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.

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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.

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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.

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*

September 10, 2024

By Alex McMahon

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Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

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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.

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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.

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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*

September 10, 2024

By Alex McMahon

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Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
 

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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.

Sports Betting During Coronavirus Crisis


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*

May 8, 2020

By Steve Mullington

Steve Mullington
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    Steven is a sports and horse racing enthusiast and is a member of the Horseracing Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) in the United Kingdom.

    He is a regular visitor to Paris Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and a lifelong fan of the Aintree Grand National, a subject he writes about 52 weeks of the year. Last year he reached the impressive milestone of attending the last 30 renewals of the Grand National.

    Steven graduated from the University Of Lancaster in 1996 with a B.A (Hons) in Urban Policy & Race Relations (major) with Contemporary Religions & Belief Systems (minor) and still wonders if any of these help him find the winners?

    He writes for a number of websites and online publications and you can sometimes hear him at the weekend discussing racing on a number of local radio stations. 

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    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.

    “If you look at some of the youth players they have got, it’s their time to shine. They have seen it with Trent, who is basically the blueprint for that. I don’t see why the others can’t, and they will need to be stepping up.

    "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.

    “My relationship with Houllier was great and when people ask me who was the best manager I worked under I say it’s between him and Martin O’Neill.

    "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.

    “I just think Brendan Rodgers is a very good football coach and they have bought into his philosophy. He’s got a great philosophy that he implemented at Swansea, Liverpool and Celtic and it got him results.

    "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.

    Sports Betting During Coronavirus Crisis


    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...

    “I don’t think Grealish needs to move but I think he wants to. He is going away with the England team and holding his own but he will still want to prove something, to know that he can do it week in, week out.

    "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*

    May 5, 2020

    By 888sport

    888sport
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    The 888sport blog is here to offer betting and tipping advice on the biggest sports fixtures, events and competitions around the world.

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    We’ve focused on greyhound racing betting in the United Kingdom but it’s now time to look at greyhound action around the world.

    Racing sports are generally popular in Australia and the United States, as well as South Africa and France.

    Here, we look at greyhound betting and racing in four areas outside the UK.

    888sport is the place to be for the latest greyhounds news, tips and betting odds – you will be a greyhound expert in no time!

    https://www.888sport.com/blog/football-prediction

    Greyhound Betting In Australia

    With a grand total of 65 greyhound venues across the country, Australia is one of the most popular regions in the world for greyhounds racing.

    Some of the most famous greyhounds of all-time raced in Australia for the entirety of their careers and greyhound betting regulars will be familiar with the biggest names in the racing industry.

    The Melbourne Cup for greyhounds is regarded as the most lucrative greyhound race in the world, with a prize pot of over £300,000.

    If you want to watch greyhound racing outside the UK, Australia is the place to be.


    United States Greyhound Betting

    With a similar number of racetracks in the United States, greyhound racing has a long and rich history in North America.

    America is home to close to 70 racetracks and greyhound venues across the country – an impressive figure to say the least.

    Betting on greyhounds in the United States is easy with 888sport, with daily markets on meetings across the nation.

    You can watch greyhounds via our live streaming service and follow the latest races online.

    While greyhound racing is in decline compared to horse racing, sport fans can watch and bet on greyhounds throughout the week.

     

    Greyhound Betting – New Zealand

    There are a grand total of 11 racing clubs in New Zealand who manage racetracks across the country.

    Greyhound racing in New Zealand is relatively niche, with an estimated 700 dogs bred each year specifically with racing in mind.

    South Africa Greyhound Betting

    Greyhound racing is strictly an amateur sport in South Africa.

    No spectators are allowed to attend any greyhound events and racing has been banned as a professional sport since 1946.

    Unusually, greyhounds are kept with owners and not trainers in South Africa.

    Horse racing is huge across the country but greyhound racing is still relatively small fry.

    April 30, 2020

    By Alex McMahon

    Alex McMahon Sport
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    Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

    He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

    As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
     

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    Lewis Hamilton is second all-time in world titles and race wins. He’s entered 250 consecutive races, comfortably a record, and only eight drivers ever have competed in more races.

    He’s won a race in 13 consecutive seasons, a feat only bettered by Michael Schumacher’s 15. He’s got 20 more poles than anyone in the history of Formula One.

    Hamilton is without doubt one of the greatest racing drivers ever, and to many he’s already surpassed Ayrton Senna, Juan Manuel Fangio and Schumacher to sit top of that podium too.

