Premier League football is back. The Nations League was a significant upgrade on friendly fixtures but England’s defeat to Spain dampened the mood somewhat. However, that was then and this is now – and it is time to look at Saturday’s televised fixtures.

All eyes will be on Wembley for this weekend’s early kick-off. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will take on Tottenham Hotspur under the famous arch and plenty of punters will be expecting goals here.

Both teams to score has landed in four of the previous five meetings between these two sides and 888sport have opened at 1/2 for a goal at both ends.

In the later fixture, high-flying Watford take on Manchester United at Vicarage Road. The Hornets have been one of the Premier League’s surprise packages so far this season and Javi Gracia’s men will take some stopping on recent exploits.

Another defeat for the visitors will only increase the pressure on Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho. This could be a cracker…

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool

Mauricio Pochettino’s men let a lead slip through their fingers against Watford and Spurs will want to atone for that error here.

The hosts were ruthless in the 3-0 victory at Old Trafford last month and a similar performance should be enough to hand Liverpool their first defeat of the campaign. Tottenham are well priced at 9/5 to come away with three points.

Liverpool have picked up maximum points so far this season but this is the first real test for Klopp’s men. Avoiding defeat here is an absolute must for the Reds; three points will be a confidence-boosting bonus ahead of a hectic October.

Notoriously fast starters, the visitors represent solid value at 41/50 to score at least once in the first half.

Punters will be split right down the middle on this clash – it is a tough one to call. Taking everything into account, Spurs have probably had the less disruptive international break and that might be enough to tip the scales in their favour.

Expect a feast of goals on Saturday afternoon – over 2.5 goals is well worth sticking in an accumulator at 8/13.

TIP: Tottenham to win and both teams to score @ 18/5

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

Watford vs Manchester United

Watford are heading in the right direction and it would be foolish to dismiss the Hornets completely ahead of this clash.

Gracia’s side have been simply sublime in recent weeks and punters will be wary of Watford’s fast start to the season. 10/11 for the hosts to win or draw is worth a second look if you are unsure whether to trust United at Vicarage Road.

Are the Red Devils worth backing at 9/10 to emerge victorious? That is the million pound question. Mourinho’s side will fancy their chances against Watford but the Hornets could wreak havoc in the final third.

✔️ Win percentage = 100% 
✔️ Position = T-1st 
✔️ Goals scored =T-3rd 
✔️ Goals Conceded = T-2nd 

Is there a more deserved Manager of the Month than Watford's Javi Gracia? pic.twitter.com/hpJZKnGCLX

— 888sport (@888sport) September 7, 2018

It is hard to put too much faith in the United defence at this moment in time and it may be wise to consider looking away from the outright markets.

United have been hit and miss during Mourinho’s tenure and the Red Devils could combust if put under pressure. Both teams to score is the most appealing bet ahead of this one; 4/5 is an excellent price given Watford’s recent success.

Some will fancy the Hornets to scrape another famous scalp but I fancy the Red Devils to just about edge it.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 4/5

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

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

Ready And Able

Enable is reported to be none the worse for her exertions at Kempton on Saturday.

Having been on the sidelines for most of the year, the John Gosden-trained four-year-old made her first start since landing last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly and duly won the four-runner Group Three September Stakes with relative ease.

The popular filly, who also won the English, Irish and Yorkshire Oaks last season, as well as the King George, is now a 7/4 chance with us here at 888sport to successfully defend her Arc crown at ParisLongchamp.

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

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Khalid Abdullah, said on Sunday: "She is good this morning and there are no problems.

"She was in very good form going into the race and we always hoped she would produce a good performance.

"The way she did it was very pleasing. I think everything about it was good and I don't think you could have asked for any more in how the race worked out.

"She good into a good rhythm, and although she was a little bit fresh, she settled really well, and she quickened well when asked. The runner-up (Crystal Ocean) is a very solid horse.

"The Arc is a huge race and she will have to bring her A-game, but that was a very good start to her year, if a somewhat belated one.

"It was great to see her do what she did at Kempton."

Her trainer John Gosden said: "She found a beautiful rhythm. It was a lovely trial back for the big one in four weeks' time. I couldn't be more happy with the way it's gone, absolutely delighted.

