And then there were four. And by four, I mean four teams yet to play their last-16 matches of course. The latest round of the Champions League will end on Wednesday evening…

Can Liverpool get the job done in Munich? Beating Bayern is not going to be easy but Jurgen Klopp’s side will be encouraged by their first leg performance. With no Virgil van Dijk, the Reds kept a clean sheet and an away goal at the Allianz Arena could be decisive.

In Wednesday’s second fixture, Barcelona will take on Lyon at Camp Nou. The La Liga giants are expected to go through but Ernesto Valverde’s men will be wary of Lyon’s threat in the final third. Again, an away goal is huge with the first leg finishing goalless.

Take a look at my top Champions League betting tips further down the page. 888sport is the place to be for European football and punters can back my double at 6/1 – get involved!

BAYERN MUNICH vs Liverpool

Bayern have been simply sublime on home soil in recent months, winning their last seven games by a combined score of 23-3. The Bavarians will head into this contest as favourites but only just… this one could go either way.

Robert Lewandowski will be given the task of getting the better of Van Dijk. One of the most prolific strikers in world football, the Poland international is valued at 23/20 to get his name on the scoresheet. It should be a thrilling individual battle between the two…

Klopp’s men will be quietly confident of upsetting the odds in Germany – a score draw will be enough to send Liverpool through to the quarter-finals. With that in mind, 22/25 for the Reds to reach the last eight may be worth considering.

Liverpool put four past Burnley at Anfield on Sunday afternoon but the Reds also conceded two – one of which after some particularly sloppy defending. Everything will need to go in Liverpool’s way to emerge victorious at Allianz Arena.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, I fancy Bayern to just about edge this one. In time, elimination may help their Premier League title challenge but Reds fans will be gutted to drop out of Europe. 29/10 for a home win with both teams scoring is a solid price.

TIP: Bayern Munich to win and both teams to score @ 29/10

PREDICTED SCORE: Bayern Munich 2-1 Liverpool (Priced at 15/2 with 888sport)

FC BARCELONA vs Lyon

Barcelona have an incredible record on home soil in this competition. With just one defeat in their previous 51 Champions League games at Camp Nou, Ernesto Valverde’s men will be very confident of doing enough to secure the victory.

The 4/6 on offer for Barcelona to score in both halves should be snapped up. Chances are the La Liga giants snatch an early lead and then catch Lyon on the break in the second half. It could turn out to be very comfortable indeed for Barcelona.

Lyon have kept themselves in the game after an end-to-end first leg but the French outfit may come to rue their missed chances. Winning at Camp Nou is very difficult indeed; Barca’s last home defeat in the Champions League came back in May 2013.

Furthermore, the visitors have lost three of their previous seven games in all competitions. An early goal for Barcelona could see the floodgates open and discipline could be a factor – the 7/2 for a red card to be shown represents good value for punters.

All signs suggest that Barcelona will win this fairly comfortably and I fancy La Blaugrana to get the job done with minimal fuss. Over 2.5 home goals is well priced at 4/5 and we could see the magisterial Messi pulling the strings at Camp Nou once again.

TIP: Over 2.5 Barcelona goals @ 4/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Barcelona 3-0 Lyon (Priced at 13/2 with 888sport)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

We’ve got four more Champions League last-16 ties to get through and then we will know the 2018/19 quarter-finals line-up. With Tottenham Hotspur, FC Porto, Ajax and Manchester United already through, the competition is starting to look very open indeed.

Manchester City will expect to get the job done against Schalke 04 on Tuesday night – Pep Guardiola’s side did the hard work in the first leg. Defeat for the Premier League champions seems out of the question, with 888sport going 1/100 on City reaching the last eight.

Meanwhile, Juventus are up against it in their bid to advance to the quarter-finals. Cristiano Ronaldo and co fell short away at Atletico Madrid in the first leg; the Serie A giants will need to overturn a two-nil deficit to reach the next round.

