We are now well into December and the busy festive period is fast approaching.

All 20 top flight clubs will play at least six top flight fixtures between December 15th and January 3rd – it is a fantastic time of year to be a football fan.

Manchester City and Everton will get Saturday’s Premier League games underway in the lunchtime kick-off.

Pep Guardiola’s side fell short at Stamford Bridge last weekend and punters will be expecting a backlash from the defending champions.

Meanwhile, Fulham and West Ham will do battle in the evening fixture.

Our tip selection for this game has landed in each of the last five games and an exciting contest awaits at Craven Cottage. But we’ll get onto that encounter later…

For now, let’s start with Manchester City vs Everton. The Blues will look to get our tasty 7/2 double off to the perfect start in front of an expectant Etihad Stadium crowd.

Check out the latest Premier League betting odds with 888sport here ahead of the weekend!

MANCHESTER CITY vs Everton

Tipped to emulate Arsenal’s “Invincibles” and avoid defeat for the whole 2018/19 campaign, City came crashing down to earth last weekend.

Guardiola was full of praise for his side after the defeat but the defending champions must bounce back at the first time of asking.

The Blues have scored 30 goals in nine home games so far this season and the 3/4 on offer for City to notch over 2.5 here is a solid price.

Pep’s side put three past Everton at Goodison Park in their previous encounter and another comfortable win could be on the cards.

Good news for Everton: they’ve lost just one of their last six fixtures. Bad news for Everton: they’ve won just two of those – one against Brighton & Hove Albion and the other against Cardiff City.

The visitors will be looking to send out a statement with a positive result here. As of December 12th, the Toffees are out at 18/5 to win OR draw this weekend.

Everton have claimed a point from this fixture in each of the last two campaigns and Marco Silva will be hoping for a third successive draw on Saturday afternoon.

The Toffees have struggled on the road against England’s biggest clubs this campaign and this could get ugly for the visitors.

I fancy the Toffees to score but Manchester City will be too strong on home turf. The 31/20 for a home win with both teams scoring is the way to go.

TIP: Man City to win and both teams to score @ 31/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Man City 3-1 Everton (Priced at 17/2 with 888sport)

 

FULHAM vs WEST HAM UNITED

Fulham found themselves up against it at Old Trafford last weekend; the Red Devils scored four goals in a Premier League game for the first time since November 2017.

However, the Cottagers will fancy their chances against a hit-and-miss West Ham outfit on Saturday night.

Claudio Ranieri’s men are unbeaten in two home games since his appointment and plenty of punters will fancy the 9/5 available for a Fulham victory.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has been solid enough in attack, scoring seven goals in 16 league fixtures. He could be Fulham’s difference maker this weekend.

West Ham have won three on the spin but Marko Arnatovic’s injury will be a huge blow to Manuel Pellegrini’s side ahead of the busy festive spell.

Expected to be side-lined until early 2019, Arnautovic will be sorely missed – though West Ham do have enough quality to cause problems for this struggling Fulham defence.

Felipe Anderson has started to come into his own in recent weeks, notching five goals in his last six Premier League outings.

The onus will be on him to create chances for the Hammers in Arnautovic’s absence and he is a decent bet at 23/10 to get his name on the scoreboard.

The best bet here though is for over 2.5 goals. As mentioned earlier, this has landed in each of the last five meetings between the two teams and 4/6 is an excellent price.

Viewers may be treated to an early Christmas cracker at Craven Cottage here.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/6

PREDICTED SCORE: Fulham 2-2 West Ham (Priced at 10/1 with 888sport)

 

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

The Europa League is beginning to heat up. Some of the continent’s biggest clubs, namely Inter Milan and Napoli, will drop into Europe’s secondary club competition after falling short in the Champions League and the race to advance to the knockout stages is on.

Chelsea and Arsenal are both through to the next round but Celtic and Rangers are still in the fight to progress. It should be another nervy but exciting night of Europa League football on Thursday evening.

