Features

2010 could be a classic year

Author: John Harris
Date: 29/12/2009
Football betting

As a fantastic year for sport comes to a close, we take a look at some of the events likely to capture the imagination in 2010.

We have had the pleasure of seeing England's Ashes success in the summer, Ireland's all-conquering Six Nations and Grand Slam heroics, Sea The Stars' historic Guineas-Derby-Arce treble and Jenson Button's F1 World Championship triumph.

These are just a few of the spectacles that graced the sporting world in 2009 and we hope to whet the appetite as we head into the new year.

South Africa will host the 2010 World Cup finals and players across the globe will be aiming to be the darlings of their countries next summer.

A total of 63 games will be played before the July 11 final in Johannesburg and all eyes will be on Fabio Capello's Three Lions as they look to capture the elusive crown that has deserted them since 1966.

Can Fabio Capello guide England to World Cup glory in South Africa next year? - Latest Football Betting

England face the USA, Algeria and Slovenia in an easy looking group but, once through the first stage, it is a lottery and Capello, along with an expectant nation, will be hoping for a summer of glory.

The Champions League final will be staged on May 22 at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu and, although many neutral fans will be wishing for a Barcelona and Real dream clash, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal may have a say.

Carlo Ancelotti has the experience in this competition and it would be a dream for Chelsea's coach to lead the side to victory in his debut season and the Blues are online second favourites to land the prize.

The wily old fox that is Sir Alex Ferguson may have troubles in front of him, but the Scot has progressed through more difficult situations than this during his long career.

Arsene Wenger's Gunners play without fear and they are in with an outside chance of winning the event for the first time.

On the domestic front, the FA Cup final will be played at Wembley on May 15 and with Chelsea the current holders of the coveted trophy, Arsenal will be keen to knock the Stamford Bridge outfit from their perch.

Finally, the game dubbed the 'richest game in football' will also be held at the Home of Football, Wembley.

The Championship play-off final will see one lucky outfit clinch their place in the top-flight. With around £50million up for grabs, the financial implications are massive for the new recruit that makes their way into the big time.

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