It may be several months away, but owners and trainers are constantly making plans for their Aintree hopefuls.

Do you have an early fancy yourself? Perhaps it is one of these six?

Royal Vacation (Colin Tizzard, 40/1)

Connections of Royal Vacation are hoping he can turn into a contender for next year's Grand National.

After losing his form somewhat, the Colin Tizzard-trained eight-year-old made an encouraging return at Cheltenham in the BetVictor Chase (formerly The Mackeson) when chasing home Rock The Kasbah.

Joe Tizzard, assistant to his father, said: "He opened himself up to be considered for the Grand National with that run.

"I don't know what (owner) Jean Bishop is thinking, because we have not really talked about it - but having run like that, it is on our minds. He ran well at Cheltenham and got that three-mile three trip well.

"He had a quiet last season, and it was nice to get him back in the direction he was heading before."

Abolitionist (Dr Richard Newland, 33/1)

Dr Richard Newland sent out Pineau De Re to win the Grand National in 2014 and already has his eye on the 2019 renewal with Abolitionist.

Formerly trained in Ireland by Ellmarie Holden, Abolitionist finished second to Empire Of Dirt in the Troytown Chase at Navan before landing the Leinster National at Naas, with his last season with Holden reaching its pinnacle with third place in the 2017 Irish Grand National.

The ten-year-old made the perfect start for current connections when landing the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle by 10 lengths at Aintree on November 10th.

Always travelling well at the front of the pack, Sam Twiston-Davies kicked for home after the final flight and the 11/8 favourite came home an easy 10-length scorer over The Organist with Jacks Last Hope a further five lengths back in third.

Abolitionist was taking advantage of a favourable handicap mark over the smaller obstacles, but he will need to win at least two decent chases if he is to climb back up the ratings in order to make the cut for the Grand National on April 6th of next year.

Tiger Roll (Gordon Elliott, 20/1)

Tiger Roll is bidding to become the first horse to land back-to-back victories in the Grand National since the great Red Rum in 1973-74 and bookmakers are generally quoting him as a 20/1 shot to emulate the Ginger McCain-trained legend.

There is no doubt that the diminutive gelding has the heart of a lion, but the fact remains that for the last 45 years no horse has ever been able to follow up and win the world’s ultimate steeplechase again the year after. 

“We will keep him in cross-country races the whole year up to the Grand National," said Elliott.

"I think the Grand National will be a big ask, as he is not the biggest horse in the world and he is going to have an awful lot of weight in the National.

"If you are not in it, you can't win, and he proved he liked the track. If we get there we would be delighted."

He went on: "When we bought him I never expected to him to do what he has. He has been an amazing little horse and is a favourite at home. If I can get him back to Cheltenham and win four times that would be special for me."

Vintage Clouds (Sue Smith, 25/1)

Sue Smith’s flying grey, who missed out narrowly on making the Grand National cut last season, should be rated high enough now to make the race.

In Trevor Hemmings’ familiar colours, Danny Cook guided Vintage Clouds home in a competitive Handicap Chase that concluded the card on Betfair Chase Day at Haydock Park.

Takingrisks’ strong late run cut the deficit to half a length at the end but the eight-year-old jumped with aplomb. The winner was giving the runner-up 20lbs and should get into the Grand National after that fine effort.

Mick Meagher, Trevor Hemmings’ racing manager, said that the build-up races for the gelding before then would be the Welsh Grand National or the Rowland Meyrick.

Ballyoptic (Nigel Twiston-Davies, 33/1)

Ballyoptic is looking to earn himself a tilt at Grand National glory with a warm up run in the Becher Chase at Aintree next Saturday being his next port of call.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained eight-year-old was a high-class staying hurdler a few seasons ago and rounded off his first season over fences by finishing second by a whisker to Joe Farrell in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies, who is no stranger to Becher success, is looking forward to seeing Ballyoptic tackle the National fences at Aintree.

He said: "It was a massive run from him up at Ayr and the plan is to go get some experience over the National fences, so that is why he was taken out of the Ladbrokes Trophy and will go to the Becher.

"He has got to brush up on his jumping, but there is no reason why he can't be a National horse.

"He was very strong at the back end of four miles at Ayr and it is definitely something that should be up his street. He has that bit of class and if he gets in a good rhythm he could go well."

Traffic Fluide (Garry Moore, 50/1)

The eight-year-old has returned this season in fine form and has the Grand National as his target next year.

Moore's revitalised chaser finished second on his reappearance behind The Young Master then went one better at Ascot in a thrilling finish to the Sodexo Gold Cup.

Moore said: “The main plan is still the Grand National and he won’t run until about a month before it.

“He’s taken the race at Ascot very well. I’ve never trained one for the National before, but I do feel he is made for it.”

 

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

Many a north London derby have been labelled as the most important in years. This one, though, might just be the most deserving of such a title.

