La Liga's recent attempts to host a Spanish league match in the United States has raised questions once again about the benefits of reaching out to a wider audience, but also the cost of neglecting local crowds.

Football is more reluctant to adopt this approach beyond prestigious international friendlies taking place in neutral venues, but there are many other sports that have been willing to allow regular-season matches and stages to hit the road and attract a new audience.

Football: Girona vs Barcelona (Miami)

This one looks like it won't happen, much to La Liga's dismay. A 39th Premier League match was mooted a few years ago, a proposal that would have seen an entire round of fixtures take place in undetermined neutral venues outside of England.

The logistics of such a plan made it unworkable, possibly inspiring La Liga to suggest a more streamlined version of taking the league overseas.

Taking just one fixture, namely Girona vs Barcelona, to the United States would open up La Liga to a new market, while demonstrating the viability of staging games abroad.

The Premier League is now readily embraced by the lucrative market of the United States, NBC's broadcasts attracting a record audience of 39.3 million.

La Liga are seeking to emulate that growth in popularity. The initial rejection of a proposal that included heavy subsidies for fans has now been followed by a petition driven by La Liga.

Barcelona wouldn't consider such a trip a disadvantage, but then being 1/4 favourite to win La Liga offers a certain luxury. It is the adverse effect that it would have on Girona that has prompted mass criticism.

Denying Girona a home fixture could have an unquantifiable but profound influence on the final league table, as well as robbing Girona fans the chance to enjoy a home match against the country's foremost side.

 

Rugby League: England vs New Zealand (Colorado)

Similarities with American football has perhaps reduced the Stateside market for rugby, with NFL scratching most Americans' itch for both watching and playing contact sports.

Yet, as CNN reported in 2017, rugby is on the rise in the USA. It needs to keep rising, too, with the USA and Canada set to host the 2025 Rugby League World Cup.

Efforts are being made to create a groundswell in the popularity of rugby to ensure that audiences are passionate and informed by 2025, with England's 36-18 triumph over New Zealand in Colorado in June a step in the right direction.

An attendance of 19320 appears modest, but it surpasses the crowd that witnessed the same fixture in Hull in October by 2000. 

If rugby league can break the American market, it could be crucial for the success of the rugby variant that is often overlooked in favour of its union counterpart.

Attracting two legendary rugby nations in England and New Zealand is a coup, although plans to repeat the American fixture in the coming years have been cancelled due to a lack of payment to both teams.

There needs to be sufficient incentive to encourage players to travel such a distance for one match, so this could be an opportunity missed for rugby league in the USA.

 

NFL: International Series (Wembley/Mexico City)

The intention of hosting NFL games abroad is to grant American football greater exposure to a global audience. Yet for many British sports fans, the more immediate effect of NFL at Wembley was felt when the stadium reverted to its primary purpose.

With NFL imagery and boundaries still visible on a torn-up pitch when Spurs hosted Manchester City, American football received some unexpected bonus publicity.

Of course, that is a consequence of mismanagement of Spurs' move to a new ground rather than a criticism of NFL abroad. The game itself was an unmitigated success, demonstrating the United Kingdom's growing appreciation for American football.

Matches now come to Wembley with regularity, Philadelphia Eagles 26-18 Jacksonville Jaguars becoming the third sold-out game in London in October 2018.

Creative seating boosted attendance to a record 85,870, with the NFL reaping the benefits of a prolonged presence in London. This was the 24th match in the British capital since 2008.

In 2014, Deloitte reported that an NFL London franchise could provide a £100 million boost to the British economy each year.

Fans flocking to watch lesser giants in the NFL bodes well for that proposal to become a reality, with odds of 22/1 and 66/1 for Eagles and Jaguars respectively to win the Super Bowl in 2019 reflecting that British fans are hardly being given the cream of the crop.

 

Cycling: Tour De France (Leeds)

Taking the Tour de France seems to contradict everything that the cycling event stands for, but there have often been stages held outside of France.

The first three stages of the 2014 Tour de France took place on British soil, with the world's most famous cycle race completing the illustrious route from Leeds to Harrogate on its first day.

York to Sheffield and Cambridge to London followed on subsequent days, before normal service was resumed as the cyclists headed to France.

Heading to Leeds in 2014 was timed perfectly to generate interest in cycling within the region, with 2.5 million people flocking to watch the Yorkshire stages.

The following year, the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire took place. The event is not so subtly influenced by the Tour de France and has gone from strength to strength with each annual iteration.

As for the 2014 Tour de France, perhaps starting in Leeds was bad luck for British riders. Vincenzo Nibali ended with the yellow jersey, the only year since 2012 in which a British rider hasn't prevailed.

The 2019 race will start in Brussels and not Yorkshire, which bodes well for Brits Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome, who rank among the favourites for the yellow jersey.

 

MLB: Baseball (Monterrey)

In May 2018, Mexico hosted its first regular-season matches for 19 years as San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers took their three-game series to Monterrey.

The venture rekindled suggestions that a Mexican franchise could enter MLB in the future. Monterrey had been proposed as a venue for a side back in 1994, with the city mooted alongside Montreal as an international expansion for MLB.

The success of this series has encouraged future MLB trips to Monterrey, with six different sides set to travel to Mexico in 2019.

There is certainly a demand for MLB in Mexico. Baseball players of Mexican heritage are cheered affectionately from afar, while the Estadio de Beisbol in Monterrey sold out its capacity of just over 22000 with remarkable speed for each match.

American sport cannot be criticised for being insular. Three Canadian sides participate in MLS, while the Toronto Raptors are in the NBA. It is inevitable that the country looks to its southern border next to expand sporting audiences.