Without further ado, let’s get down to business. 888sport’s bet calculator prices Tuesday’s tasty double at just over 3/1. Scroll down for my tips ahead of what could be a memorable night of Champions League action.

JUVENTUS vs ATLETICO MADRID

Massimiliano Allegri’s side continue to maintain their stranglehold on Serie A but fans are desperate for European success. Winning the Champions League would go down well with Juventus supporters but they will need a minor miracle to advance to the quarter-finals.

Now 11/4 in 888sport’s Champions League odds to reach the last eight, Allegri’s men have a real job on their hands. If there is one team you don’t want to be chasing a game against, it is Atletico. An early goal could shift the tie in Juve’s favour though; this is far from over.

Atletico are in a superb position ahead of the second leg in Turin and European football fans will expect Diego Simeone’s men to make themselves difficult to beat on Tuesday night. This may be one-way traffic for large parts but Atletico will be dangerous on the break.

With so much talent going forward, Juventus will have to be wary of Atletico catching them on the break. As the hosts push on in search of a crucial goal, the La Liga outfit could profit – the 8/5 available for Atletico to score in the second half carries plenty of appeal.

For me, both teams to score looks nailed on here. The stakes are high and Simeone will set his side up to defend the lead but Atletico will go forward and attack. 11/10 for both teams to score in an entertaining affair looks like the way to go.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 11/10

PREDICTED SCORE: Juventus 2-1 Atletico (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

MANCHESTER CITY vs Schalke

The quadruple is on. With one trophy already secure, Manchester City are now on the verge of the Champions League quarter-finals. Pep Guardiola will have his side fired up and ready to go ahead of Tuesday’s clash – getting this done with minimal fuss will be the plan.

Sergio Aguero has been in fantastic form in recent weeks and he could get City off to the ideal start on Tuesday night. 5/2 for the Argentina striker to open the scoring is a solid bet – he should see plenty of chances to get his name on the scoresheet.

Schalke shot themselves in the foot in the first leg. Leading 2-1 and with City reduced to 10 men, the Bundesliga outfit crumbled. They couldn’t do much about Leroy Sane’s superb free-kick but some woeful defending handed Raheem Sterling the winning goal.

I’m not expecting too much from Schalke here – that late winner in the first leg crushed any hopes of an Etihad miracle. The 8/11 for under 0.5 away goals carries plenty of appeal – City have conceded two goals in their last eight home games in all competitions.

With that in mind, opting for Manchester City to win both halves is a decent bet at 10/11. Pep’s side have had to work hard to create chances in recent weeks but Schalke need to chase the game and City can take full advantage.

TIP: Manchester City to win both halves @ 10/11

PREDICTED SCORE: Manchester City 3-0 Schalke (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The Champion Hurdle will take place on Tuesday, March 12th at 3:30pm. It is a Grade One National Hunt hurdle, run over two miles and half-a-furlong, for horses aged four years and upwards.

10 runners will go to post for Tuesday's showpiece race at the Cheltenham Festival - let's take a look at the runners and riders:

Champion Hurdle Trends (Last 10 Years)

10/10 had run in a Grade 1 contest.

10/10 had five or more career runs over hurdles.

10/10 run on two or more occasions that season - winning at least once.

9/10  were aged between six and eight.

9/10  were officially rated 162 or higher.

9/10 had won a Grade 1 (exception was Rock On Ruby).

Champion Hurdle Facts

2008 winner Katchit is the only horse aged five to win since See You Then in 1985.

Five horses have won the Unibet Champion Hurdle three times - Hatton’s Grace (1949, 1950, 1951), Sir Ken (1952, 1953, 1954), Persian War (1968, 1969, 1970), See You Then (1985, 1986, 1987) and Istabraq (1998, 1999, 2000).

Runner-By-Runner Guide:

Brain Power (Nicky Henderson)

Winner of the International Hurdle at Cheltenham last time by 1¾ lengths from Silver Streak. Nabbed the runner-up prize behind the hot favourite Footpad in last year’s Arkle, but posed absolutely no threat whatsoever to the impressive winner.