    For a sportsperson of Hamilton’s standing, his reputation – in the UK at least – isn’t befitting. Formula One’s stature, and the importance of the team, plays a part in that.

    Hamilton divides opinion too – the revelations of the Paradise Papers a significant factor.

    The morality of taxation, and how it should impact the public perception of a celebrity or sportsperson, is complex. Even before the controversy surrounding his private jet, Hamilton didn’t receive the adulation of other sporting superstars.

    Hamilton has suffered racist abuse throughout his career, and as recently as last year, Rio Ferdinand pointed to ‘racist’ undertones in the coverage of Hamilton.

    To look at the underappreciation of Hamilton, there’s plenty to consider, and race is clearly an important part in that. Hamilton was the first, and remains the only, black driver to race in Formula One.

    The six-time champion has been impacted by racial abuse; he has overcome discrimination. It shouldn’t be controversial to suggest black athletes are treated differently. Hamilton, like many others, has been on the receiving end of that.

    The mix between admiring sporting success with how people view a person is complicated.

    It is possible to respect a person’s achievements while disagreeing with their behaviour elsewhere, but Hamilton’s level of acceptance in the British public doesn’t feel like it has struck a balance.

    Despite the Paradise Papers, the opinion of Hamilton is disproportionately low compared to other sportspeople who have less than perfect non-sport lives.

    Finding Hamilton annoying or disliking Formula One shouldn’t discredit what he has achieved.

    Perhaps you don’t tune in when he’s on Graeme Norton, or you don’t settle down for the British Grand Prix, but that doesn’t have to equal dislike, which Hamilton receives.


    Hamilton riles people up in a way that very few other sportspeople do, and the public treatment of him is disproportionately negative for someone at the very top of motorsport.

    The 35-year-old is only one Drivers’ Championship behind Schumacher. He’s come out on top in two great F1 driver rivalries, going toe-to-toe with Fernando Alonso and duelling with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes.

    As the next generation, led by Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, ascend, Hamilton still stands firm atop the Formula One mountain. Deep into his thirties and with 250 races under his belt, Hamilton is the man to beat, he’s the driver you least want in your mirrors.

    Hamilton will remain at the top of F1 betting online until he retires. As long as the partnership with Mercedes continues, he will be among the favourites to add to his tally of six world titles.

    Hamilton, Peter Bonnington, Toto Wolff and hundreds of others have formed a winning machine.

    He has changed as a driver from the ultra-aggressive rookie, there’s unquestionably more caution in the latter years of his career, but it hasn’t significantly compromised the raw pace.

    That, paired with an improving ability to eke every inch out of the car and tyres, makes Hamilton a force that shows no sign of slowing down.

    Sports Betting During Coronavirus Crisis


    Formula One is relatively niche in the UK, sitting behind cricket, tennis, football, rugby and perhaps a few others. The British Grand Prix was overshadowed by the Wimbledon and cricket World Cup finals last summer.

    Hamilton, though, is bigger than his sport. He’s a celebrity in his own right (which irritates some), and earned the 10th-most among athletes in the 2010s. Hamilton is a sporting giant, the most successful British sportsperson of the 21st century.

    What he has achieved on the track is oft downplayed. How his success is valued is ultimately subjective, but being the first black driver in Formula One, and becoming arguably the greatest ever, should never be devalued.

    He has challenged racial politics and looked to open doors for kids like him to make their way into Formula One.

    Hamilton is a modern great. He doesn’t have to be everyone’s favourite but appreciating sporting brilliance doesn’t require an acceptance of everything they have done as a person.

    If it did, there are suddenly a lot of athletes we cannot applaud. He doesn’t have to be adored. His latest clothing line doesn’t have to be popular. His sporting achievements, though, are unrivalled.

    It isn’t often a Brit has a legitimate claim as the greatest ever – Hamilton deserves much more appreciation for that feat alone.

     

    *Credit for the main photo belongs to Luca Bruno / AP Photo*

    April 30, 2020
    Body

    Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

    He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

    Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

    Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

    Sam Cox
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    Playing for Real Madrid is a childhood dream for millions of football fans around the world. When Los Blancos come calling, few players turn them down.

    They are the most successful European club team ever, and offer wages befitting of the stardom of pulling on the famous white shirt. 

    Arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu comes with adulation. There’s a ceremony featuring keepy-uppies and handshakes in front of a stand of fans.

    It is meant to be the pinnacle of a footballer’s career, arriving on the greatest stage of all, a worldwide fan base watching your every move.

