The Premier League is widely regarded as the best domestic football competition on the planet. While some doubt how competitive the Premier League is these days, it is hard to argue against the view that England’s top flight is the greatest in football.
Some of the greatest footballers of all-time have played in the Premier League, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Steven Gerrard and Thierry Henry putting on a show for the millions of fans around the world.
But which players have made the most appearances in Premier League history? Scroll down to take our Premier League appearances quiz and put your football knowledge to the test. A few of the top spots may surprise you...
We’re generous here at 888sport with offers and promotions so we’ll get you started. The footballer in the image at the top of the page makes the cut – though we’re pretty sure that 99.9% of players wouldn’t have forgotten him!
So, what are you waiting for? Get stuck into our football quiz while we wait for the English Premier League betting odds to return in the near future. Best of luck – let us know how you get on!
Time for the answers…
Gareth Barry – 653 Premier League appearances
Photo credit: Dave Thompson / AP Photo
Ryan Giggs – 632 Premier League appearances
Frank Lampard – 609 Premier League appearances
David James – 572 Premier League appearances
Gary Speed – 535 Premier League appearances
James Milner – 534 Premier League appearances
Emile Heskey – 516 Premier League appearances
Mark Schwarzer – 514 Premier League appearances
Jamie Carragher – 508 Premier League appearances
Phil Neville – 505 Premier League appearances
Photo credit: Jon Super / AP Photo
Rio Ferdinand – 504 Premier League appearances
Steven Gerrard – 504 Premier League appearances
Sol Campbell – 503 Premier League appearances
Paul Scholes – 499 Premier League appearances
Jermain Defoe – 496 Premier League appearances
John Terry – 492 Premier League appearances
Wayne Rooney – 491 Premier League appearances
Michael Carrick – 481 Premier League appearances
Sylvain Distin – 469 Premier League appearances
Peter Crouch – 468 Premier League appearances
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Jon Super / AP Photo*
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.
Everybody wants to keep up with the latest football gossip. Whether that’s players falling out on the training pitch or the latest transfer rumours, speculation is part of the sport – and that is evident when it comes to the personal lives of footballers around the world.
We all want to know the latest hints and gossip and WAGs news is always popular in the football world. Who are the hottest WAGs in the Premier League? Which WAGs attended the 2018 World Cup? Who are the most popular WAGs in football? These are just a few of the questions that people want to know.
Here, we look at the most famous football WAGs, as well as a look at when the term was first used and how its popularity has grown around the world. Without further ado, let’s dive into the world of footballers’ wives and girlfriends.
Football WAGs – Where Did The Term Come From?
Cast your minds back to the 2002 World Cup. The term WAGs was coined in the build-up to the tournament in Japan and South Korea, with the England wives and girlfriends spending time together during the competition.
According to football betting and news reports, the first use of WAGs can be attributed to staff at the Jumeirah Beach Club in Dubai. The England camp did indeed spend time at the resort prior to the 2002 World Cup.
The use of WAGs rocketed in the coming years and it was common practice by the time the 2006 World Cup came around. Newspapers and publications all over the world were using WAGs as a term for the partners.
WAGs have sometimes been painted in a negative light – mainly due to tabloids producing cringey, judgemental headlines. However, it is important to remember that many WAGs are successful in their own right and don’t simply rely on their footballer for the lifestyle.
Premier League WAGs:
Looking back through the history of Premier League WAGs, Victoria Beckham and Coleen Rooney stand out as the most popular and famous wives in football.
Victoria made a name for herself as a member of the Spice Girls in the early 1990s before marrying the then-Manchester United midfielder David Beckham in 1999.
Victoria is the dominant figure in WAGs culture and the couple have an estimated net worth of $450 million. The Beckham brand is now one of the most popular in the world…
Meanwhile, Coleen met Wayne when she was just 12 years old and they’ve been a couple since the age of 16. They got married in Italy back in 2008 and have four children together.
If you asked someone to name the first WAG to come into their head, Coleen Rooney would probably be the answer. She is undoubtedly the nation’s favourite WAG.
Arsenal WAGs:
Leonita Lekaj
Lekaj married Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka in July 2017 before giving birth to daughter Ayana in October 2019. She is a frequent match-goer at the Emirates Stadium.
She is one of the most well-known Arsenal wives and Lekaj is a real hit on Instagram, with over 200,000 followers as of April 2020. Xhaka has struggled at times on the pitch but he’s certainly a winner off it.
Vjosa Kaba
Kaba tied the knot with Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi in the summer of 2016 – more or less the same time the Germany international agreed to join the north London club from La Liga side Valencia.
The couple have two children together and this brunette beauty has over 24,000 followers on Instagram. Kaba and Mustafi have managed to keep their private life under wraps but she is easily one of the top Arsenal WAGs to follow.
Liverpool WAGs:
Alex Curran
A model and columnist for the Daily Mirror, Curran was part of the original WAGs brigade at the 2006 World Cup. She has been married to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard since 2007 and the couple have four children together.
