A total of 897 entries are revealed this week, including a record 322 from Ireland, for the 10 handicaps at The Festival.

The opening handicap of The Festival, the £110,000 G3 Ultima Handicap Chase (2.50pm) over three miles and a furlong, has attracted 105 entries.

They include ante-post favourite Give Me A Copper (7/1, Paul Nicholls), who is part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and Jeremy Kyle, impressive Listed Sky Bet Chase victor Go Conquer (20/1, Nigel Twiston-Davies), owned by Paul and Clare Rooney, and Coo Star Sivola (16/1, Nick Williams), who became the first Festival winner to be partnered by a female professional jockey, Lizzie Kelly, when successful in 2018.

Champion Day, Tuesday, March 12, also features the £70,000 Listed Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase (4.50pm, 85 entries) over two and a half miles. Highway One O One (16/1, Chris Gordon) could bid to go one better after being touched off in the Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day on January 26.

There are 127 entries for the £100,000 G3 Coral Cup (2.50pm) over two and five furlongs on Ladies Day, Wednesday, March 13.

Willie Mullins and owner Luke McMahon combined to win the prestigious handicap hurdle with Bleu Berry in 2018. The pair are also represented by Cesarewitch Handicap runner-up Uradel (8/1) and G1 winner Whiskey Sour (25/1).

Band Of Outlaws (8/1, Joseph O’Brien IRE) headlines 63 entries for the £80,000 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Fred Winter) (4.50pm, 2m 87y) the same day, following his impressive victory at Naas on February 9.

Paul Nicholls is the leading trainer in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle with three victories, and the Somerset handler has Taunton scorer Friend Or Foe (12/1) and Deadline Diva (20/1) among his three entries ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.

Gordon Elliott enjoyed a one-two in last year’s £100,000 Listed Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (2.10pm, St Patrick’s Thursday, March 14), with Delta Work edging out Glenloe. The Co Meath trainer accounts for five of the 70 entries, including Sire Du Berlais (10/1), fourth in last year’s Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, and progressive novice Moratorium (20/1).

Owner Philip Reynolds and trainer Pat Kelly, who landed back-to-back editions of the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle with Mall Dini (2016) and Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Presenting Percy (2017), could be represented by G1-placed Tin Soldier (20/1).

The Storyteller (16/1 Gordon Elliott IRE) tops 82 entries for the £110,000 G3 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase (4.10pm, 2m 4f 127yds), also on St Patrick’s Thursday, and could bid to become the first back-to-back winner since The Tsarevich in 1985 and 1986.

Lightly-raced chasers River Wylde (20/1) and Janika (16/1) are among seven entries for Nicky Henderson, who is chasing a record fifth victory in the race.

Randox Health Grand National contenders General Principle (20/1, Gordon Elliott IRE), winner of the 2018 Irish Grand National, and Abolitionist (14/1, Dr Richard Newland) are among 95 entries for the £70,000 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase (5.30pm, 3m 2f), the final race on the third day.

The 2014 Unibet Champion Hurdle hero Jezki (20/1, Jessica Harrington IRE) is one of 91 entries for the £100,000 G3 Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle (2.10pm) over just shy of two miles and a furlong on Gold Cup Day, Friday, March 15.

Mullins and Nicholls are the most successful trainers in Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle history, with four wins each. Mullins has 2018 JCB Triumph Hurdle second Mr Adjudicator (25/1) among his eight entries, while Nicholls’ seven contenders include promising novices Southfield Stone (20/1) and Getaway Trump (16/1).

There are 58 entries for the £110,000 G3 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (4.50pm, 2m 62yds), in which last year’s victor Le Prezien (20/1, Paul Nicholls) could bid to become just the third two-time winner and the first since Dulwich in 1974 and 1976.

The final race of The Festival is the £70,000 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle over an extended two and a half miles.

Gordon Elliott, who has captured the two most recent renewals, has 26 entries to choose from including the ante-post favourite in the Cheltenham betting, Dallas Des Pictons (6/1) plus Vision D’Honneur (14/1) and Eclair De Beaufeu (20/1).

 

Cheltenham Festival Handicap Statistics

• The 3 biggest priced winners of the Ultima Handicap Chase have been 14/1, 28/1 & 33/1, in the last 10 years, 13 of the last 19 winners have returned at 10/1 or less.
• 20/1 is the biggest priced SP of the winner of the Close Brothers Novices Chase, 8 of the 13 winners have returned at 10/1 or lower.
• Only 2 of the last 10 winners of the Coral Cup have returned at single figure prices, although 7 of the last 10 have returned at SP's of between 12/1 & 16/1, only 4 of the last 20 winners have returned at higher prices than 16/1.
• The Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle has only been run 13 times, yet we have seen 8 winners returning at prices of 14/1 or higher and only 4 returning in single figures.
• 15 of the last 20 winners in the Pertemps Final returned with a SP in double figures.
• Only 3 of the last 20 winners of The Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Plate have returned at single figure prices, 8 of the last 20 have had an SP of 20/1 or higher.
• Bit of a mixed bag for the Kim Muir/Fulke Walwyn with 5 of the 10 returning at lower than 10/1 and another 5 with SP's of higher than that, Jamie Codd has won 4 of the last 10 renewals, 2 of those 4 have been for David Pipe.
• Willie Mullins has won 4 of the last 8 runnings of the County Hurdle and 6 of the last 10 winners have returned at SP's of 20/1 or higher.
• Paul Nicholls and Willie Mullins have won 5 of the last 7 runnings of the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle, and 7 of the 9 winners have had an SP of 12/1 or higher.
• Davy Russell is the only jockey to have won the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual chase more than once in the last 12 years, and 7 of the last 8 winners have returned at double figure SP's.

 

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

WHAT'S THE UK'S MOST PASSIONATE FOOTBALL CITY? | A Tenner Says

The UK boasts some of the most famous football citadels on earth, with the likes of Glasgow, Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester and London all hotbeds for the beautiful game. But which is truly the biggest - and what makes it so?

Ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby between Manchester City and Manchester United, this week's A Tenner Says panel measures the passion of the fans, the success of each city's respective clubs and the players they have produced to come to the their conclusions.

Ped of @Toffee TV : Everton Fan Channel​ and @James Redmond TV​ passionately plump for Liverpool, while @Rory Jennings​ and Flex of @The United Stand​ make their cases for London and Manchester... with a surprising conclusion!

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MOURINHO, WENGER, PEP... OR KLOPP: WHO'S THE PL'S BEST EVER FOREIGN BOSS? | A Tenner Says

Foreign managers have revolutionised the Premier League over the years, with the likes of Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola winning trophies and changing the way the game is played in this country.

But which one can lay claim to being the greatest overseas boss the Premier League has ever seen? In this week's A Tenner Says, @Rory Jennings , @James Redmond TV , Flex from the @The United Stand and @Toffee TV : Everton Fan Channel debate the greats, with some pointing to struggling Spurs boss Mourinho's three Premier League titles as giving him the edge, while there are also shouts for Arsene Wenger's incredible 22-year reign at Arsenal and Guardiola's sensational Manchester City side.

Redmond even makes a case for Jurgen Klopp, pointing out the German has won both the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool, something the others cannot boast. Who do you think is the greatest overseas boss in the history of the Premier League?

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SCOUSERS AT WAR AHEAD OF MERSEYSIDE DERBY! | A Tenner Says

Ahead of this week's Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton, we ask the A Tenner Says panel to name the players they hate most from their rivals but would secretly love to have at their own clubs.

And it's fair to say passions run high as Ped from @Toffee TV : Everton Fan Channel​ and Liverpool fan @James Redmond TV​ clash over 'narky' Andy Robertson and Lucas Digne, as well as Reds captain Jordan Henderson.

@Rory Jennings​ names the Spurs player he secretly admires, while Flex of @The United Stand​ reveals the Manchester City player he would dearly love at Old Trafford. Which player from your biggest rivals would you secretly like at your club?

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GREALISH, STONES, SON: WHO'S BEEN THE STAR OF THE SEASON SO FAR? | A Tenner Says

In the latest episode of A Tenner Says host Rory Jennings is joined by Flex of the United Stand, Liverpool fan James Redmond and Ped of Toffee TV to debate who's lit up the Premier League season so far.

While Manchester City's John Stones, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, Liverpool star Fabinho, Leciester's Harvey Barnes, City prodigy Phil Foden and Spurs forward Heung-Min Son all get mentions, there is only one man the panel think deserves the crown: Aston Villa's Jack Grealish.

The attacking midfielder has been in sensational form all season and is being tipped for a move to a top six club in the summer, with both James Redmond and Flex begging their clubs to land the 25-year-old's signature. Is there a club in world football Grealish wouldn't improve?

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NO FANS OR BAD STANDARD: WHY IS THE LEAGUE SO OPEN? | A Tenner Says

It's the most wide open league in years, but the big question is: why?

On this week's A Tenner Says, host Rory Jennings wonders whether the lack of fans in grounds is a massive leveler and argues with Expressions Oozing, Liverpool fan James Redmond and Steven McInerney - AKA Esteemed Kompany - as to whether the current conditions mean this year's league should come with an asterisk.

Or are the wild results simply because standards have fallen from Liverpool and Manchester City's recent seasons of dominance? What do you think? Does a more open league with a lower standard make for a more exciting game? And do you reckon the league is easier to win without the difficult away days in front of a baying crowd?

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ROBERTSON & TRENT ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN KANE & SON! | Spurs v Liverpool | A Tenner Says

Harry Kane and Heung Min Son have swept all before them this season, scoring and assisting at will as they aim to fire Tottenham Hotspur to glory in four competitions.

But ahead of Spurs' big Premier League clash with Liverpool on Thursday night, Reds fan James Redmond argues flying full-back partners Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are actually a more important cog for Jurgen Klopp's team than Spurs' gilded duo are for Jose Mourinho.

Redmond is joined in the debate by Chelsea fan Rory Jennings - still reeling from the sacking of Frank Lampard - and Expressions Oozing, who both insist Kane and Son are going to end up usurping the likes of Shearer and Sutton, Yorke and Cole, Henry and Bergkamp and Lampard and Drogba as the Prem's most potent partnership.

What do you think - are Kane and Son the best strike duo in the world? And has the Premier League ever seen a better pair of full-backs than Trent and Robertson?

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SHOULD CHELSEA STICK OR TWIST WITH LAMPARD? | A Tenner Says

Despite spending over £200m on a summer spending spree, Frank Lampard finds his Chelsea side languishing in seventh place in the Premier League, with dreams of a title tilt well and truly dashed and a battle royale on his hands to qualify for Europe.

In this week's A Tenner Says, the panel wonder whether Lampard is simply out of his depth at Chelsea and unable to get the best out of his star-studded squad, which features the likes of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz.

Spurs fan @Expressions Oozing​ sticks the boot in and says Lampard is clueless, while Steven McInerney AKA @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel​ says only Lampard's stellar playing career in west London is keeping him in the post.

But Leicester fan @LEE CHAPPY​ joins @Rory Jennings​ in defending the former Derby County boss and they insist he needs time to bed in his new signings. Where do you stand? Is Lampard cut out to be a top level Premier League manager?

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RICE TO CHELSEA? HAALAND TO CITY? WHO NEEDS WHAT IN THE TRANSFER WINDOW? | A Tenner Says

With the race for the Premier League title and top four the closest it's been in years, this January transfer window could be the difference between heartache and glory. In this week's A Tenner Says, our panelists Rory Jennings, Steve McInerney, James Redmond and Leicester fan (and Jamie Vardy lookalike) Lee Chapman discuss what their clubs needs to achieve their goals this season.

With Chelsea struggling despite seven new summer signings and Frank Lampard under pressure, Rory Jennings says West Ham United starlet Declan Rice could be the man to revitalise the Blues' title hopes, while McInerney is dreaming that Man City will sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

Liverpool's form has stuttered since they lost Virgil van Dijk and Redmond is convinced a centre back is all the Reds need to retain title. Who does you club need in this January transfer window?

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RASHFORD, PICKFORD, BIELSA: RATING AND HATING 2020 | A Tenner Says

It's been a year like no other, so in this festive edition of A Tenner Says, we asked our panel to name their heroes and villains of 2020.

Rory Jennings, Expressions Oozing, James Redmond and Rob Mulholland was unsurprisingly in agreeance that free school meals hero and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford is their hero of the year, while Spurs and Chelsea got shout outs for helping the NHS during the pandemic.

Marcelo Bielsa and Jose Mourinho also got mentions, while in the villain category, it's fair to say Redmond was not enamoured with Jordan Pickford for his season-ending tackle on Virgil van Dijk.