These examples of other sports embracing new environments almost make it inevitable that a major European football league will endorse taking a game overseas, most likely to the United States.

While the financial benefits may be substantial and the new crowds may be welcoming, long-suffering local fans will find it hard to take.

 

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

For most of us, managing a reasonable level in one sport is something to be proud of.

The euphoria that comes from being able to complete a short five-a-side match without getting a stitch is as close as most people get to experiencing the thrill of being an athlete.

Annoyingly, there are some athletes who aren't content with mastering one sport. Many footballers have shown impressive aptitude in other sports, while Usain Bolt recently attempted to get up to speed in professional football.

Usain Bolt

It would be unwise to start with anyone other than Usain Bolt. After all, this is the greatest sprinter of all time we're talking about.

Having the 100m world record of 9.58 is pleasant, but Bolt was determined to top it off by sealing a professional contract at Central Coast Mariners.

It was a far cry from being linked with Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund, although it should be noted that those links were incredibly tentative.

As it happens, Bolt didn't do enough to convince his Australian suitors that his considerable salary was a worthwhile outlay. 

Andy Keogh, once of Wolves and now of Perth Glory, declared that Bolt has the touch of a trampoline. Be that as it may, he still has the unparalleled pace of Usain Bolt.

Maltese giants Valletta clearly value this attribute (or maybe the publicity), although Bolt has rejected their overtures. Still, Bolt will always have his brace in a friendly against Macarthur South West United to look back on favourably.

 

Tim Wiese

Wiese may have been an inspiration for Bolt, as the German has secured professional status in two sports.

A regular fixture in Werder Bremen's net for several seasons and an occasional deputy for Germany, Wiese has carved out a career as a professional wrestler since hanging up his boots and gloves.

At 6ft 4in, Wiese has never exactly been a shrinking violet. Yet Wiese bulked up even further to appear at live WWE events in Germany.

Known as The Machine in the ring, Wiese claimed victory on his pro-wrestling debut in 2016. Wiese has since dabbled with his original passion, appearing in sixth-tier German football last year with aspirations of returning to the Bundesliga.

Former club Bremen are EVENS to finish in the top six, so perhaps the return of Wiese would give them the edge in a tough fight.

At 36, time is still on this goalkeeper's side, although woe betide anyone who gets in the way of Wiese coming out to punch a cross.

 

Ian Botham

Considered to be one of the finest all-rounders to play cricket, Botham was blessed with a wealth of sporting talent.

That talent was not confined to the cricket pitch, with Botham displaying footballing skills in his early years.

Botham had to choose between football and cricket, ultimately plumping for the latter in a decision that worked out rather well for both him and England.

Yet, Botham still managed to find the time to rack up a handful of appearances for Scunthorpe United and Yeovil Town as a professional footballer.

Botham is one of just four cricketers to have racked up 100 runs and 10 wickets in the same Test match, so he may have made the right choice in devoting himself to the cork ball rather than the leather.

 

Luis Enrique

The best managers are those who can coax an extra mile or two out of their players, getting them to put the hard work in for the whole match.

Luis Enrique has a unique advantage when it comes to this, the Spain manager having run six marathons in Morocco in 2008. That sounds admirable already, but Enrique completed those six marathons in a six-day period.

The Marathon des Sables is known as an ultramarathon, making Enrique's achievement ultra-impressive. 

The former midfielder demonstrated his stamina as a mainstay of the Spain engine room, while his switch from Real Madrid to Barcelona shows his uncompromising desire to win.

Enrique has not only competed in marathons across the globe, but also completed the 2007 Ironman competition in Germany for good measure.

He completed the gruelling 140-mile triathlon as a 37-year-old, so good luck to any fresh-faced players in their twenties thinking about complaining to Enrique that they're a bit tired after thirty minutes of football.

Enrique will be hoping that Spain can go the distance at Euro 2020, a price of 21/4 making them third favourites.

 

Aaron Ramsey

Ramsey has enjoyed some of his best sporting moments at Wembley, but it could almost have been Challenge Cup finals rather than FA Cup finals in which he was making the crucial difference.

In his youth, Ramsey demonstrated an enviable aptitude for both football and rugby league, his proficiency in the latter prompting St Helens to offer him a contract.

Ramsey elected to join Cardiff City instead, much to Arsenal's benefit. The Welsh midfielder has scored the winning goal in two FA Cup Finals.

It is ironic that, having had to make a difficult decision between football and rugby, Ramsey has ultimately spent the bulk of his sporting career in a football side that is perhaps most removed from the sport of rugby.

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal were rarely attritional, certainly during Ramsey's time at the club, and became characterised by the deft touches of midfield maestros like Ramsey.

The future of the Welsh midfielder is uncertain, with Premier League and Bundesliga clubs rumoured to be eyeing him up.

If Ramsey does want to lay the foundations for a late transition to rugby, he could do worse than joining up with Middlesbrough; Boro are priced at 11/2 to win the title in 888sport's Championship odds.

 

Paolo Maldini

Maldini was a rare breed of player who could make the art of defending actually appear like an art form, effortlessly graceful and blessed with an intuitive reading of the game.

The defender's dedication to AC Milan is as legendary as his footballing ability, amassing a staggering 902 appearances for I Rossoneri in a career spanning 25 years.

Maldini formed part of a phenomenal Milan side and scored against Liverpool in the Champions League final in 2005, although he may not look back upon that goal too fondly.  

He may not have mixed it up in his footballing career, but Maldini has been more adventurous in retirement. The 49-year-old Italian entered the 2018 Milan Challenger (where else would Maldini play?) to compete in tennis doubles alongside Stefano Landonio.