Curran and Gerrard are two huge figures in the football world; the latter will go down as one of the club’s best players while the former is one of the most popular Liverpool WAGs.
Perrie Edwards
Edwards has been dating Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain since February 2017 and she could soon be partner to a title winner if the Premier League Odds are right.
The two went viral on social media after The Ox uploaded a TikTok of the pair dancing while in self-isolation. Edwards is part of the biggest girl band on the planet and she is forming quite the football power couple alongside Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Manchester City WAGs:
Paige Milian
Milian met Raheem Sterling during his time at Queens Park Rangers and she made the hard decision to move to Liverpool with the England youngster back in 2010. Since then, the couple have got engaged and have a three-year-old son named Thiago.
The two are often pictured out and about in Manchester together, with Milian taking a focal role in Sterling’s private life. Milian is a social influencer while also heading up the Milian Property Group.
Lais Moraes
Married to Brazil goalkeeper Ederson for well over three years, Moraes is easily one of the most attractive Manchester City WAGs. Her partner is known for his performances on the pitch but Moraes is just as eye-catching off it.
The couple have been touted as the most loved-up pair in the Premier League and they already have two children together. Moraes is an ever-present at the Etihad Stadium to watch her husband play.
Manchester United WAGs:
Edurne Garcia
Known as Edurne, the Spaniard has been in a long-term relationship with Manchester United shot stopper David de Gea since 2010. They are one of the Premier League’s top power couples in recent years.
Supremely talented, Edurne is a successful singer and she represented Spain at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest. In addition, she is also a television presenter and also acts and models on the side. Just like her partner, she’s a keeper.
Photo credit: Ronald Zak / AP Photo
Melanie Da Cruz
Engaged to Manchester United forward Anthony Martial since last spring, Da Cruz is a real stunner. Look at any list of the hottest Manchester United WAGs and she will almost certainly make the cut.
Martial isn’t a leading contender in the Player of the Year odds but he’s onto a winner with Da Cruz off the pitch. Watch this space, this pair can shine in Manchester for years to come.
Serie A WAGs:
Italy’s top flight is one of the most popular leagues in world football and the WAGs culture is similar to that of the Premier League. Here are two of the most famous Serie A WAGs…
Wanda Nara
The wife and agent of Inter Milan and Argentina forward Mauro Icardi, Nara is a jack of all trades. She has enjoyed success in the theatre, as a television personality and as a model.
According to reports, Nara is pushing for Paris Saint-Germain to allow Icardi to return to Inter Milan – the San Siro side are well fancied in Italian Serie A betting odds to claim the title.
Sam Cooke
Cooke was a successful glamour model for various magazines in the UK and she quickly developed her brand across the world – she was the poster woman for a number of popular publications.
Now married to AS Roma defender Chris Smalling, Cooke has close ties to modelling agency Girl Management. She is one of the most stunning Serie A WAGs in football.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Claude Paris / AP Photo*
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.
The Grand National has been a sporting institution since its inaugural running in 1839. Rather aptly a horse called Lottery won the very first race and Captain Becher fell at the brook which dissects the racecourse, and of course the rest is history!
In those early days, horses jumped a stone wall, crossed over fields and finished over two hurdles, but fortunately health and safety and the welfare of horses has made the contest a much fairer spectacle in the subsequent years.
The Grand National has made household names out of the likes of Red Rum, Aldaniti, Ginger McCain and Jenny Pitman, whilst fences such as Becher’s Brook, The Chair and the Canal Turn are that familiar to worldwide audiences that they regularly feature in general knowledge quizzes around the globe.
In honour of world’s greatest steeplechase, here is our very own Grand National Quiz. Let’s see how you get on?
Grand National Quiz: Questions
Sir Anthony McCoy finally won the 2010 Grand National aboard Don’t Push It, but how many unsuccessful attempts did he have prior to his victory?
Who was the first female jockey to complete the Grand National?
Complete the missing runner from the 1988 result 1.Rhyme ‘N’ Reason 2. ______ 3.Monanore 4.West Tip
Which winner of the race, since the turn of the millennium, was named after his owner’s holiday home?
The legendary Red Rum was successful in 1973, ‘74 and ’77 but where did Ginger McCain do most of his training with him?
Which horse holds the record for the fastest winning time in the Grand National?
How many times did jockey Paul Moloney finish in the top four places without winning?
Which horse “won” the void Grand National in 1993?
How many female trainers in total have won the Grand National?
Lots of interesting names have been allocated to the Grand National fences over the years, but what is the fence jumped as the 3rd and the 19th know as?
Grand National Quiz Answers...
Sir Anthony McCoy finally won the 2010 Grand National aboard Don’t Push It, but how many unsuccessful attempts did he have prior to his victory?
