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*