While it may not be Wimbledon, the tennis Challenger Tour is fiercely competitive and has seen the likes of Kei Nishikori, Gael Monfils and David Ferrer claim titles this season.

Maldini and Landonio lost 6-1 6-1 in a thoroughly economical 42 minutes, so Maldini will just have to settle with being regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time.

 

The Future?

Neymar to take up professional diving? Sergio Ramos to follow Tim Wiese into the world of wrestling? Trent Alexander-Arnold to become a chess grandmaster? Footballers should never be criticised for a lack of transferable skills.

The physical and mental skills that footballers require can sometimes be underappreciated during a match, but these are proper athletes. That much is proven by those players who have been too good to stick to football.

 

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

In the autumn of 2018, England manager Gareth Southgate displayed great bravery, with the Euro ’96 semi-finalist giving call-ups to a number of young players that have yet to make their international bow.

Derby County midfielder Mason Mount was, arguably, the most eyebrow-raising of the England players that went into the November 2018 international break as part of Southgate’s plans.

He did so as part of a Derby side that ranked high in the Championship outright odds list ahead of that break. Here, we look back at four others who "got the call" whilst plying their trade outside their respective top flight leagues.

Kevin Phillips (England, 1999)

In 1998/99, Phillips was lighting up the second tier with Sunderland, and Kevin Keegan duly rewarded him with a first international call-up.

Subsequently, Phillips made his England debut on 28 April 1999 against Hungary in a Budapest friendly, but it was a low-key affair, and Phillips would make just seven more appearances for the Three Lions.

Though called up for Euro 2000, Phillips did not play in that disastrous affair, but his focus was always on keeping Sunderland in the top flight after a blistering first season in the Premier League.

Very much the Jamie Vardy of his generation, Phillips made an effortless transition from the second tier to the Premier League, winning the competition’s Golden Boot in 1999/2000 with thirty goals.

He never hit the same heights thereafter, and transferred to Southampton after Sunderland’s relegation in 2003.

He enjoyed an excellent second half to 2003/04, but once more found himself a victim of circumstances as the lack of leadership at St Mary’s Stadium culminated in the Saints’ relegation in 2005.

It was here that Phillips would become the archetypical journeyman, twice being on the losing side in a playoff final for West Brom and Blackpool, (in 2007 and 2012, respectively).

There was a happy ending, however. During his spell with Leicester, his wisdom was a great asset to the dressing room in the Foxes’ promotion campaign of 2013/14.

Thus, it is certainly open to interpretation just how much of a role his presence played, in making the club’s initial promotion possible, just two years before the greatest sporting miracle of modern times.

 

Massimo Maccarone (Italy, 2002)

Back in March 2002, Serie A-bound Empoli striker Maccarone travelled to Elland Road to face England for his international debut.

He made no direct impact on the game in terms of goals scored, but he did make it a memorable international debut by winning the penalty that sealed victory for his side.

With the striker berths of for the Italian World Cup squad of 2002 long since spoken for, Maccarone would have little chance thereafter of making a good case for a place in the first XI.

In October 2002, he would make his second and final appearance for Italy, but not before Middlesbrough’s then-manager Steve McLaren saw fit to splash out on his signature.

He scored a modest tally of nine goals in his first season on Teesside. However, that was still enough for him to be crowned as his club’s top gun, in a 2002/03 campaign best described as ‘nondescript’ for the 11th-placed Boro.

He never hit the same ‘heights’ and became increasingly redundant in a Boro side that spent much of the mid-2000s fighting on two fronts. That said, he did score some important goals in Boro's remarkable run to the 2006 UEFA Cup final.

For Maccarone, there has never been any place like home. After successful loan spells in Italy, Maccarone moved permanently to Siena in 2007, hitting double figures in two of the next three seasons.

He is also living evidence that some players do enjoy an ‘Indian summer’ in their twilight years, having returned to Empoli in 2012, helping the club greatly in its successful promotion campaign of 2013/14.

 

Lukas Podolski (Germany, 2006)

Head coach Marcel Koller made the big call in November 2003 to give Podolski his professional debut.

Though Podolski’s impact was immediate for Koln, the ten goals he plundered were not enough to keep his club up – but they were enough to see him included in the Euro 2004 squad.

With Podolski’s call up came the inevitable slew of links to better clubs. However, he stayed at Cologne, and fired his club to immediate promotion back to the Bundesliga – only to see them drop back into the second tier despite his best efforts.

By this time, Podolski was one of Germany’s most important strikers, and he once more received a call up despite being a lower-tier player.

The World Cup arguably completed the ‘making’ of Podolski. He scored in Germany’s third group-stage game (vs Ecuador), and bagged a super-quick brace against Sweden as his country reached the semi-finals and finished third.

While his club career might have been more prolific, he is still a winner of club-level silverware in three different nations.

A final tally of 49 goals in 130 appearances for the four-time World Cup winners is also no mean feat and, on the balance of it all, Podolski can take many more positives than negatives from his career.

 

Federico Bernardeschi (Italy, 2014)

Now part of a Juventus squad that was odds-on to win Serie A before the season's start, the Fiorentina-reared Bernardeschi made a name for himself after spending the 2013/14 season on loan at Serie B club Crotone, getting 12 goals in 39 appearances.

While he looked like a promising addition, nobody could have foreseen just how quickly he would rise to the top of his nation’s pyramid.

Many people would argue that it all began with his shock call-up to the Italy squad in April 2014, with players vying to become the next shock inclusion in the squad for the upcoming World Cup.