Answer: McCoy won the National on his 15th attempt, so the answer is 14. McCoy’s win was also a just reward for his legions of fans that had kept the faith with him through thick and thin over the previous 14 years.
Who was the first female jockey to complete the Grand National?
Answer: Geraldine Rees became the first woman to complete the course in 1982 when riding a horse called Cheers. The pairing managed to finish the race in eighth and last place.
Complete the missing runner from the 1988 result: 1.Rhyme ‘N’ Reason 2. ______ 3.Monanore 4.West Tip
Answer: Durham Edition. The Arthur Stephenson trained Durham Edition was to miss out twice, firstly to Rhyme ‘N’ Reason then again in 1990 to Mr Frisk.
Which winner of the race, since the turn of the millennium, was named after his owner’s holiday home?
Answer: Named after his owner Bernard Carroll’s holiday home in Portugal, Numbersixvalverde gave jockey Niall “slippers” Madden a thrilling win on his first Grand National ride, aged just 20, in 2006.
The legendary Red Rum was successful in 1973, ‘74 and ’77 but where did Ginger McCain do most of his training with him?
Answer: People have been captivated by the tale of the people’s champion who exercised on Southport Beach for many years, and in 2020 a mural was commissioned by Sefton Council in his honour.
It was painted by Paul Curtis and can be found by the promenade on a gable end wall at the top of Scarisbrick Avenue, Southport.
Which horse holds the record for the fastest winning time in the Grand National?
Answer: The horse with the fastest time was the Kim Bailey-trained and Marcus Armytage-ridden Mr Frisk in 1990. He completed the course in a staggering 8 minutes and 47.8 seconds on going described as firm.
How many times did jockey Paul Moloney finish in the top four places without winning?
Answer: Maloney finished in the first four seven times and came closest to success aboard Cappa Bleu, who was the runner-up to Auroras Encore in 2013.
Remarkably all of those seven places were in the colours of William and Angela Rucker, who owned his other two mounts, State Of Play and Alvarado.
Which horse “won” the void Grand National in 1993?
Answer: Esha Ness. The 1993 Grand National was declared void after two false starts reduced the race to a horse racing farce.
When 30 of the 39 riders failed to realise a false start had been called and set off around the racetrack, the Jockey Club had no option but to void the race.
Esha Ness, a 50-1 outsider trained by Jenny Pitman and ridden by John White, was called home by Sir Peter O'Sullevan as the winner of "the National that surely isn't".
How many female trainers have won the Grand National?
Answer: Jenny Pitman, Venetia Williams, Sue Smith and Lucinda Russell have all saddled Grand National winners, making a total of four women in all.
Jenny Pitman became the first woman to train a Grand National winner when Corbiere was successful in 1983. She then gained compensation for the 1993 debacle when Royal Athlete became her second winner, at odds of 40/1 in the Grand National betting.
The next Grand National winner trained by a woman was Venetia Williams’ 100/1-shot Mon Mome who was successful in 2009.
Sue Smith became the third woman to join that esteemed list of female trainers when Auroras Encore came home first in 2013, whilst Lucinda Russell became the last female name on the Grand National’s roll of honour when her One For Arthur took the 2017 spoils.
Lots of interesting names have been allocated to the Grand National fences over the years, but what is the fence jumped as the 3rd and the 19th know as?
Answer: At 5ft high, this open ditch is also known as ‘Westhead’ after the late Steve Westhead who was one of Aintree’s fence builders and worked at Aintree Racecourse in the 1970’s.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Jon Super / AP Photo*
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.
With the 2020 sporting calendar impacted around the world, sport fans will be looking to find a list of events that are still going on – either with matches behind closed doors or online competitive e-sports.
The Premier League, Champions League, US Masters and French Open are just a few of the upcoming sport competitions that are postponed for the time being but 888sport is the place to be for daily updates regarding future sport events.
Here, sport fans can find the latest information regarding matches, tournaments and events that are happening in the next few days. We will be updating this page daily so be sure to check back to get your sporting fix throughout the week.
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.
The arrival of Jose Mourinho used to be synonymous with a team becoming football betting favourites. The second act of Mourinho’s career has not been the same.
Following an historic Champions League win with Porto, Mourinho won Chelsea their first league title in half a century, developing a core of a team that went on to win everything there is to win.
A trip to Milan came next – Mourinho built a resolute team of veterans to secure another unlikely Champions League triumph. A European tour had always seemed probable for Mourinho, and it continued with the big one: Real Madrid.
His spell in the Spanish capital coincided with one of the greatest teams to play the game pulling on the blue and garnet of Barcelona.
Mourinho won a solitary league title in his spell in Spain, faced criticism from the press and had some challenging relationships with players.
Smiley on his return to Chelsea, Mourinho brought that trademark resilience back to west London, going close at his first, despite being outsiders in the Premier League outright odds, before lifting his third title as Blues manager.
The demise was, once again, ugly. He left Chelsea languishing in 16th in the top flight table.