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IS HARRY KANE THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD? | Liverpool v Spurs preview | A Tenner Says

Harry Kane is sweeping all before him in a wondrous season at table-topping Tottenham Hotspur, the England striker having redefined his game into a number 10 role and firing assists - as well as goals - left, right and centre.

And ahead of a monster second v first clash between Liverpool and Spurs at Anfield, this week's A Tenner Says panel debates the question now on everyone's lips: is Kane now the best player in the world?

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi not quite hitting the heights of previous seasons, Spurs fan Expressions Oozing says no one currently comes close to Kane, with the striker now moving ahead of Robert Lewandowski in the best forward ranks - and superseding everyone else too.

Surprisingly, Expressions finds support from Chelsea fan Rory Jennings but Flex of the United Stand and Liverpool fan James Redmond add another name into the mix: Sadio Mane.

And with Mane and Kane coming head-to-head on Wednesday, it's an opportunity for both players to further stake their claims to being the current best players in the world and get themselves in the Ballon D'Or picture.

What do you think? Is Harry Kane now the best player in the world? The best striker? Or is he not even the best in the Premier League, with Mane taking that mantle?

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WHO MAKES THE ULTIMATE PREMIER LEAGUE FIVE-A-SIDE TEAM? | A Tenner Says

This week's A Tenner Says panel put their heads together to come up with an ultimate, all-time Premier League five-a-side team - and it's fair to say they had their share of disagreements!

Rory Jennings, Flex of The United Stand, Expressions Oozing and Leeds fan Rob Mullohand go for a keeper plus 1-1-2 formation. Will Schmeichel get the nod over Cech and Seaman?

Can modern superstar Virgil van Dijk usurp the likes of John Terry, Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand and Tony Adams at the back? Is it to be a shock inclusion for Yaya Toure in midfield or will Steven Gerrard get in ahead of Patrick Vieira and Frank Lampard?

And who gets in up top, with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer and Didier Drogba all vying for a place?

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BIELSA'S LEEDS WILL ALWAYS BE BIGGER THAN OIL CLUB CHELSEA! |A Tenner Says

Leeds are back in the big time under Marcelo Bielsa and play hated rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League for the first time in 14 years this weekend - and one Leeds fan is insistent that his club is, and always will be, bigger than the Blues!

Rob Mulholland gives Rory Jennings both barrels on this week's A Tenner Says, laying into 'wetwipe' Frank Lampard and 'slimy' Chelsea, who he says would be a mid-table club without Roman Abramovich's billions.

And the bitterness between the two clubs, which stemmed from some bruising encounters in the 1970's, is laid bare as Jennings calls Bielsa 'overhyped'.

With Flex from The United Stand and Liverpool Rory Jennings also weighing in on the argument, this week's debate is not to be missed! Who do you think is the bigger club and who are the teams you hate most aside from your local rivals?

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EXPRESSIONS AND RORY CLASH OVER CHELSEA SPURS COMBINED XI! | A Tenner Says

Ahead of a monster top-of-the-table Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur fans Rory Jennings and Expressions Oozing light the fire with A Tenner Says debate over the high-flying teams' combined starting XI.

With both London clubs defying expectations with stunning starts to the season, our fans face a tough call to agree on the best XI: will it be Chilwell or Reguilon left-back? N'Dombele or Kante in midfield?

Will Timo Werner find a place in the attack along with Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane? Table-topping Spurs go into the Battle of the Bridge on cloud nine after a superb 2-0 win over Pep Guardiola's Manchester City - will Jose Mourinho get one over another of his rivals, Blues' boss Frank Lampard, who enjoyed such a stellar playing career under the Portuguese.

Who would you put in a combined Chelsea and Spurs XI and who do you think wins the big clash at the weekend?

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MCINERNEY LOSES IT AFTER EXPRESSIONS CALLS PEP A FAILURE! | A Tenner Says

Tottenham Hotspur fan Expressions Oozing and Manchester City supporter Esteemed Kompany - AKA Steven McInerney - squared-off as tempers boiled over during a debate around Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.

Ahead of the massive Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City Premier League fixture this weekend, the A Tenner Says panel debated Mourinho and Guardiola and which of the two will leave the Premier League with the greater legacy.

Perhaps surprisingly, Chelsea fan Rory Jennings and Flex of The United Stand agreed with Expressions that Mourinho's achievements are more impressive than his rival's as the Portuguese has won silverware with the likes of Porto and Inter, compared to Guardiola who was perceived by the panel to have only ever taken top jobs with pots of money and who has 'failed' at City due to his poor Champions League record.

This provoked a furious response from McInerney, who argued Guardiola has not only won trophies but also changed the way football is played.

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PETTY SOUTHGATE IS WASTING ENGLAND'S GOLDEN GENERATION! A Tenner Says

England are back in action this week with a friendly against Ireland and a Nations League clash with Belgium, with this week's A Tenner Says panel seriously considering whether manager Gareth Southgate's time at the helm has run its course.

Rory Jennings, formerly of Blues Fans TV, Steven McInerney - AKA Esteemed Kompany, Flex of The United Stand and Liverpool fan James Redmond are fuming at Southgate's treatment of Aston Villa's 'mercurial' and 'generational' talent, Jack Grealish, accusing Southgate of being petty in not picking the playmaker and expressing fears he won't be on the plane to Euro 2021.

Southgate is also accused of mismanaging the fallout of the Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden affair and they fear the manager is wasting what they see as another England Golden Generation.

Jennings and Redmond go one step and further and suggest Southgate should go now - with Arsene Wenger taking the reins!

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CAN SPURS REALLY WIN THE PREMIER LEAGUE? | A Tenner Says

It's been a wild start to the Premier League season, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and Everton all giving their supporters reason to dream of a stunning title win.

With Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all stuttering and Liverpool, despite returning to the top of the table, looking less than convincing following an injury to Virgil van Dijk, this week's A Tenner Says panel give their verdict on whether the surprise packages can last the course.

With Expressions Oozing convinced Spurs signings Gareth Bale, Sergio Reguilon and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg can propel his team to the title, the likes of Steven McInerney - AKA Esteemed Kompany - Rory Jennings and James Redmond have a sneaking suspicion the status quo will be maintained come the end of the season.

Who do you think will end up tasting Premier League title glory this season?

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MAD RULES, PPV, VAR: THE GAME'S OFFICIALY GONE! | A Tenner Says

This week's A Tenner Says panel are in combative mood as they lambast the authorities for killing football.

Ridiculous handball rules, VAR hell, the Pay Per View con and dwindling standards of players are all in the panel's crosshairs, as they lament what the Beautiful Game has become.

Flex of the United Stand says modern day players couldn't lay a glove on 1990's stars such as Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira, while Rory Jennings and AFTV star Troopz say VAR has destroyed the adrenaline rush of celebrating a goal.

And with fans currently not in stadiums due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the panel is depressed about what the future holds for the game we love. What do you think: is football dying? Was it better in the 1990's and 2000's? Or are the panel overreacting?

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WOULD POCHETTINO ACTUALLY IMPROVE MANCHESTER UNITED? | A Tenner Says

Manchester United's fanbase is split over the future of club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with many wanting to see former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino take over.

But in a lively A Tenner Says debate with Rory Jennings, Toffees TV presenter Peter McPartland and Liverpool fan James Redmond, United Stand presenter Flex argues that Pochettino is NOT an upgrade on the Norwegian due to the Argentine's lack of silverware.

And after United's stunning Champions League win against Paris St Germain, is it time Solskjaer started getting more credit for the job he's done with the Old Trafford giant?

Flex says anyone taking over at United without silverware to their name can ONLY be a club legend like Solskjaer - and Pochettino doesn't fit the bill.

With Chelsea visiting United this weekend with another club legend, Frank Lampard, in charge, the panel argue on whether sentiment is a good thing in football and whether club legends get more of a free ride than 'outsiders'.

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WHAT DO YOU HATE ABOUT YOUR RIVALS? | A Tenner Says

What is it you hate about your rivals? Their arrogance? Cockiness? Delusions of grandeur?

Ahead of this weekend's Merseyside Derby, a fired up A Tenner Says panel pulled no punches as they described exactly what it is that winds them up about their most hated rivals, with Everton fan and Toffee TV presenter Peter McPartland and Liverpool supporter James Redmond tearing strips off each other.

And with AFTV star Troopz and Chelsea fan Rory Jennings both laying into Spurs, this week's episode is not one to miss!

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IS GARETH BALE STILL WORLD CLASS? | A Tenner Says

Tottenham Hotspur have re-signed Gareth Bale for shirt sales and the former Real Madrid forward is no longer world class. That's the explosive view of Troopz, as the Arsenal Fan TV star returns to the A Tenner Says panel with a bang!

In a fiery debate over the Welshman's triumphant transfer window return to Spurs, Troopz says injury-prone Bale's best days are behind him and doubts whether he'll propel Spurs to silverware, as some have been suggesting following the Lillywhites' stunning 6-1 victory over Manchester United.

Rory Jennings of Blues Fans TV adds his own skepticism to the mix by saying Bale has shown a lack of ambition with the move, but The United Stand's Flex says Bale, Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son can form one of the deadliest forward lines in Europe.

What do you think: will Bale prove a success in his second coming at Spurs?

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EXPRESSIONS & FLEX CLASH OVER MOU AND OLE | UNITED V SPURS PREVIEW | A Tenner Says

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur face off in a massive Premier League match on Super Sunday, with both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho facing questions over their long-term futures.

On this week's A Tenner Says, Spurs fan Expressions Oozing and The United Stand's Flex clash over whether the bosses are the right fit for their respective clubs.

Flex says Solskjaer has done the best rebuilding job at the club since United legend Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, but admits he's not convinced the Norwegian is the right man to take United to the next level.

But Flex does think Ole will outlast Mourinho, believing it'll be 'easier' for the north Londoners to part ways with the famously explosive Portuguese.

Expressions insists serial trophy winner Mourinho is being 'disrespected' and is confident he can bring silverware to White Hart Lane.

Both Chelsea fan and Blues Fans TV presenter Rory Jennings and Steven McInerney, aka Esteemed Kompany, both think Mourinho’s head could be on the chopping block soon, unless he can improve results fast.

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HENDERSON OR MAGUIRE - WHO’S THE MOST OVERRATED PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYER? | A Tenner Says

The A Tenner Says panel is back to discuss the most overrated players in the Premier League.

Lots of Gareth Southgate’s current England team get a mention – Everton and England number one Jordan Pickford, Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish, West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, Man United captain Harry Maguire, Liverpool’s Premier League winning captain Jordan Henderson and Leicester maestro James Maddison all considered by some as overrated – but who did the panel agree on…

Manchester United fan and United Stand presenter Flex thinks West Ham youngster Declan Rice is a candidate but Blues Fans TV star Rory Jennings thinks the opposite and considers the Chelsea transfer target to be underrated.

Tottenham fan Expressions Oozing thinks Maguire is over-hyped and describes him as a “fridge” at the back.

Liverpool fan James Redmond defends Jordan Henderson and doesn’t think he deserves the ‘overrated’ tag some people have given him and he thinks Everton’s Jordan Pickford is the biggest fraud in the Premier League.

Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and Leicester’s James Maddison also get strong mentions.

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WHO HAS HAD THE BEST TRANSFER WINDOW SO FAR? | A Tenner Says

The A Tenner Says panel is back to discuss the transfer window and who has been the signing of the summer so far. With Chelsea splashing the cash on the likes of Werner, Havertz and Thiago Silva, Blues Fans TV star Rory Jennings is convinced the west London club has assembled a Premier League title-winning squad.

But with Arsenal making some shrewd defensive acquisitions, as well as adding winger Willian to their ranks, Tottenham fan Expressions Oozing is concerned the Gunners are on the up.

With Gareth Bale seemingly on the brink of a stunning move back to Spurs, as well as Real Madrid left back Sergio Reguilon, the Lilywhites could yet have an incredible window as they look to get back into the Champions League.

Liverpool fan James Redmond insists the Reds' lack of activity in the market won't count against their title defence, while Steven McInerney - AKA Esteemed Kompany - remains confident in Manchester City's ability to attract the world's best.

The panel also name their signing of the summer, with a couple of shouts for Manchester United's Donny van de Beek.

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CAN BIG-SPENDING LAMPARD HANDLE TITLE PRESSURE? | A Tenner Says

The 2020/21 Premier League season is upon us - and so is a brand new series of A Tenner Says!