Without further ado, let’s get down to the tipping. According to 888sport’s Europa League betting odds, this four-fold pays at around 8/1. Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic are the headline act in our final accumulator of the 2018/19 group stages…

BESIKTAS vs Malmo

Group I is arguably the most intriguing ahead of matchday six. Both qualifying spots are still up for grabs and that is testament to just how competitive all four teams have been. This is going right down to the wire…

Besiktas will fancy themselves on home soil – the Turkish outfit have a formidable record in front of their own fans. Take the 4/7 for a Besiktas victory in this encounter.

Malmo claimed a 2-0 win over Besiktas back in October and punters will fancy the Swedish side to prevail. The visitors have lost just two of their last 16 away games in all competitions and they will be hard to break down.

A point won’t be enough for Malmo; they have to push for the victory. The away side could leave themselves exposed on the break and that brings the 4/5 for over 2.5 goals into play.

TIP: Besiktas to win @ 4/7

PREDICTED SCORE: Besiktas 2-1 Malmo (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

 

Tottenham Hotspur lead Saturday's 11/1 Premier League best bets - click here for our top tips!

 

RAPID VIENNA vs RANGERS

Group G is also wide open ahead of matchday six and Rapid Vienna will be quietly confident of doing enough to secure second spot in the race to reach the next round.

The Austrian outfit have won three of their four Europa League games in 2018/19 and that may be enough to tempt punters to side with the hosts. At 13/10, Rapid Vienna are worth a second look in the betting.

Meanwhile, Rangers know what they have to do in order to reach the next round. Winning away from home in Europe is never easy but Steven Gerrard will have his side fired up for this one.

Punters fancying the Scottish outfit will be tempted by the 2/1 for an away win but the 3/4 for over 2.5 goals carries more appeal. This could be another entertaining affair under the Vienna floodlights.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 3/4

PREDICTED SCORE: Rapid Vienna 2-2 Rangers (Priced at 23/2 with 888sport)

 

ARSENAL vs FK Qarabag

Already safely through to the next round, Arsenal could be forgiven for taking their foot off the gas. After all, Qarabag shouldn’t pose too much of a threat at the Emirates Stadium…

Unai Emery’s men will finish top of Group E after a solid campaign and the Gunners boss may wring the changes on Thursday night. A weakened Arsenal side should still be capable of scoring over 1.5 goals (7/25) though.

Qarabag are now playing for pride but the floodgates could open if Arsenal make an early breakthrough. The visitors have conceded 12 goals in their five Europa League matches so far this season.

Playing for nothing other than pride, Qarabag may relax and they could surprise us all under the Emirates Stadium lights on Thursday evening. Optimistic Qarabag backers can get 10/3 for the visitors to avoid defeat.

TIP: Over 1.5 Arsenal goals @ 7/25

PREDICTED SCORE: Arsenal 3-0 Qarabag (Priced at 13/2 with 888sport)

 

CELTIC vs Red Bull Salzburg

Not for the first time, Celtic have had to do things the hard way in Europe. Brendan Rodgers will be determined to lead his side to the Europa League knockout stages but victory won’t come easy here.

6/4 is a solid price for a home win given their incredible European record at Celtic Park. The hosts have been solid enough in recent weeks and their ardent supporters could make the world of difference.

With top spot already secure, Red Bull Salzburg could field a weakened side for this clash. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see a few fringe players in action for the visitors.

The 27/25 for both teams to score is a decent bet. Salzburg have the quality to push Celtic close but the Scottish champions should be strong enough to get the job done.

TIP: Celtic to win @ 6/4

PREDICTED SCORE: Celtic 1-0 Salzburg (Priced at 8/1 with 888sport)

 

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

Come 10pm on Wednesday evening, the 2018/19 Champions League knockout stages will be set. The race to qualify for the last-16 is well and truly on…

The two Manchester clubs are in action on Wednesday night. Both are through to the next round but finishing top of their respective groups could be decisive in the draw. City need to avoid defeat at home to Hoffenheim whilst United’s route to top spot is trickier.