Manchester United, a job he had been linked with throughout his career, was next. There were trophies, and a lot of expectation management, but Mourinho was seldom happy.
Public criticism of players was the standout of his spell, and something that has reappeared at Tottenham.
Mourinho was a friend to his players at Porto and Chelsea first time round. He was an arm-round-the-shoulder manager, and while still a provocateur of opponents, he had a distinct charm.
The football was often turgid, but Mourinho was box office, and his players loved him.
The teams were not perfect tactically (if any team is), and the Champions League failings at Chelsea were brutal. There was no question about which manager you would take to win a one-off match, though.
Mourinho was the master of mind games and outmanoeuvring his opponent, which continued through his decorated spell at Inter.
Pressure is higher at Real Madrid than any other club in the world.
It took its toll on Mourinho, despite his side rattling in the goals and playing some thrilling counter-attacking football, he was a different man, and as a by-product a different manager, after his time in Spain.
Photo credit: Dave Caulkin / AP Photo
The second spell at Chelsea saw the honeymoon happiness end earlier than the first. The early, cheery Mourinho was barely seen at Manchester United.
There has always been a sense that appointing Mourinho is an investment in short-term gain with the knowledge there could be longer-term pain as a result. He’s always been a win-right-this-second football manager.
Short-term gain was fine when he won league titles. The period of gain has shrunk to the point that clubs are getting third season Mourinho in his first campaign.
Although a ferocious competitor who will win at all costs, there was no question he was enjoying himself in the 2000s. Since then, though, his competitiveness has transitioned all too often to spite, ruining relationships with players and directors swiftly.
The on-field product that once seemed pragmatic now seems like over-the-top negativity, a desire to avoid defeat overshadowing any plan to win.
Moving from club to club, with the reputation as the guarantee of success, brings incomprehensible pressure. It’s pressure that few on the planet can understand.
The drama, the sheer Mourinho-ness, of Jose’s career must have been exhausting, even for a man that seemed to thrive in the spotlight.
Once unbeatable in the biggest matches, Mourinho’s presence on the touchline has the near-opposite impact in Premier League betting.
Maybe it would be different if he had the best squad in the league once again, maybe he would start to enjoy it again. Maybe his teams would be set up differently.
For now, though, the results Mourinho achieves do not put him among the best in the world.
Mourinho’s highest level was so high, it’s no insult to say that’s now unattainable. The peak performances of his teams are tumbling, and the enjoyable period at the start of his tenures is shortening.
The charismatic, motivating force of the early 2000s is long gone. Mourinho remains a modern great, with a barely rivalled CV, but his time at the very top of the sport has passed.
Reputation alone will likely see him pick up high-profile jobs as long as he desires, though there are often better options available.
He’s a different character from the peak of managerial powers. His tactics are bordering on anachronistic. There has been a clear path of progression for much of Mourinho’s managerial career – that is no longer the case.
Nobody knows what the next step will be, but it’s unlikely to be at a Champions League challenging a club. Perhaps it’s time for a move to international football.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Antonio Calanni / AP Photo*
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.
It has long been the ambition of many a football fan to visit every stadium in the Football League.
While the 92 is now temporarily the 91 for the rest of the 2019/20 season after the expulsion of Bury, it is still a tricky task trying to remember every club across the top four tiers of English football.
You don’t need to be an Italian Serie A betting expert or a Spanish La Liga aficionado to name all of the teams in those divisions but you do need extensive knowledge of English football to recall every Football League club across the country.
Placing football bets on the top four tiers of English football is not uncommon and many fans will be able to name the vast majority of clubs.
But can you do it while on the clock? Scroll down to get involved in our latest sports quiz now!
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.
All eyes will be on the Belarus Premier League this weekend. While most domestic leagues across Europe are on hold for now, football goes ahead in Belarus and 888sport punters will notice… Up For 8 is back!
Yes, that’s right – our free football predictor game is back. Get involved now for your chance to win up to £8,000, simply make your picks on all eight Belarus Premier League fixtures in the pool before Friday’s 3pm deadline to enter.
If you need any help with your selections, our writer is here with his football tips and odds on this weekend’s matches. Without further ado, scroll down for our Belarus Premier League tips, starting with Belshina Bobruisk vs Gorodeya…
FRIDAY 3RD APRIL
Belshina Bobruisk vs Gorodeya (3pm)
Belshina have struggled to make an impression this season, losing both league games since returning to the Belarus Premier League. However, this contest offers a genuine chance of victory – and they will need to win games like this to avoid relegation.
Currently rooted to the bottom of the table, Gorodeya have been slow out of the blocks this year. The visitors have failed to score in each of their two fixtures this season and we could be set for a low-scoring affair at Spartak Stadium on Friday afternoon.
This probably won’t turn out to be the game of the weekend. I’ve gone with the hosts (5/4) in my Up For 8 tips but not with any real confidence.