His seasonal comeback in the Shloer Chase back at Cheltenham in November saw him finish a well-beaten fourth and it was at this point that owner Michael Buckley reportedly told Henderson to put the horse back over hurdles.

Buveur D'Air (Nicky Henderson)

Dual Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D’Air is well fancied to make it three consecutive wins and emulate Henderson’s legendary past stable star See You Then.

Uneaten in seasons 2016/17 and 2017/18, the gelding won the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle by 8 lengths from Samcro in December.

He was turned over by stablemate Verdana Blue in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton before taking a 5-runner listed event (his third win in the race) at Sandown last time by 2 lengths from Vision Des Flos.

He will be facing his toughest task to date however having to concede 7lbs to two useful mares in the shape of Apple’s Jade and Laurina.

Espoir D'Allen (Gavin Cromwell)

Has completed a hat-trick of Grade 3 hurdles victories so far this season, those being the Fishery Lane Hurdle at Naas, the Irish Independent Hurdle at Limerick, and the Limestone Lad Hurdle where he beat Wicklow Brave by 2½ lengths.

Stays well and the ground conditions will certainly enhance his chances.

Global Citizen (Ben Pauling)

The seven-year-old finished fourth behind Verdana Blue in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton in December but bounced back with a three-length victory in the Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock.

Global Citizen is in fabulous form and a strong pace will suit him down to the ground. He is certainly capable of nicking a place.

Melon (Willie Mullins)

Melon was second in last year's renewal and gave the two-time champion Buveur D'Air one almighty battle up the famous Cheltenham hill.

He has been disappointing so far this season season, finishing fourth at Leopardstown on two occasions.

He was well behind Apple's Jade last time out in the Irish Champion Hurdle but Cheltenham appears to bring out the best in him and he should not be overlooked or dismissed.

Sharjah (Willie Mullins)

A very much improved horse this season, winning the Galway Hurdle in August, the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown (beat Faugheen by 7½ lengths) in November and the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown from Supasundae in December.

The ground will be right up Sharjah’s street and he may still have more to offer this season.

Silver Streak (Evan Williams)

Winner of the Swinton Handicap at Haydock back in May and the Welsh Champion Hurdle in October. Ran a creditable 3 lengths second to Global Citizen in Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock last time out and is clearly in good heart.

His two visits to Cheltenham have ended with narrow defeats in the Greatwood and the International Hurdle so connections are cautiously optimistic that he can outrun his large odds.

Apple's Jade (Gordon Elliott)

The mare won the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle over two and a half miles by 20 lengths at the start of December, and she won the Christmas Hurdle over three miles by 26 lengths.

Dropping back to two miles last time she ran her best race of her career when winning the Irish Champion Hurdle.

Winner of the Mares’ Hurdle in 2017, Apple’s Jade goes back to Prestbury Park at the peak of her powers and, in receipt of the 7lb mares’ allowance from the geldings, she is going to be one hard nut to crack and has an obvious favourite’s chance.

Laurina (Willie Mullins)

Willie Mullins’ six-year-old is now unbeaten in six starts since her move across to him from France, and she already has a Cheltenham Festival win under her belt in last year’s Mares' Novices' Hurdle.

Laurina put herself bang in the Champion Hurdle picture when producing an impressive performance in the Quevega Mares Hurdle over two and a half miles at Punchestown last month.

Verdana Blue (Nicky Henderson)

Verdana Blue won the 5-runner Christmas Hurdle at Kempton by short a head from a below-par Buveur D'Air but then went down herself to Gumball on the all-weather at Kempton.

Henderson says he is not expecting mare Verdana Blue to confirm the form of her defeat of stablemate Buveur D'Air, but he fully expects her to be up there in the first three home.

Her jockey Davy Russell believes soft going has to be a concern for her so all eyes will be on the weather in regard to her participation.

Conclusion: the Champion Hurdle winner is...

On all known form this race should be a three way go between Buveur D’Air, Apple’s Jade and Laurina.