Let’s take a look at 888sport’s latest Champions League betting odds ahead of Wednesday’s games. At the time of writing, this four-fold is priced up at around 15/1 – fingers crossed for lots of betting success on the final group stage matchday this season.

AJAX vs Bayern Munich

Ajax have won their last 11 matches on home soil, including both of their Champions League group stage fixtures. The Dutch outfit will fancy their chances of making it a clean sweep at the Johan Cruyff Arena…

Plenty of punters will fancy Ajax to flourish against a sub-par Bayern Munich side, especially after picking up a point in Germany. 17/20 for the hosts to avoid defeat could turn out to be a huge price.

Bayern have failed to inspire confidence domestically this campaign; the Bavarians are nine points adrift of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table. Victory here is essential for Niko Kovac’s side as they look to build momentum ahead of the festive break.

For some, EVENS for Bayern to win a group stage game will be too good to turn down – and understandably so. This has all the makings of an exciting affair.

TIP: Ajax to win OR draw @ 17/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Ajax 2-2 Bayern (Priced at 19/2 with 888sport)

 

MANCHESTER CITY vs HOFFENHEIM

Newsflash: Manchester City ARE human. Pep Guardiola’s men fell short against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night – and that defeat should serve as a timely reminder to City ahead of the busy Christmas period.

In some ways, Hoffenheim is the perfect match to get over that Chelsea hangover. Finding value for any City home game is tough but 3/5 for the Premier League side to notch over 2.5 goals is a decent bet.

The Bundesliga outfit gave City a stern examination in Germany and they should give this one a good go. With that in mind, an open and expansive encounter looks likely – this could be a great watch for neutrals.

Both teams to score looks like an absolute steal at 3/4. City’s defensive unit has started to concede goals in recent weeks and another relatively high-scoring affair awaits.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 3/4

PREDICTED SCORE: Man City 3-1 Hoffenheim (Priced at 17/2 with 888sport)

 

Shakhtar Donetsk vs LYON

A win for Shakhtar will be enough to see the Ukrainian side advance to the last-16 and that is what makes this one of the most intriguing matchups of the week. Some of Tuesday’s tips were hard to call but this is arguably more difficult.

The hosts let a two-goal lead slip in the corresponding fixture earlier in the campaign and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Shakhtar start quickly again here. 17/10 for the Ukrainian side to take a lead into the break is a decent price.

However, I fancy Lyon’s class to shine through in the end. The Ligue 1 outfit showed plenty of quality in their two group games against Manchester City and an early goal should help to settle a few nerves.

Backing the visitors to claim three points outright is hard given Shakhtar’s record on home turf. With that in mind, 13/20 for Lyon to avoid defeat is still worth considering.

TIP: Lyon to win OR draw @ 13/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Shakhtar 1-1 Lyon (Priced at 13/2 with 888sport)

 

Valencia vs MANCHESTER UNITED

Valencia have little to play for if truth be told – their spot in the Europa League is already confirmed ahead of matchday six. That could spur the Spanish side on though as they look to continue their decent home form.

Under 2.5 goals has landed in four of the last five meetings between the two sides and this could be another uninspiring contest. 10/11 is a decent price for a low-scoring affair.

Despite his struggles in 2018/19, Jose Mourinho is still Jose Mourinho and United will pick up the odd shock result here and there. They defeated Juventus in Turin and another away triumph could be on the cards.

With a huge Premier League fixture against Liverpool ahead, Mourinho could rest a few players here. However, this has ‘smash and grab’ written all over it and 19/10 is massive for a team of United’s calibre.

TIP: Man United to win @ 19/10

PREDICTED SCORE: Valencia 0-1 Man United (Priced at 17/2 with 888sport)

 

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

Offering two days of pre-Christmas racing action, The International returns to Cheltenham Racecourse next Friday and Saturday.

The International meeting regularly showcases top-class race jumping and often gives us some pointers to The Festival itself.

