MMA's rampant rise to mainstream prominence in recent years has seen it challenge boxing for the right to be called the number one combat sport in the world.

UFC vs boxing; it's a long-standing battle that is continuing to spark passionate debates among both sets of fans.

People have always fought. Hand-to-hand combat has been around from ancient civilisations, with the earliest evidence of actual boxing rules dating back to Ancient Greece. Here, it was established as an Olympic game in 688 BC.

Since then, boxing has continued to evolve throughout the centuries, while it was in 1867 that 'Queensbury Rules' were introduced.

Throughout England and much of the United States, prize-fighting was outlawed, with many bouts taking place underground away from the watchful eye of the police.

Bare fists were later replaced with gloved contests and the sport's popularity grew among fans and punters thanks to the likes of popular combatants John L. Sullivan and esteemed promoter Tex Rickard.

Different varieties of MMA have been around from the 1800s across Europe and America, with this including 'no-holds-barred' clashes.

Long before the crossover meetings of Muhammad Ali vs Antonio Inoki and Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Conor McGregor, where Mayweather lived up to his billing as favourite in the betting with a well-disciplined performance, historic world heavyweight champions John L. Sullivan and Bob Fitzsimmons contested wrestlers William Muldoon (1887) and Ernest Roeber (1897) respectively.

MMA's rise in popularity and subsequent UFC vs boxing rivalry was kick-started in the early 1990s when the UFC, the marquee organisation now ran by president Dana White, first broke on to the scene on American soil.

Since then, both combat sports have maintained their growth in stature and financial gain.

Difference between UFC and boxing

While there are some similarities between the two, there are also many differences between UFC and boxing.

The UFC incorporate a wide variety of combat styles and techniques. This includes wrestling, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and, of course, boxing (striking).

Meanwhile, boxing is 'limited' to only punches with a closed fist to both the head and body, with the aim being to knock out an opponent or win on points over the scheduled amount of rounds.

Fighters in the UFC are also able to win via these methods but can prevail by submission as well; making their opponent 'tap out'.

Boxing and the UFC's top level have contrasting fight lengths too. The elite level of boxing will typically be set for 12 three-minute rounds, including world championship match-ups. MMA bouts are usually contested over five five-minute rounds.

Smaller gloves are used in the UFC for bouts that are fought inside the octagon, or a cage, and are often 4oz with fingers kept free for grappling. In the boxing ring, pugilists wear 8oz or 10oz padded gloves.

While there are plenty of differences between the two, Duncan French, vice president of performance for the UFC Performance Institute, says the key factor lies in the tempo and 'effort-to-pause ratio'.

"Importantly, the biggest difference between boxing and MMA is the effort-to-pause ratio, which essentially defines the tempo of a fight," outlined French ahead of the cash-grab encounter between Mayweather and McGregor in August 2017.

In boxing, it averages at 3-1, while MMA's ratio is flipped at 1-4 due to the inclusion of grappling and groundwork.

Simply put, boxers spend more time working and less time regrouping or recovering in the ring, which means UFC fighters will condition differently in training for fights.

Most famous fighters in combats sports

From the early days of both boxing and MMA, the two have produced an abundance of megastars that have captured a global audience with their talents and even transcended their own sports.

Boxing's earliest star attractions included American fan favourites John L. Sullivan, the last heavyweight king of the ungloved era, and Jack Dempsey, who became a financial phenomenon and cultural icon during the Roaring Twenties.

Fast forward through the decades of pugilism and many more influences emerged and made lasting impacts.

Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali were further superstars, while the likes of Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao and, most notably, Floyd Mayweather Jr have been more modern-day sensations.

They've also been some of the strongest favourites in the boxing betting in recent clashes, including Mayweather when he eventually outpointed his rival 'Pacman' back in 2015.

Ahead of any upcoming bout, like that previously dubbed 'Fight of the Century', fans can back their favourite fighters to win by decision over 12 rounds, by knockout and even pick which particular round they fancy proceedings to end in.

Mayweather was almost a sure-thing to side with for success over the distance during the latter years of his illustrious career, with plenty of supporters having placed funds on him for points triumphs during that time.

'Money' Mayweather, in particular, has dominated the sport's headlines and broken box office records throughout his two decades at the top, becoming a five-division world champion and cementing his position as arguably the best boxer of his generation.

The highest-grossing boxing attraction in history is one of the most high-profile fighters the sport has ever witnessed. Following Mayweather's peak, Tyson Fury is one of the names to repeatedly hit the headlines with several lucrative bouts and numerous publicity stunts. 

Over in the world of the UFC, a former opponent of Mayweather's has become the most marketable in the organisation's relatively short history.

Irishman Conor McGregor burst on to the UFC scene back in 2013 after swiftly building his profile and evergrowing reputation in less prominent companies like Cage Warriors back in his native homeland.

His rampant form in the UFC led to him becoming one of the popular favourites in the UFC betting as he was so consistent.

Since his debut victory over Marcus Brimage, 'The Notorious' has gone on to dominate pay-per-view ratings and broken both fighting and financial records in his illustrious career.

He's had his fair share of controversy along the way, but the Dublin-born fighter is undoubtedly the UFC's biggest star ever.

McGregor became the first UFC fighter in history to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously when he knocked out Eddie Alvarez back in 2016 and is the most successful draw ever in the organisation, having headlined five out of the six top-selling UFC pay-per-view events, which naturally led to the organisation attracting a lot of attention in the MMA betting further building up the profile of the sport.

The sport shares similar betting markets to boxing such as being able to bet on which round the bout will end and how it will be decided due to how the formats are alike.

But before McGregor strutted into the octagon, there were other memorable names that made MMA hit a more mainstream audience and attracted plenty of viewership.

That includes Anderson Silva, Randy Couture, Jose Aldo, Chuck Liddell, Ronda Rousey, Brock Lesnar, Lyoto Machida and Georges St-Pierre. All of those legends have also played their part in the growth of UFC's popularity over the years. In recent years, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Jon Jones have been two of the sport's biggest stars, with the former famously beating McGregor.  

Changes over time

Boxing has always been one of the most-watched sports in the world, having become internationally acclaimed through the legends that have donned their gloves throughout history.

As previously mentioned, rule changes have been applied throughout boxing history. 

It's believed that the first-ever official boxing match to take place in England occurred in 1681, with there being no written rules to regulate and govern the event. It would be over 60 years before any rules actually got introduced in 1743.

Then champion Jack Broughton was the man to bring such rules in as a way of protecting the fighters who were brave enough to step foot into battle, with a number of tragic deaths having compelled him to do so.

One of those brought in was that if a competitor went down for longer than 30 seconds then the other fighter would be declared the victor.

His decision to codify a set of rules eventually evolved into the London Prize Ring Rules, which are regarded as the foundation for future generations before Queensbury Rules came along later on.

The latter took place in 1866, with those latest developments having included limited three-minute rounds and gloves being made compulsory.

Notably, the first-ever mouthguard to be utilised within the squared-circle was by English legend Ted 'Kid' Lewis (one of the greatest ever UK fighters in history) in 1913, which had been invented 11 years prior.

Obviously, this soon became a crucial safety element of the sport that is still obviously used today.

Key UFC vs boxing advances

Weight classes were brought in around 1910 in order to distinguish fighters of all different sizes and have them more fairly matched.

The original boxing weight divisions were flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light-heavyweight and heavyweight.

Despite there having only been eight divisions back in those early days of pugilism, there are now technically 17, with the addition of further weight classes throughout time.

An unlimited amount of rounds came to an end in the early 20th century, with 15 rounders becoming the norm for most boxing matches across 1910 and 1920.

The current 12-round fight length came into effect in 1983 following the tragic death of Duk-koo Kim against Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini, having passed away after being knocked out in the 14th round of their ill-fated meeting.

The referee of a bout would have decided the winner of a fight in the early 20th century but this has since been altered to ringside judges to improve the reliability and accuracy of scoring in fights - although there are still plenty of cases of incompetence or corruption with that method.

With MMA, the early UFC events were basically announced as 'no-holds-barred' contests and were regarded as barbaric. Though style vs style match-ups were promoted, with a karate-based competitor facing a grappler etc.

Out of this the Gracie era of jiu-jitsu was born, with much smaller guys using their skills to force much larger foes to tap out with relative ease.

MMA fighters today are now more developed in all areas of combat sports, with the UFC having come a long way since its early days.

The same can be said for boxing. Fans of both will continue to argue that their cherished combat sport is better in various ways.

But the UFC vs boxing is a debate that will only carry on throughout time, as the two maintain their progression and growth in popularity in the coming years.

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

In theory, the bat-and-ball sports of baseball and cricket should have many similarities, but over the centuries, public perception has helped to create two distinctive sports.

While baseball primarily took root and grew in North America, taking on a distinctly American persona, cricket spread across former British dominions, evolving but mostly maintaining a sternly British persona.

Both in play, equipment, and global reach, the cricket vs baseball debate finds many key differences between the sports, but there are several similarities to be found, too.

The most notable which is on the minds of both sports’ major competition organisers is the perceived decline in spectatorship.

While both cricket and baseball remain wildly popular in the online sports betting, England and Wales are trying to grow the audience of cricket with a brand new, fast-paced form of 100-ball cricket, to be showcased in the inaugural competition called The Hundred.

Baseball’s leading brand, the MLB, is also looking to expand the reach of baseball in the face of stadium attendance declines, bringing the first-ever regular-season MLB game to Europe with the London Series.

