Join Tony Incenzo (@TonyIncenzo) for his 2022/23 Championship preview - who will secure promotion to the Premier League?

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THE Championship fixtures were released on Thursday and this is always a really exciting day for any football supporter’s calendar.

Nowadays of course, full details of each club’s fixtures are instantaneously plastered all over the internet.

However when I was growing up in the 1970’s, it was quite difficult to source information regarding the team I have eternally supported – Queens Park Rangers.

I would listen to the sports bulletins on my local radio station LBC for any QPR mentions on fixtures day morning. But with a dozen London clubs to cover, they would usually only have time to read out the first couple of matches scheduled for August.

I wanted to know more! I desperately wanted to digest all of my club’s games! So I would invariably telephone Loftus Road and the receptionist would patiently read out the entire list of fixtures for me whilst I studiously scribbled them into my diary.

Then during the afternoon, I would nip out to buy the excellent Evening Standard newspaper which would have a two page spread outlining all the London clubs’ schedules for the season.

Anyway having fully analysed the 2022/23 fixtures that have now been announced, here are my tips for teams to watch in the Championship during this forthcoming season:

Leading Contenders

BURNLEY

Opening weekend fixture: at Huddersfield Town

I was really surprised when Burnley sacked popular manager Sean Dyche in April after 10 years with the club. But the gamble almost worked.

Kompany to Burnley has yet to be confirmed but the Man City legend's appointment is imminent.

✍️ Here's @SteTudor123 on the move and why he can - given time - be a success at Turf Moor.https://t.co/swSbMSZwGk

— 888sport (@888sport) June 2, 2022

There was an immediate upturn in results under interim boss Mike Jackson with three victories and a draw. But this improvement subsided again in their winless final four games and the Clarets were relegated from top flight football.

Now that the charismatic Vincent Kompany has been confirmed as the new man in charge, Burnley can look forward to a strong season in the Championship.

WATFORD

Opening weekend fixture: vs Sheffield United

The owners of newly relegated Watford change their managers very frequently so it was will be interesting to follow the progress of the recently named head coach Rob Edwards - their eighth permanent appointment since the start of 2018.

He performed very nicely in the hot seat at Forest Green Rovers last season, helping the Gloucestershire club secure promotion to League One for the first time.

It is a huge step up to the Championship for Edwards but I have a feeling he will do really well.

NORWICH CITY

Opening weekend fixture: at Cardiff City

Another relegated team. In fact, Norwich are becoming a yo-yo club after finishing bottom of the Premier League twice in three seasons having previously gone up as winners of the Championship.

This will probably be another promotion winning season for the Canaries thanks to the steely determination of boss Dean Smith and they are currently sports betting favourites to go back up.

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

Opening weekend fixture: vs Burnley

The Terriers side were really unlucky to miss out on promotion when they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest in the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium.

Some controversial decisions went against Huddersfield during that showpiece occasion. But with a decent rub of the green this season, I am sure Carlos Corberán’s men will be competing at the business end of the table once more.

SHEFFIELD UNITED

Opening weekend fixture: at Watford

I always acknowledge that The Blades have some of the Championship’s most fanatical supporters.

I saw them play at Loftus Road at the end of April and the travelling fans seemed to suck the ball into the net during a pulsating 3-1 victory.

That backing will greatly help another good campaign for Sheffield United along with the deep thinking approach of boss Paul Heckingbottom.

Dark Horses...

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Opening weekend fixture: at Blackburn Rovers

Yes I might be a little bit biased here as it is my team! But I am really excited about the appointment this month of Michael Beale as the new head coach.

He has a burgeoning reputation in coaching having previously been a great assistant to Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa. If the R’s can recruit a couple of fleet-footed strikers then I am hopeful they can make a big impact this season.

For what it's worth, QPR are priced at 8/1 in 888sport's football betting odds to clinch promotion.

Top Goal Scorer Tip:

TEEMU PUKKI

The flying Finn is totally prolific. The fact that he still notched double figures last season when Norwich struggled at the foot of the Premier League shows his undoubted prowess.

I expect Pukki to easily reach the 25 goal mark during 2022/23.

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• Newcastle United are looking to build on their excellent second half of the season

• Money is no object for the Magpies after the Public Investment Fund’s takeover in October 2021

• Just how high should Newcastle be aiming in 2022/23?

