6) Stadio Olimpico

Italian rugby is in a state of disarray and the Stadio Olimpico is rarely full, even during Six Nations fixtures.

With the capacity to welcome 82,000 fans, it is a spectacular venue and is a must visit for tourists who want to watch their team in sunny Rome. The running track around the pitch dampens the atmosphere but a bonus point victory should lift the mood.

The Stadio Olimpico is the largest sports facility in Rome and it is used for football as much as rugby. The venue played a key role during the 1960 Olympic Games, with the opening and closing ceremonies taking place at the stadium.

5) Twickenham Stadium

With a maximum capacity of 82,000 fans, Twickenham is the fourth largest stadium in Europe but it ranks as the largest rugby-dedicated venue in the world.

Known around the world as the home of rugby union, Twickenham is steeped in history and heritage though even the most ardent England fan would admit that the ground itself is outdated.

England’s headquarters is imposing in stature but atmosphere can be a problem. Barring the odd outburst of Swing Low and the rousing rendition of God Save The Queen before kick-off, noise levels around Twickenham can be hit and miss.

Could we see England move from Twickenham in the future? Only time will tell…

4) Aviva Stadium

Redeveloped in 2009, Ireland’s rugby union venue can sit nearly 52,000 fans. The stadium itself is built in the shape of a bowl, with four tiers on three sides of the ground.

One side of the Aviva Stadium has one tier due to building restrictions but that takes nothing away from the sheer beauty of the venue.

Unfortunately, the Aviva Stadium cannot match Lansdowne Road in terms of atmosphere but facilities at the venue are second to none.

It isn’t one of the best Six Nations stadiums but is by no means the worst – Ireland will have to settle for middle of the road in this particular category.

3) Stade de France

With the capacity to host 81,000 people, the Stade de France is the sixth largest stadium in Europe.

The main selling point of the venue is that every seat is covered – a decision that was made back in the early 1990s. Like most Six Nations stadiums, the Stade de France can also host football matches and music concerts.

Les Bleus have gone through a difficult spell in recent years and there is unrest amongst some fans on whether the France national team should move to Parc des Princes.

For now, the Stade de France remains the new home of French rugby and it is a major hotspot for sport tourists due to the history of football at the venue.

2) Murrayfield

Scotland are a force to be reckoned with at Murrayfield and Gregor Townsend’s side have recorded a handful of famous Six Nations wins at the Edinburgh venue in recent years.

With a maximum capacity of over 67,000 spectators, it is the largest stadium in Scotland and regularly hosts music concerts and events.

Murrayfield is a fortress but opposing fans are welcomed with open arms. Scottish rugby went through a rough spell for some time but spectator numbers are higher than ever – as a venue itself, it is capable of creating a rousing cauldron of atmosphere.

With a bit of luck, Scotland fans could see another home victory over old enemy England in 2020.

1) Principality Stadium

Without a doubt, the Principality Stadium is the most impressive venue in the Six Nations.

It is based directly in the heart of Cardiff city centre and noise levels are intense, especially when the roof is closed. The passionate Wales fans always make themselves heard and the defending Six Nations champions will be tough to stop in 2020.

With space to accommodate 74,000 spectators, the Principality Stadium is the standout sport venue in Wales.

As one of only two stadiums in Europe with a fully retractable roof, it is a fantastic venue to host international rugby and travelling fans must make sure they get into the ground to play witness the breath-taking Welsh national anthem.

Politics Betting Tips

Political betting online odds have become widely available in recent years, with bookmakers offering markets on a range of political elections and events.

For those who want to bet on politics, it is refreshing to see odds on elections, not only in the United Kingdom and the United States, but in Australia and Norway as well.

The most popular markets are always going to revolve around general election betting and presidential election odds but other betting tips are perhaps more interesting.

With Donald Trump and Kamala Harris set to go head to head in the 2024 presidential election betting, punters can find odds on a range of markets relating to US politics.

In some cases, bookmakers may offer politics betting specials on certain political leaders. These can vary from when they will their post to who will replace them. 

Long term bets like this are particularly interesting. The ever-changing nature of politics can give punters a chance to secure lucrative odds, especially during a testing period. Make sure you've sufficiently learnt about betting odds explained before wagering. 

Over in Australia, federal election odds are available – punters can find Australian politics odds at 888sport. 

UK Politics Tips

Politics betting in the United Kingdom is very different to politics betting on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.

While the media bills up the General Election as a race for number 10, it is more about the winning party and politics odds are available well in advance.

Bookmakers tend to offer politics betting markets on a range of outcomes, including but not limited to the next Conservative leader, who will win most seats at the next General Election and even for a specific party to win a certain number of seats.

As is the case with most sports betting, staying ahead of the game and familiarising yourself with current affairs.