The MLB even recruited England cricketers Jos Buttler and Alex Hales for a baseball-cricket crossover stunt to try to raise interest in the event.

While set personas and leading headlines dominate the perception of both sports, the two do share many similarities from popularity to the games themselves.

Cricket vs Baseball Popularity

Baseball is in a very strange position in its homeland of North America. Labelled ‘America’s Game,’ the MLB does struggle in some key areas when compared to North America’s other major league sports.

Regarding the average attendance percentage of the average capacity of stadiums in the league, the NFL (96.13%), MLS (95.67%), NHL (95.17%), and NBA (94.06%) fill their available capacities far more often than the MLB (66.47%), per the most recent data (2018/19).

That said, the MLB schedule of 2,430 games is nearly double that of the next largest games schedule (NHL: 1,271), with the average stadium capacity of 43,103 only dwarfed by the NFL.

Over 68 million fans still made it through the gates across the 2019 MLB season, so it’s fair to say that there are plenty of fans in North America, just not as many as the stadiums were once built to house.

Perhaps the problem with holding the mantra of being ‘America’s Game’ while other sports are proving to be more popular in the United States is that it partially excludes international fans from getting involved.

While it’s purely for reasons of trying to hold onto the prestige of being the biggest and best on the planet, having the seasonal trophy be named ‘The World Series’ also works to segment the MLB from the rest of the world with the final always being played between American or Canadian teams.

Baseball is, however, a very popular sport in North America, just not on the national scale that other sports demand.

The fandom of baseball in the United States is very localised, especially compared to the likes of the NFL, which is reflected in the airing of games showcasing the biggest stars of each league.

It was found in 2018 that 100 per cent of US counties showed at least a quarter of Tom Brady’s games while only 1 per cent showed at least a quarter of games featuring the MLB’s best player, Mike Trout.

Even though Trout is on the wrong side of Los Angeles when it comes to favourites to win the World Series, with the LA Dodgers favoured in the 2020 baseball betting, being the best in the league should command more national attention – fans from across the world will tune in to see Chris Gayle batting regardless of their cricket fandom.

Although, what does manage to connect the sports of the cricket vs baseball battle here is the fact that outright betting is very popular among fans of both.

But as stated, baseball still gets millions through the gates in North America each year, from the MLB through the minor AA and AAA leagues.

It should be noted, though, that baseball isn’t just ‘America’s Game’ as there are several other nations that boast very popular baseball leagues.

In the Caribbean, the likes of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and especially the Dominican Republic have embraced baseball and sent many stars to the MLB.

Baseball is also wildly popular in Japan and the Korea Republic, to a lesser extent.

In fact, by the measure of average attendance percentage of the average capacity of league stadiums, Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan’s 82.36 per cent over its 856-game seasons exceeds that of the MLB’s 66.47 per cent.

Cricket - thanks to the establishment of the ICC and its international competitions – is a much more global sport than baseball, which has seemingly been monopolised by America with the MLB.

It’s a national sport in England, India, Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the 15 nations that comprise the West Indies team, with more countries joining the fold – including the USA.

Thus, it appears that cricket is winning the popularity contest of cricket vs baseball.

The talk of the cricket world right now is the perceived death of the long form of the game, test cricket. Those involved see the newer audiences gravitate towards one-day or twenty-20 cricket, which is why the ECB introduced The Hundred.

Test series like The Ashes have developed a firm and historic rivalry between Australia and England, with the Aussies being favoured in 2021 by those who bet on cricket.

Aspects like the highest run scorer per test match, the most wickets taken by any given bowler, and the winning side over the series provide a stern test to a cricket fan's knowledge, making the markets of test match betting very popular.

Still, other international test series appear to be losing viewership. While players and pundits will preach the importance of test matches, there’s no denying the allure of the short-form game.

Despite airing on the same day as the Wimbledon Men’s Final and the British Grand Prix, last year’s ICC Cricket World Cup Final still managed to draw over eight million viewers across free and subscription UK TV channels.

This eclipsed the average of six million viewers that Wimbledon got and the just under two million for the race at Silverstone.

It is further stated that across the 200 territories that tuned in, the final’s live coverage achieved a global cumulative average audience of 1.6 billion.

Domestically speaking, though, the Indian Premier League is the jewel of the cricket season, with people all over the world following the star-studded matches and closely paying attention to the cricket IPL odds.

Markets like the tournament's eventual champion, match results, and player props like runs scored are wildly popular across the world when the IPL is on.

The IPL went all-in on becoming the English Premier League of cricket, with money and superstars pumped into the competition.

The decisive game of the 2019 edition of the IPL saw streaming giant Hotstar reach a new record of 18.6 million peak concurrent viewers as well as a reach of over 300 million viewers.

By comparison, the most recent World Series, which went to a tense Game 7 grand finale, achieved an all-time low for such an occasion in North America, landing 23 million viewers.

Comparing global audiences and nations which promote the sport, cricket outweighs baseball by quite some way. However, average attendances at the biggest domestic leagues of each sport are fairly similar, as of the latest figures:

• Nippon Professional Baseball: 30,928 (baseball)
• Indian Premier League: 30,004 (cricket)
• Major League Baseball: 28,339 (baseball)
• Bangladesh Premier League: 21,824 (cricket)
• Big Bash League: 20,552 (cricket)
• Pakistan Super League: 11,728 (cricket)
• KBO League: 10,119 (baseball)
• Mexican Pacific League: 9,925 (baseball)
• Caribbean Premier League: 8,358 (cricket)
• International League (AAA): 6,887 (baseball)

In the regions where the sports boast a strong following, domestic leagues have flourished.

However, baseball simply cannot match the inclusivity and prestige presented by the international competitions staged by cricket, giving the more global sport an edge in cricket vs baseball.

Cricket vs Baseball Similarities

The mainstream thinking is that baseball or cricket originally spawned from the other, but it’s much more likely that the sports are cousins, of a sort.

It is said that earlier forms of baseball and cricket came to England from Flanders, with the southeast of England taking up cricket and the west of England favouring baseball.

Cricket won the battle of cricket vs baseball in England due to baseball predominantly being seen as a game for children.

Still, both sports made it to America, with Philadelphia, Boston, and New York adopting cricket and helping it to establish hundreds of clubs across the country.

However, the American Civil War made baseball a more patriotic game, with cricket losing the cricket vs baseball contest in what would become the United States.

As the two sports grew apart and developed, they became more and more differentiated, from the shape of the equipment to the fundamentals of the batting side being on the attack in baseball but on the defence in cricket.

However, the cousins of bat-and-ball sport do still boast some similarities.

The scoring format of cricket and baseball is very similar, with runs being the currency of the game.

In both instances, a batsman will hit a ball thrown at them and then run to put up points on the board. It is also the same in both sports that once a set number of batsmen are deemed to be out on one side, the sides swap over.

At any one time, only one team is present in the field, with all players on the non-batting side of the ball either keeping/catching, bowling/pitching, or fielding.

As such, both sports have a lot in common regarding the designated roles, with equivalents of wicket keepers, bowlers, fielders, umpires, and batsmen present in baseball.

Of course, the bat-and-ball aspect of the sport is very similar, as is the ultimate aim of getting the ball beyond the boundaries of the field of play.

While the bats are made of different materials, a baseball and a cricket ball both feature leather wrapped around a cork core.

Baseball is ‘America’s Game,’ but is also loved by the likes of Japan and the Dominican Republic. Cricket has a much larger global reach, thanks in large part due to the international competitions established by the ICC.

However, for their many differences in popularity and playing aspects, there are still some similarities between cricket and baseball.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Matt Dunham / AP Photo*

There are different types of horse racing throughout the world. In order to help you understand these and what is required to win when betting on them, we’ve put together this helpful guide that explains horse racing types and the differences between them.

In the UK and Ireland, where horse racing betting is at its most popular, there are two codes. On the one hand, there is the Flat which has turf and All-Weather race types, and jumps or National Hunt.

The difference between these different types of horse racing is that obstacles are jumped in the National Hunt code, whereas on the Flat horses never leave the ground.

Let’s look at these horse racing types in more detail separately. This is worth doing because different racehorses are suited to the different codes depending upon their attributes and breeding.

A thoroughbred horse’s pedigree can reveal clues to which horse racing race types will suit it.

Flat Horse Racing

We start with Flat horse racing. This takes place without any jumps involved at all. The horses are racing over distances which vary from five furlongs (a little further than half-a-mile, or about 1000 metres) right up to an extended two-and-a-half miles.

The longest Flat horse racing event in the British Isles is the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot over two miles, five-and-a-half furlongs (about 4350 metres).

That is a wide variety of distances which demand different things of the horses taking part.

A sprint contest over five or six furlongs requires the equine athletes taking part to have abundant speed. So-called middle-distance Flat horse racing includes events over a mile-and-a-quarter and a mile-and-a-half.

You will also find many Flat races are age-restricted. Two-year-olds are almost exclusively kept to racing against their contemporaries.

In the British Isles, no Flat horse racing takes place for juveniles over further than a mile-and-a-quarter with the vast majority of races being a mile or shorter.

Three-year-old colts and fillies are eligible for the Classics in that year.

These are prestigious and valuable age-restricted races that take place in the UK at Newmarket, Epsom Downs and Doncaster at different points in the season. In Ireland, all the Irish Classics are staged at the Curragh.

It follows that the longer the distance of Flat horse racing events, the greater the emphasis on stamina. In order to win middle-distance races, however, horses need to demonstrate both speed and endurance.