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It was all change at Newcastle United last season, with Mike Ashley finally selling up and the Public Investment Fund taking over at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe had an instant impact after arriving at the helm, leading Newcastle up the table and fuelling increased optimism ahead of a huge year for the north east side.

Most Premier League Odds markets have Newcastle as ‘best of the rest’ behind the top six and the Magpies will be dreaming of finishing in one of the European spots.

However, it is important for Newcastle fans to remain grounded. While the sky is the limit for the club in the future, it would be foolish to expect instant success.

Don’t Expect Instant Success

Following the Manchester City blueprint and remembering that this Newcastle project is still in the embryonic stages are key to their chances of long term glory.

Newcastle are in a predicament but it’s a nice predicament. Patience will be required though as the Magpies continue to lay the foundations for what could be a very successful future.

Howe has been brought in to instil an attacking culture at the club while putting Newcastle in a position to evolve and fight at the business end of the Premier League.

It took a fair few years for Manchester City to compete on multiple fronts and it would be unwise to try and accelerate the process to one or two seasons.

Unbelievable Form In 2022

On the flip side, you could argue that Newcastle’s success in the second half of the 2021/22 season suggests that the club are capable of defying Premier League predictions by clinching a top six finish.

The Magpies were shrewd with their investments in January, signing Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Bruno Guimaraes alongside Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.

All five players had a positive impact on the overall mood at St James’ Park and fans are now excited at what could be a memorable 2022/23 campaign.

Newcastle went after trusted, experienced figures in January and they’d do well to adopt a similar approach in the summer transfer window.

What Can We Expect?

The sky is the limit for Newcastle but there is no need to rush. Some way too early predictions have the Magpies winning a trophy but there’s plenty of time for that.

Instead, we should assume that Howe and his staff will want Newcastle to finish in the top half of the table – while showing a competitive edge in matches against the ‘Big Six’.

Nick Pope has signed his contract as Newcastle player until June 2026, deal completed after medical in the morning. ⚪️⚫️ #NUFC

More on goalkeepers:
▫️ Dean Henderson will join Forest, matter of time.
▫️ Man Utd, in talks for Bachmann.
▫️ Areola, really close to West Ham.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2022

A good account would sit well with supporters in the FA Cup but the primary focus will of course be on the Premier League.

Nobody knows how strong Newcastle will be come the end of the summer transfer window but they are undoubtedly the most exciting up-and-coming club in the world right now.

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• Erik ten Hag has a tough job on his hands at Manchester United

• Can the Dutchman lead the Red Devils back to the summit of world football?

• Going all in on the Europa League may not be a bad strategy this season…

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Manchester United have made some poor decisions since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 but Erik ten Hag could be the man to buck the freefalling trend at Old Trafford.

The club’s issues go way beyond the managerial position, with the board opting to prioritise a strategy focused on commercial success over on-field glory.

However, Ten Hag’s appointment brings renewed optimism to the club and many believe that the Dutchman is the right fit to take United back to the top.

The Red Devils are in no state to challenge on multiple fronts but prioritising Europe could be the best way to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The football betting odds make United leading contenders to lift the Europa League trophy this term and that would constitute a successful first season for Ten Hag.

Here, we assess United’s current situation and discuss why Erik ten Hag should go all in on winning the Europa League in his first season at the Theatre of Dreams.

Top 4 A Stretch Too Far

First and foremost, do United have enough to challenge for the top four? Juggling European commitments with a Premier League top four push will push this squad beyond its limits.

If United were heading into the 2022/23 campaign with no European football whatsoever, you could make a case for harnessing everything into the Premier League.

With Man City and Liverpool so far ahead of the chasing pack, we can assume that two of the Champions League spots are already secure.

Some way too early predictions reckon United will nick a top four berth but even the most ardent Red Devil can admit that Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are better placed at this stage.

Only time will tell but with United’s transfer strategy looking lost at sea once again, it will take a huge impact from Ten Hag to take the Red Devils into the top four.

Best Way To Secure Champions League

The Red Devils will be playing on Thursdays and Sundays once again but Ten Hag has plenty of experience when it comes to competing in Europe.

He defied Champions League predictions to lead Ajax to the semi-finals in 2018/19, coming a whisker away from a showpiece blockbuster against Liverpool before Lucas Moura’s last gasp winner.