Breaking news can have a significant impact on politics odds so it is well worth finding a number of trusted publications to ensure you are up-to-date with the latest politics gossip.

For instance, if the shadow Chancellor is tipped to become the next leader of the Conservative party, that would open up the betting markets for the next Chancellor. 

US Election Tips

However, the biggest draw when it comes to politics betting is the United States presidential election. If you look at the politics oddschecker information, the US election is up there with one of the most popular betting events.

The build-up to the presidential race goes on for an eternity, with millions of eager politics fans following the Democrats vs Republicans battle.

Campaign rallies are aplenty but ultimately when it comes down to election day, people have to make a choice. In 2016, it was either bet Trump or bet Clinton. In 2020, Joe Biden got the better of Donald Trump. The Republicans have again selected Trump for the 2024 ballot. 

US politics betting odds are fascinating, with plenty of twists and turns in the run-up to an election. With so much focus on the presidential candidates in the media, odds can change very quickly indeed.

Most bookmakers will offer politics betting odds on the US election but some of the markets can be quite specific so you may need to shop around if your politics bet taste is niche.

While one punter may wish to simply bet on the US presidential election winner, another may be interested in backing the result in a specific state.

Election Betting Tips

Following top politics betting tips can prove prudent but ultimately, it should always be your choice. Your decision is final and you should always trust your own judgment when betting on politics.

Having said that, there are a number of viable sources that passionate politics fans can use to help with placing a bet on politics.

First and foremost, news trends and polls are vital. These may not always be accurate when it comes to the election result but they can certainly give an indicator as to whether betting odds are fair and accurate.

According to the latest US election polls, the race for the White House in 2024 is in the balance. Expert betting tips are leaning towards Kamala Harris after her debate performance, but electoral college support is up for grab in several swing states.

Politics Predictions

One of our top politics tips for punters is to find an informative political prediction market. This can be the difference between success and failure when it comes to betting on politics.

As is the case with most prediction models, following political prediction markets does not guarantee betting success but it can certainly help punters to gain a clearer picture of the political landscape.

While is no real betting exchange specific for politics, punters can use key information from credible sources to gain an advantage when it comes to politics betting.

Take the EU Referendum for example. The Brexit odds were against the Leave Party but the signs were there – the bookmakers got it wrong on that occasion. As did the pollsters.

Most importantly, always place enjoyment at the heart of politics betting. With access to the biggest political odds, punters should consider betting on politics here at 888sport.

*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*

UEFA Club Footballer Of The Year

Other than earning a spot on the most Ballon d’Or wins list, winning the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year is one of the top achievements in football.

Initially, the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year was awarded to the best player in each European football season. First awarded in 1998, it was widely regarded the pinnacle of the sport.

The Ballon d’or was initially exclusive to European footballers but this changed in 1995, with the award expanding to include players from around the world.

The title then changed from UEFA Club Footballer of the Year to UEFA Best Player in Europe in 2011, before it was renamed again ahead of the 2015/16 season.

Now known as the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award, it is up there with the FIFA Ballon d’Or as one of football’s most prestigious accolades.

European Best Player Award List

The UEFA Player of the Year award was first awarded in 2011, with Barcelona star Lionel Messi claiming the first of his two European Player of the Year wins.

Here, you can see every winner of the UEFA Player of the Year award since 2011, including 2019/20 UEFA Club Footballer of the Year Robert Lewandowski.

UEFA Men’s Player Of The Year Award:

Who will win the UEFA Men's Player of the Year prize in 2020/21? Only time will tell - follow the latest Champions League expert picks and European football news at 888sport.

UEFA Best Player In Europe 2020

Robert Lewandowski was crowned UEFA Player of the Year in 2019/20, beating the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Manuel Neuer to the award.

The Bayern Munich striker finished some way clear of his peers, receiving 477 points compared to 90 for De Bruyne and 66 for Neuer.

In fact, Lewandowski’s tally was the highest since the European Player of the Year scoring format was adapted in 2016/17.

Football betting odds were backing Lewandowski to claim victory after a sensational season – both domestically and in Europe.

The Poland striker scored 15 goals to help Bayern win the Champions League while notching an incredible 34 goals in 31 Bundesliga appearances.

European Player Of The Year

Labelled by many as the European Player of the Year award, the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year title is up for grabs in 2020/21.

More often than not, a footballer who plays for a Champions League winning team stands a better chance of scooping the UEFA Best Player in Europe award.

The UEFA Men’s Player of the Year prize is awarded at the end of each season, with the Netherlands and Germany producing the most (7) European Player of the Year winners.

Rather surprisingly, 18 winners have won the award while playing in Serie A, though the vast majority were in the pre-Champions League era.

While Italy’s top flight is one of Europe’s top five leagues, most football fans would guess La Liga or the Premier League would produce the most UEFA Men’s Player of the Year winners.

