Champion Day: 12th March 2019 (Prize Money - £1,175,000)

1.30pm: Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2m 87y)

EARLY FANCY: Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle runner-up Aramon can go one better at the Cheltenham Festival and looks attractively priced at 12/1.

 

2.10pm: Racing Post Arkle Novices' Chase (1m 7f 199y)

EARLY FANCY: The Willie Mullins-trained Cilaos Emery jumped beautifully last time out and is a horse on the up. 7/1 appears to be a fair enough price.

 

2.50pm: Ultima Handicap Chase (3m 1f)

EARLY FANCY: Alan Kings’ Talkischeap is an exciting prospect and at 14/1 can give punters a good run for their money.

 

3.30pm: Unibet Champion Hurdle (2m 87y)

EARLY FANCY: Ryanair Hurdle victor Sharjah can put it up to the top few in the market and oblige for Willie Mullins at 9/1.

 

4.10pm: OLBG Mares' Hurdle (2m 3f 200y)

EARLY FANCY: Yorkshire Rose Mares' Hurdle winner Lady Buttons can continue her upward curve and score for the North at odds of around 14/1.

 

4.50pm: Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase (2m 4f 44y)

EARLY FANCY: Highway One O One can return to winning ways in the Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase and give trainer Chris Gordon a welcome 16/1 winner.

 

5.30pm: National Hunt Chase (Amateur Riders' Novice Chase (3m 7f 147y)

EARLY FANCY: Crack amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen has the perfect partner here in Impulsive Star and they can follow up on their Warwick success at odds of around 14/1.

Ladies Day: March 13th 2019 (Prize Money - £1,020,000)

1.30pm: Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (2m 5f)

EARLY FANCY: Named after 20-time champion jump jockey Sir Anthony McCoy, Champ can be just that in the opening race on Ladies Day and is a worthy favourite at 3/1.

 

2.10pm: RSA Insurance Novices' Chase (3m 80y)

EARLY FANCY: The Alan Spence-owned On The Blind Side is a rather generous 16/1 for the RSA Chase given that he is trained by the genius Nicky Henderson and won well last time out.

 

2.50pm: Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (2m 5f)

EARLY FANCY: Favourite for last year’s Ebor Handicap, Stratum is yet to trouble the judge over hurdles but I am sure there is more to come from this very useful horse. Odds of 20/1 for the five-year-old look extremely tempting.

 

3.30pm: Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (1m 7f 199y)

EARLY FANCY: Altior surely has to be the banker of the meeting and 4/9 is the best price you will be able to muster anywhere at the moment.

 

4.10pm: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (3m 6f 37y)

EARLY FANCY: The veteran Bless The Wings appears to come alive over these fences and he will certainly give his each-way supporters a good run for their money at 20/1 on what will probably be his last ever visit to Prestbury Park.

 

4.50pm: Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2m 87y)

EARLY FANCY: The JP McManus-owned Fine Brunello can progress once again in the juvenile division and reward his followers at the handsome odds of 14/1.

 

5.30pm: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2m 87y)

EARLY FANCY: The David Pipe-trained Eden Du Houx looks a nice type for the Pond House trainer and 25/1 looks far too big of a price for the two-time bumper winner.

 

St Patrick's Thursday: March 14th 2019 (Prize Money - £1,195,000)

1.30pm: JLT Novices' Chase (2m 3f 166y)

EARLY FANCY: Dipper Novices' Chase winner Lostintranslation can continue his great run of form and his liking for the Cheltenham course by registering a victory here. He is currently trading at 6/1 in Cheltenham horses betting odds.

 

2.10pm: Pertemps Network Final (Handicap Hurdle) (2m 7f 213y)

EARLY FANCY: The ten-year-old Sykes invariably runs a big race at this venue and can reward each-way backers at his current odds of 33/1. Narrowly just touched off here in October, he will be on the premises late again in this feature.

