All eyes will be on Paris later this week for The Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe weekend. Held on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th October, the fixture boasts no fewer than 16 flat races, nine of which have Group 1 status.

In the most important race of the weekend, the world's very best thoroughbreds coupled with top international jockeys will do battle in Europe’s greatest horse race - the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Saturday's FULL Schedule

1. Prix Chaudenay
2. Qatar Arabian Trophy
3. Grand Handicap Des Juments
4. Criterium De La Vente D’Octobre
5. Prix Dollar
6. Prix De Royallieu
7. Prix Du Cadran
8. Prix Daniel Wildenstein

Sunday's FULL Schedule

1. Prix Marcel Boussac
2. Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere
3. Prix De L’Abbaye
4. Qatar Arabian World Cup
5. Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe
6. Prix De L’Opera
7. Prix De La Foret
8. Grand Handicap Des Flyers

Feature Races And News

Prix De l'Abbaye

Bryan Smart reports Alpha Delphini to be in "good order" as he prepares to emulate his half-brother Tangerine Trees who won the Prix de l'Abbaye in 2011.

Alpha Delphini registered a Group One victory this summer in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York, where he defeated Mabs Cross by a nose in the closest of photo finishes.

When your 40/1 shot comes in literally against all odds... 

? Alpha Delphini pic.twitter.com/HRVG2YfIaB

— 888sport (@888sport) August 24, 2018

Smart has had Europe's premier five-furlong dash in mind for the seven-year-old ever since his August victory:

"Graham Lee rode him a piece of work on Friday and we're all happy with him. He's in good order," said the Yorkshire trainer.

"He'll travel out there this week and hopefully he'll run really well.

"It would be special if he could match his brother, but at least he's going with a Group One under his belt. That's the good thing, he's already done it.

"If he could go and win the Abbaye like his brother did, it would be a fantastic feat."

Mabs Cross

The Michael Dods-trained Mabs Cross will meet Alpha Delphini once again on French soil in the l’Abbaye.

The four-year-old filly is aiming to emulate Mecca’s Angel, who won the Group One in 2015 and 2016 for Dods.

Battaash

The Charlie Hills-trained Battaash will be heading to Longchamp hoping to defend his crown.

Following his dazzling display in the King George Stakes at Goodwood, the speed merchant was odds-on for the Nunthorpe at York but could only finish a disappointing fourth, leaving connections somewhat bemused.

No horse has gone back-to-back in the Abbaye since Lochsong in 1993/94 so he will have to bring his A-game to Paris.

Soldier's Call

Soldier’s Call is quoted at 8/1 to make the most of the generous weight concessions for juveniles in the Prix de l’Abbaye on Arc day.

After his Flying Childers Stakes victory at Doncaster, his trainer Archie Watson said: "He did a quicker time at Chantilly on similar ground than Marsha did when she won the Abbaye there.

"There are lots of good older five-furlong horses around, (but) you'd like to see him getting a shed-load of weight from them and seeing what he can do.

"I think we will do (need a new jockey to do the weight), off 8st 7lb, yes. But we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Prix De L'Opera

William Haggas has earmarked the mile-and-a-quarter Group One contest on Arc day as the target for his four-year-old Urban Fox.

Since taking the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh in July, the filly has filled the runner-up spot in both the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood and the Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville.

Wild Illusion

The Godolphin-owned Wild Illusion, who won the Prix Marcel Bouusac on this card last year, is a leading fancy in the L’Opera.

Having finished fourth in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and second in both the Investec Oaks at Epsom and the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, the filly picked up her due rewards by landing the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.

Her trainer Charlie Appleby recently said that Wild Illusion "is in great order".

Prix De La Foret

Limato has bounced back to form this season with victories in Listed races at Newmarket and York, following a disappointing start to the year.

Should the six-year-old take up his entry on Sunday, he would be seeking a repeat win in the Foret, having won under Harry Bentley in 2016. He was also a fast-finishing second in the 2015 renewal.

Polydream

Prix Maurice de Gheest heroine Polydream heads the horse racing betting and understandably so.

The daughter of Oasis Dream saw off a host of British challengers to provide her trainer with a record seventh victory in the Deauville held Group One.

Freddy Head has twice won the Prix de la Foret as a trainer with top-class fillies Goldikova (2010) and Moonlight Cloud (2013).

Expert Eye

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Expert Eye was runner-up in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, won again at Group Three level at York last month before finishing third on his return to Group One company in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp.

Stoute said: “I think the weather will decide where he goes. Good to soft would be acceptable, but he wouldn’t want it any softer. He is in good shape and has come out of his last race well.”

Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe

St Leger winner Kew Gardens is set to take his chance in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt has had a superb season, with his triumph at Doncaster adding to his victory in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot and the Grand Prix de Paris over the Arc course and distance.

Enable❓ 
Sea of Class❓ 
Lah Ti Dar❓ 
Poets Word❓ 
Crystal Ocean❓ 
Cracksman❓ 

This year's Prix De l'Arc de Triomphe could be some affair. ? pic.twitter.com/kiktXxbnuS

— 888sport (@888sport) September 9, 2018

O'Brien said: "The plan is that we are going towards the Arc with him. There is a forfeit stage on Monday morning and he's going to be left in. At the moment that's what we are looking at doing.”