TIP: Belshina Bobruisk to win @ 5/4
Dinamo Minsk vs Torpedo Belaz Zhodino (5pm)
One of the most famous teams in Belarussian football, Dinamo Minsk have slumped to back-to-back defeats to start 2020. However, their poor run will surely end at some point in the near future and this is an ideal opportunity for the hosts to kickstart their season.
Photo credit: Sergei Grits / AP Photo
The visitors haven’t been flashy but they have been efficient and effective, winning both of their matches by the odd goal. Torpedo-Belaz Zhodino do not have the prestige or history of Dinamo Minsk but they will be difficult to break down based on their recent efforts.
The 27/25 available for Dinamo Minsk to prevail is exceptional value. Yes, they’ve struggled in recent games but class should tell in this contest.
TIP: Dinamo Minsk to win @ 27/25
SATURDAY 4TH APRIL
Shakhtyor Soligorsk vs Neman Grodno (1:30pm)
Shakhtyor were touted as outside contenders to win the Belarus Premier League before the start of the 2020 season but the hosts have been a bit of a mixed bag in recent weeks. Can last week’s away win over Gorodeya kickstart their campaign?
Meanwhile, Neman are unlikely to challenge at the top of the table but should be strong enough to avoid relegation. Unfortunately, they are one of a few clubs stuck in mid-table limbo but they are certainly capable of securing a major scalp every now and then.
I can’t see that happening on Saturday though. The hosts will be looking to run riot and the 33/100 should be snapped up for a Shakhtyor win.
After a slow start to the 2020 campaign, BATE can claim their first points of the season on Saturday afternoon. The hosts finished second in the table last season but have failed to inspire confidence in recent games – that will change sooner rather than later.
Ruh Brest sent shockwaves across the Belarus Premier League when beating Dinamo Minsk on the opening weekend. However, the visitors slumped to a disappointing home defeat last time out and Aleksandr Sednyov will be demanding an improved effort from his players.
It isn’t much of a price but BATE should prove too strong for their opponents here. Take the 3/10 for a comfortable home triumph.
TIP: BATE to win @ 3/10
Dinamo Brest vs Slavia Mozyr (5:30pm)
Crowned champions for the first time in 2019, Dinamo Brest are unbeaten in two league games this season. The hosts lost just once in 30 Belarus Premier League matches last year so punters will be expecting Dinamo Brest to go close in their pursuit of glory here.
However, Slavia Mozyr surprised everyone when beating BATE last weekend and another upset on Saturday night will enhance their status as contenders. While you could make a viable case for BATE starting slowly, Slavia were well worth the three points in that clash.
Dinamo Brest are red hot favourites to prevail but I think the draw (17/5) is worth chancing at much better odds.
TIP: Match to be drawn @ 17/5
SUNDAY 5TH APRIL
Energetik BGU vs FC Minsk (12pm)
Both teams head into this contest with 100% winning records and Energetik BGU will be quietly confident on home turf. The hosts were dominant against BATE on the opening weekend and they have lost just one of their last five home games in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Minsk snatched an impressive victory over rivals Dinamo Minsk last time out. An opening day success over newly promoted Belshina was nothing to shout about but the way they played on that day suggests they are dark horses in the Belarus Premier League.
The first goal could be crucial in this contest and I’m going with Minsk (5/4) to edge past their opponents on Sunday afternoon.
Vitebsk lost just six home league games in 2019 but most of those came in the second half of the campaign. The hosts secured a narrow victory over Gorodeya last weekend and fans will be hoping to make it back-to-back home wins to start the new season.
Having secured promotion to the Belarus Premier League last season, Smolevichy’s main aim is to avoid relegation. The visitors beat Vitebsk in the Belazovets Friendly Tournament back in January and some punters will be tempted to back Smolevichy to claim three points here.
Both teams have scored just one goal apiece this campaign and it would be foolish to expect fireworks. The 5/4 for a home win carries most appeal.
TIP: Vitebsk to win @ 5/4
FC Isloch vs FC Slutsk (4pm)
Isloch have done what they’ve needed to do so far this season. Two wins from two games with two goals scored doesn’t exactly scream title contenders but supporters are quietly confident of a strong campaign – a third win in a row will only enhance those aspirations.
Photo credit: Sergei Grits / AP Photo
Meanwhile, Slutsk fell short against Dinamo Brest last time out but looked strong enough against Slavia-Mozyr on the opening weekend. The visitors have plenty of potential but consistency has been an issue for a number of years and results are so up and down.
Again, this is another tricky contest to predict. If in doubt, side with the home team and 3/4 for Isloch to prevail could be the way to go.
TIP: FC Isloch to win @ 3/4
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Sergei Grits / AP Photo*
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.
The Indian Premier League changed cricket. Its compressed tournament, enormous crowds and lucrative contracts have forced tweaks to the cricketing calendar and been the catalyst for a string of copycat leagues.
Players cannot turn down the riches on offer. Teams benefit from their stars competing against the best in the world.