 

2.50pm: Ryanair Chase (2m 4f 127y)

EARLY FANCY: Monalee ran a brave race at the Festival to be second to Presenting Percy last season and can run another cracker this year for his trainer Henry De Bromhead. Take odds of 7/1 now.

 

3.30pm: Sun Racing Stayers' Hurdle (2m 7f 213y)

EARLY FANCY: Paisley Park was a very popular winner of the Cleeve Hurdle and I expect there to be plenty more to come from the Emma Lavelle-trained runner who scored with some authority up that Cheltenham hill. Odds of 9/4 are a fair reflection of his chance.

 

4.10pm: Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate (Handicap Chase) (2m 4f 127y)

EARLY FANCY: Trainer Kerry Lee may have had a lean season but her Happy Diva can run a big race and is all poised for the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate. Odds of 14/1 are available about this likeable mare.

 

4.50pm: Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle (2m 179y)

EARLY FANCY: Posh Trish can continue her progress through the ranks and is nicely priced at 12/1 to land this valuable Cheltenham prize for Paul Nicholls.

 

5.30pm: Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase (3m 2f)

EARLY FANCY: Glenloe was just denied victory in last year’s Pertemps Final and can make amends this year as a solid looking chaser. Gordon Elliott’s runner is ranked as a 16/1 shot for this competitive contest for amateur riders.

Gold Cup Day: March 15th 2019 (Prize Money - £1,200,000)

1.30pm: JCB Triumph Hurdle (2m 179y)

EARLY FANCY: After an all-the-way victory in the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Spring Juvenile Hurdle, Sir Erec certainly appears to be the horse to beat in the Triumph. 11/8 is a decent price about the current race favourite.

 

2.10pm: Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle (2m 179y)

EARLY FANCY: The Paul Nicholls-trained Grand Sancy has been mixing it in some good company this season and will be well suited to being back in a handicap. Odds of 20/1 now will look generous come the day of the race.

 

2.50pm: Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (2m 7f 213y)

EARLY FANCY: The Willie Mullins-trained Blackbow can make his presence felt in this sphere and is hovering around the 14/1 mark in the betting to do so.

 

3.30pm: Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup (3m 2f 70y)

EARLY FANCY: This is probably one of the most open Gold Cups in many a year and therefore I’m going to side with a relative outsider each-way. The Willie Mullins-trained Killultagh Vic has shown that he still retains plenty of ability and looks far too big a price at 40/1 for this.

 

4.10pm: St James's Place Foxhunter Chase (3m 2f 70y)

EARLY FANCY: Haymount ran a cracking third in the National Hunt Challenge Cup in 2017 and if he runs anywhere near that form he should go well at odds of 16/1.

 

4.50pm: Johny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (2m 62y)

EARLY FANCY: Ordinary World was last seen when chasing home Min in the Dublin Chase and can be backed confidently at 25/1 for a good each-way run in this race against lesser company.

 

5.30pm: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (2m 4f 56y)

EARLY FANCY: The Joseph O’Brien-trained Lone Wolf could be the one to watch at 12/1 in this race. Not beaten that far on his last run behind Battleoverdoyen, the six-year-old will be a willing partner for any competent Conditional rider.

 

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

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs Bolton Wanderers: Best Bets

BCFC – 1/2

Draw – 27/10

Bolton – 13/2

Birmingham were rampant in the first half at Loftus Road on Saturday, putting four goals past a hapless Queens Park Rangers defence.

That man Che Adams was outstanding once again, securing his second hat-trick of the 2018/19 Championship campaign.

Adams has scored 19 league goals this season and plenty of punters will expect the BCFC star to make the difference again on Tuesday night.

Bolton Wanderers are next up for Garry Monk’s side and the St Andrew’s faithful will be hoping for a third successive victory.

1/2 for Birmingham to claim three points isn’t much of a price but fans will be expecting big things ahead of Tuesday’s contest.

Only three teams have conceded more goals than Bolton so far this campaign and the Blues could put their opponents to the sword.

Monk will have his side fired up and ready to go and Birmingham could go for the jugular in the early stages.