Friday’s card features the finale of the Crystal Cup and it is also Christmas Jumper Day if you are so inclined.

The Saturday is an equally enthralling day with the key race being the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup.

Friday Highlights

Tiger Roll is just one of the headline names on day one of The International at Cheltenham.

The eight-year-old, fourth behind Josies Orders over the Cross Country course on his seasonal return at The November Meeting, is entered for the £35,000 Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase.

Gordon Elliott has also entered Grand National third Bless The Wings and Lamb Or Cod, while Ballycasey could line up for Ireland’s champion Jump trainer Willie Mullins.

Enda Bolger, who has won this contest a record seven times, has two entries- Josies Orders, and My Hometown, a recent winner at Punchestown.

The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase is the final leg of the Crystal Cup (https://crystalcup.org) which will lend itself to plenty of overseas horses taking part.

Coo Star Sivola (Nick Williams), winner of the Ultima Handicap Chase last season is aiming for another major scalp in the £60,000 CF Roberts 25 Years Of Sponsorship Handicap Chase.

Entries for the three and a quarter-mile contest also include Robinsfirth, who took the race 12 months ago. The nine-year-old, trained by Colin Tizzard, then missed the rest of the season through injury.

Joe Tizzard said of the chaser: “Robinsfirth had a little bit of heat in his leg last season but was back in full work at the start of the term and is in good form.

“The owners – Christine Knowles & Wendy Carter – like going to Cheltenham, so he may run there next week. He is ready to run and will enjoy the soft ground.

“He is a chaser with plenty of ability but he is a bit fragile.”

Other interesting entries contenders include this year’s BetVictor Gold Cup scorer Rock The Kasbah (Philip Hobbs) and the 2017 Ultima Handicap Chase runner-up Singlefarmpayment (Tom George).

 

Click here for our TOP TIPS on Saturday's big race - the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup!

 

Saturday Highlights

Frodon heads the weights on 11st 12lb for the £130,000 Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, run over an extended two and a half miles on day two of The International at Cheltenham.

Frodon, who took this race as a four-year-old in 2016, ran a gallant race under top-weight on his latest start when finishing runner-up to Baron Alco (11st) in the BetVictor Gold Cup .

Baron Alco has been raised 6lb to a rating of 152 and is bidding to become just the fourth horse in history to win both the BetVictor Gold Cup and Caspian Caviar Gold Cup in the same season.

Baron Alco’s trainer Gary Moore is also saddles the JLT Novices’ Chase third Benatar (10st 11lb), who finished fourth in the recent Christy 1965 Chase at Ascot.

Moore said: “I have been very pleased with Baron Alco since the BetVictor Gold Cup and the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup is his big target now.

“He is 6lb higher in the handicap and whether or not he can cope with that will depend on what else turns up on the day. If it is a similar sort of race to the BetVictor Gold Cup, I don’t think 6lb would stop him.

“Having said that, I am well aware the way he ridden last time was an advantage because he was kept out of trouble in what was an incident-packed race, and there was probably a couple of hard luck stories in behind.

“The ground all comes the same to him. He is in amazing horse with a great attitude and he will go on anything bar extremes.”

Also entered is Guitar Pete (9st 13lb), who stayed on to take third behind Baron Alco last month. The Nicky Richards-trained gelding gained his biggest success over fences when he won last year’s Caspian Caviar Gold Cup by two and three-quarter lengths.

Day two of The International also features the £140,000 International Hurdle, a leading trial for the Champion Hurdle at next March.

Last year’s race saw the recently retired My Tent Or Yours edge out The New One and Melon in a thrilling finish.

The Tom George-trained Summerville Boy is looking to get his season back on track on Saturday afternoon.

Having finished last season on a high after narrowly beating Kalashnikov in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, the six-year-old made his reappearance in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.

However, he proved no match for his rivals that day and toiled home last of four.