The world’s best T20 players gather in India for a few weeks of cricketing chaos. An auction takes place a few months prior to the tournament, allowing each team to hunt for bargains.
It isn’t bargains that make the headlines – the biggest names in the sport are the ones that go for the big bucks.
Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dohni and Virat Kohli are just three examples of highly paid Indian players. The restriction on overseas players makes the Indian stars particularly valuable.
In this piece, we’re taking a run through five of the most expensive overseas players in IPL history…
Pat Cummins to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2020 (15.5 crores)
Ranked as the best Test bowler on the planet, Pat Cummins sits down in 17th in T20 cricket, but that didn’t put the Kolkata Knight Riders off making him the highest paid overseas player in IPL history a few months ago.
Photo credit: James Elsby / AP Photo
The 15.5 crores price breaks Ben Stokes’ record, as KKR construct a superb bowling unit. Lockie Ferguson and Harry Gurney will be competing for selection alongside Cummins, Kuldeep Yadav, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine.
Kolkata are one of the favourites for the 2020 IPL. Cummins’ signing is a risk, and it’s a surprise to see a non-all-rounder break Stokes’ record, but his addition could tip this bowling attack from good to great.
Ben Stokes to Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017 (14.5 crores)
The 14.5 crores to play for Rising Pune Supergiant was a record at the time.
Having established himself as an elite all-rounder by the late 2010s, however, Stokes received another monster payday the following year when Rajasthan Royals stumped up 12.5 crores for his services to team him up with Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler.
Stokes hasn’t played his best cricket in the IPL. England’s World Cup and Ashes hero posted a strike rate below 125 in the 2019 and 2018 editions of the tournament and failed to pass 50 on either occasion. An 11.82 economy with the ball in 2019 was alarming.
Archer, Stokes and Buttler remain on the Royals, along with England teammate Tom Curran and skipper Steve Smith. Andrew Tye and Varun Aaron are two good fast bowling options while David Miller and Sanju Samson provide yet more power.
Tymal Mills to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2017 (12 crores)
A left-arm T20 specialist, Tymal Mills had all the skills to thrive in the IPL.
Having played for England against India, switching between humiliating slower balls and 90mph deliveries, Mills attracted the attention of Royal Challengers Bangalore and went for a massive 12 crores.
Runners up in 2016, RCB were looking to Mills as a Mitchell Starc replacement. It wasn’t to be for the Sussex quick, however, as he played just five matches as Royal Challengers finished bottom of the table.
Mills picked up five wickets and went at an economy of over 8.5. He hasn’t returned to the IPL since.
David Warner to Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2020 (12 crores)
David Warner was retained by Sunrisers for a whopping 12 crores as he looks for his team to repeat their success of 2016. Warner remains one of the most destructive batsmen on the planet - unless he’s facing Stuart Broad in England, that is...
Warner is accompanied by Ashes foe Jonny Bairstow and New Zealand’s star man Kane Williamson. In Mohamed Nabi, Rashid Khan and Mitchell Marsh they have plenty of overseas all-rounder options, too.
The Australian left-hander is ranked 18th in the world when it comes to T20 cricket, but there are few players more intimidating for new ball bowlers.
Glenn Maxwell to Kings XI Punjab in 2020 (10.75 crores)
Glenn Maxwell is a good example of why you should watch the IPL. Maxwell is one of the game’s best power hitters, bowls handy spin in the middle overs and has a knack for the spectacular in the outfield.
Photo credit: Alastair Grant / AP Photo
Playing for the Kings XI Punjab, Maxwell will be in the same batting line-up as KL Rahul and Chris Gayle. The IPL creates unusual pairings, and that’s part of its appeal. Every cricket fan wants to see Gayle and Maxwell in full flow together.
The 2020 IPL auction was all about Australia with 11 going in the auction and two more being picked up in the recall rounds. Maxwell was the second-most expensive, but he might have the biggest impact of all.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Michael Sheehan / AP Photo*
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.
With the 2020 Grand National postponed this year, horse racing fans around the world will be looking to find a major meeting to follow instead. Step forward the 2020 Virtual Grand National – which will be broadcast LIVE on ITV on Saturday evening.
Our horse racing tips and news expert has already produced a 2020 Virtual Grand National preview ahead of this weekend’s big race. Without further ado, scroll down to access all of the ‘need to know’ information regarding the event.
When Is The 2020 Virtual Grand National?
This year’s Virtual Grand National will take place at 5:15pm BST on Saturday 4th April 2020. As is the case in the real-life race, 40 runners will go to post in a bid to claim victory in one of the biggest races of the year.
Carm Productions are the company at the centre of producing the Virtual Grand National, with cutting-edge CGI technology and sophisticated software used to predict the outcome of the race.
In years gone by, the Virtual Grand National has taken place on the Friday evening before the real-life event but this year it will take centre stage – fingers crossed for an exciting and entertaining affair.