With over 40 matches in charge of Champions League and Europa League fixtures, Ten Hag has enough experience to understand the mechanics of a European campaign.

Now, why should Ten Hag prioritise the Europa League over the Premier League? That is the question that we must now tackle.

Firstly, it is going to take some time for Ten Hag to adjust completely to the Premier League – there is no doubt about that.

However, the chance to make an instant impact and win Manchester United fans over is already here: winning the Europa League will do just that.

🗣️ “I wish him the best and let’s believe that we’re going to win trophies.” @Cristiano shares his thoughts on Erik ten Hag, the club’s incredible support and pre-match nerves ahead of his United return in an unmissable episode of Player Diaries 👀#MUFC | #BringingYouCloser pic.twitter.com/I4ghf0YMuf

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 3, 2022

Victory in Europe’s secondary club competition secures automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League, and that has to be Ten Hag’s top priority.

In addition, he will be adding silverware to the Old Trafford trophy cabinet. A trophy cabinet that could do with an addition for the first time since the 2016/17 season.

There is no doubting that every fan wishes United were in the Champions League but the Red Devils can turn their situation into a positive by going all in for European glory.

Early Results May Impact Approach

If Man United defy the odds the Premier League Odds and hit the ground running, we could see the Dutchman prioritise a top four finish.

However, optimism surrounding the Old Trafford club is at a record low ahead of the 2022/23 season and most fans are expecting the Red Devils to struggle once again.

While the Ten Hag project may be a long term success, expecting instant results would be not only foolish but also unfair as the rebuilding process begins.

That isn’t to say that United cannot win the Europa League. As always, there is an element of luck in cup competitions but Ten Hag’s side are primed to lay down a serious challenge.

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Expert Steve Mullington gives his daily racing tips, including a NAP, NB and a Longshot. Scroll down now to find out horse racing tips Friday 24th June at Cartmel, Newcastle and The Curragh...

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Today's NAP (Best Bet)

3.05 Cartmel – Western Run

Gavin Cromwell is very shrewd at placing his horses and for some reason he believes that a Class 3 Novices’ Chase on a Friday afternoon at Cartmel is the ideal opportunity for his seven-year-old gelding.

Funnily enough, Cromwell brought Western Run over to Sedgefield for his first run under rules in 2019, where he ran in a NH bumper and finished a reasonable third. Since then he’s picked up a couple of wins and placed in several more.

His strongest piece of form was his second to Streets Of Doyen at the Galway Festival last July where he just went down by a neck. A reproduction of that form would make him the likeliest winner of this content for sure.

Add champion jockey Brian Hughes into the equation and you can tell the Cromwell team aren’t just over for the sticky toffee pudding.

Danger: Shantou Express

Today's NB (Next Best)

7.10 Newcastle – My Astra

From what we have witnessed thus far, the William Haggas-trained My Astra is going to take some stopping in this Group 3 Hoppings Fillies' Stakes at Newcastle.

A dual winner last summer and placed twice in Listed company since, the four-year-old half-sister to My Oberon romped home by a massive 12 length is a Stakes affair at Ayr last time out.

Haggas is seriously considering however running her in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday, so watch your bets as she is going to be a major player in whichever race they finally opt for.

My Astra is potentially Group 1 class so certainly one to follow in the online horse racing betting.

Danger: Potapova

Today's Longshot

7.18 Curragh – Tudor City

On Friday evening the young Irish jockeys get to showcase their talents in the Apprentice Derby and what an occasion it could be for Jake Coen aboard the veteran performer Tudor City.

Tony Martin’s ten-year-old is still as game as a pebble and won his latest race just a few weeks ago over hurdles.

Jake Coen is riding with confidence and currently boasts a 25% win strike in the past fortnight. Everything points to a prominent showing from Tudor City in this 1m 4f Derby.

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 22nd June 2022

Brad Friedel was once voted the fourth greatest goalkeeper in the Premier League era, coming behind Peter Schmeichel, David Seaman and Edwin Van der Sar.

According to the towering American however, he and his three illustrious peers must now take a back seat to Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, as the top-flight’s GOAT.

“Alisson is way up there. People could think he’s the best of all time and have an argument for him. Others may think it’s Schmeichel, or Seaman, or Van der Sar: they’re all in the conversation and it comes down to who you like.

