The St Leger Stakes is the final Classic of the season and takes place at Doncaster on Saturday 12th September. The race is confined to three-year-olds.

We preview the 2023 race in our St Leger tips piece here!

In recent years the two races that have supplied the bulk of the winners have been the Great Voltigeur and the Gordon Stakes with 12 out of 17 winners since 2000 running in either race on their previous start.

Just last year, Logician took the Great Voltigeur before going on to win the Leger. This year’s Great Voltigeur winner was Pyledriver, while the Gordon stakes winner Mogul, is not entered.

The Epsom Derby can also provide some interesting clues. Here is a runner-by-runner guide to this year’s renewal on Town Moor:

Berkshire Rocco (Andrew Balding)

Before this season started Andrew Balding flagged up Berkshire Rocco as one of his main horses to follow this season, and despite not winning to date, he has been running consistently well.

After finishing second to English King in Lingfield’s Derby Trail, the three-year-old has chased home Santiago in the Queen’s Vase and Pyledriver in the Great Voltigeur and he was never that far away in all three races.

Dawn Patrol (Aidan O’Brien)

After Dawn Patrol finished second to stablemate Tiger Moth at Leopardstown he was set the task of running in the Irish derby, where he finished a very good third to Santiago.

Dawn Patrol has proved he can hold his own in a Group One and he may prove to be a lively outsider.

English King (Ed Walker)

Ed Walker has declared English King, but the Lingfield Derby Trial scorer is highly likely to go to Longchamp for Sunday’s Grand Prix de Paris.

Galileo Chrome (Joseph O’Brien)

Unbeaten in all his three starts this season, Galileo Chrome was an impressive five-length winner of a Listed race at Navan last month and is now tackling Group One company for the first time.

Joseph O’Brien’s’ runner has been the subject of a gamble all week in the online betting (20/1 > 6/1).

Hukum (Owen Burrows)

Owen Burrows' colt has been faultless in his two runs this season. He was a ready winner of the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot before taking last month's Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury.

Hukum’s beating of Max Vega by two and a half lengths definitely pointed towards him seeing out this trip.

Mohican Heights (David Simcock)

He was seen to good effect when a running on third behind Pyledriver at Royal Ascot and this step up to 1m 6f may just be the trip he is crying out for.

Mythical (Aidan O’Brien)

Mythical’s role here is likely to be a supporting one but 2020 has been a strange old season for sure and we all remember Serpentine in the Derby don’t we?

Pyledriver (William Muir)

After some success last year, including landing the Ascendant Stakes at Haydock Park, William Muir’s three-year-old was the surprise winner of the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, before experiencing a torrid run in the Derby at Epsom.

He then bounced back in fine style when he thrashed a decent field of horses in the Great Voltigeur at York last month.

William Muir is confident this son of Harbour Watch will stay the extra two furlongs, and it is little wonder he is proving to be a popular pick in the betting.

Great Voltigeur winners have an outstanding record in the St Leger and Martin Dwyer’s mount can scoop the last Classic of the season.

Santiago (Aidan O’Brien)

After ending last season with a maiden victory at Listowel, Santiago arrived on the three-year-old scene with a bang at Royal Ascot with an authoritative win in the Queen's Vase Stakes.

Outstaying his nearest rival to win by two and three quarter lengths, connections knew straight away that they had a St Leger prospect on their hands.

Next time out, Santiago was dropped back down to 1m 4f for the Irish Derby where he produced a career best performance to fend off stablemate Tiger Moth in the closing stages.

Showing all of his assured stamina, Santiago claimed his first Group One success. Santiago and Pyledriver are very closely matched and it is understandable that they are both vying for favouritism in the online horse racing betting.

Subjectivist (Mark Johnston)

Like most Mark Johnston runners, Subjectivist has been kept busy throughout the season.

A fortnight ago, Subjectivist was back on a racecourse and quickly putting his poor Great Voltigeur showing to bed as he scooted home to a visually impressive 15-length victory in the March Stakes at Goodwood.

He clearly relished the step up to 1m 6f that day and it is understandable why his connections fancied chancing their arm in this feature.

Sunchart (Andrew Slattery)

A winner of one of his six starts, Sunchart finished eighth to Santiago in the Irish Derby and on his latest run he only went down narrowly to Pista in the Listed Vinnie Roe Stakes over 1m6f.

Pista has subsequently endorsed that form by winning over 1m 6½f at Doncaster on Thursday, making Sunchart a very interesting outsider.