Virtual Grand National: Previous Winners
The first televised Virtual Grand National took place in 2017, with the JP McManus-owned Cause of Causes claiming a famous victory. Less than 24 hours after that result, Cause of Causes finished second in the real Aintree race – backing up the virtual technology.
12 months on, Tiger Roll secured the Grand National double. He came from way back with a strong run to claim victory in the Virtual Grand National before storming to victory over course and distance the following day.
In 2019, Rathvinden got the better of his rivals in the virtual race. Tiger Roll tried his best but to no avail, however the placings were reversed in the real-life race at Aintree. Overall, the computer predictions have been very accurate.
How To Watch The 2020 Virtual Grand National
As previously mentioned, ITV will be broadcasting the Virtual Grand National 2020 race live on Saturday evening. Popular racing broadcaster Nick Luck will present the event and millions of people are expected to tune in to watch the virtual Aintree race.
Horse racing fans will also be able to follow the action live through the ITV Hub, providing users have an account. If not, simply set up an account to access the live broadcast via an online stream or through the app.
Virtual Grand National 2020: Betting
At the time of writing, odds have not been priced up for the 2020 Virtual Grand National. If markets become available, punters will be able to find odds in the horse racing betting section of the 888sport website.
We already have odds available on the 2021 Grand National. Tiger Roll is a worthy favourite at 14/1 but Cheltenham Festival winner Easysland might be worth chancing at 33/1 given how impressive he was in the 2020 Cross Country Chase.
If/when odds become available for the 2020 Virtual Grand National, we will post a list of the market principles here.
Confirmed Runners: 2020 Virtual Grand National
Tiger Roll heads the weights ahead of the 2020 Virtual Grand National. The Gordon Elliott runner will have plenty of support for Saturday's big race - here is the full list of confirmed entries, their jockey and allocated weight.
1 - Tiger Roll (Davy Russell), 11-10
2 - Bristol de Mai (Daryl Jacob), 11-8
3 - Aso (Charlie Deutsch), 11-2
4 - Elegant Escape (Jonjo O'Neill. Jr), 11-2
5 - Anibale Fly (Barry Geraghty), 11-2
6 - Top Vile Ben (Tom Dowson), 11-2
7 - Beware The Bear (Jerry McGrath), 11-0
8 - Peregrine Run (Kevin Sexton), 10-13
9 - Jett (Sam Waley-Cohen), 10-13
10 - Alpha Des Obeaux (Richard Johnson), 10-13
11 - Total Recall (Paul Townend), 10-13
12 - The Storyteller (Keith Donoghue), 10-12
13 - Magic of Light (Robbie Power), 10-12
14 - Talkischeap (Tom Cannon), 10-11
15 - Yala Enki (Bryony Frost), 10-11
16 - Ballyoptic (Sam Twiston-Davies), 10-11
17 - Burrows Saint (Rachael Blackmore), 10-10
18 - Definitly Red (Brian Hughes), 10-10
19 - Sub Lieutenant (JJ Slevin), 10-9
20 - Ok Corral (Derek O'Connor), 10-9
21 - Tout Est Permis (Sean Flanagan), 10-9
22 - Vintage Clouds (Danny Cook), 10-8
23 - Crievehill (Tom Bellamy), 10-8
24 - Lake View Lad (Henry Brooke), 10-8
25 - Jury Duty (Mark Enright), 10-8
26 - Pleasant Company (David Mullins), 10-7
27 - Acapella Bourgeois (Danny Mullins), 10-6
28 - Shattered Love (Lisa O'Neill), 10-6
29 - Any Second Now (Mark Walsh), 10-6
30 - Potters Corner (Jack Tudor), 10-6
31 - Dounikos (Luke Dempsey), 10-5
32 - Kildisart (Nico de Boinville), 10-5
33 - Death Duty (Gavin Brouder), 10-5
34 - Ramses de Teillee (Tom Scudamore), 10-5
35 - Valtor (James Bowen), 10-4
36 - Saint Xavier (David Maxwell), 10-4
37 - Warriors Tale (Harry Cobden), 10-4
38 - Double Shuffle (Jonathan Burke), 10-4
39 - Kimberlite Candy (Richie McLernon), 10-4
40 - Walk In The Mill (James Best), 10-4
Virtual Grand National 2020: Betting Tips
Neutrals will be hoping that Tiger Roll can win off top weight but I'm looking to take the favourite on. Any Second Now is unexposed and should run a big race off 10-6 with the experienced Mark Walsh on board.
JP McManus won the Grand National with Don't Push It in 2010 and punters will be keeping a close eye on horse racing odds ahead of Saturday's virtual event.
Meanwhile, Kildisart is also worth an each way punt with Nico de Boinville booked. The form of the 2019 JLT Novices' Chase has worked out well, with runner up Lostintranslation finishing a gallant third in the 2020 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Based on that and Kildisart's gutsy effort to finish second in the Ultima Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival, he is my outside tip to run into the places.