Buveur D’Air will probably struggle to give the two aforementioned mares 7lb’s so the battle for this blue-riband event will come down to a dual between the two ladies up the Cheltenham hill.

If you had to push me for a selection I would just about side with Laurina.

888Sport suggests: Laurina (win).

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The 2019 Cheltenham Festival is here! 888sport have the latest betting tips and odds on the highlight of the National Hunt season.

Scroll down as we speak to horse racing experts and get Match of the Day legend Jonathan Pearce in the racing commentary box!

Cheltenham Festival: Can Jonathan Pearce Make The Transition From Football To Horse Racing?

He’s the voice of football, having covered ten World Cups, numerous FA Cup Finals and thousands of Premier League games for Match of the Day. But football commentating legend Jonathan Pearce faces his biggest hurdle yet as we challenge him to try his hand at HORSE RACING commentary in time for the Cheltenham Festival.

Watch as Pearce grapples with the art of counting 20 runners jump over hurdles and fences at the biggest stage of all – with a little help from real racing caller Ian Bartlett. Can Pearce succeed as Bartlett throws him in at the deep end and asks him to call some of the most incredible moments in Cheltenham’s recent history?

Enjoy his attempts at describing Annie Power’s last flight fall in the 2015 Mares’ Hurdle, Mite Bite’s dramatic swerve in the 2017 RSA Chase and Native River’s courageous victory in last year’s Gold Cup. It’s quite a ride – see if Pearce has got what it takes to hold the mic at the Greatest Show on Turf!

Cheltenham Festival: Derek 'Tommo' Thompson Says...

TV presenter Derek 'Tommo' Thompson tells us what the Cheltenham Festival means to him, his favourite festival moments and, of course, his best bets for the 2019 meeting.

Cheltenham Festival: Brian Hughes Says...

Top jockey Brian Hughes tell us what the Cheltenham Festival means to him and gives us his fancied horses ahead of this year's Festival.

Fancy a 7/2 tip on the 2019 Champion Hurdle? Check out our expert's tip here...

Cheltenham Festival: Richard Pugh Says...

Irish racing expert and TV presenter Richard Pugh shares his favourite Cheltenham Festival memories and gives his his best bets of the 2019 meeting.

Cheltenham Festival: Kim Bailey Says...

Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle-winning trainer Kim Bailey shares his favourite Cheltenham Festival memories and gives us his banker of the meeting.

Our blogger has a 40/1 fancy for the Champion Chase. Click here for our betting preview...

Cheltenham Festival: Ben Brookhouse Says...

Ben Brookhouse, assistant to leading racing trainer Ian Williams, give us a big priced winner to back in the Pertemps Hurdle at this year's Cheltenham Festival and he also shares his greatest Cheltenham memory.

Keep checking our page for the latest 2019 Cheltenham Festival tips, odds and betting previews!

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is a Grade 1 race open to horses aged five-years-old and over. The race is run over a distance of two miles and there are twelve fences to be negotiated.

This event is the principle race in the National Hunt calendar for horses that run over the minimum chase distance.

This race was first established in 1959 as the National Hunt Two-Mile Champion Chase and was given its present title in 1980 to coincide with the Queen Mother’s 80^th birthday, and to recognise her continued patronage of the sport.

The race never had any sponsorship prior to 2007, but since then has had several companies associated with it including a holiday firm and the occasional bookmaker.

Champion Chase: Recent Winners

Champion Chase: Trends (Last 12 Years)

• Price – 4 of the last 12 favourites won, 9/12 winners were in the top 3 in the betting.
• Last Run – 8/12 winners won on their previous run before Cheltenham, 11/12 winners ran within the last 53 days.
• Age – 9 of the last 12 winners were aged between 7 and 10.
• Rating – 10/12 winners were rated 164 or higher.
• Previous Chase Form – 12/12 winners had at least 7 chase runs, 11/12 winners had at least 5 chase wins.
• Previous Course Form – 11/12 winners had a previous run at Cheltenham, 7/12 winners had a previous win at Cheltenham.
• Season Form – 11/12 winners had at least 2 runs that season, 11/12 winners had at least 1 win that season.