The softer the ground, the tougher a race is for Flat thoroughbreds because most of the season takes place during the summer months when the going is firmer.

Horse Racing Flat season

The horse racing Flat season runs year to year which keeps things simple.

During winter months, there is no racing on turf whatsoever in the British Isles but there is in other parts of the world, particularly the Middle East and Southern Hemisphere.

Some racehorses take better to the artificial All-Weather surfaces used during the Northern Hemisphere at this time.

In the UK and Ireland, the Flat turf season traditionally begins at Doncaster and Naas in late March respectively. This builds to the first Classics of the season, the 2000 and 1000 Guineas at Newmarket usually held on the first weekend of May.

Classic trials are held at various racecourses in the British Isles for the Guineas, Oaks and the national Derbies at Epsom Downs and The Curragh which are both held in June.

The summer festivals like Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood and the Ebor at York are massive social occasions as racegoers enjoy the sport in the sunshine.

This is followed by the St Leger at Doncaster – the final Classic of the British season – and Irish Champions Weekend in the Emerald Isle in September.

By the end of October, the Flat horse racing season draws to a close following British Champions Day at Ascot and valuable two-year-old races at Newmarket and Doncaster.

There is also an international focus in the autumn with world-renowned races like Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in Paris, France and the Melbourne Cup at Flemington in Australia often targeted by top European trainers.

Aidan O’Brien has dominated Irish Flat racing throughout the 21st Century, while the UK has seen John Gosden exert a similar influence in recent times thanks to star racehorses such as Enable and long-distance specialist Stradivarius.

Flat racehorses often have shorter careers because they stand at stud after retiring.

Hurdle Horse Racing

In National Hunt, there are hurdlers and chasers. Hurdle horse racing is where most in this code begin.

They may run in bumpers instead: these are National Hunt Flat races which get some experience into them from the age of three onwards if they have had no career in the other code.

As the minimum distance for all proper National Hunt hurdles and steeplechases is about two miles, there is already a great emphasis on stamina rather than speed.

The range of events in National Hunt horse racing vary from two miles up to four-and-a-quarter miles. That illustrates how this is about endurance and jumping more than having a turn of foot.

Almost all male National Hunt racehorses are geldings because if they remained entire then their anatomy would get in the way of jumping obstacles.

Horses can come into the jumps world from the Point-to-Point field as well. These are usually age-restricted events held at much smaller and lesser-known venues around the British Isles. They are also different to regulation National Hunt fences.

In order to be good at hurdle horse racing, an animal needs to be slick and almost flick through the top of the birch panels that are stuck at a slight angle out of the ground.

There is a fine line and little margin for error with their jumping though, as a horse like Buveur D’Air has demonstrated in recent years.

Horses that make good steeplechasers have to be large and scopey because fences are around four feet tall. As with the Flat, the tougher the going underfoot, then the more stamina comes into play.

Al Boum Photo is currently considered the top staying steeplechaser in training after winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice. Epatante, meanwhile, is the Champion Hurdler.

Horse Racing Jump Season

Unlike the Flat, the horse racing jump season officially begins in October and ends in early May with the Punchestown Festival in Ireland.

There is summer jumping on both sides of the Irish Sea, but this is not supported by the same prize money as you get during the winter months. Steeplechases also tend to be more valuable than hurdle races.

National Hunt horse racing evolves to a large extent around two events in particular in the British Isles. As Cheltenham Festival betting has become so huge, that in turn tells you that it is one of the main jumps extravaganzas during the season.

Held over four days in March, everything beforehand including a packed Christmas and New Period, plus the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown builds to it.

Two-thirds of UK adults get involved in Grand National betting and odds, so that event at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool in April is the other main event in National Hunt horse racing.

It is the world’s most famous steeplechase and run as a handicap rather than a weight-for-age race, which both codes of the sport have.

The concept is 40 runners tackling an extreme stamina test of four-and-a-quarter miles over 30 spruce-covered fences – many of which are bigger than regulation size.

Other big races to look out for during the National Hunt season are the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park, and the Champion Hurdle and Queen Mother Champion Chase which are both at Cheltenham.

Top Irish jumps trainers to follow include Willie Mullins, who has Al Boum Photo, and Gordon Elliott – the handler of double Grand National hero Tiger Roll and two-time Cheltenham Festival winner Envoi Allen.

Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls remain the leading British trainers thanks to horses like Altior, Epatante, Shishkin and Clan Des Obeaux.

There are many bet types of horse racing for punters, but the most popular in online betting are backing horses to win.

You can also bet each-way, which is two bets in one - the first for an outright win and second for place. The place terms on offer will vary between a quarter and a fifth of outright odds depending on the type of race and number of runners.

You can also place multiples or accumulators. These involve backing horses in different races and the odds accumulate from one leg to the next.

There is also the option of backing a horse to finish first and another to be second in one bet in the same race. This is called a forecast or exacta.

Whatever form of the sport you’re into, the different types of horse racing have something for everyone and you should now be wiser about the events that take place in this and related disciplines.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Ashley Landis / AP Photo*

If you are new to wagering on the beautiful game or are looking for the best football strategy, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we explain the popular markets, different types of bets and various systems and strategies to help you get the most from your football wagering. Let’s begin by looking at the major football betting markets.

Football betting markets

The first step to successful sports betting is understanding the different markets.

A market is a category of bet on a particular event. A single football match may have many different markets available to bet on. Here we describe some of the most popular wagering markets.

Outright betting

Outright betting is the most basic type of bet you can place. You just need to predict the outcome of an event such as whether a team will win the league.

For example, if you were betting on who would win the 2019 Champions League and backed Liverpool to win, you would have been successful.

These are usually long-term bets as the best value can be found earlier on in the season as the risk is higher due to there being uncertainty over how a team will perform along with a multitude of other factors.

Popular outright bets:

• League Winner
• Top 4 Finish
• Relegation
• Top Goalscorer

Pre-match football betting markets

Pre-match betting refers to any market that is open before a match begins but is closed at kick-off. Bets that can fall into this category include match winner and correct score but there are many more options available including multiple bets.

Historically, all bets would have fallen into the pre-match betting category, but the arrival of in-play betting changed all that and there are now two distinct categories. This is a good place to start if you have never placed a football bet before.

In-play betting

In-play betting (sometimes called live betting) refers to bets that are placed after an event has begun and before it has concluded.

The in-play market is much more dynamic because the odds are constantly changing in reaction to events in the game.

In football, bettors may predict outcomes such as who will score the next goal or win the next corner in an English Premier League match. Some bets such as correct score and match winner may be available pre-match and in-play.

• Popular in-play bets:
• Next goalscorer
• Next player to receive a card
• Next corner
• Half-time score
• Number of second-half goals

Exchange markets

A betting exchange allows players to wager against each other rather than against the bookmaker.

So, as well as placing bets, you can also offer and request odds from other players. Once a bet is matched and accepted by two parties it becomes active. The exchange platform takes a small commission fee for hosting the transaction

Types of bet

Once you understand the markets, you can then get to know the different bet types. Here are just a few common ones to get you started.

Single bets

A single bet is a bet containing one prediction for a particular market. A typical football single would be a bet on the match-winner, the first goalscorer in a game or on both teams scoring at least one goal in an English Premier League game.

Multiple bets (accumulators)

A multiple bet (or accumulator) is a bet made up of two or more predictions (usually from different events). The bookie gives one price for the multiple bet and all the predictions must be correct for the bet to payout.

A good example would be betting on the outcome of three different football matches. The three selections are added to a bet slip and then the bettor selects the treble at which point the bets are combined into one bet and a price is given.

Two bets combined are usually referred to as a double and three bets together are known as a treble. Four bets combined are called a four-fold, five a five-fold etc. But all of these bets are considered multiples or accumulators.

Football betting strategy system

Whatever type of bet you make, you know that there is risk involved. However, if you apply a good football betting strategy, you can minimise the risk and improve your chances of winning.

Finding the best football betting strategy system that is low risk requires a good understanding of the betting markets and how they work.

It also requires a strong knowledge of the sport involved - if you consider yourself a walking football glossary, you are on the right track. That means studying data, spotting trends and identifying potential value in the market.

Stay focused

For this reason, many seasoned bettors focus on certain markets where they can become experts and improve their chances of yielding a profit.

For example, they might bet on the over 2.5 goals market, the first goal scorer market or the both teams to score market. All of these markets are popular amongst football betting punters and can be easily analysed to find trends.

Look for best football betting strategy trends

If you spot a trend in a market: for example, a player who often scores first in UEFA Champions League matches, or a team who tend to score and concede in the majority of their European games, you can then look at the Champions League odds to decide if the bet offers good value.

As you become more experienced, you will find it easier to judge whether the odds are of good value to the probability. But even when you find a good value bet, you should check for any other factors that may have affected the price.

Is a key player out injured or suspended? Has the long-term trend you spotted shown signs of reversing in the last couple of games? It is important to always look at the bigger picture in your quest for the best football betting strategy.

Expand your knowledge

Sometimes you will find trends in lower leagues or in foreign leagues where the bookmaker is not as focused. By expanding your knowledge beyond the big money markets, you might find a value that few others have spotted.

That is why it is vital that you become an expert in your market and only bet where you can see the genuine value. You want to maximise value and minimise your risk on every bet.

Keep a football betting strategy log

To help you understand identify which betting strategies are working, you must keep a betting log.