All your favourite names are back in the debating chair, with Flex from the United Stand, Esteemed Kompany - AKA Steven McInerney - Rory Jennings of Blues Fans TV and Liverpool fan James Redmond from The Redmen TV going head-to-head over their teams' Premier League title chances.

Rory is backing Frank Lampard to handle the pressure of the Blues' spending spree, which has seen the west London club recruit a string of big names, including Kai Havertz, Timo Warner and Ben Chilwell, and believes his team can finish above Manchester City, or even win the title.

McInerney is confident Pep can get a reaction from last season and finish a lot closer to the Reds, while Redmond is confident his club's quiet transfer window won't stop them retaining the title.

There are also shouts for Arsenal to finish in the top four, calls for Manchester United to make more signings and Spurs to flop under Jose Mourinho.

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KANE, AGUERO OR AUBAMEYANG: WHO'S THE BEST PREMIER LEAGUE STRIKER? | A Tenner Says

They scored 56 goals between them in yet another prolific Premier League season, but which centre forward can currently be considered the best in the league: Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang?

That's this week's debate on A Tenner Says, as Robbie Lyle from AFTV, Flex from the United Stand, Rory Jennings from Blues Fans TV and Steven McInerney - AKA Esteemed Kompany - go head-to-head once again.

Is Jennings talking rubbish when he dismisses the claims of Spurs legend Kane? Is Lyle right in saying no one compares to Arsenal talisman Aubameyang?

And should the likes of Premier League top scorer Jamie Vardy and Southampton's Danny Ings be part of the conversation, not to mention wide forwards such as Raheem Sterling, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane?

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WHO WILL GET TOP FOUR NEXT SEASON? | A Tenner Says

With Arsenal having lifted the FA Cup by beating Chelsea in the final, Robbie Lyle from AFTV is now convinced the Gunners can mount a serious challenge to finish in the top four of the Premier League next season and qualify for the Champions League - but the rest of this week's A Tenner Says panel aren't so sure.

Rory Jennnings from Blues Fans TV says Chelsea will bounce back from the Cup Final defeat to challenge for the league title, while Flex of The United Stand and Esteemed Kompany - AKA Steven McInerney - also weigh in with their views on their respective clubs' chances of success next season and discuss whether Liverpool will retain their title.

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GREENWOOD, FODEN, SAKA: WHO'S THE BEST PL YOUNGSTER? | A Tenner Says

A host of young players have lit up the Premier League this season - but who has been the best and who is set to rule next term?

Robbie Lyle from AFTV makes the case for Arsenal sensation Bukayo Saka, while Esteemed Kompany - AKA Steven McInerney - has no doubt it's Phil Foden, who he backs to take the mantle of David Silva next season and bag 20 Premier League goals for Manchester City.

Flex from the United Stand can't look beyond Mason Greenwood of Manchester United, while Rory Jennings from Blues Fans TV tries - and fails - to put up Christian Pulisic of Chelsea.

With Jadon Sancho set to return to the Premier League from Borussia Dortmund, the panel are excited about the new season and also discuss the England team's prospects with such a big crop of youngsters coming through, while also debating which youngster has disappointed most.

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DOES JORDAN HENDERSON DESERVE PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR? | A Tenner Says | 888sport

Should Jordan Henderson be crowned the PFA Player of the Year for the 2019/2020 Premier League season?

The Liverpool captain has led his team to a magnificent Premier League triumph but that isn't enough to convince the doubters on our latest A Tenner Says debate, with Robbie Lyle from AFTV, Flex of The United Stand and Esteemed Kompany - AKA Steven McInerney - all mocking the idea of the midfielder being the best player in the country.

But, in a fiery debate, Henderson found a fan in Blues Fan TV star Rory Jennings, who insists Henderson's achievements this season warrant him winning the award over the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Sadio Mane and Virgil Van Dijk.

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TROOPZ & EXPRESSIONS REVEAL THEIR MOST HATED PL PLAYERS | A Tenner Says | 888sport

Which Premier League players, past and present, do you hate the most and why?

Troopz of AFTV, Expressions Ooozing, Rory Jennings of Blues Fan TV and The Kop TV's Alex Gildea Trott reveal the players they despise the most, with mentions in there for Sol Campbell, whio famously left Tottenham Hostpur for Arsenal on a free transfer, Ashley Cole, who left the Gunners for Chelsea and Jose Mourinho and current players including Diego Costa and Cesar Azpilicueta.

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SPURS V ARSENAL: EXPRESSIONS & TROOPZ ARGUE OVER WHO'S WORSE! A Tenner Says | 888sport

Both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have had shocking seasons and face an uphill battle to qualify for the top four.

Ahead of the North London Derby this weekend, Expressions Oozing and Troopz of AFTV clash over both clubs' long-term prospects and chances of qualifying for the Champions League, both this and next season.

With Spurs showing little sign of improvement under Jose Mourinho and Arsenal still wildy inconsistent in the hands of Mikel Arteta, both Troopz and Expressions are downbeat on their clubs' chances of ever winning the Premier League.

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IS JURGEN KLOPP NOW THE BEST MANAGER IN THE WORLD? | A Tenner Says | 888sport

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are the Premier League champions and now hold the Premier League, World Club Cup and Champions League titles.

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City may have thrashed the champions 4-0 in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, but Liverpool's domination of this season begs the question: has Klopp overtaken Guardiola as the best manager in the world?

Liverpool fan Craig Houlden (Anfield Agenda) and Man City's Steven McInerney (Esteemed Kompany) argue over just that in the latest episode of A Tenner Says.

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TROOPZ & CO SMACK DOWN LIVERPOOL FAN'S 'BEST EVER' TITLE BOAST | A Tenner Says | 888sport

Liverpool have romped to the title - but where do they stand in the debate over the Premier League's best-ever side?

Troopz of AFTV, Expressions Oozing and Blues Fan TV man Rory Jennings discuss the Reds' title win with The Kop TV's Alex Gildea-Trott, with Troopz raging at claims Liverpool have overtaken Arsenal's Invincibles.

And what about Manchester United's treble winners, City's Centurions or Jose Mourinho's great Chelsea team? Who do you think is the best Premier League team in history?

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TROOPZ, EXPRESSIONS BACK KEANE OVER DE GEA TIRADE | A Tenner Says | 888sport

Troopz, Expressions, Rory Jennings and Liverpool fan Alex Gildea-Trott debate whether Roy Keane went too far in his shocking half-time tirade against David De Gea and Harry Maguire.

The Irishman let rip at the Manchester United duo, saying he’d throw punches at De Gea and suggesting he should get a taxi back to Manchester, while labeling Maguire ‘shocking’.

It’s got the football world asking whether United legend Keane is just playing up to the Sky Sports cameras or if he really is raging and just showing passion for his former team.

AFTV’s Troopz, Expressions Oozing, Jennings and Alex of The Kop TV debate whether they love or hate the firebrand Irish legend.

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TROOPZ, GOLDBRIDGE & EXPRESSIONS DEBATE COMBINED ENG XI | A Tenner Says: Euro ‘96 Rewind | 888sport

Do you pick Kane, Shearer or both? Where do Henderson and Alexander-Arnold fit in? Do ANY of the current England squad get in a combined XI with the Euro ’96 team?

These are the questions for Expressions Oozing, Troopz of AFTV, Mark Goldbridge of the United Stand and Steven McInerney of Esteemed Kompany as the four go head-to-head and try to pick a joint team

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TROOPZ TROLLS EXPRESSIONS OVER ENGLAND DEFEAT! | A Tenner Says: Euro ’96 Rewind | 888sport

Troopz, Expresssions Oozing, Mark Goldbridge and Rory Jennings re-watched England’s heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Germany at Euro ’96 – then got into a blazing row about the current England side.

Arsenal fan and AFTV Troopz mocked Spurs fan Expressions over the ‘bottlejob’ Tottenham players in the World Cup 2018 squad, which he said gave the Three Lions no chance of getting past Croatia in the semi-finals.

The jibe came as the boys joined Goldbridge of The United Stand and Jennings of Blues Fans TV to recall their most painful England defeats and whether losing with country is worse than losing with club.

• 00:25 Post-match penalty shootout heartbreak
• 02:30 Where does this rank in England's devastating defeats?
• 02:55 Expressions jibes Goldbridge over his age
• 03:57 Troopz: 'This was as low as Ronaldo getting Rooney sent off'
• 05:19 Was defeat to Croatia at 2018 World Cup worse?
• 06:07 Rory Jennings: "England won't win a trophy under Gareth Southgate"
• 06:50 Troopz: "Most of the team was Tottenham, we've seen how they bottle it."
• 08:14 Club misery or country misery - what is worse?
• 09:43 - 'Arsenal losing turns me suicidal, England can't make me cry'

What was the most painful England defeat of your lifetime and do you care more about your club losing?

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TROOPZ: ENGLAND EURO'96 TEAM IS REAL GOLDEN GENERATION! | A Tenner Says: Euro 96 Rewind | 888sport

Troopz of AFTV re-watched England annihilate the Netherlands 4-1 at Euro ’96 and declared that team was the REAL 'Golden Generation', not the era Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David Beckham, Michael Owen and Paul Scholes.

And Troopz was backed by Rory Jennings and Blues Fans TV and Steven McInerney of Esteemed Kompany, who both agreed the Euro’96 side was better than the World Cup 2018 semi-finalists and the teams that went to the World Cup 2002, Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006 under Sven Goran Eriksson.

And what of the performance against the Netherlands itself? Was it the best of the modern era, or does Germany 1-5 England in Munich 2001 shade it?

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GAZZA COULD HAVE BEEN ENGLAND’S MESSI | A Tenner Says: Euro 96 Rewind | 888sport

Mark Goldbridge of the United Stand, Expressions Oozing, Rory Jennings of Blues Fan TV and Steven McInerney of Esteemed Kompany watchalong ITV’s Euro ‘96 Relived and marvel at Paul Gascoigne’s stunning strike that gave England the points in the England v Scotland group game at Wembley.

And the boys come to one conclusion: Gazza was The Three Lions’ greatest ever midfielder, comparing him to Zinedine Zidane and Lionel Messi.

Goldbridge, Expressions, Jennings and McInerney say Gascoigne was streets ahead of any other England midfielder, including the likes of Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard, and say he would walk into any club team today, with Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool named as the team that would have got the best out of the former Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Lazio player.

Current players like Harry Winks, Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice simply don’t even come close.

They speculate as to whether modern midfielders are too functional today, citing Liverpool’s central trio as lacking in flair and the only comparable modern player to Gascoigne is Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and ex Spurs man Moussa Dembele.

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GOLDBRIDGE DEBATES SCRAPPING SEASON WITH HATED RIVALS LIVERPOOL & LEEDS

With the dust starting to settle on the suspension to the Premier League, rival fans Mark Goldbridge (United Stand TV), Mo Stewart (The Anfield Wrap) and Conor McGilligan (All Leeds TV) face off to debate what happens next, and what it means for all the clubs involved.

With Liverpool and Leeds United both sitting top of the Premier League and Championship respectively, our A Tenner Says panel debate and discuss who would be hit hardest should the season be cancelled completely - and what the fairest option would be. Liverpool haven't won the top division since 1990 - and have yet to win the title in the Premier League era.

With Jurgen Klopp's men so far ahead at the top of the table, it would be a cruel twist of fate to deny them now. Leeds too have had to endure a long wait - despite a number of near misses, they haven't returned to the Premier League since relegation in 2004.

Mo and Conor are joined by Mark Goldbridge - representing Manchester United, who are surely reveling in their hated rivals misery. The trio discuss which of the teams would be hit hardest by the season being cancelled, and what should happen next to the season.

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TROOPZ, EXPRESSIONS, ANFIELD WRAP & JENNINGS - CANCEL THE PREMIER LEAGUE? | A Tenner Says

With the Premier League one month into being suspended and no end in sight, Arsenal Fan TV's Troopz, Tottenham fan Expressions Oozing, Mo Stewart from the Anfield Wrap and Chelsea fan Rory Jennings debate what should happen next.

Should the Premier League scrap the season and deny Liverpool being crowned Premier League champions or should they suspend it indefinitely or play it behind closed doors once the UK government has lifted restrictions.

With Liverpool on the brink of the title, Jurgen Klopp's men will surely want the chance to get back out on the pitch so they can claim their first ever Premier League trophy - and what about the battle for the Champions League spots, with Sheffield United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal or vying to get into the top four.

Troopz and Expressions also face-off over the futures of Harry Kane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with both players tipped to move on the Manchester United and Barcelona respectively.