Champion Chase: Trainer Facts

• Willie Mullins (Ire) is yet to train the winner.
• Nicky Henderson (UK) has trained 4 of the last 7 winners (won the race 5 times in total).
• Paul Nicholls (UK) has trained 5 of the last 19 winners.
• Henry de Bromhead (Ire) has trained 2 of the last 8 winners.
• Jessica Harrington (Ire) has trained 2 of the last 16 winners.

Runner-By-Runner Guide:

Altior (Nicky Henderson)

Altior is aiming to become the fourth multiple winner of the race, following in the footsteps of Moscow Flyer, Master Minded and Sprinter Sacre.

Unbeaten in 12 chase starts, including the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in 2017/18 and the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown (beating Un De Sceaux) in December.

Winner of the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton and the Clarence House Chase, accounting for Fox Norton by seven lengths. The nine-year-old is just one short of the record for consecutive wins over jumps set by the legendary staying hurdler Big Buck's.

Castlegrace Paddy (Pat Fahy)

Winner of three of his five chase starts, including the Hilly Way Chase at Cork in December. He then took a heavy fall at the first in the Dublin Chase won by Min at Leopardstown. He acts on heavy going.

Castlegrace Paddy is brought to his peak in and around March time due to him suffering from allergies according to his trainer.

God's Own (Tom George)

A likeable veteran performer who has twice made frame in this race, including when 18 lengths third to Altior in 2017/18.

Winner of the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on his seasonal return in November, he finished a creditable 8 lengths second to Charbel in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on his last run and acts on the soft.

This will be God’s Own’s fifth consecutive Cheltenham Festival appearance.

Hell's Kitchen (Harry Fry)

Won a 10-runner handicap at Ascot last time by 2¼ lengths from Janika. Another one of his three career wins includes victory in a Novices' Limited Handicap at Kempton Park where he beat Mister Whittaker by 1½ lengths.

It will come as a major surprise if the J.P McManus owned eight-year-old is quite good enough to win this.

Min (Willie Mullins)

Min was seven lengths second to Altior in last year’s race and has looked as good as ever this season, winning the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase from Shattered Love in December and the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown in February.

He is effective at 2m to 2½m and acts on heavy going. If any horse is capable of lowering the colours of Altior then it will be Min who will be entirely suited by the ground once again and will be held onto as long as possible this time around.

Ordinary World (Henry de Bromhead)

A smart chaser who regularly holds his own in this company but never quite reaches the heights he deserves. He finished a decent six lengths second to Min in the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown last time, albeit no match for winner.

Odds of 40/1 in the Cheltenham betting look more than generous for a horse who is highly likely to be involved in one of the forecast or tricast spots.

Politologue (Paul Nicholls)

A high-class chaser on his day. Winner of the Melling Chase at Aintree (by neck from Min) in April 2018 and took the 1965 Chase at Ascot (by ½ length from Charbel) in November.

He has been below par on both his starts since and will need to pull out all the stops to figure in the finish here. Holds a win strike rate just shy of 50%, winning 9 of his 19 starts.

Saint Calvados (Harry Whittington)

A front-runner who won the Poplar Square Chase at Naas back in November but was  has run below that level of form in Grade 1 company in two starts since, including finishing last of three  to Min in the Dublin Chase on his latest outing.

The six-year-old’s style of running will probably see him setting up the race for somebody else to swoop by him late.

Sceau Royal (Alan King)

Winner of the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham (by 2¼ lengths from Simply Ned) in November, the Munir/Souede-owned seven-year-old last ran in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton where he finished a ¾-length second Grand Sancy.

Often patiently ridden, he will be hoping to pick up the pieces should any opportunity arise up front in the latter stages.

Champion Chase: Altior A Foregone Conclusion?