While it may seem a little boring to keep a record of every bet you make on a spreadsheet, it could be the difference between a profit and a loss over the long term.

With such fine margins at stake, a betting log can help you find that crucial edge. You can analyse every win and loss and see what is working and what is not, and you can adjust your strategy accordingly.

Depending on how you organise your log, you should be able to spot trends that might not be obvious otherwise. A betting log is an ultimate tool for fine-tuning your low risk football betting strategy.

Keeping a log may seem boring or time-consuming but when narrow margins are at stake, a gambling log can be vital in helping you find that edge.

A well thought out log can act as a quick reference guide for trends within your betting habits. You can easily analyse your wins and losses and you can tweak your strategy as you go along.

Little and often

In many cases, smart betting comes through seeking out value bets that offer smaller returns. This “little and often” approach is favoured by the most successful bettors.

Seasoned punters rarely opt for big money outsiders unless there is some valid data to back it up and they never wager based on a “gut feeling”.

Take advantage of free bets and enhanced odds

If you are starting and want to try your betting strategy, you could use promotional campaigns from bookmakers such as sign-up offers and free bets to place your first wagers.

They provide a risk-free option for novice bettors to find their feet in the online betting environment. Bookies will also offer enhanced odds on certain markets for existing customers.

Make sure you take advantage of these if they relate to your betting strategy. Just make sure you check the terms and conditions of any offers so you understand what is involved.

Manage your bankroll

Finally, one of the most important aspects of any football betting strategy system is bankroll management. You should always work out what you can afford to spend without putting yourself into any kind of financial hardship and then stick to that amount.

Your bankroll should not be used for a single bet. You should break it into smaller amounts and place bets over some time.

If you do not make any money and your bankroll falls to zero, you should wait until you are in a position to comfortably fund a new bankroll before you bet again.

A summary of football betting systems

These are just a few ideas to get you started. If you follow these basic tips, you will be on the road to developing a good football betting system and avoid many of the common mistakes that punters make.

Remember, all betting strategies carry an element of risk - there is no sure-fire way to make a profit but you can take measures to maximise your returns and minimise your losses.

Getting that balance right is the secret to a good football betting system.

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

Rugby and American football have been entrenched in the sporting calendars for over 100 years.

Believe it or not they had common ground at the start of their existence, but looking at the sports now there are so many differences between the one the Americans love and the gentleman’s game played across the globe.

We’ll now look back at how these differences began and try to discover if there’s any commonality between the two sports.

Rugby vs American football - history and rules

The first game of rugby union is believed to have been played in the 19th century when it is alleged that William Webb Ellis picked up a football and ran with it rather than the traditional kick.

There is no concrete evidence that this was the case, but given the Rugby World Cup has been named the Webb Ellis Cup it has been lodged well and truly in the folklore of the game.

As most people will know, there are two codes of rugby – union and league, which differ in rules and format.

Northern clubs disbanded from the governing body – the Rugby Football Union – in 1895 to form their own game known as rugby league, featuring 13 players rather than the traditional 15, while the manner of scoring (tries and penalties) and set-pieces such as lineouts and the scrum were also changed.

The technicalities of the rules of the game are more stringent in union rather the league.

Other than that, they both last 80 minutes with a half-time interval, are played with the same ball, in similar stadia, with only a slight difference in the length of the pitch. There are not many differences between the games when they began life to the ones that feature now.

Like rugby league, American football evolved out of rugby union, and was reportedly first played in 1869 at Princeton University between Princeton and Rutgers, although the rules were very different to the game as it exists today.

It bared a close resemblance to rugby union, featuring a scrum. Alterations were made in 1875, reducing the player numbers to 11 per side and the implementation of new positions, including quarterback.

The development of downs and distance to regulate possession of the ball changed the feel of the game completely from rugby along with the snap.

Whereas one is continuous action for 40 minutes outside of brief stoppages for injuries and set-pieces, the other is start and stop after a singular play. It has allowed the game to become strategic, albeit a lengthier one than its cousin.

In 1882, the scoring system was introduced for touchdowns, field goals, safeties and kicks after touchdowns.

It took time for the system to settle on what has become the norm for six points for a touchdown, three for a field goal, one for an extra-point kick and two for a safety.

Since 1912, it has more or less been unchanged, albeit styles of play are a contrast, focusing more on passing than running in the modern era. It remains a completely different game from where it began.

Rugby vs American football - injury statistics

A great debate rages whenever an American football match appears on television in the United Kingdom.

The topic always reverts back to the wearing of the protective shoulder pads and helmets whereas rugby players from the northern and southern hemisphere go au natural.

There are no protective pads in rugby – it’s mono-e-mono where muscle and bone collide. This naturally leads to a discussion about rugby vs American football injury statistics.

Week after week, injury reports are filled with players from up and down the league with numerous ailments. Some that they can battle on with others that rule them out for weeks or even the season.

It’s perhaps the biggest commonality between rugby and American football.

However, where they differ are the types of injuries. Given that rugby players are more often than not constantly on the move – they are susceptible to muscle injuries.

Muscular strains are the most common ailment noted by teams as they represent up to 40% of all issues recorded.

Starting and stopping in a short space of time does put strain on the legs, especially when it’s mixed in with bending and driving at the ruck or maul.

Forwards more so than backs are susceptible to these problems given that they are more likely to be in and around the maul and are generally carrying more weight.

Neck and shoulder injuries are also prevalent due to the force exerted on both areas of the body during tackling and scrummaging.

Constant collisions take their toll on players, which is why forwards are the most protected players in rugby – being withdrawn from the action more often than not in the second half.

This can lead to a lot of unpredictability and that can be exploited in the rugby betting, including live betting markets that are widely available such as results and points scored in a particular timespan in a game.

Without the protection of pads, it does leave a lot of wear and tear on the body and is a note of concern for all medical staffs.

Stringent rules and coaching on tackling help the cause and may be one of the main differences between the rugby and American football – particularly in the way the sports are officiated.

American football sees more ligament injuries than rugby as quick movements and inefficient tackling techniques result in damage to the leg area.

There is a lot more twisting and turning, involving running backs and wide receivers, which puts huge pressure on the knees and ankles.

There are a high amount of torn ACL and MCL injuries in the NFL, particularly on turf rather than grass fields where there is less give in the surface, with up to 73% of these issues being non-contact injuries.

Tackling rules in the NFL are less stringent than in rugby as players can use any part of their body to bring down an opponent.

It often leads to direct blows to the knees, which have resulted in catastrophe for teams, especially if the quarterback goes down – none more so than Tom Brady’s torn ACL in the 2008 season that affected the New England Patriots' Super Bowl odds in a run for the crown.

Injuries can play a huge role in deciding the outcome of the Super Bowl, so it's worth bearing in mind that aspect before placing a bet on the potential champion.

Those injuries are unavoidable for players during the course of a game, and it’s widely accepted during a career that a knee injury is part and parcel of playing the sport.

Rugby vs American football – head injuries

Where rugby and American football are now in lockstep in terms of injuries is their respective handling of concussions and head trauma.

For too long players were allowed to continue to return to the field of play after suffering a head injury. The NFL paid a heavy price for their neglect, settling a $500m lawsuit for players that suffered CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) during their careers.

Nowadays players undergo tests from an independent neurologist before they are allowed to play on.

There is still a long way to go before the system is full proof as there are still cases where players have re-entered the field with symptoms.

However, given the scrutiny by former players and the medical profession – there are encouraging signs that the NFL is turning the corner. Players are becoming fully aware of the dangers, with an increase of retirements citing CTE as a major cause for concern.

Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly called time on a potential Hall of Fame career at the age of 28 due to his concerns over his long-term health, and he has not been the only one in recent years, which naturally has an impact on various areas including the outright divisional markets in the NFL betting as it can catch teams off guard.

The case of Kuechly is especially poignant for the Panthers, who have seen their odds for the NFC South crown plummet due to his absence, which is eye-catching for bettors who punt on divisional titles in the NFL.

The NFL’s use of helmets and tackling technique has made their players more susceptible to the dangers of CTE, although it is still very prevalent in rugby.

A report in 2015 suggested concussions were now the leading injury sustained by players in the sport. It has been met with a response by World Rugby and governing bodies across the world.

England prop Kyle Sinckler was withdrawn from the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final after sustaining a concussion in the early minutes of the game.

A move that played a role in shifting the Rugby World Cup betting odds in the favour of South Africa, who won the game, and one that might not have been seen 20 or 30 years earlier.

Antepost markets are available for the Rugby World Cup, which takes place every four years - with the next one due in 2023.

However, it is often better to wait and see the teams develop before placing a punt as the smallest factor can make a huge difference.

Rugby players vs American football players

There has not been a great deal of crossover between American football and rugby so it's often seen as rugby players vs American football players rather than two sports where players can switch over easily.

Christian Wade played seven seasons for London Wasps on the wing, earning an England cap before opting to end his career in 2018 to attempt to break into the NFL. He made an impression at the Buffalo Bills at running back during the 2019 pre-season.

He did not quite have the talent to make the 53-man roster for the regular campaign, but he earned a spot on the practice squad and is still on their roster ahead of the 2020 season where they are the second-favourites to win the AFC East crown in the American football betting odds.

Whether he is able to take the next step in his development remains to be seen, although it will be a tough challenge given that he is 28.

Divisional titles are one of the main areas of betting on the NFL. However, in individual matches, bettors can place punts on the amount of yardage a back such as Wade could muster in a game - using the over/under system.