While there was never any question of him playing in the side for that round of friendlies, it was as sure a sign of any that he was the future of his country.

Once back at Fiorentina, Bernardeschi continued to impress. He netted in only his second appearance for the club, on 18 September 2014 in a Europa League match against EA Guingamp, earning the number ten jersey the following season.

In Florence culture, owning that number has real significance, and it is deeply associated with the expectation of being a consistent deliverer of through-balls or crosses for the main striker.

Thereafter, it was only a question of when he would make his international debut, and he did in March 2016 against fellow Euro 2016 favourites Spain and Germany.

His impact was clearly enough to see him named in the 23-man squad for that tournament, but he would play only once, in an inconsequential defeat to Ireland.

As of autumn 2018, Bernardeschi is a valued part of a title-defending Juventus squad, which spent the November break of 2018/19 as third-favourites to win the Champions League.

He is also a symbol of hope for a nation utterly devastated by its failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

 

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

Becher Chase News

The entries were revealed last week for the two races over the Grand National fences at Aintree on Becher Chase Day, Saturday, December 8th.

The 2017 Randox Health Grand National hero One For Arthur (Lucinda Russell) is one of 58 entries for the feature £150,000 Becher Handicap Chase over three and a quarter miles.

One For Arthur has not raced since April 2017, having sustained a tendon injury when being prepared for the following season in October of that year.

Blaklion was one of the most impressive Becher Chase winners in recent times when scoring by nine lengths last year.

His trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has won the Becher six times since its inception in 1992, making him the most successful trainer in the race. Twiston-Davies has also entered Ballyoptic, Go Conquer and Calett Mad in the race.

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 third 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.

Worcestershire-based Newland reported: "Abolitionist has come out of his run at Aintree in good form and we were delighted with his victory.

"We bought him 15 months ago and we were trying to target this year's Grand National. He had finished third in an Irish National, but it all went a bit pear-shaped for him last season.

"He had a stress fracture on his pelvis and then when we tried to bring him back, he had another stress fracture on his pelvis. I thought we were nearly finished with him, but we got him sorted and gave him plenty of work and thankfully it has worked out.

"The Becher Handicap Chase is the plan for him now. From our point of view, his run at the weekend was a prep for the Becher. Obviously, we hoped he would win it off a low weight so it was a pleasing run.

"He is not that dissimilar to Pineau Du Re. Abolitionist probably has more untold stamina as he seemed to stay the three miles on Saturday at Aintree well, but I guess we don't know far he will get in time.

"They both share a similar zest for racing and are quite keen going sorts. Abolitionist is a better jumper, but perhaps Pineau Du Re had slightly more class in his younger years, highlighted by what he did over shorter distances.

"It was a great start for us from Abolitionist and we are looking forward to the rest of the season."

Irish trainer Gordon Elliott, who captured his second Grand National in April with Tiger Roll, accounts for six of the 12 Irish-trained entries for the Beche.

Elliott's sextet features multiple group scorer Don Poli, 2018 Irish Grand National winner General Principle and French import Borice.

The remaining Irish-trained contenders include Crosshue Boy (Sean Doyle), successful in a novices' handicap chase at Ayr's Scottish Grand National Festival in April, talented mare Baie Des Iles (Ross O'Sullivan), and the Joseph O'Brien-trained Vieux Morvan.

Ms Parfois is one of two entries for Anthony Honeyball. She was just touched off when second in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and filled the same position behind Terrefort in the Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree in April.

Honeyball has also entered 2017 Ladbrokes Trophy third Regal Encore.

Step Back (Mark Bradstock) improved race upon race last season and ended the campaign with a 13-length demolition of his rivals in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown Park in April.

Trainer Paul Nicholls has taken the spoils in the Becher Handicap Chase three times, most recently with Mr Pointment in 2007.

The Ditcheat trainer’s four entries are led by dual Scottish Grand National victor Vicente and Present Man, successful for the second year in succession in the Listed Badger Ales Trophy Handicap Chase at Wincanton on November 10th.

Ultragold (Colin Tizzard) has been victorious in the last two renewals of the Topham Chase over the Grand National fences, including at odds of 50/1 in 2017. He has yet to race beyond an extended three miles.

Other horses to note include Captain Redbeard (Stuart Coltherd), a decent chaser last term who shaped with promise when third on his return over hurdles at Carlisle on November 4th, and Listed Future Stars Intermediate Chase second Thomas Patrick (Tom Lacey).

The weights for the Becher Handicap Chase will be decided on Wednesday, November 21st.

 

Grand Sefton News

The other race over the Grand National fences on Becher Chase Day at Aintree is the £80,000 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase over a distance of two miles and five furlongs, which has seen a prize money increase of £10,000.

Frodon tops the current entries after making a successful reappearance at Aintree in the Old Roan Handicap Chase over the Mildmay Course on October 28th. His trainer Paul Nicholls has six entries in total.

Born Survivor is one of two entries for trainer Dan Skelton. He was a decisive winner of Listed handicap chase at Wetherby on November 2nd, while stablemate Cobra De Mai was successful at Stratford on November 1.

Shanahan's Turn (Colin Tizzard) proved himself over course and distance when chasing home stablemate Ultragold in the Topham Chase back in April.

Several horses have been entered in Grand Sefton as well as the Becher. They include Present Man, Captain Redbeard and Missed Approach (Warren Greatrex), winner of the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

The three Irish-trained entries are Poormans Hill (Gordon Elliott) and the Patrick Griffin-trained pair of Heist and Dare To Endeavour.