Power shifts between rivals are a topic of lengthy debate, but this match comes at a time when Spurs sit above Arsenal in the table. A time when Spurs continue to improve, and even a top four finish seems a long way from Arsenal’s grasp.

Mauricio Pochettino has guided Spurs to a victory over Inter Milan while Arsenal are left battling with their reserve squad in the Europa League. It signifies a switch in roles in the north of England’s capital, and it echoes louder when they face each other.

Arsenal’s dominance over Spurs has been as good as set in stone for the Premier League era, but Pochettino has led a revival for the Lilywhites. Tottenham are currently priced at 17/10 for a dramatic victory over their fierce rivals this weekend...

The timing of Spurs’ ascent has, in part, contributed to the weary downturn of Arsenal. Further competition at the Premier League summit has ratcheted up the difficulty for Arsene Wenger, and contributed to the, at times, toxic atmosphere in the fan base.

The first fixture between the two was played in December 1909. The next is Sunday's lunchtime Premier League kick-off. The distant history plays little part in the upcoming match, it is no more than an easy statistic for the television companies.

Even in recent history, stadia have changed, squads are unrecognisable, and the standing of the two clubs has altered dramatically.

This weekend all eyes will be on the Emirates. A stadium that has housed some thrilling derbies, but a venue that has been synonymous with Arsenal’s demise from serial winners to stagnant giants.

Arsenal's recent north London derby record has been inconsistent. An early stunner from Tomas Rosicky sealed the three points at White Hart Lane in 2014 and that victory sealed a 2013/14 double over their bitter rivals.

The Gunners were dominant at that point but times are changing; Arsenal are valued at 8/5 to reassert their dominance in the region this weekend...

Since 2014, Spurs have twice won at White Hart Lane, and there have been three 1-1 draws at the Emirates. Prior to that, there had been 31 goals since 2008 in the Emirates league matches.

Only one Spurs win came of that, and the two 5-2 Arsenal victories in 2012 were interpreted at the time as another signal of how far Spurs were from contention.

The string of draws since 2014 aligns with the meeting of the two. Arsenal’s wane collided with Spurs’ gradual progress, and it brought a brief, almost perfect matchup.

There is no doubt that the Lilywhites are now in a stronger position than their once bullying neighbours.

At home, Spurs have lost to Arsenal in the league just twice since 2004. This weekend, Pochettino could finally convert their points superiority into away day derby glory.

Spurs boast the league’s best defence in the last two seasons. The days of conceding three or more goals at the Emirates being a guarantee (as it was between 2006 and 2012) are long gone.

Nowadays, Spurs are deservedly odds-on to finish in the Premier League top four. Arsenal, meanwhile, are outsiders to even return to the Champions League.

The face of football in north London has changed dramatically since Pochettino was appointed. Arsenal’s inactivity has contributed just as much, but it is now the Gunners who are tussling to convince their key players that they are genuine competitors at the top of European football.

The silverware drought can still be dangled in front of Spurs, but FA Cup success does little to diminish the shift in north London.

It lingers over Pochettino for the time being, though their superiority in the capital can be cemented with victory this weekend. Spurs are 1/4 to finish above the Gunners whilst Arsenal are 5/2 for a shock resurgence above their north London rivals.

The Lilywhites have won only twice away at Arsenal in the Premier League to date.

In Harry Kane, though, they have one of the world’s best strikers, and a player who has thrived in London derby matches. He is only two short of the scoring record in this fixture in the Premier League.

Arsenal can still make a claim of parity while Spurs’ cabinet remains bare post-2008. A defeat in front of 50-odd thousand tetchy Gunners will make that claim yet tougher to back.

There is a definite upward trend for Spurs in these fixtures, and taking another step on that trajectory would be an additional indication of their superiority.

This match is far from definitive for the season. It could, however, have seismic consequences for the rivalry.

 

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

Birmingham City vs Preston North End: Best Bets

Blues – 7/5

Draw – 11/5

Preston – 2/1

Birmingham got back to winning ways with an impressive 2-0 victory away at Millwall during the week and the Blues will be looking to claim another three points at home to Preston North End this weekend.

7/5 for Garry Monk’s side to notch another home victory could turn out to be a huge price – Birmingham are currently 10th in the Championship and a win could see the Blues climb as high as eighth.

Monk’s men are unbeaten at home since March; an incredible record to say the least. The Blues, led by talented striker duo Che Adams and Lukas Jutkiewicz, can extend that run with a fine performance on Saturday afternoon.

The St Andrew’s faithful will be quietly confident ahead of this contest and 29/20 for Blues to score over 1.5 goals is well worth considering. This has landed in Birmingham’s last five home fixtures…

888sport are going big on the Lukas Jutkiewicz wincast this weekend. Punters can back the Birmingham frontman to score in a home win at a tasty 4/1 – he has been in red hot form so far in 2018/19.