Tyson Fury (Richard Spencer)

Whether this Iffraaj-colt can deliver the winning blow in a race like this remains to be seen, but his trainer Spencer did spring a 22/1 surprise (Bernardo O'Reilly) in Doncaster’s final race on Thursday afternoon, so one can never say never.

St Leger: 888 Prediction

One paper the St Leger is pretty much shaping up to be a staying battle between Pyledriver and Santiago, but of course horse races are not won on paper and there are plenty of other horses who can have their say.

Pyledriver is our horse racing tips NAP, but we will also give a speculative each-way shout to Aidan O’Brien’s Dawn Patrol.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Jeff Roberson / AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 10th September 2020

Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes Jurgen Klopp is ready to join some very illustrious company, especially if the Reds win a consecutive Premier League crown this season.

"Bill Shankly put the foundations in and Bob Paisley took them to a different level, and then you have Kenny Dalglish who was the last manager to win the league.

"Let’s not forget too that great managers have tried to win the league with Liverpool and failed.”

For two of those iconic names Rush scored by the bucketful becoming the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer in the process while giving countless goalkeepers nightmares that haunt them still.

It intrigues then that his modern-day equivalent Roberto Firmino is hardly known for being prolific, with the Brazilian failing to reach double figures in a campaign that saw his side gain 99 points and out-score everyone but Manchester City.

Rush however insists this is simply not an issue.

“People only realise how hard Firmino works when he’s not playing. And when he does play they just take it for granted.

"He maybe doesn’t score as much as a number nine should (but) his work-rate brings up everyone else’s work-rate – they think ‘well, if he’s doing it, I need to as well’.

"We have seen that with Mane and Salah who know they have to put a shift in.”

Who are we to argue with one of the deadliest marksman to ever stalk a penalty area, and if Rush is fairly blasé about Firmino’s strike-rate that extends also to a dry spell at Anfield that was in danger of becoming a curse.

“He only scored at Anfield in his last game, but I look at the games away from home and he has scored a lot of important winners in tight games.

You get players who only score at home, but they don’t do it when the going gets tough away. Firmino is the opposite.

All the same, it is for his sheer number of goals that the Welshman is most known for and so it is only natural that he expects to see an abundance of them in the months to come from Liverpool’s fearsome attacking trio.

“From Mane, Salah and Firmino you would be looking for 70 goals between them. That’s the quality they have and the amount of opportunities that will come their way.”

Not that Klopp’s ‘Mentality Monsters’ are defined solely by their front-line. On the flanks Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been pivotal to Liverpool’s recent success, raising the bar for full-backing with consistently brilliant displays.

Indeed, so important have they become that Rush foresees a potential drawback on the horizon.

"They were absolutely fantastic last season and offer a different attacking option. What we’re seeing now though is that teams coming up against them have seen the problem and counteract it by stopping either Trent or Robertson getting forward.

"They can do that down one side but not both. To contain them both is very difficult. Even so, Liverpool must overcome this.”

As they must also navigate the onerous demands of a new season that will surely be even tougher this time out than last.

With so many of Liverpool’s rivals stockpiling new signings in a bid to strengthen and compete does it concern the former striker that his club has been relatively quiet in the transfer window so far?

“In an ideal world everybody wants to make signings but the problem they have at Liverpool is if they sign someone, they are not guaranteed a place.

"They could sign a player for £80m but would they come without the guarantee of a first team place?

"That’s how strong this Liverpool squad is and that will only change if they get a few injuries. Barring injuries I think Klopp is happy with his squad.”

One name that has been repeatedly linked to the Merseyside giants is Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich. Would Rush like to see the midfielder in a different shade of red anytime soon?

What a final Bayern appearance that was for Thiago. Class. #UCL

— 888sport (@888sport) August 23, 2020

Perhaps one of the reasons why the champions have been so reluctant to get their chequebook out is an unwillingness to stymie the progress of an exceptional youth football academy, with youngsters pushing hard for a first team spot.

In Neco Williams, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott the future looks extremely bright for Liverpool and Rush believes it is a vintage that compares favourably to the best they’ve ever had.

“When I played for Liverpool, every summer we would sign two players. One experienced player and one younger player. Now Liverpool’s academy is that good they can forget about the younger player because they are bringing them through.

A fourth youngster is also knocking at the door only in Rhian Brewster’s case it appears his patience might be wearing a bit thin.

In recent weeks a number of reports have suggested the England under 21 international might be heading for the exit and this despite his immense potential.

“He is just looking forward and once you’ve been out on loan and come back then you want to play and be given a chance. I’m sure he now wants to be playing week in, week out.

"I think a lot of it depends if Origi stays. If Origi goes then Brewster might stay and learn his trade from the bench.”