FIFA World Player Of The Year

Otherwise known as the Ballon d’Or, the ultimate aim for any footballer is to be crowned the FIFA Best Footballer of the Year.

Joining the Ballon d’Or winners list is the top objective for the most talented players in the world – though only the select few can join this illustrious group.

Most would assume that the UEFA Player of the Year will win the FIFA World Player of the Year by default but that isn’t always the case.

Lionel Messi has six Ballon d’or wins to his name but only has two European Footballer of the Year awards while Cristiano Ronaldo leads the way with three of the UEFA Player titles.

Andy Murray: Resurfacing

As one of the most successful British tennis players ever, Murray has had a fantastic career but it hasn’t always been plain sailing. In Andy Murray: Resurfacing, we see Murray during the toughest and dark years of his playing career.

This is a journey into the Scotsman’s belief and ability to come back from the brink of early retirement. Murray has never been one to play up to the media but this shows the Scot at his most vulnerable – it is a very interesting film.

Murray admits that the movie shows him at his lowest but believes his story can help inspire viewers to never stop working on yourself. The comeback hero vibe is prevalent throughout and an insight into Murray’s life helps to shine more light on his personality.

The English Game

Brought to Netflix by the creator of Downton Abbey, The English Game is a period drama that will appeal to the masses. While class and social etiquette are at the forefront of this sports documentary, the game of football is the bread and butter of the film.

The English Game follows the story of two real-life figures who were instrumental in the early years of the game. In addition, it covers the Cotton Mill riots and football’s shift from the Old Etonians to the working classes across the country.

First aired on Netflix in March 2020, The English Game ranks as one of the greatest sports documentaries of the year. It won’t be to everyone’s taste but it certainly helps to provide an insight into the early days of football.

Fernando

One of Spain’s most successful sports athletes of all-time, Fernando Alonso is a Formula One world champion and this movie examines his life on and off the racetrack. With highs and lows throughout, Fernando takes you on an emotional journey.

Alonso is known for his raw passion and love for motorsport and his determination to be the best is clear for all to see in Fernando. However, things don’t always go his way as we see in the build up to the Indianapolis 500 and the Le Mans 24 Hours.

With unprecedented access to Alonso’s private life, viewers are treated to exclusive footage of the Spaniard’s manager, sister, partner and colleagues while also showing his life away from Formula 1 and motorsport.

Athlete A

Reporters from The Indianapolis Star investigate claims of abuse at USA Gymnastics in this shocking sports documentary – Athlete A ticks the boxes for heartbreak and anger but also for inspiration and bravery.

The film explains the cruel culture that thrived at the highest level of gymnastics, with a number of first hand accounts from athletes who refused to stay quiet. Athlete A is another way for those athletes to make their voice heard.

Two years after filming, an Olympic doctor is behind bars, the US Congress is investigating the case in a bid for answers and there are hundreds of brave survivors speaking out. In terms of emotion, Athlete A is probably the top sports documentary out there.

All Or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur

Up there with The Last Dance in terms of the biggest 2020 sports documentaries, All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur offers viewers a rare behind the scenes look into the running of a Premier League football club.

While the likes of Sunderland, Leeds United and Manchester City have also ventured into the football documentary market, the Tottenham documentary has the added drama of Jose Mourinho – one of the most iconic football managers in the world.

Various memes have been created in the aftermath of the Spurs documentary, with the likes of Danny Rose, Harry Kane and Mourinho himself taking centre stage. Football fans, this is the best sports documentary of 2020 and should be top of your watch list.

The Last Dance

Widely regarded as one of the greatest sports documentaries ever made, The Last Dance is a must watch for any sport fan. You don’t need to be a huge NBA fan to immerse yourself in the incredible life and career of Michael Jordan.

Undoubtedly the greatest player in NBA history, The Last Dance has you instantly hooked and leaves no stone unturned. The interviews with Jordan’s mother and his former teammates are eye-opening while even Justin Timberlake gets in on the act.

When you are talking about the best sports documentaries 2020, The Last Dance is up there at the head of the discussion. After all, who wouldn’t want to watch a Michael Jordan documentary with a courtside seat into his NBA career?

Senna

One of Amazon Prime’s best sports documentaries, Senna is an incredible tribute to one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all-time. It is the ideal documentary for giving F1 fans an insight into Senna’s brilliance at the steering wheel.

The film was an instant hit, receiving enormous critical acclaim after its release and it is now widely regarded as one of the top sport documentaries around. Rather than focusing too much on posthumous material, Senna fashions his story as a live action drama.

Constructed intricately yet effectively, Senna makes for compelling viewing – whether you are an older Formula One follower or new to the sport. Either way, this is a genuine must watch sports documentary.