The Grand Sefton weights will also be revealed on Wednesday, November 21st.

 

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

The UEFA Nations League is like marmite: you either love it or you hate it. The final round of international fixtures is here and the race to snag top spot in the group is on…

Gareth Southgate’s England will go up against Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon – readers can find our match betting preview here.

Away from England’s commitments, football fans will be treated to a feast of sporting action this weekend.

Without further ado, let’s get down to the latest UEFA Nations League tips; starting with Portugal and their trip to Italy on Saturday night.

 

Italy vs PORTUGAL

It has been sad to see Italy’s decline on the international stage. Since September 2017, Italy have won just once on home soil; a disappointing record to say the least.

However, they have shown signs of improvement under Roberto Mancini and this could be an exciting game to watch. Goals at both ends looks very likely indeed…

Avoiding defeat will be enough for Portugal to secure top spot in League A Group 3 – and it would take a brave man to back against the 2016 European Championship winners.

With Cristiano Ronaldo back in action for the national side, the visitors will be confident of picking up the positive result that they need on Saturday night.

4/6 is a decent price for Portugal to avoid defeat. Expect Ronaldo and co to put on a show against an Italy side in transition.

TIP: Portugal to win OR draw @ 4/6

PREDICTED SCORE: Italy 1-1 Portugal (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)

 

SWITZERLAND vs BELGIUM

A win for Switzerland will see the hosts leapfrog their opponents at the top of the group. On their day, Vladimir Petkovic’s side are capable of giving anyone a game…

The home outfit suffered an embarrassing loss to Qatar in an international friendly this week – bouncing back at the first time of asking will help to win some of their critics over.

Roberto Martinez’s side had to be patient against Iceland on Thursday night and the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists may have to wait until the second half once again in this encounter.

Belgium have the quality to put Switzerland to the sword but it would be foolish to assume that this will be a walk in the park. On home soil, the Swiss will create opportunities.

With that in mind, I’m taking the 3/4 for both teams to score. This might not be end-to-end drama from start to finish but we could see a few goals.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 3/4

PREDICTED SCORE: Switzerland 1-2 Belgium (Priced at 15/2 with 888sport)

 

GERMANY vs Netherlands

Joachim Low’s side got back to winning ways with a convincing 3-0 victory over Russia last time out and the 2014 World Cup champions will take some stopping here.

Germany have one of the strongest squads in international football and a win here is a must as the hosts look to restore some pride after a disappointing UEFA Nations campaign.

For the Netherlands, three points will give them a real chance of pipping France to top spot in League A Group 1. Ronald Koeman’s men will be fired up ahead of this one…

The visitors are outsiders to prevail in this fixture but Netherlands could spring a shock. That 3-0 win over Germany in October should give Holland confidence.

Write Germany off at your peril. 13/20 for the hosts to emerge victorious is a solid price – Low’s men will be looking to assert their dominance on home soil.

TIP: Germany to win @ 13/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Germany 2-1 Netherlands (Priced at 13/2 with 888sport)

 

SWEDEN vs Russia

Sweden are built on defensive stability and this one probably won’t be the most exciting game this weekend.

Currently bottom of their group after picking up just one point from two games, Sweden need to win in order to stand any chance of pipping Russia to top spot.

The visitors enjoyed a successful home World Cup and Russia will be looking to build on that platform in the coming years.

On paper, they aren’t the most complete national side around but they do have a couple of budding stars. Russia will be relying on these men this weekend…

23/20 may seem a little short given Sweden’s offensive woes in recent months but the hosts can prevail. It won’t be glamorous but a win is a win and Sweden will take any victory at this moment in time.

TIP: Sweden to win @ 23/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Sweden 1-0 Russia (Priced at 5/1 with 888sport)

 

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

England play the final group match of their first ever UEFA Nations League campaign against Croatia at Wembley on Sunday.

Relegation and progression are both still possible for the hosts after Croatia’s stunning victory at home to Spain earlier this week.

If Croatia beat England on Sunday, they will finish above Gareth Southgate’s side on head-to-head record after they drew 0-0 in Rijeka. England would be bumped down to League B with defeat.

It really is all to play for. The Nations League has brought competitive football to otherwise dreary international breaks.

Matches like this (which is a painful reminder of the World Cup semi-final defeat for England) being played at even a semi-competitive level are better than meaningless friendlies. Both managers will name very strong teams for this one.

Croatia are edging towards the next generation after several post-Russia retirements. Mario Mandzukic and Vedran Corluka retired after the World Cup, which was followed by a string of disappointing results.

The runners up in Russia will hope that the 3-2 win in the week was a turning point...

Meanwhile, England are just at the start with this group of players.

Southgate has evolved the team during his tenure, and the next generation are starting to make their mark on the international stage, as we saw from Jadon Sancho and Ben Chilwell’s good performances on Thursday.

The slightly more experienced names will return for England on Sunday. Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling will both start in the front three.

Sterling has taken his game to another level so far this season and is worth backing to score anytime. Kane is still short of his best form, but he’s always a tempting bet in a wincast.

England used the Nations League to switch from 3-5-2 to 4-3-3. The new formation matches up better with Croatia’s midfield triumvirate, but the difference in quality will still be a concern for Southgate.

Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic and Luka Modric are a test of any opponent; these are the challenges England’s midfield need to overcome if they are going to be contenders in 2020 and 2022.

If Croatia dominate the middle third, their 3/1 price to win will be a very good bet. With both teams still in with a chance of winning the group this should be an open game.

It could start slowly, but once the first goal goes in, it should be end to end. Over 3.5 goals looks solid value at 43/20.