"But I would not argue against someone thinking he is the best ever.”

It is high praise indeed for the Brazilian stopper who ironically faces stiff competition for the crown from a current rival and fellow countryman, Manchester City’s Ederson. How does Friedel rate one against the other?

“They’re different keepers and I would put Alisson ahead slightly. Ederson is better with his feet. He’s special with his feet; superb. Alisson is probably a touch better with shot-stopping overall. They’re the same on crosses and one-on-ones.

"Maybe Alisson is a larger figure and has a bigger presence but with Ederson I turn on the TV to be entertained by a goalkeeper and it’s not often you can say that.

"I like watching goalkeepers, don’t get me wrong, but I turn on the TV wanting the ball to go to his feet. I want to see how composed he is. I want to see him hit a seventy-yard pass on a dime. He’s fun to watch.”

Now 51 and coaching in the US, Friedel was part of a vanguard of overseas keepers who came to the Premier League and elevated the position, initially with Liverpool in the late-Nineties before committing to longer stints with Blackburn, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
Still loyal to all four, for his first club he has retained a good deal of affection, and clearly it is a source of frustration to the Midwesterner from Ohio that the Reds have managed just a single title success during a period of sustained excellence under Jurgen Klopp, losing out by a single point on two occasions.

“The Premier League title is hard to win, especially when you’re going up against a team like Manchester City.

"So, I wouldn’t say it would be a let-down if Liverpool don’t win it this season but of course they will really, really want to lift that trophy. They’re so close and they’re so good.”

For Liverpool to go that extra yard they will need a watertight defence and they certainly have that. They will require firepower to spare and in Salah and co they have that too.

In midfield though there have been suggestions from some quarters they appear a touch light in numbers, with a notable drop-off in quality should injuries hit their first choice of Fabinho, Henderson and Thiago.

It is a concern shared by their former shot-stopper, who is aware that the Reds are second best in Premier League odds ahead of 2022/23.

“If Liverpool went through the whole season with no injuries and no suspensions in midfield then they’ll be okay. But that usually doesn’t happen.

"Now that Mane is out and Nunez is in, I think Jurgen Klopp and his staff will be focusing on midfield, that’s where they’ll be looking, but it will take a special player to come in, because he will have to be better than what they have or younger with the potential of being better.

"I don’t think Jurgen Klopp will need the fans or me to tell him that. I think that’s a fair assessment of where things are. If they endure a season like a couple of years ago where their midfield is depleted like their defence was, then it will be hard for them."

Switching our attentions to Tottenham, Friedel’s estimation of what they can achieve in seasons to come is both reasonable and thought-provoking

“Success for Spurs over the next few years is to continue getting into the Champions League. If they can have that one remarkable season where they win the league because everything falls into place then that would be incredible.

"The club is that desperate to win a trophy that I don’t think it matters if it’s the League Cup, or FA Cup, or Premier League.

"The job that Conte has done since he’s come in has been great to watch. A lot of it is defensive but tactically his teams are set up so well and the players are behind him.

"The effort that they put out is tremendous and what he got out of Son this past year is remarkable.

"They have so far got some business done early, which is not something Spurs usually do and this reflects a good relationship between the sporting director, Conte and the board.

"So, the signs look good but it’s essential they stay in the top four because that gives them a budget to build.”

And what of Tottenham’s number one, their French international who was Friedel’s direct successor in North London. Clearly, Hugo Lloris has a big fan in his former team-mate.

"Lloris has had an incredible career and has been at Tottenham for over ten years now. I think people around the game respect him highly.

"He is very calm, reliable and consistent, a good team-mate and quiet leader. He’s humble and you know exactly what you’re going to get with Hugo.

"He has played in some of the very biggest games, both in club football and internationally, so you have an unflappable goalkeeper who occasionally pulls off a spectacular save.

"If he does make a mistake, he’s experienced enough and has the mentality to deal with it very well.”

Ending our conversation with Aston Villa, a club Friedel made 114 appearances for, the obvious jumping-off point is Steven Gerrard, the Villans coach who first broke through as an emerging talent at Anfield when the American was also establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.

Was Stevie G always destined to become a gaffer due to his driven personality?

"When Steven Gerrard was a teenager he was a leader by example on the field. Then I left and played against him many times and he became a very vocal leader on the field, as he matured and got better and better in his own game.