"She's 80-85 per cent fit today, the race will bring her on. It's all down to the filly, a great performance.

"She's very strong, just so determined. The hardest thing for her was standing around doing nothing, she just loves racing."

Her jockey, Frankie Dettori was also impressed: "That was awesome. I wasn't sure how fit she was as she's only being going a mile at home, but then she's trained by a master trainer. She got the job done and felt as good as ever. Bring on the Arc!"

David Probert, who rode Crystal Ocean on Saturday, said: "I was happy enough down the back, but with the 5lb penalty it was hard to serve it up to Enable properly in the straight."

He added: "He handled the surface well and if Sir Michael wants to take him to the Arc he's run a nice prep, make no mistake."

Wait And Sea

Punters may just want to bide their time having an early wager on the William Haggas-trained Sea Of Class in the Arc after he revealed that the ground would be the determining factor as to whether or not she will be supplemented for the race.

The Irish and Yorkshire Oaks winner is a 5/1 horse racing betting shot for the French showpiece, but connections will have part with 120,000 euros to add her to the field four days before the actual race.

Haggas is keen to run her if conditions are favourable, but would have no hesitation in abandoning those plans should the ground be against her.

Speaking recently, Haggas said: “I don’t think she’ll run before the Arc, she’s in the Prix Vermeille (September 16) but I don’t fancy that.

“I think there’s every likelihood that if she’s OK, she’ll be supplemented for the Arc, but I’m very concerned about the ground. I can’t believe it’s still dry and it’s not going to stay dry for long I’m sure.

“If the ground is good or faster on Arc day and she’s OK, then she’ll be there.

“Very few horses are very effective on fast and soft ground. I suspect she won’t like it (soft ground), her action suggests she flicks off the top of the ground.

“There’s every chance now we’re going to keep her as a four-year-old so if it’s soft, it’s a lot of money to supplement and we can go next year.”

Leger Doubt

Whilst all the focus has been on Enable in the last few days, it is all too easy to forget that John Gosden also trains another exciting Arc prospect in the shape of Lah Ti Dar.

After the three-year-old filly comprehensively demolished the field in the Galtres Stakes at York, it was assumed by many that her next port of call would be the St Leger at Doncaster.

But Simon Marsh, racing manager to her owners Lord and Lady Lloyd-Webber, revealed the filly was far from certain to run in Yorkshire and may head to Longchamp that weekend for the traditional Arc warm-up, the Prix Vermeille.

Less than 6⃣ weeks until the Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe. 

It's building up to be one hell of a race! ? 

Preview: https://t.co/8Lji9uKsut pic.twitter.com/6rD3ozbngc

— 888sport (@888sport) August 28, 2018

Marsh said: "Lah Ti Dar has come out of the race very well and is absolutely fine, but while she'll be left in both the Leger and the Vermeille we're leaning towards the Vermeille. If we were to go for the Vermeille, we would then look at running her in the Arc."

The unbeaten Lah Ti Dah is currently available at 8/1 in 888sport's horse racing odds for the big race.

Triple Handed

John Gosden could well end up saddling a trio of runners in the Arc on October 7th as Cracksman still remains on course for a tilt at the race providing the weather comes up trumps for him.

“He is great form but he does need plenty of rain,” trainer Gosden said “I don’t want to run him in the Arc unless it is good ground, at least.”

The Anthony Oppenheimer owned four-year-old has put in all his best performances on rain-softened ground.

In fact Cracksman is actually undefeated in all his three starts on soft ground including his seven-length demolition of Poet’s Word in the Champion Stakes last October.

Current Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe Odds:

• Enable (7/4)
• Sea Of Class (5/1)
• Cracksman (7/1)
• Lah Ti Dar (8/1)
• Crystal Ocean (12/1)
• Poet's Word (12/1)
• Roaring Lion (14/1)

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

Saturday sees the 52nd running of the Sprint Cup being run at Haydock Park, a race that features some of the fastest horses in Europe.

Be Friendly won the initial running of the race in 1966 and there is a statue in his memory right next to the paddock at the Merseyside track. Be Friendly registered back-to-back victories in 1966 and 1967 and is the only horse ever to do so thus far.