    With such limelight comes immense pressure, a spotlight that is unrivalled even at other superclubs.

    The standard to succeed at the Bernabeu is that much greater, and the footsteps a new player is following are that much more challenging.

    For a superstar signing to be deemed a success in Madrid takes more than it does elsewhere – the Bernabeu faithful are the harshest critics on the planet, and they aren’t renowned for their patience.

    Real Madrid betting odds reflect that expectation. This isn’t a club accustomed to going a few seasons without a title, and it seemed like a lifetime when they had to wait over a decade to win their 10th European Cup.

    Many players and managers tried and failed between 2002 and 2014. Hunger to succeed is what makes a successful team into perennial winners. Real, from ownership to fan base, have that in bucket loads.

    Their ambition is to always be the best team on the planet, to reign supreme over La Liga and keep their significant lead in the European Cup winners’ table.

    Their pattern of recruitment to meet such aims has fluctuated over the years.

    The first round of Galácticos was followed by a shrewder period before the Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka signings marked another spell of big-name pursuing.

    With Ronaldo gone and Gareth Bale likely on his way out, Madrid spent big last summer to finally sign Eden Hazard, and have since been linked with an array of Europe’s best including Paul Pogba, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

    Hazard’s move to Spain was long-awaited, but injuries and poor form saw his first season end in disappointment. At 29 years old, the Belgian winger may only have one or two peak seasons left.

    His return of nine La Liga starts, one goal and one assist puts him under pressure to deliver and will already have some Real fans growing frustrated.

    Players who moved earlier in their careers like Dutch duo Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben played two seasons apiece at the Bernabeu, but neither established themselves as key players.

    It wasn’t the environment for younger talents to thrive in, and clearly wasn’t the best place for either to develop.

    Sneijder quickly became one of the best players in the world when he moved to Inter, thriving in Jose Mourinho’s treble-winning side, and Robben enjoyed 10 great seasons with Bayern Munich.

    Each of the aforementioned players have/had different relationships with the fans. Bale was obviously the least positive, despite delivering in one of the biggest derbies in world football.

    A moment of El Clasico brilliance alone does not guarantee long-term adoration the Real fan base.

    Joining Real often means a change in role. They have plucked star players from around the globe and thrown them together, meaning players who were previously the best on their team become role players.

    It is the price players know they will have to pay for the transfer, and many will think they can excel even in a squad loaded with starpower.

    Michael Owen went to Madrid as a Ballon d’Or winner, supposedly on course to be one of England’s greatest ever. Injuries had started to trouble Owen, however, and fitness issues paired with time on the bench saw his career stall in Madrid.

    Owen’s injuries would have halted his career to a degree wherever he was playing, but the added pressure of the Bernabeu played a part.

    The combination of time in the physio’s room and competition for places altered Owen’s career for the worse. Real Madrid vs Getafe results can be found on sports news websites...

    The list goes beyond Bale, Sneijder, Robben and Owen. Kaka and James Rodriguez are two others that could be included.

    Saying no to Real Madrid must be almost impossible, regardless of the pay rise on offer. The prestige of the club, what it means to be a success at the Bernabeu, is a lure too strong for the vast majority of footballers.

    The club’s glamour is part of its pull, but that exaggerated profile is part of what makes it a career gamble.

    Some of the best players of the 21st century have disappointed in Madrid, falling short of near-unachievable expectations or been crippled by injuries.

    While winning over the Bernabeu support can elevate a player’s standing in the game, a troubled time in the Spanish capital can just as easily pull the handbrake on a star’s development or dampen their legacy.

    Bale, perhaps, is the strangest example of all. He has scored crucial goals and been a key member of the squad during a very successful spell, but conflict with management and persistent injuries have cast a lengthy shadow over his time in Spain.

    He never lived up to being Cristiano Ronaldo mark two – that doesn’t make him a failure.

    Hopefully Bale’s years in Spain are reflected on more positively once he retires, once the dust settles on the magical moments and the peculiar public comments from the club fade into history.

    For others, though, Real Madrid was a negative period of their career, even if they enjoyed success at every other club they went to.

    Playing for Real is different. It’s a unique challenge of a player on and off the field. While it will always be a dream for many, it isn’t always the best option.

    888sport offer football odds on all things Real Madrid, including betting options on who their next big signing could be.

    *Credit for the main photo belongs to Andres Kudacki / AP Photo*

    April 30, 2020
    Body

    Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

    He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

    Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

    Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

    Sam Cox
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