This Saturday a line is drawn beneath a highly memorable season that saw Liverpool secure their first Premier League title for thirty years.

Now they must start all over again and they do so against a promoted side in Leeds United who will be hungry to prove their top-flight credentials.

Having played at Elland Road in the autumn of his career how does Rush feel about this renowned club returning to the big time?

The problem they might have though is you can miss chances in the Championship and get away with it. You can’t in the Premier League. Leeds create many, many chances but miss them. They have to take them now.”

Once a marksman, always a markman. For the legendary forward, success and failure is always determined by goals. The Leeds United transfer news columns have been busy but will that translate to survival? Only time will tell.

Quickfire Questions

Liverpool vs Leeds - Score Prediction

2-0 to the Reds.

First Goalscorer?

Mo Salah.

Who Wins The Premier League Title?

Liverpool.

Golden Boot Winner?

If he stays fit, Sergio Aguero.

Who Wins The Champions League?

That’s difficult but I’m going with Bayern Munich again.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to William Stevens / AP Photo*

Marcelo Bielsa’s side want to sign Lazio defender Jordan Lukaku before the end of the summer transfer window, according to the latest Leeds United transfer news reports.

The Lazio star is the brother of former Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku and has been linked with a switch to a number of Premier League clubs ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Not for the first time this summer, it looks like Brighton & Hove Albion are set to rival Leeds for the defender. The Ben White transfer saga blazed on for weeks earlier this summer and the two clubs could come to blows over Lukaku in the coming weeks.

Reports from Italy suggest that both clubs have made bids for the 26-year-old, with an exit from Serie A looking more and more likely. The Lazio man has played just 20 league games over the past two seasons and is reportedly keen on a switch.

Lazio have acted efficiently in the transfer market, signing left-back Mohamed Fares from SPAL ahead of the new season. Assuming Fares ranks above Lukaku in the pecking order at the club, he could be deemed surplus to requirements.

The Belgium international hasn’t played for his country since 2017 and, while Lazio manager Simone Inzaghi is a fan of the player, he could be third choice left-back this season and a sale would be beneficial for all parties.

Summerville Switch Still Very Much Alive

Daily Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath revealed on Wednesday that Leeds are still looking to sign Feyenoord winger Crysencio Summerville before the transfer window closes.

The Whites have reportedly agreed a £1 million fee to sign the 18-year-old, with the Dutch club allowing Leeds to conduct a medical over in the Netherlands.

All being well, Summerville will then head over to Elland Road to complete and formalise his move. Leeds fans will be hoping that the 18-year-old lives up to the hype.

Victor Orta’s scouting team have focused on raiding the Dutch Eredivisie in recent times, with the likes of Pascal Struijk and Dani van del Heuvel both adjusting quickly to life at Elland Road.

Draxler ‘Unlikely’ To Move To Elland Road

Despite interest from Leeds in recent days, it looks like Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Julian Draxler will not be moving to Elland Road ahead of the new season.

With Draxler’s high wage demands likely to be a problem for Leeds, the Germany star could be set to join one of Europe’s top clubs - Arsenal are one of the front runners at this moment in time.

Fabrizio Romano on the news regarding a potential Draxler and Guendouzi part exchange deal: “Yes, it’s true but as negotiation. Not a done deal at the moment.” #afc

— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) September 10, 2020

The likes of Napoli and Sevilla have both been linked with a move for Draxler, though reports suggest that the player would prefer to join a Premier League club.

Should the Whites decide to overlook Draxler’s wages, he could be a huge hit at Elland Road and fans are clinging onto hope that Marcelo Bielsa will be able to work his magic.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Manu Fernandez / AP Photo*

The Premier League opening weekend is one of the highlights of the 888 football prediction campaign. As soon as the fixtures are announced, fans clamour to see who they will face on the opening day of the season.

Premier League Odds fans have witnessed some phenomenal opening weekend matches in recent years, with Liverpool’s 4-3 victory at Arsenal instantly springing to mind.

Best Opening Weekend Matches:

• Wigan Athletic vs Blackpool (10/11)
• Manchester City vs Swansea City (11/12)
• Arsenal vs Aston Villa (13/14)
• Manchester United vs Swansea City (14/15)
• Leicester City vs Sunderland (15/16)
• Arsenal vs Liverpool (16/17)
• Arsenal vs Leicester City (17/18)
• Chelsea vs Burnley (17/18)
• Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton (18/19)
• Manchester United vs Chelsea (19/20)

It has been an unusually short wait for the new Premier League season but supporters are ready for the return of the greatest league in European football.