"I think Gerrard Houllier had a lot to do with that, molding him into not just a great player but a great person of football.

"When he was young it was obvious he had what it took to become a great player. Then he became an on-field general, so to speak, so yes, as the years went on you could tell that he had the makings of a very good manager.”

Which perhaps is coming to pass, and what’s more, he is a good manager who has been well backed this summer by a club with serious ambition. With this in mind, what would constitute a successful campaign for the Villans in 2022/23?

"Top six would be tough, with all the quality teams in the Premier League. Top ten is achievable. I don’t know what the remit is from the board but he is the type of manager to financially back, and give him the tools to succeed.

"He could be one of the very best managers and players really enjoy playing for him.”

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 22nd June 2022

We’re still nine months away from the 2023 Cheltenham Festival but Gaillard du Mesnil represents value in antepost betting markets for jumps racing’s biggest meeting.

All eyes will be on Prestbury Park in March and the Willie Mullins runner can make it back-to-back wins for the trainer after Stattler’s success in 2022.

Priced at a general 7/1 in horse racing betting odds, Gaillard du Mesnil ticks plenty of boxes for the race and his third in the Irish Grand National represents the best form on offer.

Trained by a master, Gaillard du Mesnil has the right profile to win the 2023 National Hunt Chase and he is one of my main antepost fancies for next year’s Festival.

Top Amateur To Ride

Patrick Mullins is one of the best amateur jockeys around, with many believing that he is as good as some of the top professional riders.

In fact, you could argue that the jockey bookings are very important for this race. After all, Mullins, Jamie Codd and Derek O’Connor have won seven of the past 10 renewals…

Amateur riders were prohibited from riding at Cheltenham in 2021 so they’ve actually won seven of the last nine runnings of the National Hunt Chase.

Mullins was at his brilliant best aboard Stattler in this year’s renewal, timing his challenge to perfection to go on and win by eight lengths.

The Willie Mullins Factor

The phrase ‘Willie Mullins bingo’ is enough to put the fear of God into punters but there is little doubt about Gaillard du Mesnil’s long term target this season.

Wait for the next Willie Mullins stable tour for confirmation if you like but the National Hunt Chase looks the ideal race for this second season chaser.

🥊 Run Wild Fred vs Stattler 

🥊 Elliott vs Mullins 

Stattler impresses in the Ukraine Appeal National Hunt Chase to run out a ready winner for Patrick & @WillieMullinsNH @CheltenhamRaces #TheFestival pic.twitter.com/CUHIXZlK90

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 15, 2022

I’d be shocked to see Gaillard du Mesnil aimed at the Brown Advisory Novices Chase for the second year in a row, especially if The Nice Guy and Minella Cocooner go novice chasing.

The best trainer at placing horses, Gaillard du Mesnil preserved his novice status after a gallant third in the Irish National and he has the rating to win this race.

Fingers Crossed He Stays Sound

There is always a risk of injury when you bet antepost but there is no doubt that Gaillard du Mesnil would be an awful lot shorter than 7/1 if he turns up in March.

We know Gaillard du Mesnil gets the trip after that run at Fairyhouse and Cheltenham Festival betting odds are likely to move significantly if this is his confirmed target.

Campaigned at Grade One level for much of the 2021/22 jumps season, Gaillard du Mesnil is likely to race in some of the better novice races once again.

Three of the last four National Hunt Chase winners have been seven years old and Gaillard du Mesnil will also tick that box by the time March comes around.

Nothing is a given in racing but he has the RPR required to win the race, the experience and he stays the trip. With a bit of luck, he will get antepost backers off to a flyer on Day 1.

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 22nd June 2022

Expert Steve Mullington gives his daily racing tips, including a NAP, NB and a Longshot. Scroll down now to find out horse racing tips Thursday 23rd June at Newmarket, Hamilton & Newcastle...

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Today's NAP (Best Bet)

4.20 Newmarket – Enforced

Having finished a decent fourth in a good maiden over a mile at Goodwood, the Roger Varian-trained Enforced obliged by a neck under Andrea Atzeni at Brighton and can follow up again today on the Newmarket July Course.

Owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, this three-year-old son of Zoffany looks sure to go on to bigger and better things and can make his first outing in handicap company a day to remember.

Jack Mitchell is a positive jockey booking and all the omens look good for a headquarters success.

