Barry Hawkins V David Gilbert 13:00
Both players came through their first-round matches where they understandably would've been the underdog.
From 3-1 down, Hawkins staged an impressive comeback to defeat defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-6. It was the first time since 2016 that Hawkins had defeated O'Sullivan in a match greater than best of 5.
An achievement he will no doubt be proud of but his attention quickly turns to a very promising opportunity of going deep in this years UK Championship. The tables have turned today though, he will have to contend with going in as favourite as he faces another player brimming in confidence in Dave Gilbert.
The Angry Farmer came through round 1 impressively against one of the players of the season in Xiao Guodong, having been pegged back to 4-4 he pressed for the finish line and came out victorious on a scoreline of 6-4.
He dominated Guodong making five 50+ breaks throughout, showing how dangerous he can be when getting opportunities to score but he will know he will have to improve to compete with Hawkins today.
Today's match also has an added incentive for both players, with the loser out of the running to reach the Masters in Ally Pally after Christmas.
With plenty of positive's for both players today's match is a tough one to call but I feel the experience of reaching the semi-final of this event in 2021 may stand to Hawkins in the end.
Prediction: 6-4 Hawkins
Shaun Murphy V Ding Junhui 13:00
The tie of the round in my opinion. Two of the most attacking, eye-catching players on tour with the high possibility of a classic in today's clash.
Both players have picked up the title and know exactly what it takes to make it to the latter stages of this event. Having made the final in the last 2 years, Ding Junhui will be hoping for a similar run this year.
Murphy has had a quiet season to date compared to his opponent who will be feeling confident following his victory in Nanjing at the beginning of the month.
Both players scraped through deciding frame victories in round 1. There were contrasting fortunes for the pair with Murphy looking in control throughout but being pegged back by the composed Xintong while Ding was on the backfoot from the start against Milkins.
After long, successful careers, it's the Englishman that holds the head-to-head advantage with 14 wins.
On all statistics, there's very little to separate the pair, and a deciding frame is a major possibility today.
Prediction: 6-5 Murphy
Jack Lisowski V Ali Carter 19:00
After Lisowski's inspired win over Mark Selby in round 1, can he follow that up with a victory against Ali Carter?
Carter came through 6-4 against Ryan Day, without playing spectacularly, but he was efficient and clinical throughout.
There is no doubt Lisowski will not have it his own way tonight, Carter is known for being very tactically aware and will know that is the best way of hurting Jack.
Carter has had very little luck getting victories in York in recent years, but will see tonight's match as a huge opportunity to progress to the quarter-final.
Throughout his career to date, Lisowski has always received criticism for his lack of consistency, he can be outstanding at times but backing that up is were he has fell down when expectations begin to rise.
He also has the qualification for the Masters looming over tonight's match, ranked 21st at the minute, a victory and a spot in the quarter-final would do wonders for his hopes of gaining a top 16 place ahead of the 2nd Triple Crown event of the year.
Following his victory over Mark Selby, expectations will have significantly ramped up for Liswoski. Majority of snooker fans would be happy to see him make it further in the competition but I think Carter will have too much tonight.
Prediction: 6-4 Carter
Wu Yize V Mark Allen 19:00
World number 3 Mark Allen was admittedly very disappointed with how he was playing in his first-round victory over Jackson Page. But getting through 6-4 against the in-form Welshman was big. It feels as though he isn't far away from his best form however.
It hasn't been Allen's most successful year to date but a deep run this week could be the spark that ignites his season.
Wu Yize defeated fellow Chinese player Si Jiahui 6-4 on Sunday evening and got only his 3rd win at the Barbican. It's been an impressive few months for the youngster on tour making the Wuhan Open final and getting to the final four in Saudi Arabia.
The pair have only met once before with it resulting in a 4-1 victory for Allen in the 2023 English Open. I fear tonight's match may follow a similar path and the Northern Irishman may have too much for the 21-year-old.
If tonight lives up to similar drama that we saw in York this afternoon we are in for a treat.
Prediction: 6-3 Allen
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