21/20 for the Blues to take a lead into half-time is a decent price – football fans across the country will be expecting Birmingham to win quite comfortably.

23/20 for Adams to score in 90 minutes might be the price of the night.

The Blues star has scored in six Championship fixtures in a row and he is quickly maturing into one of the best players in the second tier. Back against Che Adams at your peril.

888sport Championship betting odds show Birmingham at 22/1 to secure promotion to the Premier League and Blues fans will be dreaming of a trip to Wembley.

For now, the primary focus is three points against Bolton though and Monk’s side must avoid complacency.

Birmingham have the quality to cruise to victory and the St Andrew’s support will be hoping for a positive result.

Monk will be urging his side to push on and claim three points ahead of a break this weekend – it is hard to look past BCFC in this clash.

Prediction: Birmingham 2-0 Bolton Wanderers (5/1)

Bet of the day: Che Adams to score anytime (23/20)

Outside punt: Birmingham to score in both halves (2/1)

 

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

The 2018/19 Champions League last-16 draw is set. All four Premier League clubs know their fate and supporters can start to plan their European trips.

The last-16 round of games marks a significant point in the football calendar; this is the business end of the campaign.

Some of England’s biggest clubs will be happy with their pairings, others not so much. But that is the beauty of the draw.

The 2018/19 last-16 draw has managed to throw up a couple of mouth-watering ties and neutrals will be eagerly anticipating the first leg in February.

Without further ado, let’s get down to the last-16 clashes. Premier League football followers will be keeping a close eye on teams across the continent ahead of all four double headers.

 

MANCHESTER UNITED vs PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

United’s resurgence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues but the Red Devils are likely to fall short in this double header. Defensively, the Premier League side can be found wanting and PSG could run riot over two legs.

The first leg in Manchester will be telling. United HAVE to pick up a positive result at Old Trafford to stand any chance of advancing to the quarter-finals. 7/10 for the Red Devils to avoid defeat could be the way to go.

Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Edison Cavani will fancy their chances against the United back four. One of the best attacking units in world football, PSG will be confident of getting the job done over two legs.

Even if United manage to win at Old Trafford, PSG are very strong in front of their own fans. The Ligue 1 champions are 3/10 to advance to the next round and plenty of punters will be expecting a comfortable aggregate victory.

TIP: Man United to win OR draw the first leg @ 7/10

TO GO THROUGH: Paris Saint-Germain

 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Tottenham did exceptionally well to reach the last-16 and Spurs fans will be confident of another big Champions League night. Mauricio Pochettino will have his side raring to go ahead of the first leg at Wembley Stadium.

The Premier League side know that victory is an absolute must on February 13^th. Taking the 13/5 for Spurs to win and both teams to score may prove prudent – this has all the makings of a high-scoring affair.

As with United, I still fancy Dortmund to progress over two legs. The Bundesliga leaders are juggling their domestic commitments but Lucien Favre’s side have the strength in depth to compete on multiple fronts.

A much closer contest to call, both teams are priced at 22/25 to advance to the last eight. It could go down to the wire but Dortmund’s consistency just edges it for me – Spurs could fall short once again.

TIP: Spurs to win and both teams to score in first leg @ 13/5

TO GO THROUGH: Borussia Dortmund

 

LIVERPOOL vs BAYERN MUNICH

Liverpool are out of both domestic cup competitions but Jurgen Klopp will be going all out in the Champions League. The Reds have a rich history in European football and another huge night under the Anfield floodlights beckons.

4/5 for Liverpool to advance to the next round is an excellent price but the 10/11 for Klopp’s men to win the first leg is even better. Liverpool have been sublime at Anfield this season and another positive performance awaits.

But this Bayern side is beatable. In fact, the Bavarians have struggled to inspire confidence for large parts of 2018/19 and Liverpool fans will be confident of success. The German giants aren’t the side that they were five years ago.