After storming to success in her comeback run at Kempton earlier this month, Enable is the red hot favourite (Evs) to become the first back-to-back winner of the French showpiece since Treve in 2013/14.

Click here for all of our Arc weekend horse racing betting markets...

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

It’s Champions League time again. The first round of fixtures saw the odd upset (looking at you, Manchester City) but things went as expected for the most part. The pressure is on for some of those big teams now, though.

The early kick-off matches are a treat for fans, even if players aren’t as keen. Tuesday night gives us four straight hours of Champions League action. Doesn’t that sound great?

Here are a few thoughts on four of the standout Tuesday fixtures…

Hoffenheim vs MANCHESTER CITY

Manchester City’s defeat at home to Lyon has put them under a bit of unnecessary pressure in a relatively easy Champions League group.

Pep Guardiola’s side are yet to find the fluency of last season, but the results are still coming. They are top of the Premier League and have conceded just thrice in the league all season.

#MCFC fans at the Etihad Stadium: "Jose Mourinho, we want you to stay!" 

Who can blame them? The 'noisy neighbours' are now NINE points clear of United after seven Premier League games. ? pic.twitter.com/DNXVKyargC

— 888sport (@888sport) September 29, 2018

Hoffenheim have had a difficult start to their Bundesliga season. The results don’t look good, but the schedule hasn’t been kind.

Defeat to Leipzig at the weekend was disappointing, however. They did, though, give a very good account of themselves in their 2-2 away to Shakhtar Donetsk on matchday one in this competition...

Manchester City should have enough to win this. Hoffenheim are a good side, though, and are likely to at least give Guardiola’s men a scare.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 21/50

PREDICTED SCORE: Hoffenheim 1-2 Man City (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

BAYERN MUNICH vs Ajax

Things aren’t going well for Bayern right now. A home draw with Augsburg was followed by defeat away to Hertha Berlin this weekend.

Luckily, a victory in the opening Champions League match means the pressure isn’t as great for this one.

That said, though, Ajax are also on three points and could be a real threat to Bayern for top spot if they get a positive result here.

The Dutch club cruised past Fortuna Sittard at the weekend but were thrashed by PSV Eindhoven a few days before. They need a big performance from their defence to stand a chance at the Allianz.

There’s no value backing Bayern at 1/6. The hosts to score a few goals is the better option here.

TIP: Bayern to score over 2.5 goals @ 4/6

PREDICTED SCORE: Bayern 3-1 Ajax (Priced at 17/2 with 888sport)

CSKA MOSCOW vs REAL MADRID

There were no post-Ronaldo blues for Real Madrid against Roma in matchday one.

The reigning European champions smashed the Italian side 3-0 but have had a rough time in La Liga of late, winning just once in four and scoring two goals in those matches.

A 2-2 draw away to Viktoria Plzen was a less than ideal start for CSKA. They have a realistic chance of qualification from this group but need to win at least two of their home matches.

No trip to Russia is fun in the Champions League. An upset is always a possibility.

Real’s indifferent form makes this a tough one to call. Both teams to score is probably the safest bet, though the odds are not great.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 8/13

PREDICTED SCORE: CSKA 1-2 Real Madrid (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

MANCHESTER UNITED vs VALENCIA

Manchester United are in meltdown. The off-field issues – particularly Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba’s public spat – are the least of their worries right now.

They are already well off the pace domestically, and one can’t help but wonder if defeat here would see Mourinho handed his P45. The 3-0 victory against Young Boys was one of few positives this season, however.

Should Manchester United sack Jose Mourinho? 

RT - Yes 
❤️ - Yes 
✍️ - Yes#WHUMUN pic.twitter.com/UIHeNKcj3d

— 888sport (@888sport) September 29, 2018

Valencia have started the season slowly. It was no surprise that they lost at home to Juventus, even after Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card, but they have won just two of their six La Liga matches.

Their defence has been solid, which could see them stifle Mourinho’s men; punters should expect a low-scoring affair here.

This one might descend into chaos if the United meltdown continues, but Valencia will be happy to take a draw.

TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 27/25

PREDICTED SCORE: Man United 1-1 Valencia (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)

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

We are now well over one month into the 2018/19 campaign and Europe’s biggest leagues are beginning to take shape.

With elite football taking place in Germany, Spain, Italy and France on a weekly basis, there are plenty of tasty European bets to get stuck into.

This weekend, I’ve compiled my latest European accumulator – a 20/1 longshot four-fold. Without further ado, let’s get down to the selections…

SATURDAY

SCHALKE 04 vs MAINZ 05

Schalke are in big trouble. With no points from their opening five league games, the hosts are in dire need of a lift. Unfortunately for them, this has all the makings of an uninspiring affair.

Under 2.5 goals has landed in Schalke’s two home Bundesliga encounters in 2018/189 and punters should consider another low-scoring clash at a very appealing 19/20 this weekend.