Killer Inside: The Mind Of Aaron Hernandez

Another Netflix sports documentary thriller, Aaron Hernandez’s story is known around the world. Sport fans know him as the former New England Patriots tight end who was found guilty of the murder of Odin Lloyd.

From the Lloyd conviction to a deep venture into his younger life, this NFL documentary is one of the best at giving a comprehensive look into a player’s experience – both on and off the football field. It is a difficult but fascinating watch.

While the main focus is of course on Hernandez’s trial and an acquittal in another murder case, the posthumous discovery that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy fuels a feeling of sympathy for the Patriots star.

Sunderland ‘Til I Die

If you’re a Sunderland fan, this will be a tough watch. If you’re a Newcastle fan, this will be the greatest sports documentary you’ve seen. For neutrals, it is a gripping watch that will make you want to binge the series over a weekend.

Sunderland ‘Til I Die is brilliant at capturing the emotions of a club in a difficult position, with anger, joy and heartache telling the story of every Sunderland fan in the country. From the Premier League to League One, it makes for thrilling viewing.

Sunderland’s relegation, financial troubles and player dissent were put out to the entire football world – making this one of the bravest sports documentaries of the year. If it’s the full football experience you’re looking for, Sunderland ‘Til I Die is the documentary for you.

Formula 1: Drive To Survive

One of the best sports documentaries on Netflix, this is a great watch for Formula 1 fans around the world. With a comprehensive look into the F1 world, Formula One: Drive to Survive gives viewers a clear insight into elite motorsport.

Whether you’re a F1 aficionado or a motorsport newbie, Formula One: Drive to Survive will enhance your knowledge and perception of the sport. It is a ‘dog eat dog’ world and drivers are often pitted against each other by team bosses.

With a range of characters from the Formula 1 world, this F1 sports documentary has something for everyone. Without a shadow of a doubt, Formula One: Drive to Survive is a must watch for any motorsport fan.

Pace Of Play

Football’s VAR is criticised for interrupting the pace of play, slow over rates in Test cricket are bemoaned. Snooker’s fixation with a shot time limit is not an alien debate, it’s a commonplace grievance in sport.

It has become cliché to claim people’s attention spans have shortened. The argument that people demand instant action with limited waiting around is flawed in part, but it’s a particularly puzzling approach to snooker.

This isn’t a sport for highlight after highlight, it’s a laidback rather than edge-of-your-seat watch.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has now made 986 century breaks in professional snooker.

NINE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SIX.#UKChampionship pic.twitter.com/xncVsZOu10

— 888sport (@888sport) December 9, 2018

Maybe people in power in snooker want to change that balance. Maybe making the sport more attacking alters how it is perceived.

The broader pace of play conversation can become an obsession. A desire to speed things along can be good in small doses, but overdoing it is a gamble. The introduction of a snooker shot clock at every event would be too much.

It can undermine the foundations of what the sport is, and take away so much of what makes it popular. Faster is not always better.

Growing An Audience

While plenty enjoy snooker betting online, there’s obviously room for the sport to grow.

Snooker is searching for popularity, searching for fan bases outside of the select countries that currently dominate the sport.

Of course, much of the drive for expansion is financial. The ability to grow increases the money in the sport, and the majority currently involved would benefit.

Snooker is trying to break out of its current boundaries and discover new audiences. Is the current situation about marketing and exposure? Or is there an underlying problem with the product?

A desperation for new fans can force sports to change. Snooker’s rumination of a shot timer is a perfect example of a sport looking for new fans without considering the impact on its current followers.

The downsides to a timer are easy to overlook, and there’s no question it would be a negative introduction in the mind of many snooker purists.

Hurrying frames along can be done without something as draconian as a timer.

The onus is on referees to reasonably push players towards a shot when the time is right, but to exercise their own judgement to retain the fascinating safety exchanges that prove a test of patience as much as skill.

Snooker Shot Time Limit - No Go?

Sports get embroiled in trying to change what they are. The desire for new fans makes governing bodies jittery, over eager to make fundamental alterations to the way the game is played.

Snooker isn’t exactly a sport of ground-breaking change. It’s rich in tradition, a sport that remains much the same as the days of Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor.

A permanent shot timer would be an historic decision, a move that could influence the game in unforeseen ways.

Pace of play is ultimately an issue for referees to deal with. The inflexibility of a shot timer cannot account for circumstance in the frame or match; it will rush players into mistakes at times.

Referees can push frames along if they give players a nudge here and there without undermining the deep tactical battles that can build tension.

How would a shot timer impact World Snooker Championship betting? Do defensive players get taken out of the game? Does it become more of a battle of long-range potters? A shot timer risks minimising variety.

Some of that variety might be tedious at times, but contrasting styles is a bedrock principle of what makes all sport enjoyable, and that’s absolutely the case in snooker.

Maybe certain competitions want to mix it up with a timer, but snooker would be worse off it became commonplace.