Bayern are still strong though and they will push Liverpool to their limits. Take the 11/20 for both teams to score in the first leg at Anfield. Both teams may end up scoring in both games but Liverpool should edge through to the quarter-finals.

TIP: Liverpool to win @ 10/11

TO GO THROUGH: Liverpool

 

SCHALKE 04 vs MANCHESTER CITY

Last but not least, we have Schalke and Manchester City. The German side have struggled to inspire confidence in the Bundesliga this season and a heavy defeat awaits if City go all out in the first leg.

Schalke will create opportunities on home soil though and that makes both teams to score a viable selection. Given Man City’s recent woes at the back, 7/10 is a solid price for a goal at both ends on February 20^th.

Pep’s side is back to full strength after a few injury issues and that can only mean positive things from a City perspective. The Blues are still in contention for all four major trophies in 2018/19 but this is the top priority.

Winning the Champions League is Guardiola’s main objective this campaign and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see City run riot. Over 2.5 away goals in the first leg at 7/5 is worth a punt given Schalke’s struggles in 2018/19.

TIP: Over 2.5 Man City goals in first leg @ 7/5

TO GO THROUGH: Manchester City

 

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

Four British clubs entered the 2018/19 Europa League group stages and three managed to reach the knockout rounds. Could another British team go on and lift Europe’s secondary club trophy this campaign? It would be foolish to bet against it…

The Champions League remains the pinnacle of European football but the Europa League is certainly improving. With the lucrative offer of a spot in next season’s Champions League up for grabs, teams have started to prioritise this competition in recent years.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Celtic are still in contention to lift the trophy this campaign. Plenty of punters will be getting behind all three clubs ahead of the knockout rounds. Without further ado, let’s take a look at who they are paired up with in the last-32.

BATE BORISOV vs ARSENAL

BATE will be fresh after two months off but that could have a negative impact on the hosts in this clash. The Belarusian side will need to perform at their highest level to stand any chance of giving Arsenal a contest on February 14^th.

The Gunners are expected to take the Europa League seriously and BATE will be wary of a good hiding. However, home advantage in the first leg should help and 3/4 for both teams to score is well worth considering.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are red hot favourites to progress. 1/20 isn’t much of a price at all when you think about it but the Gunners will be determined to avoid an embarrassing defeat. The Europa League could be Arsenal’s best chance of silverware in 2018/19.

Unai Emery’s side have lost three of their last seven games in all competitions but Arsenal fans shouldn’t hit the panic button just yet. The Gunners will face BATE after a difficult run of Premier League games and Arsenal could run riot if looking to rebuild confidence.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 3/4

TO GO THROUGH: Arsenal

 

CELTIC vs VALENCIA

Celtic are 5/2 outsiders to advance to the next round – and with good reason. The Scottish champions haven’t been anywhere near as dominant in 2018/19 than in previous years and Brendan Rodgers may choose to focus on the domestic title race.

Beating Valencia over two legs is going to be very difficult indeed. The Bhoys have worked their way up to top spot in the league but only on goal difference. Retaining the crown is their top priority and it could come at the expense of the Europa League.

Valencia have been hit and miss this season but the Spanish outfit did manage to secure a 2-0 victory over Manchester United before crashing out of the Champions League. On that effort, you’d fancy Valencia to get past Celtic in the last-32.

Currently 11^th in the La Liga table, Valencia’s top-flight status is safe and that should give Marcelino’s men the freedom to push for Europa League glory. 11/10 for the visitors to grab a first leg advantage is an excellent price.

TIP: Valencia to win the first leg @ 11/10

TO GO THROUGH: Valencia

 

MALMO FF vs CHELSEA

Malmo will not be straightforward by any means. With just one defeat in their last 15 games in all competitions, the Swedish side will be full of confidence ahead of this clash. Chelsea cannot afford to allow complacency to sneak in.

Like BATE, Malmo last took to the field in December. Uwe Rosler’s side have scheduled one friendly fixture to take place before the first leg but that might not be enough. However, the 8/11 for over 0.5 Malmo goals carries plenty of appeal.