Wade has the body type that suits the NFL and could start a trend for similar players from rugby to make the transition.

Backs more so than players on the wing are suitable candidates to play as a running back in the NFL. It’s perhaps the most similar position as you’re looking to find a gap in the defence and have to break through tackles to gain positive ground.

Scrum-halves could also be useful in the same role, although they do not have the same dynamic speed.

The same could be said vice-versa where NFL running backs, wide receivers and even defensive backs could thrive in a rugby backfield either on the wing or as a scrum-half. Defensive backs could be the best suited given that they have the tackling skills and the athleticism to handle the dual responsibility.

The other possible transition could be players in the second row and offensive tackles. Both have similar body types ranging from 6ft 5in and above in height, and a shade over 300lbs.

Rugby players would likely have more success given that American football players on offense could not handle the responsibility of their defensive duties in rugby.

Nate Ebner of the New York Giants, formerly of the Patriots, is one of the rare examples of an American football player playing rugby.

He represented Team USA at the 2016 Olympics, although it was rugby sevens, which is not as focused on set plays as their 15 and 13-man counterparts.

It was not a fruitful experience for Ebner given that the States were eliminated in the group stage, although he did score two tries.

When it comes to the rugby vs American football debate, there is a lot to contrast and few comparisons to be made.

American football is so regimented into different body types for certain positions, whereas rugby is more malleable outside of the front row.

Rugby requires a well-rounded skillset from everyone on the pitch whereas American football can allow a player to have deficiencies in a lot of areas outside of their primary role.

Perhaps in the early days of both sports crossover would have been easier, but the two sports have diverged perhaps too much for players to transition between them on a regular basis.

However, the popularity of both sports means that 888sport caters to both audiences with numerous betting markets available for punters across the board.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Adrian Kraus / AP Photo*

Basketball is one of the most popular sports around the world, with the NBA taking centre stage for most basketball fans.

However, the EuroLeague is huge on this side of the Atlantic Ocean and Europe’s elite competition gives keen basketball betting punters an opportunity to enhance their skills. 

Basketball Betting Guide

Winning the NBA Championship is the dream for any aspiring basketball player.

Every year, basketball odds show how competitive the NBA is and even the most knowledgeable betting fan may struggle to pick out the outright NBA Championship winner. With so much pressure in the NBA playoffs, shocks are aplenty.

There have been countless surprises in the 21st century, including the Toronto Raptors beating the Golden State Warriors in 2019 and the Dallas Mavericks seeing off the Miami Heat in 2011. Sports betting markets favoured the Warriors and Heat before those series. 

Plenty of fans will be looking to bet on NBA games in the coming months. It's vital you have a full understanding of basketball betting before placing wagers.

Michael Jordan is often named atop the list of the greatest basketball players of all-time, but LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have strong cases, too. 

Basketball betting experts will already know these players but novices can find out more NBA tips, player news and basketball odds via the 888sport blog.

Basketball Betting Tips

Basketball betting tips range from backing an outright winner to player props for points, blocks and assists.

Staunch NBA followers will be aware of most markets but it is important to keep tabs on the latest basketball betting odds as they will change depending on which bookmaker you bet on NBA with.

There are a number of ways to improve your basketball betting technique. Here, we look at some of the most important factors to consider when placing a bet on basketball – some are specific to NBA odds while others are more general.

So without further ado, let’s get down to our top basketball betting tips to follow.

Know The Sport Inside Out

Researching any sports bet is important but it is imperative in basketball.

You only need to read through any basketball betting tips to notice the attention to detail – the best tipsters around always find a niche angle for their NBA betting advice.

Never bet for the sake of it – make sure you have a good knowledge of basketball betting before getting invested in the sport.

Also, we recommend punters familiarising themselves with basketball rules and betting permutations before placing a basketball bet.

Following betting advice is fine and dandy but it is crucial for any punter to trust in your own judgment.

Don’t just take someone else’s thoughts as gospel; be sure to do lots of research on and most of all, enjoy yourself when betting on basketball.

Narrow Focus To Specialise

Once you have enhanced your basketball betting tips knowledge, it is time to hone in your skills.

Plenty of punters choose to focus on specialising in a particular market, such as odds on basketball points per game – statistics are easily accessible to support punters.

If you enjoy basketball betting but aren’t enjoying much luck with your NBA bets, it might be worth considering the EuroLeague instead.

Focusing on the EuroLeague could be the way to go for hardcore basketball betting followers as it is very specialist compared to NBA betting.

The best basketball betting tips often focus on simple markets. These are exclusive and easy to understand, whether you are an NBA betting expert or a newbie to betting on basketball.

In time, you will find which basketball betting tips you enjoy more than others. Trial and error is part of the process. Don't be afraid to experiment with different markets. 

Free Basketball Tips Widely Available

The NBA is one of the biggest sports betting leagues on the planet and millions of fans around the world watch basketball on a weekly basis.

Basketball betting tips are popular with tipsters around the world and there is a plethora of advice available for punters. These will usually focus on spread betting, the moneyline, and game totals.

Here at 888sport, our team of basketball betting experts can provide cutting edge insight into the NBA, the EuroLeague and other major basketball competitions.

As always, free basketball tips are available on the 888sport blog and sports betting fans can find the latest news throughout the week.

Don’t just ignore paid tipsters though – while paying for basketball betting tips does not mean guaranteed success by any means, some tipsters have excellent reviews.

Do your research when signing up to any paid betting tips and always remember to consider free basketball tips.

Keep NBA Betting Tips Fun

Enhance your gambling experience by keeping basketball bets fun and entertaining.

With a range of basketball fans offering free NBA betting tips throughout the year, punters can get enjoyment betting on basketball during the offseason, regular season and playoffs.

The Golden State Warriors were the most successful NBA team in the second half of the 2010s but their era of dominance looks to be over.

Things can change very quickly in the NBA basketball betting tips, with one trade or injury capable of derailing a season. The schedule is also packed from October to June, so there's plenty of opportunities to create a winning lucky 15 bet.

Winning the NBA Championship is the objective for every aspiring basketball player. Only a select number of players will be fortunate enough to win basketball’s top prize and NBA playoff betting tips show how slim the chances are for most teams. 

Because of the competitive nature, it is crucial to place emphasis on the fun and excitement of basketball betting tips.

The speed of the game helps massively, with NBA odds fluctuating from start to finish. Without a doubt, basketball is a fun sport to bet on.

Injuries Impact Basketball Betting Odds

This ties in with a couple of our other basketball betting tips.

Researching odds is important for basketball betting value but that will count for very little if a team is missing players due to injury – it is vital to keep up to date on the latest basketball injury news.

If LeBron James suffered a serious injury, the basketball odds for the Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA Championship would drift significantly. The same goes for Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers, the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic, and various other star players. 

Injury news is vital for every sports betting punter and that is no different when it comes to betting on basketball.

By the same token, a run of road games may impact a team’s fatigue and confidence; so it may prove prudent to back against a side who have played away from home for a number of matches.

This is a basketball betting tip that is well worth noting, especially in the NBA.

Follow Latest NBA Trade Rumours

Following on, it is also essential to keep tabs on the latest basketball trade rumours – both for betting purposes and for general viewership.

In the context of the NBA, a significant player trade can shake up the entire basketball betting odds.

Imagine taking Jimmy Butler and trading him to a genuine title contender. In basketball, teams rely heavily on individuals and sports betting odds will fluctuate depending on trade news. With only five players on the court for each team, one player joining or leaving a team has a far greater impact than in football, cricket, or rugby. 

The best basketball betting tips fans will be looking to exploit rumours before odds change.

You could argue that basketball odds are not directly impacted by the odd rumour but unsettling reports can have an adverse effect on a team.

There have been plenty of NBA trade rumours that have completely derailed a top side in the NBA playoffs betting tips.

Don’t Ignore European Basketball Betting Tips

Betting on European basketball is often much easier for basketball fans on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

The time difference doesn’t help NBA followers in the UK, particularly those who enjoy in-play betting on basketball.

Instead, many basketball followers choose to bet on the EuroLeague. While there aren’t as many Euro basketball betting tips about, money can be made if you enhance your overall knowledge of the league.

The standard is improving year by year and some players go on to play in the NBA.

888sport are one of the only UK bookmakers to offer EuroLeague basketball betting tips on most matches.

There might not be odds or EuroCup basketball betting tips on every fixture but there are certainly plenty of options for fans to get their basketball fix. 

EuroLeague Is Stepping Stone For NBA

As previously mentioned, NBA scouts are now targeting the EuroLeague is a viable stepping stone for basketball’s top competition.

The basketball betting odds are slim for most players but teams are at least now considering a move for the best European players.

Tony Parker, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, Dirk Nowitzki and Manu Ginobili played in the Europe before going on to star in the NBA. 

Each of the last few years, over 100 European players featured on the season-opening NBA rosters – which shows the impact of basketball betting on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

Hopefully the EuroLeague continues to go from strength to strength in the coming years.

NCAA Basketball Betting Tips Worth Following

The college basketball programme is intricate in the United States of America, with a range of athletic bodies governing the sport.

The NCAA betting purposes are very popular with the marketing of ‘March Madness’ helping to promote college basketball.

In fact, March Madness is one of the biggest basketball betting tips and news events of the year – fans from all over the world tune in to watch the top college basketball teams go toe-to-toe over the course of an intense tournament.