Despite the match ending with five goals, Croatia were 0-0 with Spain at half-time.

The visitors may look to keep it tight for the first 45 minutes at Wembley too, which makes the 23/20 price on the scores to be level at the break seem interesting. No first half goals is 41/20.

England have played some great football since the World Cup. Croatia have had a tough time but will be buoyed by Thursday’s success.

The Three Lions price of 19/20 to win on Sunday is on the short side. A wincast is a good way to go for this match, or there’s the safer option of both teams to score at 13/20.

The Nations League got a lot of criticism early on. This match could be a great advert for UEFA’s newest competition.

 

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

While in tennis, there are only four Grand Slam titles available each season, in football, top teams can compete for as many as six or seven trophies in one campaign.

Regardless, these are the greatest teams and players in the history of their sports based on tournament wins and trophies, medals, or belts collected.

 

Football: Barcelona (89 trophies)

It’s very close between Real Madrid and Barcelona, but entering the 2018/19 season, Barcelona rank as the top football team on trophies collected with 89.

The finest pieces on their trophy wall include five European Cups and Champions League trophies as well as a massive 25 league titles. This season, Barcelona are the joint-favourites to add another Champions League trophy to their cabinet at 5/1.

Tennis: Margaret Court (24 Grand Slam titles)

She may not be considered the greatest tennis player of all-time, but Margaret Court certainly has the most Grand Slam victories at 24.

As of October 2018, Court has the most Grand Slam titles of any women’s or men’s singles players, but Serena Williams is hot on her heels with 23, and at 17/4 to win the Australian Open in 2019.

 

Boxing: Manny Pacquiao (Eight-division world champion)

In the 25^th fight of his career, Manny Pacquiao won the WBC and lineal flyweight titles by defeating Chatchai Sasakul via knockout.

The Filipino then moved on to claim world titles in seven more divisions, collecting the near unbeatable record of world titles in eight different divisions.

He’s still going, now at 60-7-2, with Floyd Mayweather now trying to whip up another money-and-media frenzy to battle Pacquiao again, for which the still active boxer is at 2/1 to win.

 

Ice Hockey: Canada Men's National Team (61 tournament wins)

Team Canada is by far the most dominant team in the sport of ice hockey. While they don’t win everything all of the time, they certainly manage to emerge victorious from many tournaments.

But, if the NHL decides to stop its players from attending the next Olympics, they’ll likely go without another medal. They’re once again the favourites to claim the World Championships in 2019 at 2/1 in the ice hockey betting.

 

Formula One: Ferrari (16 World Constructors' titles)

Way out in front of Williams, McLaren, Lotus, Red Bull Racing, and Mercedes, Ferrari is, historically, the best constructor in Formula One. However, they haven’t won the championship since Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa drove their cars in 2007 and 2008.

Before that, they rode to a six-season World Constructors’ Championship streak with the legendary Michael Schumacher behind the wheel. This season, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel is at 7/4 to make a comeback and win the World Drivers’ Championship.

 

Boxing: Evander Holyfield (Four-time heavyweight champion)

Muhammad Ali was a three-time heavyweight world champion, Lennox Lewis a three-time, Mike Tyson a two-time, Wladimir Klitschko a two-time, but it’s Evander Holyfield who fought back to claim a heavyweight world title four times.

After becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world, he defeated Buster Douglas in 1990 to commence his first reign as a heavyweight world champion – an undisputed one at that.

By the time that his career came to an end in 2011, Holyfield had earned the title of heavyweight world champion a record four times and was the first boxer to be a cruiserweight world champion and heavyweight world champion.

Now, the next heavyweight world title fight sees the 8/13 Deontay Wilder take on the 13/10 Tyson Fury, who’s looking to become a two-time world heavyweight champion.

 

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

We have entered the final international break of 2018 – thank goodness for that.

Whilst the UEFA Nations League offering punters respite from mundane friendlies, there’s nothing quite like Premier League betting on a Saturday afternoon.

With the 2018/19 Premier League table starting to take shape, we look at a few of the main betting markets available with 888sport.

From top goal scorer odds to the Player of the Year award, let’s get down to the top outright Premier League markets.

Top Goal Scorer Betting

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is currently leading the Golden Boot charts with eight goals in 2018/19.

The Argentina man has scored in five of his previous seven league games and he is currently the 5/2 favourite with 888sport to finish as the top goal scorer.

However, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Eden Hazard are hot on his heels with seven goals each – and it would be foolish to write both players off just yet.

Aubameyang is a solid bet at 9/1 while Hazard is arguably the Premier League’s best player and he will see plenty of chances fall his way at Chelsea.

10/1 looks huge based on Hazard’s excursions so far this season. We will get back to the Belgian star later…

Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah, the two primary contenders for the top goal scorer award last season, have both notched six goals through 12 league games.

Kane tends to save his latter stages of the season though and he could be the main danger to Aguero.

Meanwhile, 2017/18 Golden Boot winner Salah is yet to get out of second gear but the Egypt man will take some stopping once he does.

Others to consider: Anthony Martial (33/1) has scored six goals in his last five games and he is an excellent price in Premier League top goal scorer odds.

At 40/1, Callum Wilson is a dark horse. The Bournemouth forward has been central to their attacking success this campaign and it would be foolish to write him off.

Finally, Marko Arnautovic is worth a speculative bet at 50/1. With West Ham starting to show signs of creativity in the final third, Arnautovic may be the main beneficiary.