Chelsea have gone through a rough patch in recent weeks but the Blues should have enough class to put Malmo to the sword. Maurizio Sarri may wring the changes for this clash; he has tended to give fringe players a chance to impress in this competition.

I’m expecting Chelsea to send out a statement of intent here. 8/11 for the Premier League giants to take a lead into half-time is worth snapping up. The Blues could end up running away with this one if they go all out for the win.

TIP: Chelsea to lead at half-time @ 8/11

TO GO THROUGH: Chelsea

 

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

It’s not often that a ‘Super Sunday’ lives up to its Sky-created name. This Sunday is a little different, however, as three of the top four are in action along with a recent Premier League champion.

These are season-changing results in the title race and top four battle. Leicester are in need of a positive result after a turbulent start to 2019. We look for some of the best football bets of Sunday’s action below...

 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs LEICESTER CITY (1:30pm)

Tottenham host Leicester with the slightest thought of returning to the Premier League title race.

Liverpool dropped points last time out, meaning Spurs are only five points behind league-leading Manchester City, though a victory for the Reds on Saturday would put them eight points off top spot.

Leicester have made a habit of inconsistency. It is predictable in its own way, though.

A five-match winless run has seen league defeats to Wolves and Southampton but they held their own against Manchester United last weekend and took a point off Liverpool prior to that.

Claude Puel is still under significant pressure, but his Leicester side, despite being bland at times, have shown an ability to upset the top six. Wins over Manchester City and Chelsea serve as a warning to Mauricio Pochettino.

Tottenham have not been at their best of late, needing late drama to beat Newcastle and Wolves. They are getting the job done in the absence of Harry Kane.

Heung-min Son has been the key man – the South Korean international is 6/5 to score anytime at Wembley on Sunday.

The wings are a key area for Leicester if they are to take anything from this match. Harvey Barnes and James Maddison are expected to start on the flanks – Spurs’ full-backs have been vulnerable defensively at times this season.

This could be quite an open game as Tottenham commit bodies forward and Leicester transition quickly. There were nine goals in this fixture last season, and another goal fest looks a good bet.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/6

PREDICTED SCORE: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Leicester City (Priced at 23/2 with 888sport)

 

MANCHESTER CITY vs Chelsea (4pm)

Manchester City are top of the Premier League at the time of writing. They will likely be back in second when this one kicks off but will be playing to return to the summit.

Chelsea sit fourth but could be level on points with Arsenal (currently sixth) by Sunday afternoon. Maurizio Sarri has seen his side struggle on the road of late, losing their last three in all competitions.

A thumping of Huddersfield at Stamford Bridge was a good result, though anything less would have been a real disappointment for the Blues as they aim for a Premier League top four finish.

The reverse fixture ended in an improbable 2-0 Chelsea win. Sarri’s side barely got a kick in the first half before N’Golo Kante gave them the lead on the stroke of half-time.

David Luiz made it two as Chelsea improved after the break. Chelsea’s defence has not looked capable of such a performance of late, though the arrival of Gonzalo Higuain should give them an extra threat in the final third on Sunday.

Eden Hazard and Callum Hudson-Odoi’s respective transfer sagas have loomed over Chelsea in recent weeks as the team has faltered on the pitch. The defeats to Arsenal and Bournemouth are fresh in the memory, giving City confidence they can win comfortably.

Sergio Aguero netted a hat-trick last weekend for the reigning champions and will start ahead of Gabriel Jesus on Sunday.

Only two players have scored more Premier League goals than Aguero this term despite his injury absence. His 10/11 price to score anytime is on the short side – the 13/4 to score first is a better bet.

Beating struggling Huddersfield aside, Chelsea have been poor of late. Manchester City showed their superiority over the chasing pack with their drubbing of Arsenal last weekend. This match could take a similar pattern.

TIP: Manchester City (-1) to win @ 6/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Manchester City 3-0 Chelsea (Priced at 19/2 with 888sport)

 

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