Meanwhile, the selection has also landed in four of Mainz’s five fixtures. The visitors have lost just once so far this season and another tight contest is expected.

Mainz take pride in their defensive stability and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the visitors nick a slender win. Over 0.5 away goals is worth a look at 13/25 although there isn’t much value given their recent woes in front of goal.

TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 19/20

PREDICTED SCORE: Schalke 1-1 Mainz (Priced at 13/2 with 888sport)

LYON vs Nantes

Lyon are currently ‘best of the rest’ behind Paris Saint-Germain in France’s top flight and it would take a brave man to back against the hosts against Nantes this weekend.

Bruno Genesio’s men have won their last three games in all competitions, including a 2-1 victory at Manchester City in the Champions League. Expect Lyon to dominate against a Nantes side short on confidence this weekend; 21/20 for a home win to nil is a solid price.

Nantes are languishing down in the relegation zone and you won’t find too many punters opting for the away side to pick up a positive result in this fixture.

The visitors have failed to score in two of their previous three trips to Lyon and another tough encounter awaits. 6/4 for Nantes to keep a clean sheet in the first half offers some form of value…

TIP: Lyon to win to nil @ 21/20

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

SUNDAY

FIORENTINA vs ATALANTA

Fiorentina have a perfect record on home soil in 2018/19 and Serie A followers may want to side with the hosts this weekend. 27/20 for a Fiorentina win represents solid value when you take their exploits into account.

However, the selection carries more appeal for me. The last four meetings between these two clubs have ended in a draw and 9/4 for another share of the spoils is the way to go.

Atalanta have started slowly but writing the visitors off would be foolish given their record in recent years. Watch this space, Fiorentina could crumble if Atalanta bring their A-game on Sunday afternoon.

With two draws in their previous two league games, a third stalemate in a row beckons for the visitors. Atalanta have the quality in the final third to push Fiorentina all the way.

TIP: Match to finish as a draw @ 9/4

PREDICTED SCORE: Fiorentina 1-1 Atalanta (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)

Levante vs ALAVES

Levante fell short against Real Valladolid on Thursday night and another hard contest awaits this weekend. The hosts have picked up just four points from six league games and this one is tough to call…

With 13 goals conceded in six La Liga outings, Levante have struggled to inspire confidence defensively. Despite this, fans might fancy the 6/5 for over 1.5 home goals.

Alaves have lost just once in six La Liga fixtures in 2018/19 and the visitors will take some stopping on Sunday evening. 4/7 for Alaves in the double chance market is worth considering.

The away side have conceded just five goals in their six matches – this has all the makings of an easy encounter from an Alaves point of view. Watch this space, it could get out of hand for Levante.

TIP: Alaves to win OR draw @ 4/7

PREDICTED SCORE: Levante 1-2 Alaves (Priced at 10/1 with 888sport)

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

Premier League Sundays and Mondays are less than super when there’s European football the following week. This is one of those weeks.

While we might not have the best teams or most exciting players on show, there are still two very interesting, competitive matches that will be televised on Sunday afternoon and Monday evening.

Here are a few thoughts and tips…

Cardiff City vs BURNLEY

Cardiff may well be bottom of the Premier League by the time this match kicks off.

Neil Warnock’s side are yet to win a game this season and have taken just two points from their first six league outings. It’s looking bleak already. These are matches they simply must win if they are to even a slight chance of safety.

Things have been rough for Burnley so far too. The Clarets had just one point from 15 available when they demolished Bournemouth at Turf Moor last weekend.

The scoreline flattered Burnley – and with the balance of chances Bournemouth could easily have won – but Sean Dyche is about results, and he got one when he needed it most.

Both of these teams play similar football. Warnock and Dyche are pragmatists. This is unlikely to be a festival of flair and team passing moves, but a battle of attrition, a case of the most organised team being victorious. Both teams to score (no) at 8/11 looks a solid bet.

Neil Warnock is back in football with Cardiff and looks delighted. pic.twitter.com/uM7faWyFd9

— 888sport (@888sport) October 5, 2016

Home matches are what will define Cardiff’s season. They failed to get a victory at home to 10-man Newcastle and could quickly be cut adrift if they do not turn their fortunes around at home.

This match is a test of whether the Welsh club have the quality to compete in the Premier League.

Burnley have that extra bit of quality in the final third that could see them edge this one. It won’t be pretty, but this is a big match for both teams.

TIP: Burnley to win @ 21/10

PREDICTED SCORE: Cardiff 0-1 Burnley (Priced at 13/2 with 888sport)

AFC BOURNEMOUTH vs CRYSTAL PALACE

Despite a good start to the season for Bournemouth, these two teams are separated by just three points. It’s likely Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are mid-table teams this season and may not finish too far from where they are right now.

This should be a close-fought match. Bournemouth have had a very Bournemouth start to the season, impressing at times – like when they beat Leicester 4-2 – but then slumping to a 4-0 defeat away to Burnley.

Eddie Howe deserves all the credit he gets for the job he has done on the south coast. He has made the Cherries specialists at winning matches they should win.