Birmingham City vs Bristol City: Best Bets

Blues – 11/10

Draw – 9/4

Bristol City – 5/2

Birmingham have responded well since losing the Second City derby, notching back-to-back wins over Millwall and Preston North End. Garry Monk’s side will fancy their chances as they look to make it three wins on the spin this weekend.

11/10 for the Blues to claim another three points in front of an expectant St Andrew’s is a solid price. Birmingham haven’t lost on home soil since March 2018 and Monk’s men will take some stopping against an inconsistent Bristol City outfit.

 

Now ninth in the Championship table, a win here could see Birmingham move to within one point of the playoffs. Once again, the 5/4 on offer for over 1.5 home goals is worth snapping up.

The Blues have scored 14 goals in their last five Championship games at St Andrew’s and fans will be hoping for another convincing victory. Birmingham will be encouraged by their recent record against Bristol City; they’ve won three of the last four meetings.

If you’re looking for a goal scorer, look no further than Che Adams. At 9/5 to get his name on the scoresheet, Adams is available at a HUGE price with 888sport. The Blues star has five goals in his last three home games and Adams could flourish again this weekend.

Strike partner Lukas Jutkiewicz is Birmingham’s top scorer so far this campaign with 10 goals to his name and he will have one eye on the Championship Golden Boot. 888sport’s latest enhanced wincast is for Jutkiewicz and Blues to win at a very tasty 7/2.

Birmingham have the bit between their teeth right now and Bristol City may find this tough going. The visitors have won just two of their previous seven Championship away games and Monk’s side will head into this contest full of confidence after such an impressive run on home soil.

Prediction: Birmingham 2-0 Bristol City (9/1)

Bet of the day: Over 1.5 Blues goals (5/4)

Outside punt: Che Adams to score first (9/2)

Wincast: Lukas Jutkiewicz score and Birmingham win (7/2)

 

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

THEY'VE SORTED out Spurs - now they are Gunning for United.

Unai Emery’s new and improved Arsenal mean business. Sunday was their statement win. The north London derby demolition of their fierce rivals to extend their winning run to 19 matches and prove that they really are the real deal.

Now Arsenal head to Old Trafford, where Jose Mourinho has no Arsene Wenger to wind up in a bid to deflect from his own deepening crisis.

Common sense finally prevailed at the Emirates last season. Wenger accepted the inevitable and fell on his sword.

Emery has since re-energised his under-achievers to vindicate the Wenger Out Brigade. The Arsenal board must now be wondering why they hadn’t grown a pair sooner.

Could United take their lead from their erstwhile title rivals?

They may be left with some thinking to do on Wednesday night if Emery replicates the manner of Sunday’s spectacular win over Tottenham.

After Mauricio Pochettino’s men had fought back from a goal down to lead at half time, the Arsenal boss sent out his second striker, Alexandre Lacazette, along with Aaron Ramsey. Both would go on to help leave the Gunners’ fierce rivals in pieces.

Emery changed his system three times during the game, all the while making the most of his attacking options. All the time motivating his side and the club’s fans to fight Tottenham as one.

They’ll take that fight to Old Trafford and it will be fascinating to see just how Jose Mourinho responds. Surely after spending so much cash, with so many outstanding options in his final third, surely he won’t park the bus (again), will he?

Alexis Sanchez may be “injured” but in Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial United have the players to fight fire with fire.

Should they lose then it is hard to know where Mourinho goes from here. It’s early December and United are a staggering 16 points behind leaders Manchester City.

They are eight points off fourth-placed Arsenal and only the bottom five clubs have conceded more goals.

In United’s last four games they’ve been outclassed by City, outfought and largely outplayed by Crystal Palace, scraped an injury-time winner against Young Boys and stared down the barrel before escaping with a point from Southampton.

The football is poor while morale at the club and among fans is at rock-bottom.

Arsenal have responded favourably to a new broom and the balance between a lack of sentiment and sensible man-management.

The longer United’s poor run continues, the more pressure will be on the likes of Ed Woodward to either follow the Arsenal lead or risk seeing the club slip further into oblivion.