Danger: Roxzoff

Today's NB (Next Best)

8.00 Hamilton – Amanzoe

Understandably the William Haggas-trained Amanzoe has been turned out quickly again after just failing to win at Haydock Park just five days ago.

The filly was beaten by a mere neck at Haydock, but before that had won by a neck herself at Leicester. She’s clearly in great heart and I can see Hamilton’s uphill finish playing to her strengths.

Factor in her jockey Paul Mulrennan, that she should really be running off 5lbs extra, plus the fact that she only faces three others rivals, make her the stand out bet on Hamilton’s entire Thursday evening card.

Danger: Ayr Empress

Today's Longshot

4.30 Newcastle – Vince Lombardi

Formerly trained by Sophie Leech, Vince makes his debut for the Grant Tuer stable on Newcastle’s all-weather surface and could well oblige at a nice price with any luck.

Tuer has been in good form of the late and a change of scenery, plus different training methods, may just bring out the best in the three-year-old.

Admittedly many of his rivals will have a fitness edge on him here but I’m yet to see a Grant Tuer horse this season turn up at the track not ready to do themselves justice.

All in all, Vince Lombardi looks a decent each-way bet for those punters that are betting on horse races online.

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 21st June 2022

• The south beats the north for the best away days in the Premier League
• The two most recommended in the top-flight could not be more different 
• Neither Old Trafford nor the Emirates makes our top ten

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As any match-going fan will tell you, nothing quite beats a good away day.

There’s the early start and the buying of provisions. The banter on route, then experiencing a new city with unfamiliar pubs and eateries. The laughs and the memories made.

Frankly, the ninety minutes of football is almost a side-event.

Which is why when determining the very best away days in the Premier League, several factors come to the fore, that have equal standing to the thrill of watching a game in one of the best leagues in Europe.

A decent view is a big consideration, as well as easy access to and from the ground. The journey counts also, as too does the weather.

Seriously, the weather matters. At Brentford’s new stadium the sun glares down, half-blinding its visiting contingent, while Crystal Palace’s open concourse means you can be soaked right through before you’ve even taken your seat.

Atmosphere and affordability are the final factors, the former ruling out Old Trafford that is too full of photo-taking day-trippers. The latter means the pricey Emirates doesn’t make the grade here.

If you have never seen your side play on the road and you intend to put that right this season, these ten adventures should be topping your wish-list.

10 - Elland Road (Leeds)

An unimaginable inclusion back in the day, when travelling to West Yorkshire was a downright scary proposition, but times have changed and thankfully for the better.

These days, Elland Road has retained its fiery and intimidating atmosphere but it’s just the right side of safe and with an array of fantastic independent breweries in the area, the local ‘refreshments’ are a pleasure to sample.

Better yet, if journeying by car, the views across the Pennines are nothing less than a joy.

9 - St James' Park (Newcastle)

This beautiful stadium, situated slap bang in the centre of the city, would be much more prominent on the list were it not for where the away fans are positioned, so elevated in the gods you can do a Jimi Hendrix and touch the sky.

After walking up a million steps even the fittest fan is out of puff and good luck doing that climb after a couple of Newcy Browns. 

In every other regard however, Newcastle is a great jaunt even if it can feel like an endless trek back home if you encounter defeat.

Our Premier League predictions tip bright things for the Magpies this season following their transformative takeover so chances of a defeat are high. 

8 - Dean Court (Bournemouth)

The atmosphere isn’t typically great at Bournemouth, if truth be told, but that is more than compensated by the ground’s location in Boscombe, a leisurely stroll from the seaside.

A weekend of beer, ice cream and – sorry, Cherries fans – the likelihood of three points makes Dean Court a must and this is especially true if the schedule has been kind and pits your team against them early in the season when the sun is out or beyond March.

Away fans are stationed in this small but tidy stadium close to the pitch and that’s also a healthy plus.

7 - Anfield (Liverpool)

A number of things count against Anfield, namely where it’s situated, among the narrow streets of L4.

From Lime Street station a short cab ride is fine but if travelling by car then parking can be a nightmare. Its location also means nearby hostelries are almost exclusively ‘red’ and even if locals are usually friendly that’s not ideal.

Lastly, what are the chances of you celebrating a victory on Merseyside? Jurgen Klopp’s side last lost at home in the league way back in March 2021 which partly explains why their Premier League odds for this season’s title are so short.