The Blues have kept just five clean sheets this campaign but Birmingham could make it back-to-back shutouts this weekend. The 2/1 for under 0.5 away goals represents decent value considering Birmingham’s form at St Andrew’s.

A simple selection for this fixture: Birmingham to win at 7/5. Preston have won just once in nine Championship away games this season and the Blues could be too strong in front of an expectant home crowd.

Prediction: Birmingham 2-0 Preston (10/1)

Bet of the day: Blues to win (7/5)

Outside punt: Birmingham to win both halves (15/2)

Wincast: Lukas Jutkiewicz score and Birmingham win (4/1)

 

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

Friday night football is back this weekend.

Cardiff City and Wolverhampton Wanderers will do battle down in south Wales – not the most enticing fixture on paper but nevertheless a huge encounter for both clubs in the context of staying in the Premier League.

That means there is only one televised top flight clash on Saturday; Southampton host Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United.

More dropped points for the Red Devils could see them end the weekend in 10^th position in the Premier League table.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at these two fixtures. Punters can back our tasty 11/2 double via 888sport Premier League betting odds here…

 

CARDIFF CITY vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Cardiff have won two of their previous three home fixtures and Neil Warnock’s side will be targeting three points in this particular clash on Friday night.

Victories over Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion has changed the mood at the Cardiff City Stadium and fans will be quietly confident of notching another positive result – 13/5 could turn out to be a huge price for a home win.

Meanwhile, Wolves are heading in the opposite direction after a bright start to 2018/19. The visitors have picked up just one point from their last five Premier League fixtures…

With just two defeats from six away league games, Wolves have been solid enough away from Molineux this season. The visitors are 3/10 to avoid defeat again in this one.

For me, both teams to score is worth a punt at EVS. The selection has landed in four of the last five meetings between the two clubs and that is enough for me to side with goals.

TIP: Both teams to score @ EVS

PREDICTED SCORE: Cardiff 1-1 Wolves (Priced at 5/1 with 888sport)

 

Southampton vs MANCHESTER UNITED

Southampton have been woeful in front of their own fans this season, picking up just four points from six Premier League games. Mark Hughes is a man under intense pressure…

Optimistic Saints fans may fancy the hosts at 7/2 but this one could get ugly for Hughes’ men. The hosts have scored just four goals at St Mary’s in 2018/19 and it is difficult to see Southampton turning their form around here.

Things aren’t much better for Jose Mourinho though. The Red Devils are languishing down in seventh spot, seven points outside the top four. This one almost falls into the “must win” category and we are only in December.

Consistency has hindered United this season but Mourinho’s men have the quality to pick up three points here. 10/11 for an away win looks a huge price on paper.

Taking everything into account, I fancy the 47/20 for United to win to nil. It probably won’t be pretty but the Red Devils should have enough quality to defeat a weak Southampton side.

TIP: Man United to win to nil @ 47/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Southampton 0-2 Man United (Priced at 8/1 with 888sport)

 

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

It’s been a cracking week for football fans. After the struggle of the international break, this week has been a splendid reminder of what makes club football so much fun.

It was a packed weekend of club action and then we have/had European matches to carry us through the drab midweek days.

Before we know it, it will be time for the Saturday afternoon games again. Here are a few thoughts on four of the Premier League’s 3pm matches.

 

CRYSTAL PALACE vs Burnley

Crystal Palace and Burnley are the two worst sides in the league on form. Palace are winless in seven, Burnley are winless in six and they are right in the midst of a very tight-fought relegation contest.

Palace’s draw away to Manchester United will have pleased Roy Hodgson, but they continue to look poor in the final third.

Burnley were unlucky to lose to Newcastle. Sean Dyche’s side have regressed massively from last year’s freak campaign and their expected numbers are the worst in the league.

The defence that defied the odds is conceding chances at an alarming rate.  Palace’s dysfunctional attack and Burnley’s shaky defence make it a tricky match to call.

The Clarets’ back line might be exactly what Hodgson’s side have needed.

TIP: Over 1.5 Crystal Palace goals @ 3/4

PREDICTED SCORE: Crystal Palace 2-1 Burnley (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

 

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Huddersfield are unbeaten in three matches, having climbed out of the relegation zone thanks to a couple of victories. Winning at Wolves last weekend was a surprise, though not on the same scale as it would have been a month or so ago.

The Terriers are set for a long year battling against the drop, but their recent form will have given them renewed confidence.

Brighton are five points above their hosts despite a poor run. Defeats to Cardiff and Everton were followed by a home draw with Leicester.

Chris Hughton’s side have been leaky defensively and they do not have the attacking firepower to compensate for that.

These are two well matched sides, but home advantage gives Huddersfield the edge.

TIP: Huddersfield to win OR draw @ 7/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Huddersfield 1-1 Brighton (Priced at 5/1 with 888sport)

 

LEICESTER CITY vs Watford

These two are set for a season in the comfort of mid-table. Separated by just two points, there is a good chance they finish the season where they are right now.