The NCAA season is usually held between October and April, with a postseason taking place to determine the champions.

College sports are almost as popular as religion on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean and UK fans are beginning to follow the NCAA closely.

Keep Eye On College Basketball Betting Tips And Trends

College basketball isn’t just about the NCAA though.

There are other governing bodies that manage basketball at college level and many of the biggest tournaments and competitions are priced up in basketball betting odds by bookmakers.

Furthermore, monitoring college basketball betting tips will give punters an insight into the college game and that should enhance their general basketball knowledge.

With a number of those players likely to make the step up to the NBA, punters can get an early glance at future basketball stars.

With the college basketball betting scene increasing in popularity, the number of tipsters is growing.

However, following basketball betting tips might not cut it at this level with college basketball still relatively niche.

When Betting On Basketball, Gamble Responsibly

The most important factor to consider when looking at basketball betting: know your limits.

Whether you write down all of your bets and stakes or keep a spreadsheet tracking NBA bet profit/loss, it is crucial to gamble responsibly.

Basketball betting tips are widely available but that doesn’t mean punters should adopt a ‘scattergun’ approach when it comes to betting.

Pick your NBA bets carefully and be sure to research thoroughly when looking at any sports betting market.

One of our top tips is to keep an eye out for any new customer offers or promotions, as well as enhanced specials for existing customers.

Here at 888sport, we consistently offer boosted prices for NBA betting punters – bear that in mind when placing a bet on basketball.

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

Tennis is one of the most popular sports to bet on, with tournaments and competitions taking place daily all around the world.

Tennis betting tips are a regular feature with most bookmakers in the United Kingdom, with a clear focus on Grand Slam tennis events, as well as ATP Tour and WTA tournaments.

Tennis Betting Guide

Whether you’re backing Novak Djokovic to win Wimbledon or fancy Aryna Sabalenka to hold her serve in the next game, betting on tennis is very exciting.

The hype surrounding Grand Slam tournaments only enhances the enjoyment of tennis betting and plenty of punters will be placing a bet on tennis in the coming months.

With four Grand Slam competitions each calendar year, tennis betting tips are well worth following throughout the season.

With tournaments in Australia, France, England and the United States, it is important to factor in climate when looking at tennis odds. Furthermore, previous records at each event can prove particularly useful.

Tennis Betting Tips

There are three main surfaces used in tennis: grass, clay and hard court. The style of play is different on each surface and that can impact tennis betting tips.

For example, Rafael Nadal is known as the ‘King of Clay’ and the Spaniard was at the forefront of French Open betting tips for over a decade. Nadal is the greatest clay-court player of all-time.

There's no need to overcomplicate things when looking at the tennis markets on the sports betting pages.

Without further ado, here are our top tennis betting tips for punters to get the most out of their tennis betting experience.

Keep Tennis Betting Simple

Betting on tennis is simple enough – whether you’re a tennis expert or a novice to the sport.

Punters can place a tennis bet on an outright winner of a Grand Slam tournament, a player to win a particular match and even a certain number of sets in a match.

Like with any sports betting, punters can try other more intricate tennis betting tips but we would always advise familiarising yourself with simple markets first.

Learn the latest tennis rules and be completely aware of how the sport works before following tennis betting tips.

The easiest way to bet on tennis is to back a player to win a given match or tournament. There are also options to engage in handicap betting or place an each-way wager. 

You will find that most bookmakers offer tennis betting odds on all four Grand Slam events over the course of the year and these types of bet are easy to track and follow.

Find The Best Tennis Players To Bet On

As previously mentioned, some players perform better on certain surfaces and researching into that is one of the top tennis betting tips for punters. 

Monitoring the form of players is absolutely essential. Again, you shouldn’t back a player because of their name – even the top tennis players go through poor runs of form. Use the ATP and WTA websites to check how players have fared in recent matches. 

There are various other tennis websites offering statistics and results, which can be beneficial to tennis betting tips followers. Furthermore, always assess both players before betting on tennis matches.

There might be an aspiring, young talent facing a seasoned veteran but if the more experienced player is in their twilight years, they could be vulnerable if stamina becomes a factor. 

Free Tennis Betting Tips Are Worth Following

With tournaments taking place all year round, tennis betting tips are available for almost every competition.

Grand Slam events are the pinnacle of the sport but passionate tennis fans will follow free tennis bets and tips on ATP World Tour matches and WTA fixtures.

You only need to have a quick look at the latest tennis betting news to find key information relating to upcoming matches and tournaments.

Many bookmakers have tennis betting offers and promotions, as well as enhanced trebles and specials for Grand Slam events.

There are so many different tennis betting tips options for punters; there is no longer a need to target paid tipsters. Just always make sure you conduct your research whether you're backing an odds-on single or constructing a lucky 63 bet.

Yes, some paying for tennis tips can prove beneficial but free tennis betting tips are improving as bookmakers continue to offer new markets on the sport. 

Trust Your Tennis Betting Knowledge

Following on from our free tennis betting tips section, it is important to keep faith in your own tennis knowledge.

Punters shouldn’t follow tennis betting tips for the sake of it; make sure you do your research ahead of placing a bet on tennis. This includes making sure you understand betting odds explained, and how to calculate implied probabilities. 

If you are a keen tennis fan and believe you’ve found an exciting and interesting bet that goes against online tennis betting tips, go for it.

Trust your own judgment when betting on tennis and enjoy yourself with a fun and entertaining wager. Research is crucial when betting on tennis.

There are plenty of statistics and head-to-head record information that can help punters make an informed decision but ultimately, you need to be confident of making a correct selection. Good luck!

Tennis Live Betting Tips Can Be Profitable

If you are watching a match and you can see the momentum shifting, placing an in-play bet on tennis is an option.

Punters can often find generous odds during a match, particularly if the clear favourite falls behind early on. Always remember to keep an eye on in-play tennis betting tips and odds during major contests.

Due to the fast nature of the sport, in-play tennis betting tips will change quickly so punters will need to be on the ball and aware of potential market moves.

If you play your cards right, you can enjoy reasonable levels of success betting in-play on tennis.

In addition, keep track of the number of aces. If a player is dominating on their serve, it may prove prudent to back in-play on a player to record more aces than their opponent.

By the same token, the match is likely to go the distance if players repeatedly hold serve.

Bet On Tennis Grand Slam Tournaments

As previously mentioned, there are four Grand Slam tennis competitions held at different venues over the course of the year.

The Australian Open kicks things off at the beginning of the year before the French Open, which usually takes place in May.

Next up is Wimbledon, the only grass court Grand Slam tournament before the fourth and final major competition which is the US Open.

Most tennis betting tips and odds will focus on these four tournaments; every young tennis player wants to win a Grand Slam.

Grand Slam odds are usually available shortly after the previous tournament. For example, 2025 Australian Open betting tips will be priced up after the 2024 competition.

Keep an eye on tennis tips and previews on the 888sport blog for the latest Grand Slam betting news.

Research US Open Betting Tips, News And Odds

First held in 1881, the US Open is one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world.

Now the fourth Grand Slam competition of the year, it is one of two events played on the hard court surface – US Open betting tips fans will be familiar with the New York tournament.

Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka were the singles champions at the 2024 US Open. Both are going to be featured in Grand Slam betting tips for years to come. 

Winning any Grand Slam competition is a dream come true but the US Open is one of the most prestigious events in tennis.

Plenty of tennis betting tipsters will be offering US Open tips in the build-up to the event, though punters should remember to take certain factors into consideration.

Fatigue can play a major part as the US Open comes at the end of a busy tennis season.

Follow Wimbledon Betting Tips And Trends

For tennis fans in the UK, Wimbledon is the highlight of the year. Fans from all over the world travel to London for this grass court competition, which takes place in June and July.

Without a doubt, Wimbledon is one of the top tennis betting tips event of the summer.

Carlos Alcaraz won the men's singles title in 2023 and 2024. The Spaniard is destined to be at the centre of Wimbledon tennis betting tips for the next few years.

As the only grass court Grand Slam competition, betting on Wimbledon is slightly different to the other major tournaments.

The speed of the game is slower so that brings stamina and youth into play – two particularly important trends to consider for anyone betting on tennis.

Keep Up With Australian Open Betting Tips And News

The period between October and December can be quiet for tennis betting but fans don’t have to wait too long for the Australian Open.

Held in Melbourne every January, it is the perfect tournament to kickstart the Grand Slam tennis betting campaign.

With 10 singles titles, Novak Djokovic is the most decorated player in Australian Open history. Djokovic remains among the favourites in Australian Open betting deep into his thirties.

Hitting the ground running is important here and the best tennis players often enjoy plenty of success at the Melbourne Grand Slam.

Speed is key to success on any hard court surface and that is the main point worth considering when betting on the Australian Open.

French Open Betting Tips And Odds Are Important

Last but not least, we have the French Open.

The Roland Garros tournament is the only Grand Slam tennis event held on clay and that makes it very unique and special – a large number of UK tennis fans make the short trip over the English Channel each year.

With Rafael Nadal's dominant run over, the French Open is an opportunity for clay-court specialists to write their names into the Grand Slam history books. 

Power and precision are key to success on the clay court and tennis betting tips followers should consider backing accurate servers and strong hitters at the French Open.

It isn’t an exact science but clay court plays slower than other surfaces and those are traits worth noting.

Gamble Responsibly

Most importantly, please gamble responsibly.

Tennis betting tips are some of the most enjoyable betting markets in sport and punters can revel in watching the best tennis players competing at the highest level.