It is extremely hard to oppose the favourite Altior here so the percentage call may be to have an each-way bet at a decent price.

Ordinary World (40/1) will have the assistance of Rachel Blackmore in the saddle and she is a very tenacious rider that never gives up- definitely a jockey to have on your side!

888sport Suggests: Ordinary World (e/w).

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The Imperial Cup is a 2m ½f listed handicap hurdle that is always run at Sandown on the final Saturday before the Cheltenham Festival. There is an added bonus of £100,000 for any horse that can win this race then go on to win a race at the Festival next week.

Being so close to the Festival could have been a big detriment to the quality of the assembled field in the Imperial Cup; however it never appears that way after the introduction of the lucrative bonus for the Imperial Cup – Cheltenham double.

Horses primed to their absolute peak fitness are targeted at this race year after year for obvious reasons.

Statistics & Trends (Last 15 Years)

15/15 – Had won no more than twice over hurdles before
14/15 – Had won between 1-2 times over hurdles before
14/15 – Had raced within the last 6 weeks
12/15 – Carried 10-13 or less
12/15 – Aged 6 or younger
12/15 – Rated 124 or higher

The weight trends for this race are particularly interesting as based on those facts alone you would be tempted to dismiss Call Me Lord’s chances totally out of hand.

Runner-By-Runner Guide (*Cheltenham Entries)

Call Me Lord (Nicky Henderson)

Call Me Lord was a neck second to Mr Antolini in this race last year before thrashing a small but select field in the Select Hurdle here over 2m5f on the last day of the season.

He was well fancied  on his return in the Long Walk Hurdle, and is an interesting contender back in handicap company but he will have to shoulder a massive weight to oblige here.

*Entered in the Coral Cup and County Hurdle.

Speredek (Nigel Hawke)

Better known for his bold “catch me if you can” front running exploits over fences in recent times, it must be remembered that he was also a very useful hurdler. His rivals won’t want to give him too much leeway up front.

*Entered in the Grand Annual

First Flow (Kim Bailey)

First Flow went off a 12/1 chance for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last year after winning the SkyBet Supreme Trial at Haydock by 10 lengths.

After disappointing in the Supreme he has not been seen on a racecourse since.  If he is fit for his first run of the season then he is a major player on rain softened ground.

*Entered in the County Hurdle

Blu Cavalier (Ali Stronge)

Ran a career-best effort when 6¼ lengths third to Al Dancer in the Betfair Hurdle at Ascot last time, continuing a fine run of placed efforts this season. Often front runs and will be entirely at home on the going.

*Entered in the County Hurdle and the Martin Pipe Hurdle.

Chti Balko (Donald McCain)

Acts on heavy going and was placed 9^th in this race last season behind Mr Antolini. Has been running with credit this season and could easily challenge for a place at least.

*Entered in the County Hurdle.

Dream Du Grand Val (Nicky Henderson)

Dream Du Grand Val carries just 10st 5lb and is on a hat-trick following wins at Fontwell and Kelso. He will act on the going and is an exciting recruit for the Million In Mind Partnership.

*Entered in the County Hurdle and the Martin Pipe Hurdle.

All Yours (Sean Curran)

An eight-year-old who has been off the track for a total of 1026 days. A massive leap of faith is required to even contemplate backing this one.

Solomon Grey (Dan Skelton)

Finished 1½ lengths second to Big Time Dancer in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton last time and acts on soft going. Should be on the premises again for a resurgent yard.

*Entered in the Coral Cup.

Malaya (Paul Nicholls)

Useful mare who won a Listed event in Auteuil before making her way back to the UK. She finished 5½ lengths fourth of to Brio Conti in a handicap at Ascot last time and is entitled to come on for the run.

*Entered in the County Hurdle.

Storm Rising (Dr Richard Newland)

A winner at both Limerick and Galway last summer, the six-year-old was in great form before running a dud race in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The gelding has had a nice break since and it would appear Dr Newland has had his sights on this target for some time.

*Entered in the County Hurdle.