They have conceded the same number of goals, Leicester have scored just one goal more than the visitors, and they sit ninth and 10^th. Everything suggests a close match at the King Power.

The form guide suggests they are heading in opposite directions, however.

Leicester are unbeaten in four, while Javi Gracia’s side have had a blip after a great start and picked up a solitary point from their last three Premier League outings.

Leicester are good value to take all three points from this one, even without the suspended James Maddison.

TIP: Leicester to win @ 6/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Leicester 2-0 Watford (Priced at 9/1 with 888sport)

 

MANCHESTER CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

Manchester City are on course for a season even better than last. Pep Guardiola’s side are as close to unstoppable as we have ever seen in the Premier League.

They have scored 13 goals in their last three league matches and dropped just four points all season.

Bournemouth got some early wins under their belt, but their form has unsurprisingly dropped as their schedule toughened. The Cherries have lost their last three and are now firmly back in mid-table.

The defensive vulnerabilities are present again, which does not bode well for a trip to the Etihad Stadium.

As with most matches City play, it’s simply a question of how many they score. Bournemouth will give it a go unlike others and that should see plenty of goals fly in.

TIP: Over 4.5 goals @ 6/4

PREDICTED SCORE: Man City 4-2 Bournemouth (Priced at 28/1 with 888sport)

 

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

Millwall vs Birmingham City: Top Tips

Millwall – 57/50

Draw – 9/4

Blues – 49/20

Birmingham will look to bounce back at the first time of asking after last weekend’s Second City derby defeat to Aston Villa.

The Blues took an early lead and almost went two-nil up but the turning point in the contest.

However, 49/20 for Garry Monk’s men to claim three points away at Millwall on Wednesday night represents solid value for punters.

Birmingham are in the top half of the table whilst Millwall are languishing just outside the relegation zone.

The Blues have a seven-point advantage over their opponents going into Wednesday’s game and victory will cement Birmingham’s top half status.

Only two Championship clubs have conceded more league goals than Millwall in 2018/19.

With that in mind, opting for Birmingham to score could be the way to go.

11/5 for Blues to notch over 1.5 goals at The Den may turn out to be a huge price if the likes of Che Adams and Lukas Jutkiewicz continue their fine form.

The Blues duo have combined for 16 goals in Birmingham’s last 10 league games and both men will be looking to score on Wednesday night.

Adams and Jutkiewicz are priced at 27/10 to get their names on the scoresheet against Millwall.

Birmingham have struggled in this fixture in recent times, failing to score in their last three matches against the Lions.

However, that should change this time around and the 7/10 for the Blues to avoid defeat in 888sport’s double chance market is worth considering.

Winning at The Den will not be easy but Birmingham have the quality upfront to put Millwall to the sword.

Take the 49/20 for Monk’s men to get back to winning ways after that derby disappointment.

Prediction: Millwall 1-2 Birmingham (12/1

Bet of the day: Birmingham to win OR draw (7/10)

Outside punt: Che Adams to score first (13/2)

Wincast: Lukas Jutkiewicz score and Birmingham win (6/1)

 

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

On October 13, 2018, following the penultimate race at Hockenheim, Mick Schumacher was crowned F3 (Formula Three) Champion and in doing so, qualified for an FIA F1 Super Licence.

Should the German take up the option of competing at the sport's elite level, he will be the third member of his family, behind father Michael and uncle Ralf, to take his place on the Formula One grid.

His father remains the most successful driver in F1 history, with 91 race wins and seven world titles to his name.

Mick is not the first motorsport driver to follow in his father's footsteps.

Current F1 driver Max Verstappen is the son of former Formula One driver Jos and former World Champions Nico Rosberg and Damon Hill both had F1 championship-winning fathers. In fact, there have more than a dozen F1 father and son pairings.

They are part of a long line of father and son duos who have excelled in their respective sports. Here are just of a few examples of the most successful pairings.

Peter and Kasper Schmeichel

Former professional footballer Peter Schmeichel is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

After beginning his career in his home country of Denmark, where he won four league titles (including the revamped Superliga) and a Danish Cup with Brondby, he made the £505,000 switch to Manchester United.

There he won five league titles, three FA Cups, a League Cup, a Champions League and a European Super Cup. He was captain of the club when they secured a historic Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble in 1998/99.

At international level, Schmeichel made 129 appearances for his country and was a crucial part of the team that lifted the 1992 European Championships.

Son Kasper followed in his father’s footsteps, joining Manchester City as a goalkeeper at the age of 16.

A series of loan spells followed before he signed for Notts County (2009) and then Leeds United (2010). During this period, Schmeichel had a reputation for being a solid but unremarkable keeper.

The turning point in his career came when he was sold to Leicester City in 2011. He has remained with the club ever since winning the Football League Championship in 2013/14 and the Premier League in 2015/16.