Still, the placement of the away fans is decent, behind a goal, and on a sunny afternoon – or better yet, on a barmy evening with the floodlights aglow – it always feels special to experience this iconic sporting arena.

6 - Stamford Bridge (Chelsea) 

Stamford Bridge is full of surprises and all of them welcomed.

The vast and impressive ground is easy to reach with numerous transport links close-by and once ensconced in the Shed End, lower tier, away fans find themselves sandwiched by vociferous elements of the home support, all the better for creating a lively atmosphere.

With unobscured views and comfortable seats, all the standard boxes are ticked.

At half-time, the bars and burger outlets are reasonably priced – especially by London’s standards – and then at the end of an enjoyable contest there are those transport links again to get you home in straightforward fashion.

Altogether, not a bad day out at all.

5 - Etihad Stadium (Manchester City)

Three tiers of the South Stand is given over to away fans in East Manchester and even if Pep Guardiola’s fabulous side can easily ruin your day and make a mockery of your optimistic football bets, elsewhere visitors are well catered for.

What really sets City apart however, as a venue is where it resides in proximity to the city centre with Piccadilly just a short walk away, full of bars and eating establishments.

Parking is decent, even close to the stadium, but getting the train affords you the best of what Manchester can offer.

4 - AMEX Stadium (Brighton)

Padded seats and well-considered legroom are significant pluses for the 3000-capacity away support while a good number of pubs nearby that hold little stock with club colours makes an already enjoyable trip to the south coach that much better.

Situated just off the A27, with vast parking facilities, and with a train station a stone’s throw away that is directly connected to Brighton there is arguably no other ground in the top-flight that is easier to reach.

If the Amex is an example of modern stadia then we’re all for it because it appears to have been designed with supporters in mind.

3 - King Power Stadium (Leicester)

The cardboard ‘clappers’ distributed to home fans may annoy but ironically it is the brilliant acoustics of the King Power that serves it so well.

That’s because packed into the corner of the bowl-like stadium away supporters can make one heck of a racket and be heard almost in Nottingham.

Additionally, there is the butter chicken pie to contemplate. If you only take one thing from this list, it’s this – don’t go to Leicester and forego the butter chicken pie.

2 - Craven Cottage (Fulham)

Ah, lovely Craven Cottage, with it’s lovely scenic walk along the river and its lovely architecture, complete with central gable still in place, designed by Archibald Leitch.

With football becoming ever-more cynical and tribalized, visiting this ornate gem of a ground is like going to see your nan, who gets the Fox’s biscuits out and gives you a fiver under protestation. Its existence makes the world a slightly better place.

What’s more, it’s a stadium that is improving further, with a revamped Riverside Stand set to open this summer.

1 - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Spurs)

An awful lot of thought and an awful lot of expense went into building Tottenham’s flagship new stadium and if the cost lends itself to banter, the due care and attention benefits away fans hugely. 

The view from the second tier is sublime, close to the action but with an expansive vista while the food selection on the concourse – though a touch on the dear side – are far removed from a stodgy pie and lumpy gravy.

The whole experience all feels a bit special, like a treat, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. 

Better yet, there is always the chance of spotting some celebrity football fans, with Adele and Michael McIntyre among the Spurs faithful.

They probably don’t hang around the away concourse though to be fair, no matter how nice the burritos and steak sandwiches are.

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

• Patrick Vieira vs Roy Keane is one of the fiercest player rivalries in modern football

• Leading Arsenal and Manchester United, Keane and Vieira were two of the faces of the Premier League

• Which player would you have rather had on your team?

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Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira are unquestionably two of the best Premier League midfielders of all time. The pair are synonymous with the height of Manchester United and Arsenal’s rivalry.

While Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were deep in mind games during press conferences and post-match interviews, it was Keane and Vieira doing the talking on the pitch (and often in the tunnel).

Neither player took a step back. They were leaders in the most obvious sense, warriors for their respective teams and macho in the extreme.

The late 1990s and early 2000s would have been different in the Premier League had Keane and Vieira not been involved, such was their influence on the league’s two premier sides.

It could be argued that neither Arsenal nor Manchester United have properly replaced Keane or Vieira since their respective departures, which has contributed to their fall in online betting markets.