The Sprint Cup is steeped in history with Champions including classic sprinters such as the late Sir Peter O’Sullevan’s Be Friendly, Danehill and G-Force, and three times winning jockeys Lester Piggott, Pat Eddery and Willie Carson.

Here we take a look at the trends and statistics of the race, not over the past fifty-two years, but over a much more manageable ten year period.

Age (Winners-Placed-Runners)

3-y-o: 6-4-31

4-y-o: 0-10-40

5-y-o: 3-2-22

6-y-o+: 1-4-32

Only two horses aged over five have been victorious in the past thirty years. That is quite an ominous sign for Brando and The Tin Man.

Gender

Fillies and mares are not to be dismissed lightly in this race. Since 2004 they have won three times and placed three times.

Form Lines

7/10 winners had finished in the first three places in a Group One race in their past two runs.

8/10 winners had won at least one sprint race that season prior to running in this race.

9/10 winners had won over 6f or 7f in their careers.

5/10 winners had at least one previous run at Haydock.

Owner Form

One of the most influential owners in the world, Sheikh Mohammed has an unenviable record in the race over the years.

He recorded four winners in his traditional maroon and white colours and he has registered two more victories under the auspices of Godolphin. Harry Angel would hand him a seventh success should he win on Saturday.

Draw

Seven out of the last ten winners came from a double-figure stall number.

The weather also appears to have a slight bearing on the draw. The two most recent high drawn winners won on ground the easy side of good, whilst the low drawn winners won when the going was firm.

Given that the going on Saturday is predicted to be softening up due to rain being forecast in the area then it may pay to side with a higher drawn horse.

Odds

Five of the last ten winners have been priced between 9/1 and 14/1.

Favourites have won four times in the last ten years.

Other Key Trends

Rating: 7/10 winners had a rating of 111 or higher.
Group Wins: 8/10 winners had at least one win in a Group race.
Season Form: 9/10 winners had at least three runs that season, 9/10 winners had at least one previous win that season.

Top Contenders

Harry Angel will need to fend off eleven other rivals as he bids to become just the second dual winner of the £325,200 Sprint Cup (4.15pm).

The four-year-old made mincemeat of the opposition in the 2017 renewal, scoring by four-lengths from Tasleet and ending the year as the highest-rated sprinter in the world with a rating of 125 in the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings.

Harry Angel made a winning return in the Duke Of York Stakes at York in May, but has not raced since injuring himself in the stalls at Royal Ascot on June 23rd.

Tasleet is having his first start since finishing third in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh in May.

The supplemented pair of James Garfield and Sir Dancealot come into the race on the back of career-best performances.

James Garfield was agonisingly worn down near the line in the Prix Maurice de Gheest over six and a half furlongs at Deauville on August 5th , while Sir Dancealot didn’t let a penalty curtail him winning the seven-furlong Hungerford Stakes at Newbury on August 18th.

The Tin Man boasts a great record in the Sprint Cup, having finished second in 2016 and third 12 months ago. The six-year-old will be ridden by in-form jockey Oisin Murphy and the weather is certainly a positive for his chances.

The Richard Fahey-trained Sands Of Mali took the Sandy Lane Stakes over course and distance in May, a feat also achieved by the past two winners of the Sprint Cup which is a good omen for connections.

Sir Michael Stoute is represented by three-year-old Eqtidaar, who had Sands Of Mali just in behind him when landing the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Gustav Klimt and Speak In Colours, trained by his son Joseph O'Brien, are the two Irish contenders for Saturday's Sprint Cup.

Gustav Klimt was last seen finishing fifth in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury three while Speak In Colours was victorious in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh in mid-August.

Brando finished ninth behind Harry Angel last year, but part owner Peter Tingey believes the six-year-old should be shorter in the horse racing betting markets despite finishing unplaced when in the Prix Maurice de Gheest on his latest start. He has pointed out that at one time or another Brando has finished in front of most of his rivals in this race.

Brando’s trainer, Kevin Ryan, also saddles Hey Jonesy who looks to be totally up against it.

Andrew Balding’s Donjuan Triumphant won the re-scheduled “Ayr Gold Cup” here over course and distance last season and will relish underfoot conditions should the forecast showers arrive.

Whether he will be good enough in this grade remains to be seen but the British weather can be one hell of a leveller sometimes.