The Foxes' top-flight title triumph under Italian boss Claudio Ranieri is widely considered one of the biggest upsets in sporting history.

 

Archie and Peyton Manning

While some sons can never hope to eclipse their father’s achievements, others exceed them with aplomb.

One such example is Peyton Manning, whose father Archie was a respected American football player who represented New Orleans Saints during the 1970s and 80s.

The Saints were not a great side and Archie never made the playoffs, but he fathered three sons, two of whom also made it to the NFL.

While second son Eli deserves credit for his own achievements, which included two Super Bowl wins, two Superbowl MVPs and several other individual awards, it was Peyton who rose to become one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

His list of NFL achievements, racked up during spells with Indianapolis Colts (1998–2011) and Denver Broncos (2012–2015), is remarkable.

Like his brother, he also won two Super Bowls, but that barely tells the story of a career that saw him pick up more than 50 awards and honours.

And, he still holds the record for most passing yards in a season (5,477), most passing touchdowns in a career (539), most passing touchdowns in a season (55) and most touchdown passes in a game (tied on 7).

When he retired in 2015, he was widely regarded as the best quarterback in NFL history.

 

Joe and Kobe Bryant

Joe “Jellybean” Bryant played professional basketball between 1975 and 1992. He spent eight years as an NBA player representing Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets.

He then spent seven seasons in Italy where he played for AMG Sebastiani Rieti (1984–86), Viola Reggio Calabria (1986–87), Pistoia (1987–89) and Reggio Emilia (1989–91). He took his first coaching position in 1993 and has been coaching ever since.

Son Kobe became a household name thanks to his five championship wins earned over a 20-year career with the LA Lakers.

Bryant is a two-time NBA finals MVP, 18-time NBA All-Star, 15-time All-NBA team member, and 12-time member of the All-Defensive team. He is also a double Olympic gold medallist.

After spending much of his youth in Italy where his father played professionally for seven years, Bryant Jnr learned to speak fluent Italian and grew up supporting AC Milan. However, he spent much of his time in the US playing basketball in the summer leagues.

Bryant has appeared on the cover of several video games and has even released his own music singles. His endorsements and wages have made him one of the richest sportsmen of all time.

Forbes estimated his career earnings to be in the region of $770m making him the second-highest NBA earner behind Michael Jordan and the sixth-highest-earning sportsman in history.

 

Ken Norton Sr. and Ken Norton Jr.

Father and son sports pairings do not always follow the same path. In the case of the Norton family, Ken Norton Sr. made his name in boxing while Ken Jr.’s sport of choice was American football.

Boxer Ken Norton turned professional in 1967 and went on to compete in 50 fights winning 42. He is best remembered for his three fights with Muhammad Ali, of which he won the first but lost the next two.

When Leon Spinks ignored the WBC’s order allow Norton to contend his world title, choosing instead to fight Ali, the governing body retroactively gave title fight status to Norton's win over Jimmy Young the year before.

He lost his world title a year later after a 15-round slugfest against Larry Holmes ranked as one of the greatest heavyweight fights of all time. Following his retirement in 1981, Norton was inducted into the boxing hall of fame and turned his hand to acting.

Norton’s son Ken may have shared his father’s name, but he did not share his enthusiasm for boxing. Instead, he found fame in the NFL after being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1988.

The linebacker won two Super Bowls during his five years in Texas and another following his move to the San Francisco 49ers in 1994. He remained at the Californian team until 2000.

Following his retirement, he became a radio and television commentator and started coaching at High School level. He has since worked as a linebacker coach and defensive coordinator for Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers.

 

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

Winter breaks in football have become the norm over the last two decades. Across Germany, Spain and other leading European nations, a rest period after the festive season is common.

Given the popularity and potential benefits of these breaks, the English Football Association (FA) has announced that it will fall in line with its European counterparts. 

Under the terms agreed, the winter break will come into effect during the 2019/2020 football season and take place between January and February.

To ensure the flow of football action doesn’t completely dry up as one month transitions into another, there will be two breaks spread over a two-week period. During the first break, ten teams will sit out from competitive competitions.

During the second break, the remaining ten teams will have a rest. In commenting on the new policy, the FA called it a “significant moment that will greatly benefit club and country”.

However, are breaks in football a good thing? Despite being common practice in Europe, there are arguments for and against pressing the pause button midway through a season.

 

Are Players Playing TOO Many Games?

According to a Fifpro survey, 90% of players in Europe are in favour of a mid-season break.

Taking into account the views of 543 players from the leading clubs in Spain, Germany, Italy, England and elsewhere in Europe, Fifpro found that almost 50% believe there are “too many” games.

The Premier League is an obvious example of this. If you look through the match list inside our football betting hub and the diary is jam-packed.

Naturally, this creates thousands of weekly betting opportunities. However, for those doing the work, it’s bound to be taxing on the mind and body.