Without further ado, it is time to look at 10 of the decade’s best opening weekend Premier League clashes. Fingers crossed we are treated to more drama when England’s top flight returns in 2020/21.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Dave Thompson / AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 10th September 2020

AFC Bournemouth striker Josh King is the latest name to be linked with a switch to Elland Road, with Leeds United transfer news suggesting at a move for the Norway forward.

According to The Athletic, Leeds are interested in adding King to their attacking line ahead of their impending return to the Premier League.

The former Manchester United man has been linked with a return to Old Trafford but Leeds are more likely to offer regular first team football and a fresh start may be preferred.

King has scored 18 goals across the last two Premier League seasons and he is a consistent centre-forward option. With Bournemouth dropping down to the Championship, a transfer looks likely.

The Cherries are desperate to keep the 28-year-old at the club but will not stand in his way of a summer exit if a substantial bid comes in for the Norway man.

Leeds Cool Interest In Matviyenko

With Leeds edging closer to a move for Croatian teenager Josko Gvardiol, it looks like the Whites are set to pass on Shakhtar Donetsk defender Mykola Matviyenko.

Per 90min, reports claimed that Leeds were one of the clubs leading the chase to sign the 24-year-old Ukrainian but Marcelo Bielsa’s side have opted to go for the Dinamo Zagreb man instead.

Matviyenko is valued at around £20 million, which is similar to the fee Leeds have offered for Gvardiol. Reports in early September claimed that the Whites have offered £19.9 million for the 18-year-old.

The latest transfer rumours suggest that West Ham United are now favourites to sign the Ukraine defender, with the London club looking to bolster their defence ahead of 2020/21.

Speaking on The Ornstein & Chapman Podcast, David Ornstein revealed: “I’ve heard that the Ukraine and Shakhtar centre-half Mykola Matviyenko has had an offer of some description from West Ham.”

Watkins Completes Aston Villa Move

Leeds United summer target Ollie Watkins has officially joined Aston Villa ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.

Reports state that Villa paid £28 million to sign the Brentford forward, which is higher than the transfer fee Leeds paid for Valencia striker Rodrigo.

Leeds were keen on Ollie Watkins, but not at £28million which Villa have ended up paying for him. Leeds are delighted with Rodrigo and feel the proven Spain striker represents much better value for them at £26million.#lufc

— David Anderson (@MirrorAnderson) September 9, 2020

According to Ornstein, Watkins was impressed with Leeds when he visited Elland Road in pre-season but a move failed to materialise after the Whites prioritised a switch for Rodrigo.

“Watkins was certainly interested in a move to Elland Road, too,” Ornstein said.

“He’s said to have been impressed by the presentation when he met with staff from the recruitment team last month.”

Reports had previously suggested that Watkins had an £18 million release clause but that turned out to be false. Instead, the contract stated that Brentford had an obligation to tell Watkins of a club’s interest.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Manu Fernandez / AP Photo*

Tennis is one of the most frustrating sports on the planet. When things are going well, it is incredible to watch but we’ve also seen plenty of player meltdowns over the years.

In September 2020, Novak Djokovic was disqualified from the US Open after he smashed a tennis ball directly into the face of a line judge. It was an unbelievable moment as the tennis betting favourite was kicked out of the competition.

Biggest Tennis Meltdowns:

1. Serena Williams – 2009 US Open
2. John McEnroe – 1981 Wimbledon
3. Goran Ivanisevic – 2000 Samsung Open
4. Marcos Baghdatis – 2012 Australian Open
5. Xavier Malisse – 2005 Miami Masters
6. Novak Djokovic – 2020 US Open
7. Anastasia Rodionova – 2007 Cincinnati Open
8. Viktor Troicki – 2013 Italian Open
9. Serena Williams – 2018 US Open
10. Karolina Pliskova – 2018 Italian Open

You will almost certainly recognise a few of the top tennis tantrums on this list. Some, however, have gone under the radar in recent years. Each incident is shocking for different reasons.

Without further ado, it is time to look at the biggest meltdowns in tennis. Fingers crossed we don’t see any tennis tantrums at the 2021 Grand Slam betting events.

Head to www.888sport.com for tennis bets - no matter if its deuces, love or tie-break

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Seth Wenig / AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 10th September 2020

With the new Premier League campaign looming, the latest Leeds United transfer news claims that Marcelo Bielsa’s side will make a shock move for Manchester United winger Daniel James.