With so many different markets on offer to punters, be aware of your own tennis betting strengths.

Once you have found a system or tennis bet that works for you, stick to it. Best of luck with any future tennis betting tips!

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

Football is the most popular sport on the planet. Millions of supporters tune in to watch the Premier League on a weekly basis while the Champions League final consistently ranks as one of the most-watched sporting events of the year.

The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international football and free football betting tips and previews will be available for qualifying matches and the tournament itself in 2026. Familiar names are atop the World Cup odds in the sports betting pages.

Here, we look at some of the most important tips and factors to consider when betting on football. We give our top tips on.

Without further ado, let's get down to business. 888sport is the place to be for the best football betting tips on the internet - so head on over to our extensive blog for 24/7 football!

Football Betting Guide

Betting on football has never been easier. With a range of football betting markets available for most matches, punters are spoilt for choice.

Here at 888sport, you can use the football ‘Bet Builder’ on major fixtures to select a bet that is unique to you.

If you prefer to watch the early exchanges before placing a bet, that is absolutely fine. Most bookmakers now offer in-play betting odds on football matches around the world, giving punters more control over their betting experience.

With a wide range of competitions and tournaments covered around the world, 888sport is the place to be for football betting.

If you are a huge Premier League fan, you can bet on the Premier League. If you follow the Australian A-League, you can bet on the A-League. It is as simple as that.

There is so much choice nowadays when it comes to football betting. The betting side of the sport has evolved over the years, with punters now able to access odds on penalties, cards and corners.

Outright betting is probably the easiest way to bet on football. Whether it is betting on a team to win a tournament or a player to win an award, outright betting is simple and that is why it appeals to the masses.

There are some examples of outright betting that are more complicated, such as football handicap markets. However, you can find a range of football betting guides on our website that should provide all of the necessary information to help with any queries.

Our team of football betting experts have you covered on the biggest soccer events, fixtures and competitions. Follow the latest football tips, betting news and weekly sport updates on the blog – from a Premier League betting preview to breaking transfer betting rumours.

Football Betting Tips

Always keep an eye out for free soccer betting tips – most football experts will share their thoughts and advice online in the build-up to fixtures. Paid football tips can of course prove beneficial but following free football betting help also pays dividends.

With football competitions taking place around the world on a daily basis, there is always something for football betting fans to follow.

Whether that means scouting the hottest transfer betting prospect in Spain or watching an international friendly ahead of a major tournament, football betting is incredibly popular.

The best football betting tips are often the most straightforward. Yes, the freedom to use features such as the ‘Bet Builder’ is obviously helpful but many football tipsters prefer to focus on trebles and doubles rather than adding too many permutations.

You don’t need to be a football betting expert to understand that more permutations is likely to mean higher odds and a bigger potential pay-out. However, free football betting tips generally show that simpler bets are more effective in terms of profit/loss.

A large number of fans will be looking specifically for UK football betting tips. The Premier League obviously dominates that sphere but Championship betting odds and even League One betting tips are becoming more prominent around the world.

Every year, punters often put together their dream outright winner betting accumulator. It is very difficult indeed but choosing the winner of the four English football divisions or the ‘Big Five’ European leagues can enhance the football betting experience.

With so many free football betting tips available for most football competitions, why would you use paid football tipsters? Follow the latest football news, tips and previews and trust your own betting tips and judgment when placing a bet on football.

One of the most important things to consider when football betting is keeping track of your bets. An easy way to do this is by creating a spreadsheet that calculates stakes, winnings and profit/loss. Free football betting tips can help reduce any added costs rather than using paid tipsters.

Champions League Betting Tips

Placing a Champions League bet is very easy indeed. Simply navigate to the football section of the website and access Champions League betting odds. From there, you can find the outright winner odds, top goal scorer betting markets and upcoming fixtures.

In addition, you can keep up with the latest news and free betting tips on Champions League football with 888sport throughout the campaign – from qualifying in the summer to the showpiece fixture at the end of the season.

Betting on the Champions League is always enjoyable and entertaining; this is Europe’s elite club competition. The best teams on the continent do battle over a gritty campaign, with a testing group stages format preceding the knockout stages.

One tip to consider when placing a European Cup bet is the ‘to qualify’ market. Bookmakers usually offer this on the knockout stages, giving punters an interesting alternative to betting on a particular leg.

Wins in 2019 and 2020, respectively, have seen Liverpool and Bayern Munich move ahead of Barcelona in the list of the most successful clubs in Champions League history. 

When looking at the outright Champions League winner betting odds, researching previous results is vital. So for those punters looking to gain some invaluable insight into the history of European Cup finals, here are the five most successful clubs:

• Real Madrid – 15
• Milan – 7
• Liverpool – 6
• Bayern Munich – 6
• Barcelona – 5

The Champions League is the competition that every player wants to win. Lifting the famous trophy is a dream for every aspiring footballer but only a limited number of players can live that dream.

Follow the latest Champions League betting trends to try and get the edge on upcoming fixtures.

Premier League Betting Tips

The Premier League is widely regarded as the best football division in the world.

With the best footballers on the planet competing in front of millions of fans around the globe, there is a real focus on English Premier League betting tips for every single fixture.

Manchester City were crowned Premier League champions for the eighth time at the end of the 2023/24 season after another enthralling title race with Arsenal.

Winning the Premier League title is a dream for any aspiring footballer, England’s top flight is now the dominant domestic competition in world football. Manchester United are the most successful team in Premier League history with 13 titles – though they last lifted the trophy in 2012/13.

Finding Premier League betting odds is very straightforward. Bookmakers offer a wide array of football betting odds on England’s top flight, with punters able to tailor bets to suit. The outright Premier League winner betting market is most popular but there is plenty of choice to get stuck into.

As football is the most popular sport on the planet, football betting tips Premier League are widely available ahead of every match. Free Premier League tips and previews are always on offer with 888sport, just keep an eye on the football blog page for the latest soccer news.

Boxing Day Betting Tips

Boxing Day has always been an important day in the English football calendar. Every year, there is a full schedule of Premier League matches over the Christmas period, as well as Championship, League One and League Two fixtures.

There is always plenty of Premier League betting hype for the Boxing Day fixtures, with a rush to check the festive schedule when the fixtures are released. Boxing Day odds are not usually available until closer to the Christmas period but that does not stop the excitement!

In fact, Boxing Day in 1963 is now famous for an incredible set of results in England’s top division, with 66 goals scored across 10 matches. Football betting punters who target the over/under goals lines will be hoping for more of the same this Boxing Day…

Europa League Betting Tips

The sister competition to the Champions League, UEFA Europa League betting tips are also popular with football fans. With matches played exclusively on a Thursday evening, it is one of the biggest competitions in the world – both for football betting and for viewership.

English clubs have won the Europa League on nine occasions. Chelsea were the most recent to do so, defeating Arsenal in 2018/19.

Europa League in-play betting is very popular, particularly with so many clubs playing at any given time. During the first round, 36 teams are involved in a league phase. 

Anyone looking for previews should look for the football betting tips Europa League section of the blog. Europe’s secondary club competition should not be played down –the chance to secure Champions League football is enough to convince any club to take it seriously.

Championship Betting Tips

The second biggest league competition in England, Championship betting knowledge is an absolute must for any football betting tips follower. Each team plays 46 matches over a gruelling campaign in a bid to reach the promised land of the Premier League.

Football fans often spend Saturday morning studying the English Championship betting tips ahead of the afternoon fixtures, with 12 matches taking place over the course of a weekend.

The financial incentive of securing promotion to the Premier League is massive – who will be Premier League relegation betting contenders next season?

At the beginning of the season, Championship football betting fans may find it tough to pick an outright winner. Widely regarded as the most difficult league in the world, this football division is intense and only the best football tipsters will profit regularly on England’s second tier.

League One Betting Tips

If you’re into your football betting, you’ll probably know lots about League One. Like the Championship, the League One betting season starts before the Premier League and that gives fans a chance to get invested in the third tier of English football.

With 24 teams competing in League One every season, it is extremely competitive but punters can enjoy placing a 12-match football betting accumulator over a weekend. Both teams to score betting followers tend to enjoy reasonable success in League One…

MLS Betting Tips

Soccer betting is growing in popularity over in the United States but it is also prominent in the United Kingdom. The likes of David Beckham, Andrea Pirlo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have helped to transform the profile of Major League Soccer on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

With a designated MLS betting section, we have you covered for all of your soccer needs. If betting on Major League Soccer is your cup of tea, take a look at the latest MLS winner odds, top goal scorer tips and playoff betting markets.

La Liga Betting Tips

Excluding the Premier League, La Liga might just be the biggest domestic football league on the planet.

With the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid playing week in, week out, some of the best football clubs in the business do battle for the La Liga title.

Punters love betting on La Liga, whether that’s backing Real Madrid to win the La Liga crown or for Lionel Messi to score yet another incredible free-kick. La Liga odds are available all year round with 888sport, including outright winner markets, top four betting and Spanish football matches.

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

Longchamp: Feature Races

There’s a veritable feast of horse racing taking place at ParisLongchamp on Monday afternoon, with no less than four Group-level races to be contested on an action-packed ten-race card.

The star name on the day is last season's Prix du Jockey Club and Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe third Sottsass.

The Jean-Claude Rouget-trained four-year-old is due to kick start his season off in the Prix d'Harcourt and is currently priced up as an 8/15 chance with us here at 888sport to make a winning return.