Of course, there will be some that will argue that footballers are athletes that are compensated more than fairly for their time but there’s no doubt the accumulation of games can have an impact on performances.

Indeed, when you look at the effect of winter breaks in European football, there is evidence to suggest that players benefit from having even just a week away from competitive matches.

For example, if you look at Bayern Munich’s results for the 2017/2018, you’ll see that the team enjoyed its best winning streak in the weeks following Germany’s winter break.

 

Bundesliga Break Pays Dividends

As per the Bundesliga’s rules, teams are rested between December 20 and January 12. Tracking the results for Bayern, the club went on a six-game winning run from January 12, 2018, scoring 18 goals before being held to a 0-0 draw by Hertha Berlin on February 24.

Taking this analysis a step further, Bayern went into their round of 16 first leg against Besiktas and cruised to a 5-0 victory. Although a skill discrepancy was certainly a factor in the result, the 25-day break almost certainly gave the German side an extra advantage.

Indeed, when you contrast this with how English teams performed in the same round, it was more of a mixed bag.

Although Manchester City and Liverpool were impressive, Manchester United and Tottenham could only muster draws against Sevilla and Juventus respectively.

Could a certain amount of fatigue have been the reason two of England’s top teams weren’t able to beat what could be considered lesser opposition?

Obviously, there are many more factors at play here. However, there’s an argument that Premier League players are simply more tired than their European counterparts. In fact, Champions League statistics would seem to back up this assumption.

 

English Clubs Falter Against Well-Rested Europeans

Jose Mourinho said that the lack of a break was hurting English clubs in the prestigious tournament and the stats seem to support his opinion

 If you look at the 2018/2019 Champions League odds, four of the top five teams are European.

Yes, Manchester City were among the betting favourites at the end of October. However, with Barcelona, Juventus and Bayern all getting a break over the festive period, staying top of the rankings is never a guarantee.

Beyond the betting lines, English clubs have only won the Champions League trophy 12 times since 1955. What’s more, in the last ten years, there have only been two English winners.

For comparison, Real Madrid have won the trophy 13 times on their own (as of the 2017/2018 season). In fact, when you search back through previous opinions on the competition, it's often Real Madrid that get the vote of confidence from tipsters.

Given the weight of evidence, it would seem that a break is not only essential for the health of players but the performances of the top teams. However, there are some that believe more matches isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Writing for The Mirror back in 2016, former pro Robbie Savage said that a lack of discipline was the reason for many players' failure to perform under pressure.

Answering fan tweets, the Welshman said that he was “ashamed” of players that didn’t have the “desire to stay properly fit”.

When challenged by a reader who suggested scientists have shown too much stress can have an adverse effect on performance, Savage said “science never hit a shot in the top corner or won the Champions League”.

 

Breaks Can Take Players Out Of Their Zone

While his second point was somewhat facetious, the does have a point. A player that’s truly hungry for success would rather have the elation of scoring the winner than a week on the sidelines.

During a Ted Talk, psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi described an idea that’s long been prominent in sport: being in the zone. Describing it as a “flow” state, Csikszentmihalyi said that people in the zone experience heightened focus and blissful immersion.

To put it another way, athletes in the zone are in a groove. Through a combination of endless repetitions and focus, athletes can make moves almost automatically. Footballers are no different, which is why a break could be a problem for some.

Even though it’s only a short period of time, any time out of the zone can have a negative impact.

Think about the performance of a player when they return from their post-season break. As well as fitness being an issue, their timing and awareness can also be off.

Although the post-season break is a lot longer, any time away will have some sort of effect. Therefore, for the ultra-competitive players, a week off isn’t desirable. In fact, it’s during high-pressure moments that the very best shine.

As everyone else is starting to tire and fall apart, the top players find an extra level. With that being the case, the game’s elite may argue that a break would hurt their chances of success as it would give lesser clubs time to regroup and recover.

Of course, the proof will be in the pudding when English clubs have their first winter break during the 2019/2020 season.

 

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

In 2003, the England and Wales Cricket Board unveiled the Twenty20 competition that would revolutionise the game. At the time, there were doubts as to whether the format would be a success and whether it would devalue the sports as a whole.

However, the tournament was a smash hit with the public as spectators flocked to cricket grounds across England, while viewing figures on television were also boosted, as players on the field used their ingenuity to take aspects of the game to a new level.

Fifteen years later, it’s hard to imagine a time without the format. Players are now signing specialist deals to play only in the T20 competitions, while strokeplay used in the shorter game is working its way into the Test match arena.

Jos Buttler, among others, is bringing excitement and imagination to the red-ball game, highlighting the effect of T20 and the way younger players are now approaching their cricket.

Unfortunately for the ECB, they have not been the organisation to benefit commercially from their own invention.

Although the domestic competitions in England have been popular with supporters and have regular television coverage throughout the summer, it has not been the juggernaut that has taken control of the game in sub-continent.

