their deck chair at Number #5, while Lucknow's lounging at #6. Like watching two crabs try to escape a bucket. Isn't this just fun?

Size up the recent performance, and I tell ya, it oscillates more than a radio dial in a thunderstorm. But, has the knob settled more on the highs or the lows? Well, Mumbai, in recent games, has been grasping at straws more than a thirsty hippie at a juice bar. They've taken some, they've given some. Lucknow, on the other hand, seems to be running with a bit more wind in their sails.

So, where does this leave the odds? Gather 'round, sports buffs, because the astrolabe doesn't lie. Today, it seems we're looking at...

Albert’s Prediction: Lucknow Super Giants to win