Crystal Palace’s reliance on Wilfried Zaha has been clearer than ever this season. When he’s been good, they’ve won. Last weekend, he was not, and Palace failed to score at home to Newcastle.

Zaha is the most important player to any team in the league. Against a Bournemouth defence that will give him space, he’s a brilliant price at 2/1 to score anytime.

Wilfried Zaha has now scored eight goals in his last 10 Crystal Palace appearances. 

Is he the best Premier League player outside the top six? ?#HUDCRY pic.twitter.com/X7JW8mctmh

— 888sport (@888sport) September 15, 2018

Bournemouth’s good form at home meets Palace’s two wins from three away. This will be competitive at the very least, and goals are probable.

Bournemouth have scored at least two in all three of their home matches and have conceded 11 in total.

Over 2.5 goals is good value given Bournemouth’s record at both ends of the pitch. It might take some Zaha magic to separate the two sides.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Bournemouth 1-2 Crystal Palace (Priced at 19/2 with 888sport)

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

Phil Foden is the natural successor to the 32-year-old Spaniard who has been dubbed “one of the club’s greatest ever signings”.

Speaking exclusively to 888sport former City defender Joleon Lescott, who now works with the club’s youngsters sent out on loan, is adamant Foden has the Etihad, and the world, at his feet.

Many expected Foden to burst into the starting XI this season, but Lescott insists it’s crazy to suggest he would walk into a world-class line-up.
He said: “Let’s be realistic about it. Man City have some of the best players in the world in their respective positions so for Phil Foden to break into that team at 17, it’s going to be very difficult.

And possibly one of the greatest signing Man City have ever made is David Silva, and he’s in his position so it’s not going to be easy.”

“If he doesn’t get that many starts until then, then goes straight into the team, it’s great management by the manager and the club.”
Lescott, 36, rejects the idea that it’s a necessity for the England youngster to be sent out on loan when he is already training every day and learning off a world class bunch.

He added: “If he is deemed good enough for Man City, not every team plays the same style. He wouldn’t be able to benefit as much as you might think.”
“But Phil Foden is definitely one for the future and he is here to stay.”

“You have to have the mentality that you are worthy of training with the first-team every day and on top of that you have to have the quality in order to sustain that level of consistency. He’s pretty much making the bench every week, which is a credit to him at 17 at Man City and being able to keep the top stars off the bench is all down to him.”

While the future is bright for Foden, and City who Lescott believes are in pole position to retain their Premier League title, another one of the retired centre-half’s former clubs have also impressed him.

Wolves have made a super start to their first season back in the top flight, sitting in 10th spot with just one loss from their first six games.
This included impressive draws away at both Manchester clubs - and deserved ones too.

And while the likes of Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves continue to earn rave reviews, Lescott wants to make sure one man gets the credit.
“Manager Nuno Espirito Santo is massive, a massive part of what they are trying to achieve,” said Lescott. “I don’t think he will be in any rush to leave anytime soon.”

“I wasn’t one of these people who was surprised or questioned his appointment, but I was hoping it would go well, and it has gone well. Credit to him and the powers that be who saw the qualities he has.”

Lescott started his career at Molineux, spending six years there before moving on to Everton. And it is the Toffees who Lescott feels have not quite got the right fit so far this season - not helped by new signings failing to improve the squad. The defence has been heavily invested in, with £27.23m spent on Yerry Mina, £18.18m on Lucas Digne, and £7.1m spent on Kurt Zouma’s loan fee.

That’s in addition to the near-£30m deal that brought stopper Michael Keane to the club from Burnley the previous summer. But the best defender was there all along according to Lescott.

He continued: “For me, in regards to their defence, their center-half position, Phil Jagielka is still their best center-half for me. They have spent a lot of money in that position in recent years. I’m good friends with Jags and it’s no disrespect, but that shouldn’t be the case at 36 and in recent seasons you’ve spent over £60m on center-halves.”

“Your best one is still at the club. They probably haven’t bought as wise as they should have, but Jags is still the top lad there in my eyes. It’s no disrespect to say that in my eyes, the other players are not as good.”

But despite just one win in their first six games, "Marco Silva needs to be given more time to get things right". Lescott added: “I’m not sure if he is under that pressure. I don’t think he is thinking ‘I need three wins or I will get sacked’."

“In regards to what they would expect as a club, they would expect to win some of the upcoming games, but outside of the top four, who does go and win three games on the road? It’s easy to say on paper, but in reality, it’s difficult.”

Joleon Lescott Quickfire Questions:

Man City vs Brighton – score prediction and first goalscorer.
Raheem Sterling, and 4-0 Man City

Who will win the league?
Man City. Who will win the Premier League Odds

Who will win the Golden Boot?
Aguero. More Top Goal Scorer Odds

Who will win the Champions League
Juventus. It’s like when Sir Alex Ferguson went out and bought Van Persie to score goals, Juventus have done the same with Ronaldo. More Champions League Odds
 

From a global perspective, and certainly a British one, F1 is always going to be the king of motorsports. As of August 2018, British drivers account for seventeen world titles – five ahead of Germany – having also produced no less than ten different championship-winning drivers.