 

Challenge From Abroad

The Indian Premier League has dominated the schedule in T20 with the biggest names in the game drawn to the competition by the lucrative nature of the contacts on offer.

Due to the quality on display, its global audience attracts more fanfare than the Vitality Blast and the Big Bash in Australia. The timing of the Blast makes it extremely difficult for England’s stars to feature in the competition due to their international commitments.

The Three Lions often attract top-tier teams for their summer schedule - therefore, players from leading nations such as Australia, India and South Africa are also unlikely to participate.

The trend put the ECB in a bind in their bid to compete with the IPL and the Big Bash. As a result, the organisation made a bold decision to develop another format.

The Hundred was unveiled to bring a format of English cricket in line with the IPL, with a franchise mode of eight cities rather than the 18 counties that play out the Blast.

Eyebrows have been raised over the format of the competition as the ECB have not clarified how the game will be played in terms of the deployment of overs.

It is a gamble from English cricket’s governing body, but their last one paid off and there’s no reason to pour scorn on the format before it has even been properly developed.

 

How Will It Work?

The 18 teams of the English county game voted in favour of a city-based competition to rival the IPL and the Big Bash.

After a year of deliberation, eight cities were put forward to host the franchises: Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Nottingham, Cardiff, Southampton and London (The Oval and Lord’s).

Several worthy teams missed out on selection, leaving areas of the country without the opportunity to watch the events live unless they’re willing to travel significant distances.

There will be a total of 32 games before the playoffs, with each team playing four matches both home and away before the post-season begins where the top four teams will battle it out for the crown.

The contests themselves will be as it says on the title – the Hundred. Both teams will face 100 deliveries per innings, with the side scoring the most runs winning the contest.

One of the major debates has been how the deliveries will be executed. In the traditional forms of the game, overs last for six balls before ending.

It was believed that the Hundred would follow a similar pattern, with the same system being deployed until the 90^th delivery where, from there, ten deliveries could be bowled to end the innings.

 

Testing

However, in the trial matches, deliveries were bowled in blocks of ten rather than six apiece, with each bowler being allowed to send down a maximum of 20 balls, either in blocks of five or ten rather than the traditional means.

The powerplay, which in T20 is utilised in the opening six overs, lasts for 20 balls in the Hundred, while one of the other new rules for the English game at least includes timeouts that can be deployed by the coaching staff or captain.

Substitutions are also in line for the competition, allowing bowlers to be withdrawn for specialist fielders.

The players themselves will be selected via a draft as seen in the IPL, with only three overseas players allowed per squad of 15 members.

The success or failure of the competition will hinge on whether the England players are readily available whether they are on Test, ODI or T20 duty.

The plan is to play the tournament in the middle of the summer, where England have a hectic schedule. On the surface, the regulations at least appear a new interesting twist, but whether it works on the field remains to be seen.

 

WILL It Work?

The ECB have taken a gamble with the decision to implement a new format of the game. It has brought a fair share of criticism from well-respected voices in the sport.

The turmoil regarding the manner of how the deliveries will be bowled did not help matters, but given that the inaugural competition will not be played until 2020, the ECB have ample time to decide the best option.

Criticism always comes with new ideas and some of the condemnation has been overblown. The T20 competition has been popular across the country but has lacked the commercial pull needed to take the tournament to the next level.

Whatever concept the ECB may have come up with for their own version of the IPL would always seem inferior to the main product. By developing their own brand, it entices a potential new audience to the game, using Sky Sports and the BBC to broadcast matches.

The additional features of the proposed format may bring new viewers and spectators to grounds, while the limited matches will make demand for tickets high. Success or failure will depend on attracting the best players in the world.

The IPL works so well due to the talent of the players on the field. All of India’s stars play a vital role in their respective franchises and the same has to happen for England, with the sprinkling of the best superstars in the world added for effect.

The game itself will not faze the players as Samit Patel, playing in one of the trial matches claimed: "It was pretty good actually, it was different to what I was expecting. We're playing 20 balls less but there's not really much difference, to be honest.”

That endorsement from an experienced player is encouraging for the ECB, although the true test of their gamble will only be reflected by the punters watching on television and entering stadiums.

The organisation have taken a plunge with their decision to offer a new format in the game but, as proven by their last decision, it could be one that will yield huge dividends.

It would have been a great source of frustration that they were unable to capitalise on the huge success of T20 as their rivals did, but the Hundred may be the breakthrough the sport needs to continue to adapt and grow.

 

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

There are golf courses in the world that are truly bucket-list material. Think St Andrews, Valderrama or Pebble Beach.

But there are also some golf courses that are just truly unique, one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll be talking about for years. What is it about these unconventional but amazing golf courses that make them special?

Where To Find Golf's Crazy Courses

Tecina (Spain)

Located on the little island of La Gomera just off the coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, this golf course will require you to take a buggy almost 800 meters up the side of the hill just to reach the first tee.