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NO KANE! TROOPZ & EXPRESSIONS CLASH OVER ALL-TIME ENGLAND XI | A Tenner Says

Who goes in your all-time England XI? This week, in what would have been the international break, it all kicks off between Troopz and Expressions as they clash over Harry Kane, Tony Adams and more!

Picking an England all-time XI is always full of controversy, but neither record-goalscorer Wayne Rooney or World Cup winner Bobby Charlton gets in their final XI, while they engage in a fiery debatre over the likes of Alan Shearer, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and more.

Harry Kane and England were meant to be on international break right now building up to Euro 2020 but Coronavirus Covid-19 has put a stop to that with football suspended and the country on lockdown.

Fans Troopz of AFTV, Tottenham Hotspur fan Expressions Oozing and Jamie Vardy lookalike Lee Chappy (Leicester) discuss their all-time England XI.

The strikers cause the biggest arguments as Harry Kane, Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and even Jamie Vardy are debated to play up-front for England but there is also a lot of debate over the midfielders with Lampard, Gerrard and Scholes all in the mix…

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EXPRESSIONS SLAPS DOWN TROOPZ OVER MOURINHO JIBES | A Tenner Says | 888sport

Jose Mourinho: genius or yesterday's man? AFTV's Troopz, Blues Fan TV star Rory Jennings and fan rant legend Andy Tate battle it out with Expressions Ooozing on one of football's most divisive personalities.

Is Mourinho finished at the highest level? Jose Mourinho has divided opinion throughout his managerial career - and after Chelsea and Manchester United, he is now at Tottenham Hotspur.

Ahead of this weekend's clash between his former club Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur we asked fans representing Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea to determine whether Jose Mourinho is finished.

Spurs fan Expressions is backing "Trophe Mourinho", but Chelsea fan Rory Jennings, Manchester United fan Andy Tate and Arsenal fan and AFTV's Troopz are in no doubt he is not the special one anymore - do you think he is still a world-class manager?

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TROOPZ & ANDY TATE MOCK MANCHESTER DERBY, CITY FAN FUMES! BIGGEST DERBIES: A Tenner Says | 888sport

There's nothing that excites fans like a good old-fashioned derby - but which is the best in the Premier League? Fans representing Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City fight out out to determine what is the biggest PL derby.

Arsenal fan Troopz is in no doubt - the North London derby pitting the Gunners against hated rivals Tottenham is the best of the bunch. From winning the league at White Hart Lane, to taking captain Sol Campbell, Arsenal have had the upper hand over Spurs in recent years, but is the tide starting to turn?

Steven McInerney, from Man City blog Esteemed Kompany, used to get it in the neck at school, but after City's recent successes under Pep Guardiola, is starting to bite back. With the balance of power now firmly blue, he's sure that the Manchester derby is the greatest.

There are split loyalties for Man United fanatic Andy Tate - while Liverpool are the game he looks forward to the most, he just can't help loving putting "little Citeh" back in their place. While things have turned sour after Sir Alex Ferguson was replaced by Moyseh, Andy has the unique position of having two big derbies to get behind.

Craig Houlden from Liverpool site Anfield Agenda also has two derbies in the fixture list - with the Merseyside derby against Everton a firm favourite. Divock Origi's late winner in 2018 will live long in the memory, as does the Toffees failure to win at Anfield in almost two decades.

Are our panel right - are these the biggest derbies in the Premier League, or do others go close? Crystal Palace's A23 rivalry with Brighton, for example, or other London clashes between Chelsea and West Ham?

Or outside of the current Premier League clashes - what about the likes of Portsmouth v Southampton, Birmingham v Aston Villa, or Newcastle v Sunderland? Or even the Old Firm between Celtic and Rangers?

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TROOPZ V EXPRESSIONS V JENNINGS: WHO’S THE BIGGEST CLUB IN LONDON? A Tenner Says | 888sport

It’s the age-old question that has divided fans for years – who is the biggest club in London? Supporters from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham go head-to-head to battle it out in the latest episode of 888sport’s A Tenner Says.

Arsenal fan Troopz is backing the Gunners – pointing to their Invincibles season in 2004/05, as well as periods of greatness under both Herbert Chapman and Arsene Wenger.

Rory Jennings, representing Chelsea, argues the Blues’ Champions League triumph in 2012 has shifted the balance of power to Stamford Bridge – as does the continued success since Roman Abramovich took ownership of the club.

Tottenham supporter Expressions thinks Spurs’ rich history under Danny Blanchflower makes them London’s biggest – and the fact they have the biggest stadium, and Jose Mourinho in charge means they will dominate the capital for years to come.

The trio discuss the history as well as how the rivalries will develop in future - will it be Mikel Arteta, Frank Lampard or Mourinho who leads the biggest team in London over the coming years?

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PREMIER LEAGUE FLOPS OF THE SEASON | A Tenner Says | 888sport

Harry Maguire cost Manchester United £80m in the summer – but is he the most expensive flop in the Premier League?

The former Leicester man has hardly set the world alight since arriving at Old Trafford – and our A Tenner Says panel think he is the most OVERRATED player in the PL!

Fans Andy Tate (Manchester United), Lee Chappy (Leicester), Anfield Agenda (Liverpool) and Steven McInerney (Manchester City) discuss frauds, phonies, and players who are overhyped – with Harry Kane’s name also cropping up too.

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FANS UNITE: SCRAP BROKEN VAR NOW! A Tenner Says | 888sport

VAR has been the biggest talking point of the Premier League season - and our A Tenner Says panel have pulled no punches when discussing the controversial new addition.

Fans Steven McInerney (Esteemed Kompany) from Manchester City, Rory Jennings (CFC Fan TV) from Chelsea, Lee Chapman (Football Fan Cast) from Leicester and Craig Houlden (Anfield Agenda) from Liverpool debate all things VAR - and decide what changes can be made, or if it should be scrapped completely.

Introduced at the start of the 2019/20 season, VAR has been met with widespread criticism from fans, players and managers alike - with seemingly nobody happy with the changes that have been made.

From armpits being adjudged offside to dodgy penalties being given, fans across the country have been vocal in their opposition to VAR - and our A Tenner Says panel is no different.

With VAR seemingly here to stay, are there any changes that can be made to improve it going forwards - or should it just be cancelled, for the good of football itself?! A Tenner Says is a series that brings together fans from across the country to debate the topics that matter in the world of football - check out the full series now!

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Arsenal INVINCIBLES vs Pep's CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING CITY - Who Wins? | A Tenner Says

Arsenal’s Invincible team from the 2003/04 season and Man City’s all-conquering title winners from the past two campaigns – two of the greatest teams in English football history. But which is better?

Arsene Wenger achieved something plenty thought was impossible – leading a team through a 38-game league season without tasting defeat once.

His Arsenal side swept all before them, with the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires putting the Gunners into the hall-of-fame as one of the best teams in history.

Pep Guardiola may not have led Manchester City to an unbeaten season, but he got pretty close. In 2017/18, he broke a number of Premier League records as City finished on a remarkable 100 points, and followed that up the season after by retaining the title with 98 points.

The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Sergio Aguero are certain to be spoken about for decades to come. But which of those two great sides was better?

To decide, 888sport invited fans Hugh Wizzy and Steven McInerney (Esteemed Kompany) to battle it out – both making the case for their respective clubs. Who would win in a fantasy game between the two, who was the better manager, and which of Henry or Aguero would they want up front?

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Would You Rather Win The Premier League Or The Champions League? | A Tenner Says

Choosing between the Premier League and the Champions League is one of the hardest decisions for fans – and our #ATennerSays panel is no different.

Fans Tayo of Liverpool, Rants n Bants of Manchester United, Rory Jennings from Chelsea and Tottenham's Expressions, our panel come together to debate the big question – would you prefer domestic or European success?

Winning a 38-game Premier League is the ultimate test to determine which club is best over a season, but does it compare to coming out on top over the cream of the continent?

Liverpool may have won the Champions League last season, but would Tayo prefer to swap it for the Premier League trophy that the Reds have never got their hands on?

He joins Rants N Bants, Expressions and Rory Jennings to discuss on the latest episode of #ATennerSays.

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England Won't Win Euro 2020 With Southgate In Charge! | A Tenner Says

Gareth Southgate could be regarded as England’s best manger of the modern era. He has managed 35 England matches with 22 wins, alongside a World Cup semi final being the pinnacle of Southgate’s reign so far.

However, is that enough to keep him at the job? We asked our panellists Rants & Rory whether they felt Southgate had done enough, or whether he and his waistcoat should be shown the door.

Does he need to be let go as soon as possible or does he deserve more time to develop up and coming players? Are there other managers who could do a better job? Or is Southgate the man to take Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and the rest to Euro 2020 glory?

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Should Diving Warrant A Red Card? | A Tenner Says

Diving is one of the most contentious issues in the Premier League and we asked a panel of football fans what they would do to rid it from the beautiful game.

Last season, Arsenal and Tottenham had the most players booked for simulation with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Dele Alli two of the main culprits in their respective sides, whilst Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha and Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish have also got a reputation for going down too easily.

But do fans of Spurs, Arsenal, Crystal Palace or Aston Villa think diving should warrant a straight red card? Or could a sin bin system could work in football like it does in rugby?

What about if it was the last minute, you’re drawing against your arch rival, and your player dives to win a pen – would that change your view? Let us know what you think in the comments below. Do you think diving should warrant a red card?

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Who Makes The Manchester United vs Liverpool All-Time Premier League XI | A Tenner Says

Two of English football’s fiercest rivals are Liverpool and Manchester United and we got two fans to pick a combined XI from the Premier League era.

Salah over Van Nistelrooy? Alonso for Scholes? Mane better than Giggs? A lot of contentious decisions but who makes your Man United and Liverpool combined Premier League era XI?

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Should The FA Cup Winners Get A Champions League Place? | A Tenner Says

Fans from Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton and Wolves discussed the Champions League and the FA Cup.

The FA Cup is a competition that is being more undervalued each season and our panel queried if it would be more prestigious if the winner would get a Champions League spot.

They also pondered the idea of a play-off between the FA Cup winners and the fourth placed team in the Premier League for the final Champions League spot – would that improve the football season?

A final discussion point looked at what would they rather – qualifying for the Champions League or the glory of lifting the FA Cup.

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Lampard Was Gerrard's Equal At EVERYTHING | Chelsea vs Liverpool | A Tenner Says

Our Chelsea and Liverpool fan stars Rory and Tayo come in to discuss the age old debate ahead of the big Premier League clash this weekend: who was better - Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard?

With many fans insisting Gerrard was the superior all round player, Rory roars back to argue Lampard was as good, if not better, than the Socuse legend in EVERY AREA!

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England Need BIG Changes To Be Euro 2020 Contenders | A Tenner Says

As England get ready for the first international break of the season, our fan panel discuss the Three Lions - and what they need to do to land Euro 2020 glory next summer.

Should Gareth Southgate go with Jordan Henderson or Harry Winks in midfield? Is Harry Kane or Raheem Sterling England's talisman? Is Jordan Pickford good enough to be the number one?

Tayo B, Expressions, Steven McInerney and Adam Partington go head-to-head over the Three Lions' chances!

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Pundits' Liverpool Bias Is Sickening! | A Tenner Says

Pundits often split opinion and our panel of fans got together to discuss the current crop of pundits. Are too many ex-Liverpool? Is Michael Owen as bad as he seems? Is Gary Neville the best pundit out there? Who's good, who's bad, and who's biased?

We asked our panel of Hugh Wizzy (Arsenal), Expressions (Tottenham), Rants N Bants (Manchester United), and That Guy Tayo B (Liverpool) to discuss the current crop of pundits on Sky Sports, BT Sport and BBC.

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No One Can Stop City And Lamps Is Getting Fired! Premier League Preview 2019/20 | A Tenner Says

Ahead of the new Premier League season, our panel of fans from last season’s top four face off to discuss the new campaign.

Can Man City retain the title? Did Liverpool’s best chance of the crown come and go last season? Will Frank Lampard be a success at Chelsea? Are Newcastle set for the drop? And who will be the season’s surprise package?

They discuss all this and more ahead of this weekend’s big kick-off.

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Champions League Miracles: Unitd '99 Or Liverpool '05? | A Tenner Says

United in ’99 or Liverpool ’05 – which was the greatest Champions League final comeback? Anfield Agenda and Adam McKola debate the Champions League final.

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Guardiola vs Klopp vs Pochettino vs Solskjaer - Who's The Best Manager? | A Tenner Says

Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Who's the best manager in the Premier League?