The Athletic journalist Phil Hay has hinted at a loan deal for the Wales international this summer, though it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will let James leave the club ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

Hay made the shock revelation on The Athletic’s app on Wednesday, claiming that Leeds are not expecting to complete any more signings before the opening weekend but James is an option if other potential deals fall through.

According to reports, United are due to pay a £1 million bonus to Swansea City if James makes another appearance for the club. The 22-year-old has had a mixed start to life at Old Trafford and a loan could suit all parties.

Leeds are building a talented squad and James would certainly give the Whites depth on the wing. With Bielsa’s backing and faith from supporters, the Welshman could thrive at Elland Road – though his £45,000 per week salary could be an issue.

Robinson Keen On De Paul Signing

Victor Orta and the Leeds hierarchy look set to prioritise a move for Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, with former goalkeeper Paul Robinson praising the potential switch.

The 26-year-old would be a quality addition to Bielsa’s squad and Robinson believes that he could be the perfect player to replace Leeds star Pablo Hernandez in the long term.

Chatting directly to MOT Leeds News, Robinson revealed: “It’s a role that they’re going to have to look at. You saw how important Hernandez was to Leeds in the run-in to the Championship title.

“He was wrapped in cotton wool, he was subbed on in games and then subbed off. He came on, did his job and then the thinking was to take him off and get him ready for the next game.”

De Paul finished the 2019/20 Serie A campaign with seven goals and seven assists, putting him up there with the most creative midfielders in Italy’s top flight.

Gallagher Rumours Won’t Go Away

Leeds have increased their interest in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, with the 20-year-old now one of the club’s top targets during the summer transfer window.

Gallagher was impressive on loan at Charlton Athletic and Swansea City last season and he could be set for another year away from Stamford Bridge.

The Blues think a lot of Gallagher and want to keep him on the books at Chelsea but a loan deal is certainly an option for Leeds.

Gallagher finished the 2019/20 season with six goals in 47 appearances across his two loan spells, with all six goals coming during his time at Charlton.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Manu Fernandez / AP Photo*

Leeds have made an improved offer for Dinamo Zagreb defender Josko Gvardiol. This isn’t the first time Gvardiol has cropped up in Leeds United transfer news, and it is unlikely to be the last as the club scramble to add defensive depth.

Per Gianluca Di Marzio, Leeds have upped their offer to £20 million with a 20% sell-on clause. Reports claim the Whites have previously had an offer rejected for Gvardiol, but they are clearly keen to get their man.

That said, Dinamo Zagreb are believed to want closer to £23 million for Gvardiol and could hold out for the extra few million. The 18-year-old centre-back is a raw prospect, but one with tremendous upside.

Even after the big signing of Robin Koch earlier in the window, Leeds could do with more options at the back and Gvardiol would be a great signing for the future even if he’s lacking in experience.

Journalist Updates Draxler Chase

A respected transfer journalist has given Leeds fans hopes in their pursuit of PSG midfielder Julian Draxler. Leeds’ interest in the Germany international was reported here on Tuesday.

Nicolo Schira, who has also been at the centre of Leeds’ interest in Rodrigo De Paul, claims the Yorkshire club’s hierarchy are in touch with PSG.

Notably, Schira reports Leeds president Andrea Radrizzani has a good relationship with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and the two are ‘working to reach an agreement’.

Although unwanted by the Parisiens, Draxler would be a serious coup for Leeds. Comfortable down the middle or on the flank, he could give Marcelo Bielsa invaluable flexibility and is a natural creative player, capable of beating his man.

As Leeds search for that attacking spark, Draxler could be their man, but it remains to be seen if he can be convinced to relinquish the luxurious lifestyle of the French capital.

Liverpool Name Price For Striker Sensation

Liverpool have slapped a £20 million price tag on young striker Rhian Brewster. Leeds, per The Guardian, are one of a group of clubs interested in Brewster.

Having starred for Swansea in the Championship last season, there’s high hopes for Brewster this term. A squad player role at Anfield is one option or a permanent move to a Premier League as he looks to prove himself as a top tier striker.

Leeds have turned their attention to Ollie Watkins or Michy Batshuayi following a failure to sign Rhian Brewster from Liverpool [Football Insider] #LUFC pic.twitter.com/5DwbZ6Qw0W

— LUFC transfer updates (@LufcTransfer) September 3, 2020

It’s worth noting, however, that the Swans are still keen on bringing Brewster back to south Wales on loan as they push for promotion.

At 20 years old, the sky is the limit for Brewster. After scoring 11 goals in 20 Championship appearances last season, it would be a real surprise to see Liverpool let him go, but there’s no doubt he’d be a very exciting signing for Leeds.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Manu Fernandez / AP Photo*