5 Bold Predictions for England's ODI Series with Sri Lanka

England and Sri Lanka are about to lock horns for a seven-game ODI series (yes, seven games!), and with the World Cup just a few months away, there are plenty of subplots to explore.

Such as: Will Alastair Cook strengthen his tenuous position as captain? Will Alex Hales get a game? Will the Sri Lankans recover from the mauling they received in India? Who will open the batting for the home side?

Here are five bold predictions that could come true over the course of this hugely exciting series.

1. James Taylor to Establish Himself in the England Side

Gareth Copley/Getty Images

County cricket followers in the UK have known for a while now what England have been missing out on by refusing to pick the 24-year-old James Taylor.

From destructive late-order blitzes through to working the strike and helping his side recover from a bad start, the diminutive batsman is capable of playing a wide range of innings across all formats.

After dipping his toes into Test match cricket against South Africa in 2012, Taylor had excelled with the Lions, captaining them with distinction and scoring multiple centuries, including a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year.

The man imaginatively known as "Titch" averages 53.16 in List A cricket, and now is the time for the Nottinghamshire man to prove he belongs in the big time.

2. Kumar Sangakkara to Score Heavily

Eranga Jayawardena/Associated Press

OK, so this is hardly a long shot, but for the first time in a long time, Kumar Sangakkara finds himself in the rare place of having to prove himself.

During the debacle in India, the classy left-hander publicly fell out with chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya, while also suffering the ignominy of being rested with two games still to play.

Of course, with over 383 ODI appearances and nearly 13,000 runs at an average of 39.99, Sangakkara has the class and experience to bounce back.

As well as hoping to return to form with the bat in the series, the 37-year-old also takes over the gloves from Dinesh Chandimal who has been dropped.

3. James Tredwell to Be England's Leading Wicket-Taker

Gareth Copley/Getty Images

One of the most understated players in world cricket, James Tredwell has become an integral part of England's World Cup plans and their chief spinner.

Some may say it's because of a lack of alternatives, but the 32-year-old hasn't let anyone down, and opposition batsmen tend to overlook his "no thrills" off breaks.

In 39 ODIs, Tredwell has picked up 55 wickets, while returning an economy rate of 4.77, a more-than-respectable level at the highest level of the game.

The Sri Lankans will surely try and attack the veteran, but that won't be anything new to a man with 14 years of experience.

4. Rangana Herath

Eranga Jayawardena/Associated Press

With the home side selecting a phalanx of slow bowlers, an examination by spin looks to be lying in wait for England's batsmen.

And despite the presence of Ajantha Mendis, expect Rangana Herath to grasp his recall with both hands and finish as leading wicket-taker.

While the slow left-armer has only taken 60 wickets from his 60 ODIs so far, he always seems to keep control and is rarely expensive.

Now, after being rested for the India series, the fully refreshed veteran could cause a lot of problems for a fragile visiting batting line-up that has historically struggled against spin.

5. Sri Lanka to Win Easily

Dan Mullan/Getty Images

England possess a mixed record in Sri Lanka, having won just three of the 13 ODIs the two sides have contested since their inaugural visit in February 1982.

And, given the uncertainty around their team selection, tactics and captain Alastair Cook this time around, it would be no surprise if they were to be on the losing side again.

True, the hosts themselves have just been given a drubbing by India, but that series was hastily arranged due to the West Indies returning home early, and Angelo Mathews' men didn't seem to be at the races.

However, these contests have long been in the diary, and a visit from England always seems to motivate the home side's players and fans. 

Throw in the Sri Lankans incredibly experienced core and also their never-ending supply of spinners...and a final series score of 4-2 or 4-1, allowing for a weather-ruin game or two, seems likely.