After that, course designer Donald Steel’s vision includes the world’s first slalom-inspired golf layout where it’s downhill all the way to the bottom of the mountain.

The course returns you to the small, colonial-style clubhouse complete with a tin roof where the members relax, cold beer in hand, watching the sunset over the Atlantic or the impressive sight of Mount Teide, Europe’s highest active volcano.

Palmetto Hall Plantation (USA)

Don’t adjust your screens, this course really is the first geometrically designed golf course.

It comes complete with square and quadrilateral greens, bunkers, fairways and water hazards. It was originally designed on a computer, possibly using the Amiga golf game Leader Board as its inspiration.

 

North Berwick (Scotland)

Not even Pete Dye makes golf courses like this anymore. Found on an unlikely thin strip of coastal land beside the town of North Berwick this course is a wonderful opportunity to experience golf how it was meant to be played.

There are greens hiding behind walls, par 4s where a 7-iron off the tee is the only choice, drives over the beach, deep ripples in fairways that can throw your drive out of bounds and even a green with a gorge splitting the middle.

Quirky might be used to describe it, but it remains a quintessential Scottish links.

 

Old Head (Ireland)

When a strange piece of headland in County Cork came up for sale perched atop a cliff with only a lighthouse and some wild sheep to call it home, one man envisioned something unique.

Once Old Head Golf was opened up for play, it boasted some of the most spectacular views from any course, anywhere in the world.

Imagine an Irish version of Pebble Beach with 80-mile-per-hour winds as standard where every hole has a view to savour.

 

Nullarbor Links (Australia)

Get ready to pack a bag - this round might take you some time to complete because at over 850 miles long, this is probably (it is) the longest golf course in the world.

It stretches from Western Australia to South Australia along the Nullarbor Plain. Nullarbor means ‘no-trees’ but you’ll not find much of anything in this very barren part of Australia.

If you find slow play to be a problem, it’s unlikely you will find the course marshall around to hurry you up, as there are 30 miles between holes.

If you get too tired, you can always stop off at one of the many restaurants or guest houses along the route.

 

Skukuza (South Africa)

Have you ever needed to avoid a pack of baboons and roaming hippos whilst playing your approach shot - without being at the local jungle-themed crazy golf? Well in the middle of Kruger National Park, you’ll probably have to do exactly that.

There are no fences keeping apart the animals from the golfers, so if you find your Titleist Pro V1 in the lake by the 5th green, you should know it is also the home of crocodiles and it’s best to quickly head for the drop zone.

Just make sure there aren’t any stalking leopards, galloping giraffe or startled elephants heading your way.

 

Streamsong (USA)

When you think of Florida golf, you might picture palm trees, villas lining each hole and a resort atmosphere that makes you feel like every hole is a holiday. You’d be wrong in this case.

Streamsong is a course that was built on an old phosphate mine, which means that, over time, the slag-heaps have softened and long marram grasses have taken over, making this course look and feel like something closer to Scotland than tropical Florida.

 

Horses For Courses Factor In Golf Betting

Sometimes ‘strange’ and unusual courses are selected to host a major championship and they just work, like the US military base that became Whistling Straits. But, there are others which didn’t and can affect your golf betting strategy.

The wide open, barren course of Chambers Bay was a featureless spectacle, and the choice of the utterly forgettable tree-lined Sahalee for the 1998 PGA Championship was another, where spectators jostled for the few viewing areas because tree foliage obscured nearly every fairway and green.

However, there are major golf courses which exhibit more subtle characteristics that some players find irresistible. Tom Watson had a particular fancy for Scottish links golf, winning five Open Championships between 1975 and 1983.

Ernie Els loved playing at Wentworth, winning seven World Match Play titles, buying a house on the property and then being commissioned to make the major changes needed to modernise it.

Tiger had his favourites too and he’d likely keep returning to a successful venue time and time again. He won at Torrey Pines on eight occasions, at Bay Hill eight times and returned to Firestone for eight wins too.

If Torrey Pines is Tiger’s favourite course (due to host the US Open in 2021), then it is also one of Jason Day’s favourites too.

He’s won there twice and always seems to prefer the West Coast events over the Florida Swing, which is certainly something to consider when looking at players to back.

Augusta National must also be Jordan Spieth’s. In the five times he’s played The Masters he’s gone T2-1-T2-T11-3 which isn’t really surprising considering he’s regarded as one of the best putters in the world, and these are the finest greens in the world.

Even the one time he finished outside the top ten, he was comfortably leading the tournament going into the back nine. One thing is for sure, his 2015 Green Jacket won't be his last.

So, next time you find yourself on a course surrounded by sand dunes or giant greens, or even greens made of sand, consider what kind of player would do well and channel their key attributes. This may be one you’ll be telling your friends about for years to come.

 

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