Tottersdown (Richard Phillips)

Totterdown is a course and distance winner who has consistently been hitting the frame with this season.

He carried 11st 12lb to victory when he was a surprise 25/1 winner here so Saturday’s weight will feel like nothing at all on his back.

*Entered in the County Hurdle.

Pyromaniac (Alistair Ralph)

Sam Twiston-Davies will certainly have to be on fire in order to get this nine-year-old home in front given his poor recent form. The gelding last won in May 2015 when he was trained by Tony Martin in Ireland.

Extra Mag (David Pipe)

The Pipe surname is inextricably linked with this race after father Martin managed to land the Sandown-Cheltenham double on three occasions.  

Five-year-old Extra Mag has been the subject of good money all week with many punters of the opinion that Pipe (David) is well overdue a winner in this contest.

*Entered in the County Hurdle and the Martin Pipe Hurdle.

Monsieur Lecoq (Jane Williams)

Another progressive five-year-old, he was a wide margin maiden hurdle winner at Ffos Las in December and won a handicap hurdle here in January, getting the better of Our Merlin by nine lengths.

He is up 10lbs for that success, but still remains on a relatively low weight.

*Entered in the County Hurdle and the Martin Pipe Hurdle.

Our Merlin (Robert Walford)

A reliable sort who acts on heavy going but will probably struggle to reverse placings with Monsieur Lecoq.

Bryony Frost takes the mount which will probably help attract a bit of money for him on Saturday morning.

Benny's Bridge (Fergal O'Brien)

Benny’s Bridge was impressive when making his handicap debut at Cheltenham running out the comfortable winner of a handicap hurdle on Trials Day.

The six-year-old would probably prefer conditions a little less testing however.

*Entered in the Supreme Novice’s Hurdle and the County Hurdle.

CONCLUSION:

Swell those Festival coffers by trusting in the training prowess of Kim Bailey and his horse, First Flow (nap).

Speredek (nb) is interesting back in this sphere and can reward each-way backers with his forcing tactics.

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs Aston Villa: Best Bets

BCFC – 33/20

Draw – 9/4

Aston Villa – 33/20

The big one is here. The Second City derby takes place on Sunday afternoon and Blues fans will be hoping that a first league win over Aston Villa since 2005 could be on the cards.

On current form, Birmingham (33/20) must stand a decent chance of beating their fierce rivals.

This game means more to BCFC supporters than any other – St Andrew’s will be rocking if the Blues can get the job done on Sunday.

Garry Monk will have his side fired up for this one; 21/20 for Birmingham to score in the first half could turn out to be a huge price.

Che Adams has failed to score in his last two Championship matches but he relishes the big stage and this could be his time to shine

 The BCFC forward is a solid pick at 33/20 to get his name on the scoresheet and Birmingham fans will hope that he can make the difference.

Aston Villa are winless in their last five league games and 12/25 for Blues to win OR draw is appealing with that record in mind.

Sports betting odds with 888sport cannot split the two teams this weekend and it could be another topsy-turvy Second City derby encounter.

The 29/20 for Blues to score two or more goals on Sunday is well worth considering.

Villa have kept just two clean sheets in their last 12 matches in all competitions and a high-scoring contest looks likely. This is going to go right down to the wire.

33/20 is a decent price for Birmingham to claim three points given their St Andrew’s form this season. Monk knows how much this means to Blues fans and he will have a plan to combat Villa’s attacking threat.

Only time will tell but BCFC have what it takes to snap that long run without a Second City derby win.

Prediction: Birmingham 2-1 Aston Villa (17/2)

Bet of the day: Birmingham to score in the first half (21/20)

Outside punt: Birmingham half-time, Birmingham full-time (10/3)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

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We’re giving lucky fans the chance to attend Birmingham City v Aston Villa on Sunday 10 March, with all the bells and whistles – all thanks to 888sport.