 

 

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

December is the month for gift giving and the Premier League schedulers have given fans a proper present here. Four of England’s top six will be in action on Wednesday night – read our match preview for Manchester United vs Arsenal here.

Away from that Old Trafford encounter, there are plenty of Premier League fixtures to get stuck into. Everton are the main act in our 10/1 four-fold according to the latest 888sport odds…

Burnley vs LIVERPOOL

Burnley are without a win in seven Premier League games and the Clarets faithful will be fearing the worst ahead of this clash. The hosts have scored in just three of those games…

Sean Dyche’s men are languishing down in the relegation zone and Burnley will need plenty of luck to stand any chance of picking up a positive result here. 19/20 for over 0.5 Clarets goals may be the tip from a Burnley perspective.

Jurgen Klopp might have just about calmed down after Sunday’s Merseyside derby winner over Everton. Liverpool fans will be hoping that their side can build on Divock Origi’s last-gasp goal…

After 14 Premier League games in 2018/19, the Reds are still unbeaten – an incredible feat. Plenty of punters will fancy Liverpool at 7/10 on the -1 handicap on Wednesday night.

Burnley’s form is concerning and Liverpool will be smelling blood. Take the 19/20 for the Reds to win comfortably without conceding a goal at Turf Moor.

TIP: Liverpool to win to nil @ 19/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Burnley 0-2 Liverpool (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)

 

EVERTON vs Newcastle United

A moment of madness from Jordan Pickford cost Everton dearly in the Merseyside derby on Sunday evening but the Toffees will be confident of bouncing back at the first time of asking.

Everton have lost just three of their last 21 Premier League home games – an excellent run to say the least. Marco Silva’s men are a solid pick at 11/20 to claim three points at Goodison Park. 

Newcastle had won three on the spin before falling short at home to West Ham on Saturday afternoon. The Magpies will be looking to get back to winning ways after that disappointing defeat.

Rafa Benitez will have his troops fired up for this visit to Merseyside. 4/6 for Newcastle to score over 0.5 goals is worth a second look – the away side have the quality to create a few chances.

Everton have ‘won to nil’ against Newcastle in each of their last five meetings. The Toffees seem to have their number and I fancy the 7/10 for over 1.5 home goals on another positive night for Silva’s men.

TIP: Over 1.5 Everton goals @ 7/10

PREDICTED SCORE: Everton 2-1 Newcastle (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

 

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS vs CHELSEA

Wolves have lost five of their last six Premier League games – their only point during that run surprisingly came against high-flying Arsenal.

The Molineux faithful won’t be expecting a win in this fixture but a positive result could be on the cards. 11/10 for Wolves to avoid defeat represents solid value if you fancy Chelsea to slip up on Wednesday night.

Chelsea’s unbeaten run is over but the Blues are still in contention for a shock title triumph. It would be some achievement if Maurizio Sarri can get Chelsea over the finishing line in his maiden campaign in English football.

Eden Hazard has been simply sublime this season and the Belgian could be the difference in this clash. 13/10 for the Blues star to get his name on the scoresheet is a solid price.

Taking everything into account, opting for both teams to score at 41/50 may be the best bet here. It should be an entertaining contest under the Molineux floodlights…

TIP: Both teams to score @ 41/50

PREDICTED SCORE: Wolves 2-2 Chelsea (Priced at 13/1 with 888sport)

 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs Southampton

Mauricio Pochettino’s side were on the wrong side of the result in Sunday’s north London derby but this is the ideal opportunity for Tottenham to get back to winning ways.

Spurs are still on the cusp of the top four and plenty of punters will expect the hosts to run riot against managerless Southampton. The 7/5 available for over 2.5 Tottenham goals should be snapped up.

via GIPHY

Saints threw away a two-goal lead against Manchester United – more dropped points from a winning position was enough to see Mark Hughes lose his job at the helm.