No other nation has managed to produce more than three, and it is a stat that looks set to stand the test of time. F1 racing has always been a great commercial draw, but that has not stopped the sport from entertaining a constant state of evolution.

Now, in the age of DRS zones and futuristic in-car HUD, the instinct for survival once needed in F1 racing has now given way to technical skill.

The race is seemingly won and lost long before the cars hit the track, with the usual suspects from Ferrari and Mercedes always being odds-on to reach the podium.

For those that want excitement and unpredictability, F1’s lifespan is going to become ever shorter if the status quo of Mercedes' Formula One dominance continues, and thus alternatives may be sought.

Although GT, touring and stock car racing events generally offer more in the way of surprises, the less streamlined histories behind them will always be a hindrance in their quest to justify a wider presence on television.

Other events like endurance racing and WRC events arguably have the greatest sense of individuality, but they are very niche tastes.

As such, the attentions of those starting to feel jaded with F1 racing may defect from cars to bikes, in their quest for fossil-fuelled entertainment.

Formula One To Be 'Unseated'?

MotoGP is unquestionably F1’s counterpart in the motorbike racing world. Many tracks used for F1 now double as part of the MotoGP calendar, and unlike F1, riders can be ‘unseated’ at the slightest misjudgement.

Though there are favourites in MotoGP as there are in F1, the predictability factor is reduced by this most obvious of changes.

For those that like fairy tales, especially those that involve a young rider’s very tangible climb to the top, MotoGP also offers a greater sense of reality below the top tier of the sport.

While greater efforts are now being made in Formula driving to publicise and add glamour to F2 and GP3 events, there remain some doubts as to the relevance they have to F1.

In Formula driving, a driver has ‘it’ or doesn’t, and while institutions such as the Ferrari Driving Academy may have a good deal of ability where nurturing talent is concerned, there is still a general consensus that only those born to be the best will be so.

In Moto racing, Moto3 and Moto2 races take place on the morning and early afternoon of the main MotoGP event itself.

Sharing a paddock with the best riders on the planet is an inspiring experience, which eclipses that of a junior Formula driver watching on a screen.

Though three Moto races is roughly equal to one F1 race, with just an hour’s break between each event, there is also a very real sense of commitment from the viewer.

While this can also put off those less attached to their televisions, its growing absorption abilities are in no doubt.

Rossi: An Icon, But A Nuisance

To become a true global phenomenon that is equal to F1, there must be real title contenders from countries other than Italy or Spain every year, without fail.

While the 21st century has seen non-European riders win the big one, two great rivals have conspired to prevent that – largely to success.

In the 2000s, Valentino Rossi was very much the Michael Schumacher of MotoGP, winning title after title, having also become the first ever rider to win titles in four different CC divisions.

If the 2000s belonged to Rossi, then arch-rival and Spaniard Marc Marquez is undoubtedly the man of the 2010s.

He is seen by Rossi fans as a usurper, and with Marquez moving up the ‘world title’ stakes alongside Jorge Lorenzo, who entered September as odds-on favourite, Spain is now the definitive powerhouse of MotoGP.

Where British audiences are concerned, there was no incentive to pay much attention to MotoGP until 21 August 2016.

On that day, British drivers John McPhee and Cal Crutchlow topped the podiums, respectively, in their Moto3 and MotoGP events at Brno Circuit.

Crutchlow’s triumph ended over three decades of winless hurt for British MotoGP riders, and though it had little bearing on the title race, it will be seen as a defining day of the sport, if it ever does gain an equal footing with F1 on the shores of Britain.

Stardom And Accessibility Key To Success

Though viewing figures are always open to manipulation and misinterpretation, there is an ever-growing belief that F1’s viewing figures have been in decline for several years, while MotoGP continues to grow.

However, MotoGP must better market its drivers to take advantage of whatever ‘power shift’ the more objective race fans believe to exist.

The brutal truth is that everybody can recognise a picture of Lewis Hamilton. Yet, show a picture of Cal Crutchlow to anyone other than an ardent MotoGP fan, and there would be many a scratched head and vacant expression.

Within MotoGP, the personalities needed for greater commercial success are there, as is the public interest on the other side of the television screen. Now all that is needed is a powerful catalyst in the wider media to market it in the right way.

Everybody wants to douse themselves in Champagne atop the podium in illustrious locales like Monaco or Monza after climbing heroically out of a cockpit.

Yet, when a man from somewhere as innocuous as Stevenage is repeatedly shown doing so, the lifespan of the magical ‘fairy-tale’ factor fans first enjoyed after his 2008 title win is automatically set to be a long one.

An Opportunity Missed in Britain?

That is something MotoGP advocates across the world would do well to project within their riders of their respective native countries, firstly to a national audience, with a view to expansion pending success and talent.

Britain is no exception in that regard, but the clock is ticking on the initial sense of magic created by Crutchlow’s breakthrough win of 2016.

Crutchlow is from Coventry, a working-class city that is dwarfed by neighbouring Birmingham, but literally rose from the ashes after the Second World War.

