Sabalenka vs Pliskova: how many sets will opponents play?
In the first semi-final of Montreal tournament Aryna Sabalenka will play against Karolina Pliskova. Czech player already has one victory over her Belarusian opponent in the current season. Will she record another one? The answer is in our prediction.

Command Analysis

Aryna Sabalenka

Sabalenka had a difficult start at the current tournament. Her first match in Canada was against Sloane Stephens and American player was close to a victory, but Sabalenka eventually won the match in three sets (7:6, 4:6, 6:4). Looks like Belarusian player just needed some time for adaptation to the local court, because after that Belarusian player started to play better.
In the round of 16 Sabalenka left no chance to Rebecca Marino, she beat the Canadian player by a 6:1, 6:3 score. In the quarter-final Sabalenka defeated her compatriot, Victoria Azarenka (6:2, 6:4).

Karolina Pliskova

Pliskova's path in that tournament is similar to Sabalenka's. In the first round Czech player beat Donna Vekic in three sets (4:6, 6:3, 7:6). After that Pliskova's performance improved.
In the round of 16 Czech player beat Amanda Anisimova (6:1, 7:6), after that Sara Sorribes Tormo was beaten in the quarter-final. Looks like Pliskova is at the peak of her form now and she will play with a high confidence in the decisive matches of Montreal tournament.
Trends
СтавкаSets total over 2.5
In three most recent head-to-head matches three sets were played

СтавкаFirst set: total under 9,5 games
In two out of three most recent head-to-head matches no more than nine games were played in the first set

Tip and bets
Opponents played against each other at Wimbledon this season and Pliskova recorded a victory in that match. She did it in three sets. Looks like this match will be a long one as well. Both players are in a great form, so we don't think that someone will record an easy victory.
So far all head-to-head matches between Pliskova and Sabalenka ended in three sets.
Our prediction - total over 20,5 games
Sabalenka is ahead on head-to-head matches. Belarusian player lost only one match, and it happened on the grass. Sabalenka will have some advantage on hard surface, so we think that she will advance into the final.
Our second prediction - Aryna Sabalenka to win