Our XI: Josh Phillipe, Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Hughes, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (c), Jordan Silk, Tom Curran, Ben Dwarshius, Haris Rauf, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lloyd Pope

Captain: Glenn Maxwell

The Stars captain has been clinical this season, with 311 runs from eight games, including five 40-plus scores. He followed up his 37-ball 59 against Sydney Thunder with a match-winning 45-ball 83 against Melbourne Stars to strengthen his side's position at the top of the table.

Vice-captain: Haris Rauf

Express pace, frugal returns, and now, a T20 hat-trick. Haris Rauf has been making waves in the tournament and he's delivered in every match he's been part of. He's picked up 14 wickets in just five matches and conceded at less than a run a ball; with this form of his, there's no better time to pick him as your vice-captain.

The allrounder has been in superb form at the top. He's currently the highest run-getter in the tournament, with 331 runs from eight games.

The England allrounder has been vital to Sixers' success this year, contributing with the ball as well as with the bat when needed. He's also their leading wicket-taker, with 13 dismissals in eight matches. He finished with his career-best T20 figures of 4 for 22 in the match against Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday.

The opening batsman showcased his big-hitting skills by scoring an unbeaten 83 in Sixers' win against Adelaide Strikers at Coffs Harbour. He's also the side's highest run-scorer so far this season, with 264 runs in eight games.

The young legspinner has dismissed some big names and has gone wicketless only in two matches so far. He's been one of the most successful spinners in the competition this season so far, alongside the likes of Rashid Khan and Adam Zampa, with ten dismissals in seven matches.

The Stars have won their last four games chasing and at the MCG, where this game will be played, they've won their last two games chasing below-par totals. Go for a Stars-heavy batting line-up, especially if they win the toss and choose to field.