From that came a man who broke a thirty-five-year curse, doing so despite having inferior machinery, winning with only his skill and guile on the track.

Yet, the opportunity to use that narrative, with a view to giving him the same exalted status as Hamilton – then in the midst of losing his F1 title to Nico Rosberg – came and went with barely a whimper on a wider scale.

It is that sort of accessibility that British advocates of MotoGP must ingrain into those same impressionable audiences if any sort of parity with F1 is to be enjoyed in the future.

While silverware is an obvious factor in the creation of heroes within any sport, the back-stories and their contributions to the flag they bear are raw material enough to make it work.

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

Last weekend’s Premier League action was not the best we’ve ever seen. It was watchable for the most part, despite some pretty ordinary performances, but we did not see the drama of previous weeks.

With each team having played six matches, though, patterns have emerged. We know more about this season conclusions each week. Here are five from this round of matches…

Shaqiri Gives Liverpool Crucial Depth

Xherdan Shaqiri was, despite being a million miles better than anyone else playing for Stoke last season, somehow the focus of criticism. Liverpool made the shrewd move to trigger his release clause this summer.

Shaqiri can cover as the most advanced midfielder or play in the front three.

He started in the middle three for Jurgen Klopp against Southampton this weekend and dominated the match, including a stunning free-kick that was a foot or so from going in.

Depth has been an issue for Liverpool. The acquisition of Shaqiri goes a long way to addressing that.

Burnley Do Burnley Things Again

Despite conceding 19 shots and having just 12 themselves, Burnley beat Bournemouth 4-0 at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon. It was, after a rough start to the season, the most Burnley performance imaginable.

Sean Dyche’s side specialise in defying logic. Their success of last season was built on that premise, and they need it to continue this year if they are to avoid a relegation battle.

They might not win many by four clear goals, but this was a huge result for the Clarets, who are now out of the bottom three. Bournemouth, meanwhile, will have been left wondering how what happened.

Auba And Laca Shining For Arsenal

For all the concern after two defeats in two matches, Arsenal are just four points behind Chelsea and Manchester City after beating Everton 2-0 at home on Sunday.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette built on impressive records for the club.

Aubameyang and Lacazette have both scored in three of the last five Premier League matches in which they have started together. ?⚽️

Hit ❤ if you think Arsenal have the best striker partnership in the league!#ARSEVE pic.twitter.com/BBs8aCaaIy

— 888sport (@888sport) 23 September 2018

Lacazette has 17 goals in 29 league starts, while Aubameyang has 12 in 18. It still doesn’t look quite right with Aubameyang out on the left, but the pair are continuing to deliver.

Unai Emery’s side are getting results. Having two finishers of the calibre of Aubameyang and Lacazette could buy the new Arsenal manager time that he might not have otherwise had.

Chelsea's Perfection Ends

Chelsea were short of the attacking fluidity of previous weeks as they drew 0-0 with West Ham on Sunday.

Maurizio Sarri’s decision to play a strong side in the Europa League may well have played a part, particularly given the sloppy performances from Jorginho and Willian in the second half.

West Ham as good as nullified Eden Hazard. The Belgian made some strange decisions in front of goal, notably when he tried to give it Alvaro Morata when he could have scored himself.

Chelsea’s attack is massively dependent on Hazard, their credentials as a top four team, let alone title contenders, relies on performances like this being a rare occurrence.

The Blues dropped to third after the draw and face Liverpool twice this week. We are about to find out just how good they are.

Huddersfield Are In Big Trouble

Even after going ahead in the first 10 minutes, Huddersfield slumped to a 3-1 defeat away to Leicester.

The result itself was no surprise, but it leaves the Terriers bottom of the table without a win having scored three goals so far. David Wagner’s side are simply short on quality.

Their attack, just like last season, does not create anywhere near enough opportunities and the defence is vulnerable, as Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy benefitted from on Saturday.

It’s not just that Huddersfield will be battling all season. It’s that they might be cut adrift before Christmas.  

European football is back! With top domestic leagues in Germany, Spain, Italy and France already starting to take shape, I’ve compiled my latest European accumulator ahead of this weekend’s action. Check out my 15/2 four-fold below…

HOFFENHEIM vs BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Hoffenheim haven’t had the easiest of starts to the new Bundesliga campaign and this will be another difficult clash for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.

The selection has landed in all five of Hoffenheim’s competitive fixtures in 2018/19 and another high-scoring encounter looks likely. Take the 4/6 on offer for three or more goals on Saturday afternoon.

A few interesting statistics ahead of Hoffenheim vs Dortmund:

Over 2.5 goals has landed in the last 5⃣meetings between the 2⃣clubs.

Both teams have scored in the last 5⃣meetings between the 2⃣ clubs.

Over 2.5 goals in all 5⃣of Hoffenheim's competitive games this season.

— Alex McMahon. (@almacca93) September 21, 2018

Dortmund grabbed a late winner away at Club Brugge earlier this week and the visitors will be quietly confident of snatching another three points in this fixture.