 

Top Assists Odds

12 weeks into the 2018/19 season and the top assists leader is AFC Bournemouth star Ryan Fraser. The Cherries star has racked up six assists after a bright start to the campaign…

Currently 8/1 in 888sport’s top assists betting odds, Fraser is one of the first names on Eddie Howe’s team sheet and the Bournemouth man should be there or thereabouts.

Manchester City duo Benjamin Mendy and Raheem Sterling come next with five. The former started the season like a house on fire but his form has tailed off slightly in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Sterling continues to go from strength to strength. A regular under Pep Guardiola, the England man is the current favourite at 7/2.

11 players are stuck on four. The highest profile name on the list is Eden Hazard; Chelsea’s main man has been central to most of their attacking success this campaign.

At 6/1, he is well worth considering. Barring a serious injury, Hazard is going to play most of the 2018/19 Premier League season and he deserves to be in the conversation.

Jose Holebas (40/1) is a decent bet at a longer price. The Watford man is enjoying the best season of his career and the Hornets have been playing some superb football under Javi Gracia.

Available at the same odds is Johann Gudmundsson. The Burnley winger has been directly involved (two goals, four assists) in 50% of their Premier League goals in 2018/19.

 

Player Of The Year Award

This is starting to look like a two-horse race. Eden Hazard and David Silva have been sublime in 2018/19 and the PFA Player of the Year betting odds show both men at the top of the betting.

Hazard is the 2/1 favourite; and with good reason. The Belgian has been directly involved in 11 goals for Chelsea this season and he has been almost unplayable at times.

Maurizio Sarri’s side are still in the hunt for Premier League glory and Hazard’s form in the second half of the campaign will be key to their title aspirations.

David Silva is breathing down his neck at 5/2 though and the Spaniard is enjoying one of the best years of his career. In the absence of Kevin de Bruyne, Silva has stepped up to another level in 2018/19.

With four goals and two assists, he can’t quite match Hazard’s numbers but Silva has made Manchester City tick. He has been a joy to watch for City fans and neutrals alike.

At longer odds, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk commands attention at 28/1. Now labelled as the best defender in the Premier League, he could feature prominently if the Reds lift the title.

Raheem Sterling deserves a token mention after his recent form. 25/1 could turn out to be a huge price if he continues to mature and dominate in the final third.

 

Young Player Of The Year Award

Sterling is 25/1 for the main award but the City winger is currently the 2/1 market leader with 888sport to claim the Young Player of the Year accolade.

The England star has improved considering under Pep Guardiola and he is still just 23 years old. Sterling will take some stopping in this particular category…

Fellow City winger Leroy Sane is also in the hunt at 8/1 but Everton midfielder Richarlison carries more appeal at the same price.

The Brazi youngster has adjusted quickly to life at Goodison Park after leaving Watford this summer and he has bagged six Premier League goals already in 2018/19.

James Maddison is blossoming into a household name and the Leicester City man will be an England regular in the near future. Watch this space…

Currently 12/1 for the young player accolade, Maddison could be set for a big money move to one of the Premier League’s top clubs if he continues to impress.

 

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

The UEFA Nations League is like marmite: you either love it or you hate it.

The latest round of international fixtures is here – although England fans will have to wait until Sunday to watch the Three Lions take on Croatia in their League A Group 4 clash.

Gareth Southgate’s men will get a good look at Croatia ahead of that clash though; the 2018 World Cup runners up will host Spain on Thursday evening.

That game features in our 15/1 four-fold, so let’s get down to the best UEFA Nations League betting tips…

THURSDAY

BELGIUM vs Iceland

Belgium put three goals past Iceland just two months ago and Roberto Martinez’s side could run riot on home soil.

17/20 for the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists to score three or more goals is a solid price. When you have the likes of Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens in the squad, anything is possible.

Meanwhile, Iceland have failed to inspire confidence since winning over supporters at the 2016 European Championships in France.

The visitors are bottom of League A Group 2 after conceding 11 goals in three games. From an Iceland perspective, the draw at half-time (39/20) would give them a chance of nicking a positive result.

888sport Nations League odds have Belgium at 43/20 to win with goals at both ends – that could be the way to go. Watch this space, an exciting contest looks likely.

TIP: Belgium to win and both teams to score @ 43/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Belgium 3-1 Iceland (Priced at 19/2 with 888sport)

 

Croatia vs SPAIN

Croatia have suffered a slump since reaching the World Cup final, winning just one of their last five international fixtures. A difficult clash with Spain in Zagreb awaits.

With a tough trip to Wembley ahead, Croatia may go all out to secure three points on home soil. 13/5 is a good price if you fancy Croatia to get the job done.

Spain banged six goals past Croatia in their previous meeting and the visitors will be quietly confident of another convincing victory on Thursday night.

Luis Enrique’s side are two points clear of England at the top of League A Group 4 and Spain will be looking to assert their dominance in the group after losing to the Three Lions in October.

The 6/5 for Spain to score two or more goals represents solid value – that could turn out to be one of the bets of the week. The selection has landed in five of their last six games…

TIP: Over 1.5 Spain goals @ 6/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Croatia 1-2 Spain (Priced at 8/1 with 888sport)

 

FRIDAY

NETHERLANDS vs FRANCE

The Netherlands are heading in the right direction after a difficult spell. Since reaching the 2014 World Cup semi-finals, Holland have really struggled to impose themselves on the international stage.

A 3-0 victory over Germany in their most recent encounter silenced the critics: Holland are back. 39/20 for a home win carries plenty of appeal given their resurgence.

However, France are current world champions for a reason and Didier Deschamps’ side will take some stopping on Friday night. This should be a really exciting game for neutrals…

Les Bleus have the strongest squad in international football and plenty of punters will fancy the visitors to prevail. With five wins in a row against their opponents, France are worth considering.