Steven McInerney, Anfield Agenda, Expressions and Adam McKola go head-to-head in the latest episode of A Tenner Says.

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Sterling vs Van Dijk: Who Deserves PFA Gong? | A Tenner Says

Virgil Van Dijk or Raheem Sterling – who gets your vote for PFA Player of the Year? Anfield Agenda and Steven McInerney go head-to-head in the latest episode of A Tenner Says.

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The reason why EVERYONE hates Liverpool! | A Tenner Says

A Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur fan tell a passionate Liverpool supporter why they don’t want the Reds to win the league.

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Pep has been spoon-fed success! Chelsea v Manchester City | A Tenner Says

Ahead of the Carabao Cup final, superfans NiNiiFC of Blues Lions TV and Steven Mcinerney of Esteemed Kompany go head-to-head about Pep Guardiola, Sarri, and who would win in a match between Mourinho's 04/05 Chelsea side and Pep's current squad. Who do you think comes on top in the debate?
 

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Farrell will shrink - Dan Biggar is BETTER! Wales v England | A Tenner Says

The Six Nations is back this weekend as Wales take on England at the Principality Stadium and we're warming up for a titanic clash by bringing superfans John Beardmore and Ali Stokes together to debate the big issues around the crunch match.

Is Dan Biggar better than Owen Farrell? Is Warren Gatland more tactically astute than Eddie Jones? Check out the debate and comment below! Who are you backing to win?

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Sexton and Ireland are busted flushes! Scotland v Ireland | A Tenner Says

Have Ireland and talisman Jonny Sexton been found out after England's stunning win in Dublin? Scotland fan John Anderson says so and is backing his side to pile on the misery for the Irish in Saturday's clash at Murrayfield. Who are you backing to win?

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England face a rude awakening in Dublin! Ireland v England | A Tenner Says

Rugby fans Ali Stokes and Darren Cleary go head-to-head as Ireland prepare to host England in Dublin in the Six Nations. Who's your money going on?

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Spurs aren't contenders - and NEVER will be! Chelsea v Spurs | A Tenner Says

Chelsea Fan TV's Rory Jennings and Spurs' Expressions trade barbs ahead of the sides' massive League Cup semi-final, with Jennings insisting the Blues will maintain their dominant trophy record of their north London rivals for years to come. Who do you think will have more success in the next five years?

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Istanbul was a FLUKE - the Invincibles can never be beaten | Liverpool v Arsenal | A Tenner Says

Liverpool and Arsenal superfans Grizz Khan and Cheeky Sport Joel face-off ahead of the Christmas clash at Anfield, and get into a rather heated debate about what was the bigger achievement - the miracle of Istanbul or the Invincibles' undefeated season.

What do you think? Does unfancied Liverpool's incredible comeback in 2005 go down as the greatest? Or does it even come close to Arsene Wenger's unbeaten 2003/04 Invincibles?

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Liverpool have ALWAYS been bigger than United! | Liverpool v Man Utd | A Tenner Says

Liverpool and United superfans Grizz Khan and Rants N Bants face-off ahead of the big clash at Anfield and get into a, shall we say, heated discussion about who's the bigger club, not only now, but in history.

What do you think? Do Liverpool with their five European Cups shade it? Or do United have the edge due to their Premier League title record?

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Fergie's treble winners? This City team are BETTER! | City v United | A Tenner Says

Full-Time Devils' Adam McKola and Blue Moon Rising's Alex Hylton sat down ahead of the upcoming Manchester Derby to discuss the merits of this current City team versus United's '99 Treble winners. Who do you think would win a game between the two teams?

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United won't win a title for FIVE YEARS! A Tenner Says | Wise v Brown | Chelsea v United

Dennis Wise and Wes Brown went head-to-head in the build-up to this weekend's big clash between Chelsea and Man United by asking which of the two could now be considered the bigger club.

The club legends sat down together for the second episode of our A Tenner Says series. as we asked them to back their instincts and put their money where their mouths are.

Wise reckoned United might struggle to attract players if they continue their league title drought as he backed Chelsea to win more and earn more top four spots in the next five years, while Brown insisted United's heritage would always give them the edge.

Check out the full debate and comment below - who do you think is now the bigger club?

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A Tenner Says | Spurs v Liverpool | Sherwood v McAteer

Spurs and Liverpool clash at Wembley on Saturday but the battle has already started off the pitch, thanks to 888sport.

The online bookmaker brought together club legends Tim Sherwood and Jason McAteer to debate the respective merits of their former sides in the launch episode of its new online content series, A Tenner Says.

Urging Sherwood and McAteer to back their instincts, the debate carried the theme of 888sport’s new Take ‘Em On TV campaign, which embodies the spirit of punters who defy the naysayers to always stay faithful to their gut.

In the friendly yet passionate debate, the pair put their tenners on the table as they discussed, among other things, Kane v Salah, Poch v Klopp, transfer business, trophy chances and more.

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FIRST PUBLISHED: February 2019

Spurs Will NEVER Be A Big Club! | Rory Jennings | My Unpopular Opinion

After reaching last season’s Champions League final and moving into a brand new stadium, Tottenham Hotspur can now be considered one of the biggest teams in the Premier League. Or can they?

Chelsea fan Rory Jennings has his say, and he certainly does not hold back. With four consecutive top four finishes, Spurs have been a whisker away from their first ever Premier League win but Rory reckons they shouldn’t be spoken about in the same sentence as the greatest top flight clubs.

Their inability to convert great chances to win trophies, and their long wait for any meaningful trophies means that they simply cannot be thought of as THAT big a club. Although Spurs’ ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino took their team to new heights, he struggled this season, which saw him being sacked.

Now with Jose Mourinho in the hotseat, and the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli on the pitch, can we expect to FINALLY see some major trophies for the “third best team” in London? Do you reckon Spurs are overrated – or is the best yet to come?

David de Gea Is FINISHED | Steven McInerney | My Unpopular Opinion

David De Gea is widely considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, yet Man City fan Steven McInerney thinks he is completely past it and has not developed his skill set to compete in the modern era.

By Manchester United’s high standards, it has been a shaky start to the season with the Red Devils currently languishing in mid-table, and Steven McInerney (Esteemed Kompany) reckons De Gea’s confidence has gone AWOL.

He argues the De Gea of the past would not have let these results shake him but as a result, he is making mistakes that are completely out of character and has been detrimental to United’s season so far.

McInerney also highlights De Gea’s competition, including the likes of Ederson, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Manuel Neuer to be better suited to football’s present style of play.

He thinks the United shot stopper simply does not have the all-round game to match his rivals. What do you think – Is De Gea past it?

Arrogant Klopp Is WAY Inferior To Guardiola! | Adam Partingdon | My Unpopular Opinion

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp are regarded as two of the top football coaches in world football right now, yet Everton fan Adam Partingdon - surpsise, surprise - thinks Guardiola is “a million times better” than Klopp.

Partingdon launched a broadside at Klopp ahead of the Merseyside Derby, which could see underfire boss Marco Silva given the bullet should the Toffees lose to the Reds, and pulled no punches, despite Klopp winning nearly universal praise for leading Liverpool to their sixth Champions League in 2018/19 season and on the brink of sealing a first league title for 30 years.

He thinks Pep is not only a better manager but also a better person and cites the Spaniard’s handling of Raheem Sterling after the FA Cup final last season as one prime example why.

Guardiola was captured having an animated discussion with Sterling, trying to improve the Englishman, despite having won the FA Cup just seconds earlier after Man City’s 6-0 thumping of Watford in the final.

Is it sour grapes from a bitter Evertonian or does he have a point?

Selhurst Park Has The Best Atmosphere In The Premier League! | Harvey Jones | My Unpopular Opinion

Selhurst Park is known for having a lively atmosphere and Palace fan Harvey Jones reckons the atmosphere is better than any other ground in the Premier League – including the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Old Trafford, Anfield or The Emirates!

He reckons spending £1bn+ on the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, or The Emirates boasting the most expensive season ticket, does nothing to make up for their silent fans.

With one of the smallest capacities in the league at 25,456, do you agree with Harvey that Selhurst Park really is the most atmospheric in the league?

Harry Kane Is BETTER Than Alan Shearer | Expressions | My Unpopular Opinion

Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in world football and this Tottenham Hotspur fan thinks he is already better than current all-time Premier League goalscorer Alan Shearer.

He argues Shearer only ever scored tap-ins and in today’s VAR climate would have struggled to score as many as Kane has to date.

Kane has scored 130 goals in 188 Premier League appearances, half the number of the 260 goals Shearer notched across 441 appearances for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, and Kane is on course to overtake the Match of the Day pundit’s goal tally.

Shearer won the Premier League with Blackburn in 1994/95 but Kane has only ever been a runner-up in his career.

James Milner Is The BEST English Midfielder! Rants N Bants | My Unpopular Opinion

James Milner has often gone under the radar behind the likes of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in England's midfield - but should the Liverpool man be more appreciated than he is?

Manchester United fan Rants N Bants has put club allegiances aside, and has called Milner the BEST English midfielder of the past 10-15 years, due to his versatility and consistency at the top of the game.

Does the Premier League and Champions League winner deserve more respect? And should he be spoken about as an English PL legend?

Anthony Martial Is The WORST Buy In Premier League History! Tayo | My Unpopular Opinion

Anthony Martial signed for Manchester United for £50m in 2015 and this Liverpool fan thinks he is the most overrated, overpriced signing in Premier League history.

United fans claimed Martial was their saviour BUT the Frenchman’s best return in one Premier League season is 11 goals which Tayo argues is not good enough. What do you think, has Martial been a good signing for United?

Conor Coady Should START For England At Euro 2020! Dave Azzopardi | My Unpopular Opinion

England are top of their EURO 2020 qualifying group and look to be cruising through to the tournament next summer.

BUT Wolves fan Dave Azzopardi thinks Conor Coady would improve the defence and increase the Three Lions’ chance of lifting their first major trophy since the World Cup in 1966.

He reckons the Wolverhampton Wanderers captain is one of the best passers out of any Premier League defender and backs him to make up for the “slow” Harry Maguire and “unreliable” John Stones and improve that England side.

Do you think Conor Coady would be a good addition to the England squad?

The Championship is MORE EXCITING Than The Premier League! iLukas | My Unpopular Opinion

Aston Villa may be back in the Premier League after a three year absence, but super fan iLukas is already missing the Championship!

He reckons the second tier is way more exciting than the Premier League, which he says has become dull and predictable, with the grounds soulless and the atmosphere lacking.

He says that going to old grounds like Leeds United’s Elland Road is better than going to stadiums like the Emirates and prefers the unpredictability of the Championship.

Would you prefer your team to be scratching around at the bottom of the Premier League or rocking the Championship?

Pep Guardiola Is An UNDERACHIEVER! Hugh Wizzy | My Unpopular Opinion

Pep Guardiola has only won the Champions League once in the past decade and that was with a Barcelona team including Lionel Messi.

Arsenal fan Hugh Wizzy cites this and the Spaniard’s spending sprees as reasons for describing the Manchester City manager as the “most overrated manager in the history of world football!”

Do you think Pep Guardiola has underachieved in his career?

Man United Won't Win The League For Another DECADE! Esteemed Kompany | My Unpopular Opinion

Esteemed Kompany reckons Man City and Liverpool will dominate the Premier League for years to come. Do you agree?

Eden Hazard Isn't In The Same League As Mo Salah! Anfield Agenda | My Unpopular Opinion

Liverpool fan and presenter Anfield Agenda thinks Eden Hazard isn’t in the same league as Mo Salah! Who do you think is the better player?

Mesut Ozil Is The WORST Pound-For-Pound Buy In Premier League History! Expressions | My Unpopular Opinion

Tottenham fan and presenter Expressions reckons Mesut Ozil is the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history.

What do you think? Has Mesut Ozil been a success, or has he just been a massive waste of time and money?

Henderson Would Be The Worst Premier League Winning Captain EVER! Adam McKola | My Unpopular Opinion

Man United fan and presenter Adam McKola reckons Jordan Henderson would be the worst captain to ever lift the Premier League trophy should Liverpool get their hands on it. What do you think? Would Henderson be the worst PL winning skipper of all time?

Lampard Was Average - Gerrard Was By Far The Better Player! My Unpopular Opinion | Grizz Khan

Liverpool fan Grizz Khan says Steven Gerrard is England’s greatest midfielder and reckons Frank Lampard stifled him.

BAN The Haka - It's Just A Glorified Jig! Jonathan Beardmore | My Unpopular Opinion

Wales fan and blogger Jonathan Beardmore reckons the authorities should ban the New Zealand rugby team from performing the Haka before matches as it breaks the rules and is just a commercially-driven jig!