Conclusion

According to reports Clive Cox has left no stone unturned in this quest to have Harry Angel fully tuned up and fit for the defence of his crown, so obviously he will be a tough nut to crack.

However, I’m not overly keen on taking 5/4 about any horse returning from injury so I will be siding with the brave Prix Maurice de Gheest runner-up, James Garfield, to kick-on again from his Deauville exertions.

888sport suggests: James Garfield (e/w).

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

The UEFA Nations League is here and it will be interesting to see whether the biggest national teams in the business take this competition seriously.

Gareth Southgate has admitted that England are turning to youth in the next stage of their cycle. A mouth-watering clash against Spain offers the ideal chance for some of the fringe players to impress…

Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup but I’m backing the Azzurri to prosper at home to Poland on Friday night.

With Roberto Mancini at the helm, Italy will be pragmatic but that should be all that is required to defeat a struggling Poland. If you fancy a 14/1 accumulator ahead of the first round of Nations League fixtures, have a scroll down and check out my other tips.

THURSDAY

Germany vs France

Nobody expected Germany to crash out of the group stages in Russia this summer but that is exactly what happened.

Whether it was a case of complacency or simply falling short, Joachim Low’s side were not good enough and they paid the ultimate price. Back on home soil, Germany will be desperate to make amends as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, Didier Deschamps has selected a strong squad and the World Cup winners will be quietly confident of securing a positive result. Hugo Lloris is one notable absentee and France will miss the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper.

I fancy Germany to edge this one but both teams to score (7/10) is my top tip ahead of this clash – it is hard to envision either side keeping a clean sheet.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 7/10

PREDICTED SCORE: Germany 2-1 France (Priced at 8/1 with 888sport)

FRIDAY

Italy vs Poland

Mancini has wrung the changes ahead of this contest, bringing in a number of new faces whilst also recalling Giorgio Chiellini for the first time in almost a year.

The Bologna crowd will be expecting a strong Italy performance this weekend and the Azzurri will be determined to put on a show for their fans. 11/10 for over 1.5 home goals is well worth considering.

Adam Nawalka was sacked in the aftermath of the World Cup and it may take some time for Jerry Brzeczek to adjust to life as an international manager. Expecting an instant impact in this fixture would be foolish to say the least…

Poland were abysmal in Russia this summer and Italy haven’t lost on home soil for over two years. All signs point towards a home win and 7/10 is an excellent price.

TIP: Italy to win @ 7/10

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

Lithuania vs Serbia

Lithuania have won just three of their 24 international fixtures and another defeat beckons here. To put their lack of attacking prowess into perspective, the hosts have scored three goals in their last 900 minutes of international football.

It would be one of the shocks of the weekend if Lithuania were to get a result here. The 23/20 available for a draw at half-time may be the best way to go if you fancy the hosts.

As mentioned in a recent Premier League recap, Aleksandar Mitrovic is starting to prove his worth. The Fulham striker has notched four goals so far this season, putting him joint-top in the Golden Boot race.

Punters can back Mitrovic at 13/8 to continue his fine run of form here – an excellent price considering Serbia’s threat going forward. This could get ugly for Lithuania.

TIP: Aleksandar Mitrovic to score @ 13/8

PREDICTED SCORE: Lithuania 0-3 Serbia (Priced 10/1 with 888sport)

SATURDAY

England vs Spain

The Wembley crowd will be expecting a positive performance following England’s exploits in Russia this summer but this is not going to be straightforward by any means.

With a number of key players ruled out through “injury”, Southgate’s options are limited. It would take a brave man to back against England based on their World Cup efforts but the 9/10 for both teams to score is the most appealing bet at this moment in time.

???

England's latest 23-man squad screams 'in-form'.

? Luke Shaw
? Adam Lallana
? Joe Gomez
? Alex McCarthy
? James Tarkowski

? Nick Pope
? Phil Jones
? Ashley Young

Any surprises? pic.twitter.com/IuV9M3ipMT

— 888sport (@888sport) August 30, 2018

Luis Enrique has the experience to lead Spain back to the top of world football and there will be punters tipping the visitors at 33/20 to prevail under the Wembley arch. On paper, Spain are arguably the stronger of the two sides…

A score draw looks likely on Saturday night. Diego Costa has pulled out of the Spain squad but that shouldn’t hinder Enrique’s men too much. It could be all square come the final whistle.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 9/10

PREDICTED SCORE: England 1-1 Spain (Priced at 11/2 with 888sport)

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

The Premier League season is already a month in (give or take a few days). Every team has played four matches, we’ve seen shocks, thrillers and bore draws. It’s been everything you expect from England’s top flight so far.