Goals and Dortmund go hand in hand – especially in this clash. Both teams have scored in the last five meetings between these two sides and punters will be expecting more of the same here; 2/5 isn’t much of a price though.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/6

PREDICTED SCORE: Hoffenheim 2-2 Dortmund (Priced at 10/1 with 888sport)

LILLE vs Nantes

Lille have lost just one of their five league games this season and the hosts are well priced at 10/13 to claim three points this weekend.

Nicolas Pepe and Jonathan Bamba have combined for seven Ligue 1 goals in 2018/19 and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see these men make the difference. Pepe actually scored a hat-trick in Lille’s 3-2 win away at Amiens in their most recent clash…

At the other end of the table, Nantes are struggling. Currently just outside the relegation places, the visitors have won just once; a 3-2 win away at Strasbourg.

Will Nantes thrive in this hostile environment? It is hard to see the visitors claiming a second win of the campaign – though bettors may be tempted by EVS for Nantes to win or draw.

TIP: Lille to win @ 10/13

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

Frosinone vs JUVENTUS

Frosinone are a relatively unknown quantity when it comes to Italy’s top flight and fans will be expecting a comfortable evening for Juventus here.

Underdog backers should take the 27/25 for over 0.5 home goals – although be warned: the minnows have conceded 10 goals without reply in their four league matches so far this season.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card was the main talking point from a Juventus perspective in their 2-0 victory away at Valencia. The Portuguese will be looking to make a more positive impact this weekend…

Juventus are flying high at the top of Serie A and it would take a brave man to back against the Old Lady in their pursuit of the Italian title. 3/4 for a win to nil is a reasonable price considering the gulf in class between the two teams.

TIP: Juventus to win to nil @ 3/4

PREDICTED SCORE: Frosinone 0-2 Juventus (Priced at 5/1 with 888sport)

FC BARCELONA vs FC Girona

Goals are usually an absolute certainty when Barcelona are involved and I fancy an exciting, end-to-end clash. 3/5 for four or more goals is very appealing indeed.

With Lionel Messi in fantastic form, anything is possible. Ernesto Valverde’s men are on the verge of a silverware-laden season and it would be foolish to back against Barcelona on home soil.

Girona’s record in this fixture is woeful. The Spanish minnows have faced Barcelona four times since 2007, losing all four encounters whilst conceding 14 goals in the process. For the visitors, scoring a goal at Camp Nou would be some achievement.

They have managed to do that on their last two trips to Barcelona and the EVS on offer for a third successive away goal in this clash should be snapped up.

TIP: Over 3.5 goals @ 3/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Barcelona 4-1 Girona (Priced at 21/2 with 888sport)

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

The Ayr Gold Cup is a 6f handicap race open to horses aged three or older and is staged at Ayr Racecourse.

The maximum permitted field of 27 is put together from the highest-rated horses entered. Any horses that do not make the race are given the option to run in the consolation races – the Ayr Silver and Bronze Cups.

Since 1980 there have been just two winning favourites of Scotland’s richest handicap race which will make depressing reading for favourite backers.

25 runners go to post this Saturday for this feature race that goes off at 3.50pm (GMT).

Here is your full 888sport runner-by-runner guide...

PERFECT PASTURE

Perfect Pasture ran out a ready winner of the Cammidge Trophy, the first race of the new Flat season at Doncaster at the start of the season.

He has won thirteen career races and goes on the all weather and turf to equal effect. A 48-day break should have sharpened him up after a disappointing run at Chester.

GEORGE BOWEN

George Bowen has been running consistently well this season and he was the impressive winner of the Scottish Steward’s Cup at Hamilton.

He has been contesting all the major handicaps this year and has been on the premises in most of them.

ICE AGE

Winner of the Sprint Finale at Windsor in July and ran just last weekend at the Curragh on Irish Champions Weekend.

He finished fourth in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon which was also promising run.

JUSTANOTHERBOTTLE

The four-year-old was just touched off by Gifted Master at Goodwood in the Stewards’ Cup and will be pleased to be back in this company after running behind Limato last time at York.

KIMBERELLA

Also ran behind Limato the other day at York and is somewhat of a sprint specialist. He won a Listed race this season and off a mark of 105 looks well in here.

GUNMETAL

The winner of this year’s Great St Wilfrid after bagging the rail and never looking back under his jockey Joe Fanning.

However, there must be concerns about the ground for him on Saturday afternoon.

MAJOR JUMBO

If there were prizes handed out for consistency this season then Kevin Ryan’s four-year-old would be at the front of queue.

It would come as no surprise to see him top and tail his season with another win here given Ryan’s run of form at the moment.

SON OF REST

Son Of Rest is bidding to become the first Irish-trained winner of the Ayr Gold Cup and will also have to overcome the current hoodoo on favourites in this contest.

Beaten just half a length by Havana Grey in the Group One Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh last Sunday, some punters believe that he is thrown in here. 

G FORCE

Former Group One sprinter G Force is the second of two Irish raiders taking their place in the field. The seven-year-old should have no issues with the ground and could be a lively outsider.

BARON BOLT

A consistent horse this term with decent form lines that tie in with Gifted Master. He won at Goodwood last time out and his jockey takes off a valuable 5lbs.