What do you think? Should the haka be banned?

Abramovich Is The Problem - He Needs To Go NOW! My Unpopular Opinion | NiiNii

As Chelsea battle crisis after crisis, many fans are blaming manager Maurizio Sarri for the Blues' problems, but superfan NiiNii of Blue Lions TV says the root cause of the club's ills is owner Roman Abramovich.

In a searing piece to camera, NiiNii says it's time for the Russian oligarch to step aside and sell the club, as his heart appears to no longer truly be at Stamford Bridge. What do you think? Is it time for Abramovich to sell Chelsea?

Let Six Nations rugby fans BOO the goalkicker! My Unpopular Opinion | John Anderson

Scotland fan John Anderson of the Scottish Rugby Blog says its time fans were allowed to boo the goalkicker and reckons rugby could learn a lot from football crowds!
Scrap VAR - football is better with human error! My Unpopular Opinion | Rory Jennings

After yet more VAR controversy during the weekend's FA Cup ties, Chelsea Fan TV's Rory Jennings argues computer assisted decisions are no more reliable than refs and that football is better with human error!

 

Dele is OVERHYPED - Lingard deserves his England place! My Unpopular Opinion | Rants 'n' Bants

Manchester United superfan Rants 'n' Bants reckons Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli is overhyped and thinks Jese Lingard is the better all-round footballer!

EMERY ACTUALLY WINS TROPHIES - HE'S AHEAD OF POCH! My Unpopular Opinion | Joel Beya

Arsenal superfan Joel Beya reckons Unai Emery has proved far more in the game than Mauricio Pochettino as he lights the blue touchpaper ahead of the North London Derby!
Manchester United are the REAL chequebook club! My Unpopular Opinion | Alex Hylton

'It's basically a fashion shop that plays a bit of football at the weekend!' City super fan Alex Hylton questions why his team and Chelsea are known as 'chequebook clubs' but Manchester United escape scrutiny for their own mega transfer dealings.

 

Rio Ferdinand is England's BEST EVER centre back! Against the Grain | Adam McKola

Bobby Moore? John Terry? Terry Butcher? None get close to Rio Ferdinand when it comes to England's greatest ever centre back. That's according to Fan TV star Adam McKola, as we bring you latest in our series of unpopular football opinion.

Tackling is now almost IMPOSSIBLE! | Against the Grain | Wes Brown

Ex-Manchester United defender Wes Brown reckons attackers are now OVERPROTECTED by referees and the rules are making tackling nearly impossible. Do you agree?

Clubs should be BANNED from firing managers mid-season! | Jason McAteer | Against the Grain

Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer reckons clubs should be BANNED from firing managers during the season, as he argues the case for a managerial transfer window in the second episode of our new series, Against the Grain, which airs leftfield and unconventional football opinions. Do you agree with McAteer or is he talking nonsense?

Experience in football management is OVERRATED | Tim Sherwood | Against the Grain

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood tells us experience in football management is 'overrated' and a 'thing of the past' in the first episode of our new series, Against the Grain, which airs leftfield and unconventional football opinions.

Sherwood cites examples such as Eddie Howe and Zinedine Zidane at Bournemouth and Real Madrid as examples of inexperienced managers making their mark, while he can name plenty of experienced bosses 'who aren't very good'.

There comes a point in time when it is inevitable that a club must make a managerial change. Whether it comes during the middle of the campaign or at the end of the season, sometimes there is no alternative but to wield the axe.

Clubs that are struggling at the bottom of their respective divisions can often make more decisive and drastic moves to save their seasons. It has become commonplace in the Premier League for at least one manager at the bottom of the pile to lose his job.

Teams at the top end of the ladder are usually more reserved in their decision-making, although Manchester United moved to fire Jose Mourinho after their struggles in the English top flight.

The move mirrored the Portuguese’s two exits from Chelsea – albeit without the success this time around.

There are always managers out of work desperate to get back into the fold. Occasionally, there are the choices out of left field that astound the media and pundits.

Change does not always bring success, but in specific cases, teams have gone from strength-to-strength with a new man in charge. We’ll now break down the best managerial changes of recent history, beginning with a familiar name to all fans of football.

 

Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid)

The Frenchman was one of the finest players to take the field for Madrid and France during his illustrious career.

He won almost every award possible during spells with Bordeaux, Juventus, Madrid along with Les Bleus. Success on the pitch does not always translate towards being a top-quality manager, however.

Zidane recognised this, picking his spot carefully in developing Los Blancos’ young players before being called on by the senior side after the dismissal of Rafael Benitez during the 2015/16 campaign.

Zidane had a job on his hands reviving the term and was outstanding from start to finish, with two blemishes on his record. Los Blancos surged past Roma in the Champions League round of 16 before losing the first leg of their quarter-final clash against Wolfsburg.

However, they bounced back to see off the German outfit 3-0 at the Bernabeu. Zidane’s men edged past Manchester City in the semi-finals before their incredible victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the final.

Sergio Ramos’ last-gasp equaliser sent the game to extra-time then penalties where Los Blancos outlasted Diego Simeone’s team to win the crown for the second time in three years.

Under the Frenchman, Madrid improved even further in the 2016/17 season. Their La Liga form improved, displaying an impressive level of consistency. In a close race, Los Blancos were able to outlast Barcelona to win the crown for the first time in five years.

In the Champions League, Real overcame Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals and Atletico in the last four, before hammering Juventus in the final, becoming the first team to win back-to-back European crowns in the modern era.

Zidane's final season was the worst of his tenure in terms of league position, although it still resulted in an incredible third Champions League title on the bounce.

Real battled past Juventus and Bayern before seeing off Liverpool in the final thanks to mistakes from Loris Karius.

Zidane opted to bow out after his third triumph, and given Madrid’s issues since – given how far they're valued in the La Liga betting odds – it’s clear to see the quality of his managerial skills.

 

Sam Allardyce (Sunderland)

Whenever a team is in the dark despair at the bottom of the Premier League, they usually knock on the door of Allardyce, who is always seemingly well-placed in 888sport's managers betting odds.

He has the reputation of never having experienced relegation during his managerial career, although his record was put to the test by the Black Cats.

Sunderland had collected three points from their opening eight matches of the campaign under Dick Advocaat. The Black Cats were perennial strugglers in the top flight and had barely avoided relegation in the previous three terms.

Advocaat had resigned amid claims of broken promises from Sunderland owner Ellis Short after a 2-2 draw against West Ham. Allardyce was hired to right the ship, although he began with a 1-0 defeat to West Brom at The Hawthorns

 A win over local rivals Newcastle United got the Wearsiders off the mark, but they were unable to put together a run of results to pull themselves out of the relegation zone.

The January transfer window proved to be crucial for the Black Cats, as they signed Wahbi Khazri, Jan Kirchhoff and Lamine Kone. All three players hit the ground running as Sunderland enjoyed a resurgence after the turn of the year, losing four of their final 18 matches.

The Black Cats overcame Manchester United at home, along with launching a 2-2 comeback against Liverpool on the road.

Those results kickstarted their survival run, aided by the goals of Jermain Defoe, which culminated with back-to-back triumphs over Chelsea and Everton. Sunderland stayed up at the expense of Norwich City and Newcastle.

However, Allardyce’s exploits saw him lured away by England, forcing Sunderland’s hand to hire David Moyes.

Without Allardyce, whose England sojourn ended in scandal, the Wearsiders were relegated with a whimper under Moyes and have since fallen into the third tier of English football.

 

Roy Hodgson (Crystal Palace)

From one former England manager to another. Hodgson’s reputation was tarnished by England’s humiliating defeat at the hands of Iceland in the first knockout round of Euro 2016.

Many believed that he would not get enough opportunity to manage in the Premier League, despite his pedigree at Fulham and West Brom.

However, Palace came calling after their disastrous start to the 2017/18 Premier League campaign, where the club had lost faith in Frank De Boer after just four matches.

The Eagles had been defeated four times in a row, losing twice at Selhurst Park. De Boer was sacked in the second week of September after a tepid loss to Burnley on the road, and Hodgson was appointed the following day.

He did not have a perfect start to his return to management. Palace lost three further games to drop their opening seven matches of the term without scoring, although the last two were against Manchester City and Manchester United on the road.

The Eagles ended their losing run by beating the champions Chelsea at home, courtesy of an own goal from Cesar Azpilicueta and Wilfried Zaha.

Palace would lose only three of their next 14 matches, although their abysmal start had left them with a huge task to make up ground on their rivals.

Hodgson managed to galvanise his team for one last effort in the final eight games of the campaign. Zaha found his best form in wins over Huddersfield and Brighton.

The results moved the Eagles out of the mire, and they ensured their Premier League survival in style with a 5-0 of Leicester before condemning Stoke to the drop with a 2-1 triumph on the road.

Palace climbed into 11th place as Hodgson defeated his former club West Brom 2-0 at Selhurst Park, capping a remarkable recovery.

Hodgson remains with the team to this day, seemingly on the road to Premier League safety as highlighted in the football betting odds for another term in the top flight.

When Roger Federer became the oldest world number one in tennis betting history after winning the Rotterdam Open in 2018, it turned the spotlight onto the age of the elite in the modern era.

Naturally, Federer was lauded for his achievement, especially as it came so soon after winning the Australian Open. However, once the dust had settled, it became clear to see that there was a seismic shift happening in the men’s game.

To put it plainly, the best players in the men’s game are considerably older than they have ever been at any stage during the professional era.

The elder statesmen have been showing up their younger counterparts by some degree and you would have to go back to the 2016 men’s Wimbledon final to find a Grand Slam final that wasn’t contested by at least one of the players being over 30-years old.

Since that final on a warm summer’s day in SW19 three years ago, the following ten Grand Slam finals have been won by players who are all older than 30.

The evidence doesn’t just stop there; all of the favourites in tennis betting for all the upcoming Grand Slams in 2019 are all over 30 as well.

Previous wisdom suggested that a player’s career would normally peak at around 28 or 29 and, by 31, they would be unable to compete with the younger rising stars in the game.

Both Boris Becker and Pete Sampras retired at 31 and no one really blinked an eye but, after Andy Murray announced that he could be retiring at 31 due to an ongoing hip problem, the world proclaimed in unison that his career was being cut short in its prime.

By their very nature, phenomena are hard to explain in whatever form they may occur but the one currently defining men’s tennis can be attributed to a level of professionalism never before seen in the game.

 

New Wave Of Tennis Professionalism

The answer is quite simple and can be best described by the title of Abba’s 1976 hit single ‘Money Money Money.’ There are few sports as lucrative as tennis but only if you are at the very top of the world rankings.

From June 2017 to June 2018, Roger Federer earned an eye-watering $77.2 million through prize money and endorsements. During the same period, Rafa Nadal earned £41.4 million and Novak Djokovic $23.5 million.

Earnings obviously vary and are largely based on what type of commercial appeal a player can offer off the court alongside winnings on it.

Despite these massive numbers at the summit of men’s tennis, it is said that only the top 350 male tennis players on tour are able to make a profit.

The further a player is down the rankings, the more thrifty they have to be about what hotel they stay in and what flights they catch, never mind what type of nutritionist or physiotherapist they can take on tour with them.

 

Money Can't Buy Happiness But It Can Buy Longevity

When Roger Federer arrives at a tournament, he doesn't slip in through the international arrivals gate pushing a trolley with his tennis equipment in before hailing an Uber to take him to his hotel.

The Swiss legend will arrive in a private jet with his entire entourage in tow. His support staff is made up of two coaches, a personal trainer, physiotherapist, and three nannies as well as tutors for his children.

Similarly, Novak Djokovic won’t arrive with just his racket and high hopes, oh no; following Djokovic’s every move will be his strategist, physio, fitness coach, training partner and, at one stage, even famed spiritual advisor Pepe Imaz before they split up in 2018.

With this type of support, it’s easy to see why Djokovic was the favourite in all the tennis betting tips for the Australian Open and why he eventually won it.

Most of the world's top 20 have the means to employ an entourage of similar size to these ones, which, undoubtedly, gives them a better chance of succeeding on the court.

These days, younger players are walking straight into the lion's den when they arrive on tour as they come up against arguably the greatest players to have ever played the game as well as the best support teams money can buy.

It does make you reconsider whether the old guard will actually be stepping aside to welcome a new generation of players anytime soon?

 

Why Do Players Go To These Lengths To Win?

Andy Murray was said to eat 50 pieces of sushi during a sitting in a bid to consume 6000 calories a day.