As proud Principal Partners of Birmingham City, we’re giving three lucky winners (plus a guest each) the chance for an amazing derby day prize. They’ll win:

• Tickets to the match
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A week of European action gives us a proper Premier League Super Sunday. There are three matches with the first two under the spotlight in this piece. Title-chasing Liverpool host Burnley in the lunchtime kick-off before high-flying Wolves visit Chelsea.

There is a midday start at Anfield, while Chelsea and Wolves will get underway at 2:05. Arsenal and Manchester United are also in action, kicking off at 4:30 at the Emirates Stadium.

LIVERPOOL vs Burnley (12pm)

Liverpool could be four points behind Manchester City by the time this match kicks off. Playing after your rivals heaps extra pressure on at this time of the season.

It is now 35 home league matches since they tasted defeat. Avoiding a loss is not enough for Liverpool at this stage of the campaign, though. Unconvincing performances of late will have plenty of the Anfield faithful feeling nervous ahead of this clash.

Burnley put together a good run, but consecutive defeats have put an end to it. Sean Dyche’s side are five points above the relegation zone, though the gap could be down to two if Cardiff beat West Ham on Saturday and Southampton avoid defeat against Spurs.

Dyche has been given a reminder of where is team are. Losses to Newcastle and Crystal Palace were no fluke, the Clarets were the inferior side on both occasions against who, until recently, were at threat of relegation.

To say they’re up against it as they head to Anfield is an understatement. A victory would be one of the biggest upsets in European football this season. Dyche’s men are 17/1 to pick up all three points.

Liverpool will no doubt be buoyed by the return of Brazil international Roberto Firmino to the starting line-up.

The relentless forward was only fit enough for the bench in last weekend’s Merseyside derby, but will join his frontline accomplices Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah from the opening whistle on Sunday. Firmino is a decent bet at 21/5 to score anytime.

For all of the concern about dropped points, Liverpool have won their last two home matches 3-0 and 5-0. Jurgen Klopp’s side haven’t conceded a Premier League goal since February 4th.

Anything other than a resounding home win would be a shock. Hesitancy has perhaps cost Klopp points against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United and Everton, but that’s not going to be an issue here. It’s a simple must-win.

TIP: Liverpool to win (-2) @ 59/50

PREDICTED SCORE: Liverpool 3-0 Burnley (Priced at 11/2 with 888sport)

CHELSEA vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (2:05pm)

Weird is probably the best word to describe Chelsea’s 2019. Embarrassing defeats have been mixed with all the usual drama, including a spectacular on-field argument between Maurizio Sarri and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

There have been reports that Sarri is a defeat away from the sack, while Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eden Hazard flirt with other teams. Jorginho has been booed by his own fans.

Even after all that, the Blues’ top four fate is in their own hands. A win this weekend could put them back into fourth as Arsenal and Manchester United play one another.

Winning all their remaining fixtures (they have a game in hand against Brighton) will guarantee a Champions League berth. Sarri’s side are 13/25 to win on Sunday.

Everything’s been serener at Molineux. Wolves are having the archetypal well-run-club-with-good-players campaign, often looking lightyears ahead of their mid-table contemporaries.

Raul Jimenez might be the best forward outside the top six. Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho have been excellent, and the supporting cast are impressing under the expert stewardship of Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Midlands club are no strangers to upsetting a top six club either (as Chelsea know well having lost the reverse fixture). Wolves’ 8/5 price to avoid defeat will definitely get a lot of backing.

Chelsea’s January arrival Gonzalo Higuain is showing flashes of his best form. His movement was excellent against Fulham last weekend, and he took his goal superbly. Higuain is well priced at 3/1 to open the scoring in 888sport’s Premier League Odds.

No player outside the top six has scored more Premier League goals than Jimenez this term. Chelsea’s defence has been inconsistent of late – the Mexican is the most likely player to take advantage of that. He’s 14/5 to score anytime.

We don’t know which Chelsea side will turn up, though it feels like they might have turned a corner. There’s enough uncertainty to make both teams to score at 9/10 the best bet.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 9/10

PREDICTED SCORE: Chelsea 2-1 Wolves (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*