Expecting Southampton to prevail would be foolish. With no new manager bounce as of yet, 47/20 for the visitors to win OR draw is a little short. This could get ugly for the Saints…

With almost every sign pointing towards a Tottenham victory, that’s the way we are going to go. 3/4 for Spurs to take a lead into the break is a decent price.

TIP: Spurs to be winning at half-time @ 3/4

PREDICTED SCORE: Spurs 2-0 Southampton (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

 

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

December has arrived and that means the start of a busy Premier League fixture schedule. It could be a huge month at both ends of the table and Tuesday’s four games will set the tone for what should be an exciting festive period.

Without further ado, let’s get down to the Premier League betting tips. West Ham lead our 10/1 accumulator ahead of Tuesday’s top flight action…

AFC BOURNEMOUTH vs HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

Bournemouth’s campaign has gone pear-shaped in recent weeks. The Cherries have lost four on the spin after an excellent start to 2018/19.

To be fair, three of those four defeats came against top six clubs. With that in mind, the 7/10 available for a home victory looks a decent price considering the quality in this Bournemouth squad.

Huddersfield have shown plenty of heart and courage over the last month or so. David Wagner’s side have lost just one of their previous four Premier League matches.

The 6/5 for Huddersfield to avoid defeat isn’t the world price in the world. The Terriers are heading in the right direction and a positive result could be on the cards.

The selection has landed in Bournemouth’s last four games AND in two of Huddersfield’s last three fixtures. 4/5 is a solid price for both teams to score yet again.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 4/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Bournemouth 2-1 Huddersfield (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)

 

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs CRYSTAL PALACE

Brighton have lost just one of their last nine Premier League games on home soil and Chris Hughton’s side will fancy their chances ahead of the visit of Crystal Place on Tuesday night.

The Seagulls were excellent value for their win at Huddersfield last weekend and plenty of punters will be tempted by the 37/20 available for a home triumph in this clash.

Crystal Palace picked up four points from their two fixtures against Brighton last season and the Eagles will be quietly confident of notching another positive result here.

7/4 for Roy Hodgson’s side to build on Saturday’s win over Burnley is a good price. We could see Palace return to their best form in the near future and that might be enough to secure three points.

Both teams to score has landed in the last two meetings between these sides and that is the way to go here. At 26/25, the selection is well worth sticking in an accumulator.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 26/25

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

 

WEST HAM UNITED vs Cardiff City

West Ham produced the perfect away performance against Newcastle United last weekend, scoring three goals to stun the St James’ Park faithful.

With just two wins from seven home league games so far this season, the Hammers will be desperate to claim three points in what is a very winnable fixture. Over 1.5 home goals is a very appealing 4/6.

Cardiff have started to string a run of results together in recent weeks but the Bluebirds have picked up just one point from six Premier League away games in 2018/19.

However, given West Ham’s struggles on home soil, this could be the perfect opportunity for Neil Warnock’s side to prevail. 27/20 for the visitors to avoid defeat is worth a second look.

Taking everything into account, siding with the Hammers to silence their home doubters is my top tip here. 8/13 is a solid price given Cardiff’s poor run on the road.

TIP: West Ham to win @ 8/13

PREDICTED SCORE: West Ham 2-0 Cardiff (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

 

Watford vs MANCHESTER CITY

A run of four games without a win has seen Watford drop down the Premier League table, though the Hornets are still clinging on to a top half spot ahead of this encounter.

Watford have been hit and miss this campaign and the hosts will be desperate to put up a good showing here. 8/11 for over 0.5 home goals is worth considering despite their recent woes.

via GIPHY

Meanwhile, City will be quietly confident of notching a seventh successive league victory – the Blues are superior to Watford in every department.

Pep Guardiola’s side have scored 11 goals in their last two trips to Vicarage Road and the 11/10 for City to score three or more on Tuesday night represents solid value.

However, the 17/20 for the visitors to score in both halves might be the best way to go. This could be another convincing performance from the best team in the country.

TIP: Man City to score in both halves @ 17/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Watford 1-3 Man City (Priced at 9/1 with 888sport)

 

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

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*