Grand National 2021: Horse Racing News
In 2021, Tiger Roll will bid to become the first horse since Red Rum to win the Aintree showpiece three times. Punters can find the latest Grand National 2021 betting odds on the 888sport website, along with the latest horse racing tips, news and odds.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Matt Dunham / AP Photo*
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.
Former Arsenal playmaker Andrey Arshavin believes that Mesut Ozil will soon be surplus to requirements at the Emirates, despite the recent faith shown in him by Mikel Arteta.
“As a player of course I respect him. Mesut is a world class player. But for me personally, he slows down the game. I would prefer to use another player.
"Mikel, as we can see, is the opposite and plays him a lot. He has improved his game at Arsenal but still in the future, I do not see him there.
He also does not shoot enough. He always looks to pass and that makes it simple for the defence.”
When speaking exclusively to 888sport, the 38-year-old, known as ‘Little Magician’ during his time in North London, enjoyed reminiscing about his eventful spell in the Premier League that saw him score 23 times in 105 appearances, all the while delighting crowds with his sorcery.
First, though, he was happy to cast a knowledgeable eye on the current squad and if the inconsistent German is not to his liking Nicolas Pepe certainly seems to be.
“Pepe is a very talented player. He is very quick and a good finisher. Already he has done well in part: maybe not as much as he could but I see the potential and he will become one of the biggest stars in the Premier League. He will be huge.”
The emerging Brazilian sensation Gabriel Martinelli also draws high praise – “I see a big future for him” – but when the team as a whole is assessed Arshavin grows frustrated, at a problem that existed back in his playing days and continues to this very day.
“For me, Arsenal’s squad is not balanced. Offensively-wise they are very good and in attack, they play very pretty football. It’s good to watch.
"But defensively – even in my period – Arsenal is weak. Sometimes that is down to injuries and sometimes they don’t have enough experience but I don’t know why this doesn’t change.”
It is a long-standing issue that the recently installed Arteta will be determined to address once football resumes and the world is righted again from its present, unprecedented concerns.
When that day comes Arshavin is confident his former team-mate will prove to be a managerial success.
Photo credit: Sang Tan / AP Photo
“Regarding Arteta, it was a good choice because he has spent time at Arsenal and knows the club well. He worked next to Arsene and can take good experience from him.
He also has the respect of the club and players. And since he has taken over at Arsenal they have changed: not too much but in a good way.”
Was it always obvious that the Spaniard would seek out the dug-out once his boots were hung up?
“At that time I did not really think about this but when I go back to that time for a short period he became a captain and shown capabilities to lead and manage the people.
"He would also always discuss how we need to play, at half-time and after the game. This showed his vision on the game.”
The former midfielder, of course, has some big shoes to fill in the Emirates technical area, with much of his career in England shaped by a coaching legend whose presence still looms large at the club.
With Arshavin similarly benefitting from the sage guidance of Arsene Wenger where would he rank Le Professeur among the greats?
“Big respect to Arsene Wenger. For me, he was one of the best. But under the two Dutch guys for Russia - Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat - I played my best performances so for me personally they were a little bit better.
"Of course, I was lucky that I worked under Arsene.”
The Leningrad-born schemer joined Arsenal from Zenit in the January transfer window of 2009 and he initially struggled to adapt to the faster pace and greater physicality.
It wasn’t long however before his twinkling footwork and shrewd eye for a pass began to make their mark and just three short months later his one-man show at Anfield brought widespread acclaim as Arshavin scored all of his side’s goals in an unforgettable 4-4 draw.
How did it feel at the time to have achieved such a feat?
“I remember now that I was exhausted after the game. I was empty. I was happy and when you score four goals that is normal.
"I’m proud that nobody has done it since (at Anfield) but I did it. It makes those four goals special. I’m sure one day one guy will repeat it again.
"I don’t think it would be possible to do it in this moment though. Liverpool play unbelievable football and if not for the current situation they would be champions for sure.”
Yet for all of the good and occasionally great moments the player experienced on our shores, it was ultimately within a team that always knocked on the door of success but never walked through it.
In his five seasons here the Gunners reached the semi-final of the Champions League and alternated each season in finishing third and fourth in the league. For a squad packed with such outstanding talent could it be said that they under-achieved?
“My only regret is that I didn’t win trophies with Arsenal. Especially that League Cup final against Birmingham who were relegated soon after. Even that final we lost.
The problem was that every year we would lose players. First Samir Nasri, then Cesc (Fabregas), then Robin van Persie. If we could have kept that squad for two or three years it would have been different, I guess.”
Now retired the likable star has watched on like the rest of us, aghast and distressed at the current state of the world.
And when asked about what football’s role will be, as nations convalesce from this troubling time his words are as direct and effective as one of his through-balls.
“I hope football will unite people and football must do that. It has in the past. We must enjoy the time after this, a real tough time.”
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