MUNTADAB

Soft-ground specialist Muntadab has proved popular with punters all week given conditions that have been forecast.

Whether the rain reignites a relatively poor season for the six-year-old remains to be seen.

FLYING PURSUIT

Flying Pursuit loves a bit of juice in the ground and loves the track. Winner of the Sky Bet Dash at York in July, he is among the market leaders for the £200,000 sprint handicap.

The five-year-old arrives on the back of finishing sixth in the William Hill Great St Wilfrid.

SUMMERGHAND

Won on his return at Chelmsford off a mark of 78 back in April and has not looked back. 6f on soft ground should hold no fears for the four-year-old and he could easily go unnoticed in the betting at a big price.

NAADIRR

A very decent performer back in the day ran a belter in a Group 3 in Italy back in May. Has performed well in soft conditions before and should give his Middleham Park owners a decent afternoon out.

GROWL

Richard Fahey believes Growl needs slower ground than he has been encountering this season and his last three runs at York, Goodwood and Ripon have been monsters given the circumstances.

He beat everyone but Brando in this race in 2016 and the rain should again play its part in his proximity to the front.

GOLDEN APOLLO

The four-year-old has been putting in solid performances all this year but ran rather flat at Doncaster last weekend in the Portland Handicap.

The suspicion is that the season has finally caught up with him.

STAXTON

Just two three-year-olds have landed this prize since the turn of the millennium but the horse does boast some very strong form this season.

The going should not be an issue and the youngster should run well for the Tim Easterby stable.

TERUNTUM STAR

He was reasonably fancied for this race in 2016 but finished stone last. Has shown very little this season but the going does offer him a glimmer of hope as he does go on it.

ACES

Scored an excellent win at Epsom on Derby Day when coming wide, late and fast under Silvestre De Sousa. He backed that up with another good win, that time under top weight at Newmarket in June.

He looks more of a good ground horse if anything so the forecast is worrying.

GORING

Set off in fine style this season registering two wins on the All-Weather but his form has gone backwards since. Not an obvious candidate.

TOMMY TAYLOR

Owned by Mrs Angie Bailey who won this race in 2016 with Brando.

Tommy Taylor has run some decent races this season but without winning and has won on the soft before. Gets into this on a nice mark and could outrun his odds.

GET KNOTTED

A two-time winner at Ayr and has won at the track in these conditions. Ran poorly in a competitive handicap at York last time but is not one to write off just yet.

BRIAN THE SNAIL

A Godolphin owned horse that is proving very frustrating to follow. Won a decent 6f race at Doncaster in June but has finished nearer last than first in all his other races this season.

TANASOQ

Won four races on the bounce over the summer but appears to be crying out for his winter break if his last two performances are anything to go by.

UPSTAGING

Ran a decent second to Ice Age in the Windsor Sprint Finale Handicap but has struggled ever since.

CONCLUSION

A difficult race to unpick but the going is sure to have a major part to play in proceedings.

The Ontoawinner syndicates appear to be holding a strong hand in this field and it may pay to follow their trio of runners as they all have proven form on the soft.

888sport suggests: Flying Pursuit, G Force and Staxton (all e/w).

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

UNAI EMERY looks to have got the measure of the Europa League. Ultimately, maybe his record in the competition is what tipped the balance in his favor when Arsenal appointed him in the summer.

This is a manager who won the Europa League three times in a row while at Sevilla, elevating them into the Champions League.

It leaves Arsenal with an interesting dilemma as to how to approach the Europa League, particularly in the Group stages. Judging by Emery’s words and mood, it will be a mixture of youth and experience, a bit of rotation and yet ultimately a little bit stronger than last season under Arsene Wenger who effectively had one team for Europe and another for the Premier League.

But I think Emery feels that if you do send out a "B team" in the Europa League - even in the Group stages - that sends a negative message for the rest of the competition. That you're not taking it very seriously. And I make him right.

Arsenal looks like a team in transition, they have got weaknesses in the squad which can potentially undermine the strengths in attack. Also, while Emery’s tactics take hold, the defense will get exposed by Arsenal playing a “high line” and the demand for the keeper to play out from the back.

It could be a season to mirror Arsenal’s start to the Premier League: ups and downs, good wins and some sobering defeats. Arsenal has got some decent youngsters coming through - including Emile Smith-Rowe - who may get some game time in the Europa League.

They can also give Bernd Leno some much-needed game time. His distribution may be better but Petr Cech is still ahead of him in goalkeeping terms. But generally, Emery will have a familiar spine running through his Europa League line-ups. He is demanding in training and there is no let up in games. It will be an unforgiving and unrelenting season. 

“I have proven with my experience to know the best way to manage the players,” said Emery last week. "My idea first isn’t to change 11 players for one competition and the next competition. Each match is giving us information about how we can play.

"The first year I won in the Europa League, [you] didn’t play in the Champions League because these laws change for the second Europe League. “When we opened this possibility that, when you win the Europa League, you play in the Champions League, this I think is the key to improve the interest and possibility in this competition.”