The safe option is for both teams to score. 8/13 is slightly short but this has all the makings of an entertaining affair and bettors will expect a close contest under the floodlights.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 8/13

PREDICTED SCORE: Netherlands 1-1 France (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)

 

Wales vs DENMARK

Not the most attractive contest on paper, Wales will be looking to build on last month’s 1-0 win away at the Republic of Ireland.

Ryan Giggs will have his side fired up for this one but Denmark are formidable opponents and this one could get away from Wales if they start slowly – the hosts are slight favourites at 17/10 though.

Denmark have quality in key areas of the pitch and the Danes will be quietly confident ahead of their trip to Cardiff. Back against the visitors at your peril…

Currently two points adrift of Wales having played just two group games, this is the ideal opportunity for Denmark to take control of their own destiny. 4/9 for the visitors to avoid defeat is a solid price.

But the best bet of the lot is over 1.5 goals at 21/50. It might not go down as an all-time classic but there should be goals with so much at stake.

TIP: Over 1.5 match goals @ 21/50

PREDICTED SCORE: Wales 0-2 Denmark (Priced at 11/1 with 888sport)

 

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

The domestic football season has hit another one of its pre-arranged road blocks in the form of an international break.

That leaves us waiting almost two weeks for the resumption of Premier League action at a time when the it felt like the campaign was just hitting its stride.

This time away from the club game is a good opportunity to take a look at the outright Premier League betting markets.

 

Title Winner

Manchester City’s derby day victory has them in to 7/25 to go back-to-back.

Injury to Kevin De Bruyne has not halted their progress and, if anything, Pep Guardiola’s team look even more dominant than before. They have conceded just five goals this season and are averaging three per match of their own.

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool are the only clubs to have avoided defeat against the reigning champions this season.

A 100-points-plus total looks likely, with very few teams even coming close to taking anything from them. Avoiding a humiliation (which is not all that easy) is all most teams can aim for.

Liverpool are 4/1 to finally lift a Premier League trophy. Performances have dipped slightly of late, but Jurgen Klopp’s side are only two points off City and are picking up points at a title-winning pace.

That’s in most normal seasons, though, not when they are competing with what might be the best club side this country has ever seen.

The midfield conundrum is the biggest threat to Liverpool’s title push. Naby Keita and Fabinho are yet to impact the season significantly, which has seen a lot of minutes for James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum.

The upside is that Liverpool have only dropped points to top six sides and they remain unbeaten.

Chelsea are the third team supposedly in the ‘race’. The Blues have overachieved so far this season, and a top four finish would be a solid first season for Maurizio Sarri.

Their 20/1 price says it all about their chances. Their consistency of result and performance is not there to build a title challenge with this City side around.

Manchester City are just too good. Guardiola has depth to cope with even a significant injury crisis. Liverpool will keep the pressure on, but City are a level above.

 

Top Four Race

The market suggests the top four is pretty much settled. Chelsea are 1/6, Liverpool 1/40 and Tottenham 1/2.

Those three currently occupy the spots behind Manchester City, though Arsenal are just three points behind their north London rivals.

Chelsea, led by individual genius Eden Hazard, and Liverpool have attracted all the attention of title contenders. Spurs are just a point behind the Blues, despite injury troubles and some underwhelming performances.

Arsenal’s long winning run came to an end, and they have drawn three in a row in the league since. Their 6/4 price is on the short side. Unai Emery has been fortunate that results have been this good so far.

The defence has been up and down, while the attack has relied on some prolific finishing from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

Chelsea are probably the most vulnerable of the current top four. Their reliance on Eden Hazard is unsurprising and obvious, but it’s not just that.

Maurizio Sarri had problems with burnout at Napoli and his rotation in the Europa League has seen a lot of his first teamers clock up unnecessary miles.

A drop off in performances and results for the Blues – especially over Christmas – seems probable. Arsenal, for now at least, are the team in the best position to take advantage of that.

Given expectation and spending, Manchester United deserve at least a token mention. Jose Mourinho’s team are 7/2 to finish in the top four.

It’s worth a bet if you fancy a couple of club meltdowns from the other five. Other than that, there is very little to suggest United can win enough matches to keep it close with the rest of the ‘big six’.

 

Relegation Battle

The relegation battle is set to be tight. Four points separate the bottom eight teams in the league. Victories for Huddersfield, Cardiff and Newcastle of late have changed the dynamic at the bottom of the table once again.

Fulham are the team at risk of being cut adrift. Slavisa Jokanovic’s side started okay, but things have quickly declined.

The west London club are 11/20 to get relegated this term and are on course for by far the worst defensive record in Premier League history. That price is a little short given the quality in the squad, however.

After their heroics last season, it’s a slight surprise to see Burnley in the bottom seven. The back line has leaked goals, and their ability to score off a bizarrely low number of chances has waned.

They are four points ahead of Fulham, but the Clarets are decent value at 6/5 to be playing in the Championship next season.

Southampton have failed to build on their survival last season. Mark Hughes is living on borrowed time and the team is dysfunctional.

Goals are a rare treat for the St. Mary’s faithful and the defence is hardly reliable. Their 4/1 price is a very good one, though a change in manager could mean a change in fortune.

Huddersfield and Cardiff were preseason favourites and they are both odds on to go down. They have had positive moments in recent weeks, but they are short on quality compared to their rivals and that could make all the difference.

This season could require one of the lowest points tallies ever to stay up. The matches the bottom seven play against each other will go a long way to deciding who is safe.

 

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