The one mile Prix de la Grotte is sure to provide plenty of Classic clues for the rest of the year with the top two in the French 1,000 Guineas (Poule d’Essai des Pouliches) betting, Khayzaraan and Tropbeau, due to take each other on.

Both horses are currently trading at 3/1 for the French Guineas in our ante-post market.

Sprinting is the name of the game in the opening race on the card- the Prix de Saint-Georges (5f Group 3).

Last year’s winner Sestilio Jet lines up once again, but due to travel restrictions the British and Irish raiders that have fared really well in this race over the years, will sadly be absent.

Prix de Fontainebleau hopefuls are headed by the Andre Fabre-trained Victor Ludorum who was last seen bringing home the silverware in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc day.

He will be a tough nut to crack if he turns up in the same frame of mind as last year.

10.55 CET – Prix de Saint-Georges (5f)

Sestilio Jet won this race last year in heavy conditions in the hands of Frankie Dettori.

In fact, that was the five-year-old’s only win of last season and despite running second next time out under Dettori at Chantilly, Sestilio Jet’s form went off the boil somewhat.

He was never in contention in the Abbaye but did run with some verve in the Premio Omenoni in Italy.

The Pascal Bary-trained Gold Vibe (nap) ran with credit all of last season without unfortunately managing to get his head in front.

The gelding finished fourth to Sestilio Jet in this race last year and then ran two decent races behind Glass Sippers at the latter end of last season proving his worth at this minimum trip. The seven-year-old should be on the premises again.

Last year’s runner-up Batwan hasn’t been seen on a racecourse since, whilst Trip To Paris, who spent the winter racing at Meydan, looks very dangerous to dismiss.

12.55 CET - Prix de Fontainebleau (1m)

The Godolphin-owned Victor Ledorum (nap) puts his unbeaten record and reputation on the line in this intriguing renewal of the Prix de Fontainebleau.

His race entries after this Group examination already include the French 2000 Guineas, the Prix du Jockey Club and the Grand Prix de Paris, so Andre Fabre will be leaving nothing to chance with the three-year-old.

Jean-Claude Rouget’s Helter Skelter received an indifferent ride in Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere behind Victor Ledorum and should be in closer proximity to the pace on this occasion.

The Wootton Bassett-colt showed plenty of promise at ParisLongchamp and Deauville prior to the Arc weekend and he could prove to be the biggest threat to the favourite.

The Freddy Head-trained Devil appeared to hate the conditions in the Prix Morny and finished stone last.

However, he is a much better performer than that as he showed by winning twice in Group company at Maisons-Laffitte and it would come as no surprise if the Wertheimer homebred puts up a bold show.

13.25 CET – Prix de la Grotte (1m)

The Lady Bamford-owned Tropbeau (nap) clocked up an impressive three-timer in France last season before coming over to Newmarket on her final run to finish third in the Cheveley Park Stakes.

She was staying on in that race and had she not been hampered, the result may have been a lot different. It’s not difficult to see why she’s currently all the rage for the French 1000 Guineas.

The Freddy Head-trained filly Khayzaraan also holds Classic ambitions this season but she will need to step up another notch this year if she is going to live up to people’s expectations.

On paper, the filly appears to have more to find in this race than Tropbeau, but if anybody can train her on then it’s Freddy Head. The Sheik Hamdan-owned daughter of Kingman will certainly be hoping to push Tropbeau right to the wire.

Whilst all the focus will be around the first two in the betting, many of the other competitors in this field may well be overlooked.

At a decent price, the Mme Pia Brandt-trained Quiet Times looks really interesting on her return back to the turf after two decent wins on the Polytrack.

Irish-bred Dream And Do has been the subject of sustained support in the betting all week, while Criterium disappointment Secret Time has received a few nibbles from punters keen to take on the two market leaders.

14.05 CET – Prix D’Harcourt (1¼m)

The eye is naturally drawn to the Jean-Claude Rouget-trained Sottsass here and understandably so.

The chestnut colt took in the Prix de Suresnes, the Prix du Jockey Club and the Prix Niel last season before running a commendable third behind Waldgeist in the Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe.

He’s the form pick for sure but on seasonal debut last year he was beaten by Shaman at ParisLongchamp, and if ever a favourite is vulnerable then it’s first time out.

The Shamadal-colt Shaman (nap) carried his great two-year-old form over to a three-year-old and he had a really fruitful season which included wins at Saint-Cloud and Longchamp, second place in the French 2000 Guineas, a close up fifth in the St James’ Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, runner-up in the Jacques le Marois, and third in the Prix Daniel Wildenstein on the Arc weekend.

He’s won first time out for the last two seasons so why not so again?

The likeable grey Way To Paris is an old hat around ParisLongchamp and the seven-year-old can certainly still hold his own in this type of company.

I personally thought he was unlucky in the Prix Foy and could quite easily have turned over the short-priced Waldgeist had he not been hemmed in. Trading at around the 20/1 mark, he’s a decent each-way shout here.

French Horse Racing Tips: 888sport

These four French Group races make up just part of a fantastic looking ParisLongchamp card on Monday afternoon. Please check out the website for all our latest horse racing odds and free betting tips on the French action!

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Thibault Camus / AP Photo*

Former Liverpool and England forward Emile Heskey believes Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have now overtaken Manchester City as the leading light in English football.

“They have slowly got to the point where they are the dominant force. They are the standard-bearers now. It was Manchester City for a while but now Liverpool has taken on that mantle.

"But with their forward line getting a year older can they carry on doing it at that level? That’s the question. So then your recruitment has to be special too.”

Or perhaps not, because emerging through the ranks at Anfield is a wealth of teenage talent in the form of Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliot and others; exciting young stars who have already shown their potential in first team cameos this year.

Their development, Heskey hopes, might not only save Liverpool a small fortune in the transfer market but strongly hints at continued success on the pitch for seasons to come.

"The squad is probably missing one or two players but overall it is set. Age-wise they are not too bad for the next year or so but you’d want to bring in a couple of younger players to freshen it up and to give some of the established players a challenge.”

Only six players have made more appearances in the Premier League than the affable, now-happily-retired 42-year-old, whose journey began at Leicester City, his hometown club.

It was on Merseyside however that his career went up a serious notch, gaining England caps by the plentiful and winning European and domestic honours.

With typical modesty Heskey is quick to credit his then-manager for the form that swiftly made him one of the most impactful strikers in the land.

"Martin gave me my first opportunity and made sure I played without fear and allowed me to do what I love and what I’m capable of doing. Gerard Houllier put a bit more structure to that. He was brilliant in that sense.”

Evidently, the French coach was impressive in other ways too, namely his introducing of good habits that are now considered the norm.

“He was probably ahead of his time because the things he was doing then, everyone is doing now. When it comes to nutrition and diet, he was doing that years ago and encouraging us but we weren’t mentally ‘there’ then.

"I know some older players who were there back then and they recognise now the things he was trying to get us to do but we were stuck in our ways. He was a bit before his time and if he were there now he would see even more results that what he got.”

Staying with the management theme, for his country Heskey played under six different managers, none more divisive than Fabio Capello, whose authoritarian ways have once again been scrutinized of late with a news story revealing that he once banned tomato ketchup from international meet-ups.

Heskey however has little tolerance for any team-mate who is now happy to use such extreme measures as a reason for England’s failings back then.

“I didn’t mind Capello’s style of management and a lot of the time it comes down to excuses. That’s my view. If you take butter away from someone and they let it eat them up then that’s their problem.

"It's true. That should not be a hindrance to going out there and performing. That’s your problem and it’s just excuses to moan about butter, ketchup or chips.

"He was a disciplinarian, he was strict, and he was very strong in how he spoke. Sometimes that can rub people up the wrong way.

"But to complain about butter….at the end of the day I grew up in an era when managers were in people’s faces. I was 16 when I was in changing rooms with the pros."

Liverpool are not the only club from the player’s C.V. to have enjoyed a sensational year.

Leicester too have exceeded all expectations by establishing themselves in the top four, playing a brand of fluid and confident football that bodes extremely well for their future.

When asked about how they have done this Heskey once again turns to the touchline for the answers.

"Now he’s doing the same at Leicester and he’s still getting good results. Now every player is being linked to so-called bigger clubs. That’s how you know how well he is doing.”

One such player of course who is currently acting as grist for the transfer rumour mill is James Maddison, with Manchester United reportedly keen to secure his services at the earliest opportunity.

Heskey though, thinks the attacking midfielder might be better off remaining in the Midlands for the time being.

“Maddison has to look at himself and found out where his pathway lies. He is still a young lad with many years ahead of him and a lot of learning still to do.

"He has a great teacher in Brendan Rodgers. But at some stage he will be wondering what his next path will be. That he has taken it so far at Leicester and now what is the next path. So at some stage he will be looking to move to a bigger club.

"Right now though I don’t see why he can’t stay for another two or three years. That will still only take him to 25.”

On the days when Maddison is absent from the back pages it’s always fair to assume that another Jack Grealish to Old Trafford story is there instead.

In this instance the ex-Villan believes that an imminent move might actually be on the cards. Follow our transfer betting odds to keep up with the latest developments...

"Not just in a ten-day spell with the under 21s or training with the England full team. But week in, week out. And I know that he can. I played with him when I was at Villa and he was just 15 and he could hold himself then.

"With England he will have spoken to people and they will have told him what it’s like at the bigger clubs. 100%."

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Sang Tan / AP Photo*