With the always-bemoaned international break underway, it seems a good time to take a look back on what has happened so far and how the Premier League betting markets look…

City Still Lead The Way

Manchester City haven’t quite looked themselves so far. Pep Guardiola’s side still have 10 points from a possible 12, but their last two performances have been underwhelming compared to the majestic displays we saw for the majority of last season.

Few will be panicking about the reigning champions just yet, mind. City remain the 13/20 favourites to win the title and it will take several more disappointing results before anyone realistically doubts their ability to retain the crown.

Pep Guardiola: "We are the best Premier League club ever? I'm not sure of that. We won one Premier League title." 

Well, that ends that debate then... pic.twitter.com/HENQblSro0

— 888sport (@888sport) June 8, 2018

Liverpool, just as it was at the start of the campaign, are second favourites at 11/4. Jurgen Klopp’s side still have a 100% record, and have conceded just one goal so far, courtesy of an Alisson howler.

After tearing West Ham apart on opening day, Liverpool have been less than their usual thrilling selves too. The fact they won those matches against stubborn defences perhaps tells us more about this team than a 5-0 victory would have, though.

Signs Of Life At Stamford Bridge

Chelsea, like Liverpool, have four wins from four. A period of adaptation was expected under Maurizio Sarri, but the Blues have found a way to get victories so far, even if a couple of their performances weren’t been great.

The five-time Premier League champions were a bit of an unknown quantity coming into the season. However, having retained Eden Hazard and added Jorginho, they are already at 33/100 to finish in the top four.

The defence is still a concern – particularly if David Luiz keeps having David Luiz moments – but they look a threat whenever they have the ball.

Chelsea are out at 10/1 to win the title. Their early season form makes that look better value than it really is. There will be ups and downs in Sarri’s first season.

The 15/4 on Chelsea to be ‘the winner without Manchester City’ is their best price at the moment.

Hornets Are Buzzing

Javi Gracia’s Watford are the story of the season so far. The Hornets join Chelsea and Liverpool with a 100% record, including a stunning comeback victory against Tottenham last weekend.

Unsurprisingly, some are already suggesting Watford will ‘do a Leicester’. While that remains incredibly unlikely (250/1), their 12/1 price to break into the top six might be worth a look at. This is no fluke from Gracia’s side.

Watford are the real deal and four more things we learned from the Premier League this weekend https://t.co/5Cpbde59aA pic.twitter.com/vvqHovzFZo

— 888sport (@888sport) September 3, 2018

The Hornets have been resolute defensively and ruthless in attack. That, whatever league you’re in, tends to be a pretty good way to play football. Only Liverpool, per understat, have a lower non-penalty expected goals against, for instance.

Former Watford boss and now Everton manager, Marco Silva, sees his side at 5/1 to make the top six. Given what we have seen from both sides so far, the Hertfordshire club are definitely the better value.

Fading Hope For The Hammers

Everything looked so bright for West Ham this summer. Manuel Pellegrini arrived to play the West Ham Way^TM, and the owners invested heavily, bringing in exciting talents like Felipe Anderson and Issa Diop.

After four defeats from four, including two at home, things suddenly look bleak at the London Stadium again. The Hammers are in to 5/2 to go down this season. Pellegrini is joint-favourite at 3/1 to be the first manager to be handed his P45.

West Ham were one of the favourites to be ‘best of the rest’ when the season started. They are now 15/4 to make the top 10.

Even after this dreadful start, that’s still a decent price given the sheer quality Pellegrini has at his disposal in the final third. He will need to find a way to fix the midfield before anything else, though.

Newcastle sit just above West Ham in the bottom three, but their horrible fixture list to start the campaign is the cause of that rather than poor performances. Burnley also have just one point, however, and are 8/5 to go down.

Sean Dyche’s side look to have regressed to the mean after riding their luck last season and could be in for a really tough season.

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