The Scot’s team would track down a sushi restaurant close to where he was playing a particular event and even sent him on his way to Wimbledon with sushi in a cooler so that he could replenish his body after a match.

Over the course of his career and under the guidance of his full-time nutritionist, Murray was able to impressively build his 6 ft 3 frame and, at the height of his powers, he was an imposing 13 ½ stone.

It's been well documented that the rewards on offer today are incomparable to anything the men’s game has historically experienced.

If you go back to Wimbledon 1968, Rod Laver was only given $2,643 after being crowned the winner. Skip forward to 1984 when John McEnroe won Wimbledon and he was given a cheque of $128,000, which equates to around $340,000 in today’s money.

Fast forward to Djokovic’s crushing straight-sets win over Kevin Anderson in the 2018 Wimbledon final, which earned the Serb a whopping $3.3 million in prize money, and it's not hard to figure out why there is a fierce drive to be the best.

The 32-year-old Serb is the favourite in the latest online betting odds to win Wimbledon again this year and, if he does so, he would have taken his entire career earnings on the court to over $125 million.

 

It Is A Business At The End Of The Day

Professional sport as a whole has evolved to an almost unrecognizable state since the 1980s. Along with greater prize money, the other massive change has been the culture of excellence and dedication.

Gone are the days of Ian Botham having a pint during the lunch break, George Best a cigarette at half time or John McEnroe doing a few star jumps as a warm-up before appearing in a Wimbledon final.

The players at the very top have taken advantage of the breakthrough in sports medicine and almost any other advance that has been suggested to get ahead, given the carrot that is being dangled in front of them.

Tennis is no different but, the wealthier the player, the more they can utilise all the various different ways to give them that competitive edge and help them dominate the sport.

With seven of the top ten in the men's official world rankings all over thirty years old, there can be no doubt that players are massively benefiting from having the help of a 24-hour team that analyse everything they do from eating to sleeping.

The rigorous physical conditioning they have undergone for the duration of their twenties means the good players are now able to stay just as competitive throughout their thirties and beyond.

for more tennis bets than you can shake your racquet at, head on over to https://www.888sport.com/

 

 

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

Horse racing has seen some truly outstanding competitors take to the track, where they have exceeded themselves far and above the standard of their peers.

Both flat and jump racing have boasted a host of stars, although the longevity of careers in the National Hunt has allowed horses to establish a greater legacy.

Careers on the flat tend to be short and sharp, lasting two or three seasons. Therefore, it’s crucial for owners, trainers, and competitors to ensure that they're able to maximise their time on the track.

Their counterparts in the National Hunt have the opportunity to develop their charges, which can see improvements made over time.

There are a number of factors such as age and heritage that can contribute to success for horses in both disciplines, but most importantly, talent is the decisive element.

Genetics can take you so far, but just like with humans, children are not always able to match up to the sporting talent of their parents.

We’ll now break down the key aspects that great champions of the past have had over their rivals and what to look out for in future competitors when eyeing up a horse racing bet.

 

Heritage

Having famous relatives in the world of sport can be a daunting prospect. Expectations are always raised when a competitor has a famous sire, dam, or even an ancestor further down the genetic line that was a star of the racing world

 Bloodline does not always guarantee success, with a number of horses that have been reared from outstanding pedigree, but have underwhelmed in their respective careers.

There are exceptions to the rule – none more so than the case of Galileo and his numerous offspring.

During his one season in flat racing, Aidan O’Brien’s charge was dominant. Galileo won The Derby and the Irish Derby by comfortable distances before he triumphed at Royal Ascot in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, beating out Fantastic Light.

His rival got the best of him in a thrilling contest in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, losing out by a head on the line.

Galileo’s career ended with an underwhelming sixth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic before being put into retirement to sire the next generation of competitors.

Galileo himself came from excellent stock, descending from the Canadian-bred horse Northern Dancer, who won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes in 1964.

Galileo has become one of the most successful sires in the history of racing. Arguably the greatest flat racing horse of all time – Frankel – comes directly from his bloodline.

Found, Highland Reel, Gleneagles, Australia, and Minding have also been reared directly from the Irish-bred horse. His effect is even spreading to the next generation again.

Nathaniel was already a talented horse in his own right, winning the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Eclipse during his career.

Following his retirement, he sired Enable, who has entered the realm of Frankel’s greatness after winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in back-to-back years

 Bloodline is prevalent in the flat discipline rather than the National Hunt; although Sadler’s Wells, which sired Galileo, also reared High Chapperel, who in turn sired the great Altior, who has been a star of jump racing over the last four years.

If there’s a bloodline to be a part of, it’s the Northern Dancer ancestry downwards. Altior is one of the ones to watch in the latest Cheltenham Festival betting odds, and he's not alone in the dynasty.

 

Age

In flat racing, age restrictions prevent horses from below the age of three from competing in elite races. Certain meets are restricted to only three-year-olds, such as the 2,000 Guineas, The Derby, Irish Guineas and the Irish Derby.

The Triple Crown races – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes – in the United States are also restricted to three-year-olds. The careers of sprinters can be short ones, with the prime year being their second season in the sport.

Enable won the majority of her crowns in her three-year-old campaign, and although she battled injuries in her four-year-old campaign, John Gosden’s charge was able to find her rhythm to triumph at l’Arc and the Breeders' Cup Turf.

Frankel enjoyed the same success in his three-year-old season, winning the Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes, Sussex Stakes, and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

He doubled up on his Sussex Stakes crown in the following term before adding the International and Sprint Stakes crowns to his collection.

For horses of that ilk, the best age is between three and four, although there have been cases where five- and even six-year-olds have triumphed. For long-distance flat runners, older horses can find success, although the younger breed are beginning to dominate.

In the National Hunt, it takes time for horses to develop into jumpers.

At the age of five, the truly elite competitors come into their own after making their way through novice hurdles. Winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup usually range between seven- and nine-years-old.

The last seven champions have fallen in this bracket, although Nicky Henderson’s Long Run outstandingly won the event at age six.

Grand National winners tend to be older than their Gold Cup counterparts. Red Rum was 12 on his final run to glory, having previously won the race at age eight and nine.

It's been trending downwards to move more in line with the Gold Cup as injuries can curtail careers rapidly with age.

The last four winners have been under the age of 10, suggesting that speed over stamina is becoming a more important part of the event. Eight appears to be the prime age when eyeing winners for horse racing betting on the National Hunt scene.

 

Closing Speed

The most important aspect of the race is the closing speed of a horse - the final furlong is where champions are made.

The most exciting part of the meet that gets the crowd out of their seats is the stretch run, where horses with the speed and stamina to get over the line are able to etch their place in history.

Red Rum was arguably the best stretch runner in the history of the Grand National.

His crown was a testament to his skill; after 30 gruelling jumps, he managed to find the speed to beat Crisp to triumph for the first time at Aintree.

Ginger McCain’s charge had the pedigree again to see off L’Escargot for his second triumph at the event before dominating for a record third time in 1977.

The Gold Cup has also seen its fair share of close runs. Most recently in 2014, Lord Windermere had the edge over his rivals down the stretch to secure the crown by a head ahead of On His Own.

Jim Culloty’s charge was a 20/1 outsider for the event, but had the pace when it mattered the most to deliver the victory.

The horse doesn’t have to be flawless over the hurdles or on the flat, but it has to have the pace and endurance during crunch time to secure crowns.

There have been quality horses on the track that have been favoured, but never managed to close out major meets. The best of the best seize the opportunity and ensure that they are over the line first.

 

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

The Six Nations is one of the highlights of the international rugby union season. Initially, the tournament saw England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and France compete against each other but organisers decided to grant Italy entry into the competition in 2000.

Held annually in February and March, it is the pinnacle of international rugby in non-World Cup years. The Six Nations tends to throw up a few shock results, incredible tries and controversial scenes on a regular basis and the 2019 tournament should be no different.

Without further ado, it is time to look back at some of the biggest Six Nations stories over the last two decades.

2000: Italy Prove They Are Six Nations-Worthy On Debut

Critics had doubts over whether or not Italy were capable of holding their own in the Six Nations but the rugby union minnows silenced the doubters.

Italy marked their Six Nations debut with a dominant victory over defending champions Scotland in front of a jubilant home crowd. Priced at 250/1 to win the title, Italy had been given no chance after conceding 196 points at the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

Diego Dominguez was central to Italy’s success on that occasion, kicking 29 of his side’s 34 points en route to victory. With six penalty kicks, a conversion and a hat-trick of drop goals, Dominguez produced one of the greatest Six Nations performances of all-time.

Italy fans still look back on that day with fond memories. Unfortunately, that remains their brightest moment after 20 years of competing in the Six Nations.

Nowadays, fans regularly call for Italy to be replaced by Georgia – rugby union’s new upcoming nation. Priced at 5000/1 to win the Six Nations in 2019, Italy’s time may be running out.

2003: England Refuse To Move At Lansdowne Road

Chasing a third Six Nations title in four years, Martin Johnson and co knew that a win would secure England’s first Grand Slam in the modern competition.

Leading his side out in front of an expectant Lansdowne Road, Johnson lined England up on the wrong side of the pitch – refusing to budge when asked to switch.

This meant that Ireland lined up away from the red carpet, causing Irish President Mary McAleese to walk down the pitch. It caused confusion and uproar amongst the Ireland players and fans and that played on their minds before the game had even kicked off.

England went on to win that match 42-6, with incidents before the game giving the visitors a real psychological edge. Later that year, Martin Johnson lifted the Rugby World Cup crown as England captain – much to the delight of English supporters.

We could see Owen Farrell lead this current England side, priced at 4/1 in rugby betting odds, to World Cup glory in 2019.

2009: Ireland Claim First Grand Slam In 61 Years

Ireland had to do it the hard way in 2009 but they did it – their first championship in the Six Nations era and a first Grand Slam in over 60 years. Ronan O’Gara was the conductor from start to finish, creating Tommy Bowe’s try with a precision kick through the defensive line.

If you ask any Ireland fan about the 2009 tournament, chances are they will pay homage to O’Gara’s efforts on that fateful day at the Millennium Stadium.

Trailing Wales by one point with less than three minutes remaining, O’Gara stepped up to write his name into Irish rugby folklore. Welsh fans were heartbroken but Irish supporters were jubilant and partied long into the Cardiff night.

O’Gara was instrumental for Ireland throughout the tournament, scoring more points than anyone else in the competition.

That drop goal will go down in history as one of Irish rugby’s greatest ever moments and with good reason: a first Grand Slam in over 60 years is something to celebrate.

2013: Rampant Wales Stop England's Grand Slam Chariot In Tracks

England strode into Cardiff full of confidence after winning four on the spin – a first Grand Slam success since 2003 beckoned.

However, Wales had other ideas. The hosts had lost at home to Ireland on the opening weekend but knew that victory over England would be enough to retain the Six Nations crown. The Millennium Stadium expected big things and Wales delivered in style.

The noise inside the ground was deafening, with over 74,000 supporters passionately cheering their team on. Wales were relentless from the first minute, notching a penalty with less than two minutes on the clock and that set the tone for the contest.

Alex Cuthbert notched a brace as Wales went on to record a 30-3 victory to send England fans back across the border with their tails between their legs.

That 27-point success remains Wales’ biggest margin of victory over their old rivals. Sports betting odds show Wales at 29/20 to emerge victorious against England in their 2019 Six Nations clash and that match could decide who goes on to win the tournament.

2017: Daly Breaks Welsh Hearts In The Corner

With less than five minutes on the clock, it looked like Wales had done it to England again. Trailing by two points, Eddie Jones’ side turned the ball over in the Welsh 22. It looked like Wales had withstood the English pressure for the time being.

However, British & Irish Lions centre Jonathan Davies opted to kick the ball straight downfield rather than finding touch – giving England a chance to counter attack.

George Ford brought the ball forward before passing on to Owen Farrell. The Saracens star, so often England’s saviour on the big stage, released a perfect flat ball for Elliot Daly to run onto and the then-Wasps winger duly obliged, touching down for a score in the corner.

The travelling English contingent went wild whilst Wales fans were crestfallen. To add insult to injury, Owen Farrell slotted the conversion to extend the lead to five points.

Wales were a beaten side and England saw out the rest of the game to earn a huge win en route to the 2017 title.

2018: Sexton Leaves It Late In Paris

Cometh the 83rd minute, cometh the man. Jonathan Sexton, voted World Rugby’s Player of the Year in 2018, produced a moment of magic to snatch victory for Ireland in Paris back in February 2018.