These are players not only irreplaceable in skillset, but also in personality. The combination of all-action midfielder and leader isn’t easy to find.

Complete Skillsets

Keane, and to a lesser extent Vieira, are remembered for their blood and guts duels. Keane had a tendency to tread the line between aggressive and foul play.

Vieira did not back down in any situation. The ferocity of their head-to-head meetings sometimes overshadowed how complete they were as midfielders. They were hard-tackling, but both had much more to their games.

Keane, particularly in his latter years, was capable of dictating play from a deeper role. Vieira could turn the momentum of a fixture in an instance with his long runs both with and without the ball.

In his pomp, Keane had an unrivalled engine enabling him to contribute all over the field. He could appear in the box with a late run or create space for others with off-ball movement. His passing was underrated, too.

From Paul Scholes to David Beckham and Ryan Giggs, Keane’s teammates often got the plaudits for the prettier parts of the game, but the Cork native had the vision and ability to pick out a pass when needed.

🤔 "Do you know what you said to me?"

😅 "I probably said excuse me Patrick don't be speaking to one of my teammates like that."

Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira discussing the infamous tunnel incident at Highbury in 2005 🍿😂#MUFC pic.twitter.com/ZIapyMnEFp

— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) March 24, 2020

Vieira was sublime in possession. The long strides enabled him to drive past opponents, and he was an above average dribbler, which unlocked escapes from tight spaces that many of his peers could not execute. He was always good at controlling a came from deep, too.

Their teams won the most trophies in English football during their peak years – Keane was at Old Trafford between 1993 and 2005, Vieira arrived at Highbury in 1996 and left in 2005.

He also returned for a brief spell with Manchester City for the final two seasons of his playing career.

This is the part of Keane and Vieira’s games which is not as immediately obvious as top-corner finishes or game-changing interceptions. They were the heartbeat of great sides, sides which achieved historic things. That has to count for something.

The value which football fans will place on something so subjective, so unquantifiable, is going to vary.

Wherever you stand on that wider debate about personality in football, there’s no question that the £3.75 million sent to Nottingham Forest and £3.5 million to Milan altered the history of Arsenal, Manchester United and the whole of English football.

Accolades

Keane won seven league titles in England and one in Scotland. Vieira won seven league titles in total, four of which came during his stint with Inter.

The Frenchman also was integral to France’s glory at the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championships, but how much weight should that carry in a comparison of this nature?

Keane had five Premier League Team of the Season selections, one fewer than Vieira.

The Irishman won PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2000, while Vieira was Premier League Player of the Season for 2000-01. The latter was also included in the Premier League’s Team of the Decade for its first 10 years.

Both won four FA Cups. Vieira added a Coppa Italia.

The hardware comparison is pretty much neck-and-neck. Vieira had 40 more international caps, but made 25 fewer club appearances.

There really isn’t a great deal to choose between the two statistically, which echoes the general sentiment around their careers.

It is what made for such an intense duel between the two on and off field, a contest that continues to this day as fans debate their all-time Premier League XIs.

Keane vs Vieira - Verdict

It isn’t a criticism of Keane to say Vieira was the better all-round player.

There is little to choose between the two, but Vieira had more to his game than Keane at their respective peaks, even if Keane’s skillset has often been unfairly reduced to that of an enforcer.

Both lifted the Premier League trophy on numerous occasions. How difficult it has proven to replace either of them at Arsenal and Manchester United is a testament to what they brought to their teams.

That precious combination of leadership and complete midfield talent shapes a team – the Gunners and Red Devils were as successful as they were because of the presence of Keane and Vieira.

Where do you stand on Roy Keane’s explosive punditry? Is he right to call players out or is he just a bitter and bullying ex-pro who failed at management? pic.twitter.com/tbLctvYjzh

— 888sport (@888sport) June 24, 2020

There are fair questions about how their games would have aged. The general move away from 4-4-2 at the elite level would change what was asked of Keane and Vieira.

Perhaps Keane would have moved into a deep-lying role earlier in his career. Maybe we would have seen even more of Vieira as an attacking force if given greater license to get forward from a midfield three.

Alternatively, they could take on similar responsibilities if utilised in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 like Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel favour.

Not many midfielders have impacted Premier League predictions quite like Vieira and Keane.

Vieira just about has the edge, but picking between the two is every bit as challenging as deciding between Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard or John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

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