A drop goal from almost halfway with the clock already past the 80-minute mark helped set the benchmark for Ireland to secure another Grand Slam success.

Ireland had been involved in a brutal arm wrestle with France for 80 minutes, with Les Bleus leading by a solitary two points as the clock ticked into added time.

After 38 phases of play, Ireland had worked the ball into Sexton’s range and the Leinster man slotted over to send the visiting fans into raptures. It was one of those ‘I was there’ moments.

On that day, Sexton scored all 15 of Ireland’s points and that drop goal capped out a perfect individual performance. Ireland then went on to win their four remaining games, including the sweetest of victories over England at Twickenham to secure the Grand Slam.

Former Manchester United winger Andrei Kanchelskis believes it is a case of back to the future at Old Trafford with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reintroducing attacking football.

“Everybody looks back to 1993 and 1994 when United had Cantona, Mark Hughes, Ryan Giggs, myself and Roy Keane and it was more attacking play.

"It was excellent football and we had some great teams. People liked the football demanded by Sir Alex Ferguson, who was a great coach. He would insist we win, win, win every match and we attacked every match.

Now it is like it was before. Mourinho didn’t like attacking football but Solskjaer does and the people are happy again.”

It is not only the paying public who are delighted at the return of the baby-faced assassin, this time prowling the technical area in a natty blazer rather than the six yard box.

Kanchelskis too is clearly pleased at the temporary appointment that has so far proven to be a huge success.

“I am very, very happy about Solskjaer because he’s a good coach. He has got Manchester United in his bones and he knows what is needed. He was there a long time playing and now I’m so glad that he’s back.

"Whether he stays we will see what happens at the end of the season. At this moment they are best leaving him to coach and giving him a chance.

Belief – along with a good dose of confidence - is at the core of United’s recent resurgence that has seen them claw back a large deficit of points and move up to fourth in the Premier League.

The ex-United, Everton and Rangers wide-man points out that it is not only the team that is benefitting but individuals too.

“Martial is a great player and we see that again now under the different style and system being played.

"It is more relaxed now than under Mourinho and that is why we’re seeing better results for Manchester United because players like Martial are enjoying their football.“

The same is said of Alexis Sanchez who this week candidly admitted to feeling marginalised under the previous regime.

“Sanchez is in a different situation now. Being coached by Mourinho and being coached by Solskjaer is very different. Now he is playing in a different system and is being told that he is wanted. That to me is everything.”

It is not however all peaches and roses and ahead of a monumental M62 derby with Liverpool this Sunday.

The 50 year old – himself presently a coach at Navbahor Namangan in Uzbekistan – doesn’t mince his words when it comes to a superstar whose influence can sometimes wane on the biggest stages.

What they do have however is a terrific goalkeeper whose outstanding and consistent contribution in nets has led to him being voted Player of the Year four times since 2014.

Does this make him an Old Trafford great? Absolutely. Does this make him number one? Kanchelskis thinks not.

“For me De Gea is the big man, a great player. He is the best around at the moment.

"I liken him to Peter Schmeichel because of how much he helps Manchester United but in my opinion Schmeichel was better. He was the best goalkeeper I’ve ever seen in my life.”

The Spaniard will be hoping he doesn’t have to prove his worth too often this weekend as United host their bitter rivals in a ferocious clash expected to have a global audience nudging close to a billion people.

Kanchelskis – a two-time Premier League title winner with the Reds – will certainly be one of them, his allegiance left in no doubt.

"Now Liverpool have a good chance so it would be good if United can help stop them. It would be great. Everybody around the world will be watching this game.”

Andrei Kanchelskis Quickfire Questions

Who will win this weekend, Manchester United or Liverpool?

United, I hope.

Who wins the Premier League title this season?

If Liverpool win on Sunday they have a very good chance of winning the title.

Who Is Going To Win The Champions League?

Juventus have a good chance. They’re a strong team.

The 888sport Handicap Chase is the feature race on an excellent Kempton card and on which we are proud to be sponsoring six of the seven races.

888sport Chase Day has for many a year been one of the last informative horse race meetings to take place in Britain before the very imminent Cheltenham Festival.

Many of the results on Saturday will give us some final pointers towards the Festival, so it will be advisable to keep a close eye on all those Kempton proceedings.

 

History

Run over a distance of three miles, this Grade 3 was formerly known as the Racing Post Chase (1988-2011) and has had several sponsors since.

As well as giving us some Cheltenham betting clues, the race as often been used as a Grand National trial with both Rhyme 'n' Reason (1988) and Rough Quest (1996) going onto taste Aintree glory in the same season as they ran in this feature race.

Trends (Last 10 Renewals)

10/10 finished in the top five places on their last run.

10/10 winners had at least 3 previous runs over 3 miles or further.

9/10 winners have been rated 138 or higher.

9/10 winners were aged between 7 and 9.

0/10 favourites have won.

 

Runner-By-Runner Guide

Double Shuffle (Tom George)

Has had this race as his target for some time and his trainer Tom George has won this race twice before with Nacarat in 2009 and 2012.

The nine-year-old is a course specialist at Kempton, having won over the distance and also finishing second to Might Bite in the King George VI Chase in December 2017. He was also the runner-up in this race in 2017.

No reason why he shouldn’t go well at one of his favourite tracks.

 

Adrien Du Pont (Paul Nicholls)

Another course-and-distance winner and very much one to fear off a BHA rating of 151.

Paul Nicholls’ seven-year-old worked his way nicely through the field to score by a comfortable 3½ lengths at Kempton over Christmas, and Harry Cobden is sure to adopt the same waiting tactics on him again here.

Top trainer, up and coming jockey, horse in form – what is there not to like about his chances?

Modus (Paul Nicholls)

Often let down by his jumping but he can turn in a great performance on a going day, as his seasonal return proved when he won a handicap at Cheltenham- just beating Duke Of Navan by a head.

Nine career wins to his name and a Lanzarote Hurdle win back in 2017 are results not to be sniffed at.

Will he or won’t he put it in? That is the question?

 

Rather Be (Nicky Henderson)

The eight-year-old was considered unlucky when he was brought down in the BetVictor Gold Cup but failed to make amends when he was the well-backed favourite in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, only able to muster fifth place.

Just touched off by Mister Whitaker in the Close Brother Novices' Handicap Chase at the Festival last year, Rather Be is on a recovery mission here.

 

Talkischeap (Alan King)

Consistency has been his strong suit this season and he was rewarded by winning a two-runner affair at Doncaster in January.

Holds an entry in the RSA Chase at the Festival and is clearly well regarded by his trainer.

Looks a certainty for the top three but in which slot will it be?

 

Catamaran Du Seuil (Dr Richard Newland)

Finished four lengths second to Calipto at Wincanton last time out, the form of which has been well and truly franked since.

The seven-year-old will be running with the aid of the blinkers again and has had a sizeable break since his last run. Jockey Charlie Hammond is the only claimer in the field and he takes a useful 5lbs off his back.

If he runs anywhere near to that Calipto race he must have a great each-way chance.

Romain De Semain (Paul Nicholls)

The seven-year-old has run some indifferent race this season but he is a much better horse on a decent surface and he will be getting just that on Saturday.

He won 4-runner event at Taunton last time by two lengths from Fox Appeal and is on a very handy mark in this race if he can utilise it.

With conditions ideal, now is the time for the gelding to fulfil some of his early potential.

 

Glen Rocco (Nick Gifford)

The eight-year-old has been in rude form this season, winning two of his five starts including a 23-length demolition of the field at Kempton last month.

A bold showing in this race will be the green light for taking up one of his many options at Cheltenham next month. Nick Gifford has entered him for four possible races including the National Hunt Chase, the RSA, the Ultima and the Kim Muir.

Up 13lb for his Kempton course-and-distance success, there is no reason why he shouldn’t defy it.

 

Didero Vallis (Venetia Williams)

Owner Lady Bolton will be hoping for more Saturday success this week after her Calipto, also trained by Venetia Williams, won last weekend.

Williams’ go-to-jockey Charlie Deutsch takes the ride and the signs are again positive for Didero Vallis after his last two performances. A brave win at Carlisle was followed up by a gutsy display at Haydock Park and a hat-trick of wins for the six-year-old is by no means a forlorn hope.

After shouldering 11st 12lb to victory last time out Didero Vallis should find this weight an absolute gift.

Walt (Neil Mulholland)

Walt just failed by the narrowest of margins to get the better of De Rasher Counter at Newbury but the pair of them were well clear of the others that day. Prior to that run, Walt was a runaway winner of a comptitive chase at Taunton.

The lack of runs over this distance is a worry for this eight-year-old son of King’s Theatre.

 

CONCLUSION

Not all Venetia Williams-trained runners need soft going to be seen at their best and her Didero Vallis can prove his versatility on any surface by taking this famous Kempton race.

888sport suggests: Didero Vallis (e/w).

 

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

A quirk in the Premier League’s scheduling gives us with two Friday night matches.

Cardiff host Watford in Wales while there is the excitement of a local derby at the London Stadium between an out-of-form West Ham and relegation-battling Fulham.

The League Cup final leaves a depleted Premier League fixture list, with just four fixtures on Saturday and a couple on Sunday before Chelsea and Manchester City face-off at Wembley.

The Friday matches are the centre of our attention for this article...

 

Cardiff City vs WATFORD

Cardiff have won their last two Premier League matches, putting them a point above the relegation zone. A victory over Southampton in their last league outing was invaluable.

Having been knocked out of the FA Cup already, Neil Warnock’s side had nearly a fortnight to prepare for this match, which could be a benefit against a Watford team that were in Cup action last weekend.

The Hornets are up in eighth at the moment and can overtake Wolves with a victory in Wales on Friday night.

Javi Gracia’s side have been hard to beat all season and have lost just twice in their last 14 in all competitions. The visitors are a tempting 4/11 to avoid defeat.

Gracia has selection decisions to make with Jose Holebas suspended and Roberto Pereyra a doubt. Adam Masina will likely slot in at left-back, but Pereyra’s absence would be key for the visitors.

He has been a difficult player to pick up all season, drifting across the pitch and finding space between the lines. If he is available, the 3/1 price to score anytime looks a solid bet.

Watford have been one of the league’s stronger teams away from home, losing just four league matches on the road all season.

This will be a tough test against a confident Cardiff side, who have put in some impressive performances at home this season. We can expect a competitive match under the lights – both teams to score is 8/11.

The meeting of two teams who will pack the midfield always makes cards probable. A combative 90 minutes is likely. Cardiff’s Harry Arter has seven yellow cards already this season – he looks a good bet at 9/5 to pick up his eighth on Friday.

The visitors are 27/20 to take all three points. Despite Cardiff’s home form, that is a bet worth considering.

TIP: Watford to win @ 27/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Cardiff 1-2 Watford (Priced at 15/2 with 888sport)

 

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WEST HAM UNITED vs Fulham

West Ham have had a difficult 2019 so far. Manuel Pellegrini’s side have gone winless in five matches, including the shock FA Cup defeat to AFC Wimbledon.

The Hammers are 10^th at the moment, but their hopes of a top eight finish are diminishing with every poor result.

There was positivity at Craven Cottage when Claudio Ranieri arrived. That fresh optimism has waned. The defence is not quite as sloppy as it once was, but the attack is now faltering.

The west London club are eight points from safety with 12 matches to play and are nearing ‘need a miracle’ territory. Fulham are the only Premier League team without an away win this season.

They have been nothing short of terrible on the road, losing 11 of their 13 matches so far. Eight goals scored and 32 conceded does not make for pretty reading and makes them the perfect opponents for West Ham.

Ranieri’s side have been losing at half-time and full-time in seven of their last eight league matches. West Ham are a very good price at 7/4 to make that happen again.

Pellegrini received some great news this week as Manuel Lanzini has returned to training. He is still a long way from match fitness, though, and the Hammers’ manager is unlikely to have any of his injured players back for this one.

The main discussion point is right-back, where Ryan Fredericks could get the start ahead of Pablo Zabaleta. After some great football earlier in the campaign, the Hammers’ attack has been less effective in recent weeks.

Felipe Anderson has not had the same space to operate from the left and Marko Arnautovic is without a goal since January 2nd. Facing Fulham will give Arnautovic and Anderson a good chance to return to form. They are 23/20 and 13/8 to score anytime respectively.

The hosts are in at 41/50 to win this one in 888sport’s football betting. A handicap bet looks good value considering Fulham’s woes on the road.

TIP: West Ham to win (-1) @ 21/10

PREDICTED SCORE: West Ham 3-0 Fulham at 13/1

 

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