The World Cup has produced countless memorable moments since its inception in 1930 and football fans can often be found reminiscing about their favourites goals of all time.

Throughout the history of the competition, there have been hundreds of stunning strikes and as a result, it can often be difficult to recount them all.

The tournament has the habit of producing outstanding moments which help shape the history of the sport and World Cup 2018 is highly likely to throw up yet more talking points, incidents and fantastic finishes.

We analyse five of the greatest World Cup goals of all-time and look at their significance on the competition.

Pele (Brazil)

The 1958 World Cup was held in Sweden and the hosts had enjoyed a profitable tournament which saw them progress to the final.

Their opponents were Brazil, a side who were still searching for their first ever World Cup title and possessed a hugely talented 17-year old, who went by the name of Pele.

The teenager hadn't made his debut until the third group game but despite only playing two matches at the tournament, he'd already bagged four goals.

At just 17 years and 249 days old, Pele became the youngest ever player to score in a World Cup final with a truly breathtaking goal.

With confidence which belied his age, Pele chested down a cross, nonchalantly flicked the ball over a Swedish defender before superbly volleying it into the back of the net.

He later added a second goal to help secure Brazil's first success in the competition but it was his first goal which lives long in the memory of football fans.

 

Geoff Hurst (England)

Geoff Hurst is synonymous with England's 1966 success at the World Cup. He scored a hat-trick at Wembley to ensure the hosts secured their first ever triumph in the competition.

The goal is perhaps overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the strike with the linesman insisting the ball had crossed the line despite vehement protestations from the West German players.

He caught the ball perfectly and rifled it towards goal where it rattled back off the woodwork and down onto the goal-line.

It was a thunderous strike which perfectly arrowed towards the goal and although Hurst later added another, it was his 101st-minute strike which is still talked about over 50 years later.

It remains England's only success in the competition to date.

 

Maradona (Argentina)

The 1986 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England is remembered for the "Hand of God" incident but Maradona's sensational strike just four minutes later is truly a work of art.

It has been dubbed 'the goal of the century' and is deemed to be the greatest individual strike of all-time. The Argentinian striker picked up the ball in his own half and headed towards the opposition's penalty area.

His 60-yard run saw him fend off challenges from four England players before leaving goalkeeper Peter Shilton flummoxed by his wonderful feint

He capped off the mesmerising solo run by coolly slotting it into the back of the net and putting his side 2-0 up.

Despite a late goal from Gary Lineker, Argentina held on and went on to secure the 1986 World Cup title. He went on to net twice during their semi-final victory over Belgium.

 

Carlos Alberto (Brazil)

Brazil were already 3-1 up against Italy in the final of the 1970 World Cup, but despite their dominance in this fixture, Carlos Alberto's goal will always be fondly remembered for helping coin the term 'the beautiful game'.

The right-back's fabulously ferocious strike was the end product of a wonderful team move which saw no fewer than nine Brazilian players involved.

The aforementioned Pele is credited with the assist and has been praised for his outstanding vision and hold-up play which helped spot the run of Alberto, who had pushed up from the half-way line.

There was a great patience and an unhurried nature about the build-up play and this was a wonderful Brazil team who dominated the sport and possessed an inordinate amount of talent.

Alberto's goal wasn't significant in terms of the outcome of this contest but it helped put the gloss on an already outstanding performance which saw them secure their third World Cup title.

 

Dennis Bergkamp (The Netherlands)

The hugely talented Dennis Bergkamp made his mark on the 1998 World Cup with a wonderful goal for the Netherlands.

His late strike helped see off Argentina and secure his side's place in the semi-finals where they would go on to face Brazil.

It was considered to be one of the most stylish goals of all-time and the former Arsenal play-maker needed just three touches before placing the ball beyond a helpless Carlos Roa.

In just 2.11 seconds, Bergkamp took a touch, turned sharply and coolly placed the ball under the onrushing goalkeeper. Ruud Gullit later described the goal as "perfect" and Bergkamp rates it as the best strike of his career.

A remarkable achievement considering the Dutchman scored numerous fantastic goals throughout his time on the pitch.

The Netherlands lost on penalties in the semi-finals, but despite this disappointment, Bergkamp's goal was a standout moment from the tournament and sent travelling Dutch fans into raptures.

We’re now less than two weeks away from the inaugural fixture of the 2018 World Cup and punters will be looking at the latest odds in a bid to find value.

888sport have compiled four ‘Best In’ markets for bettors ahead of this summer’s competition and we’ve managed to find a few tasty tips. Check out our thoughts on this World Cup special below…

AFRICA

None of the five African nations have an easy passage to the last-16 but Egypt may be best placed to advance to the knockout stages.

Mo Salah’s injury has put a slight spanner in the works but the Liverpool man is set to return a week or so into the tournament. 5/2 is a solid price considering their talent – Egypt will make themselves very difficult to beat.

On paper, Senegal also look strong and punters can back Aliou Cisse’s men at the same price to finish as the best ranked African nation.

With the likes of Idrissa Gueye, Cheikhou Kouyate and Sadio Mane in the squad, Senegal have several experienced Premier League players on the plane to Russia and that top flight knowledge could come in handy if Senegal sneak through to the last-16.

TIP: Egypt to finish as the best African side @ 5/2

 

ASIA

Five nations will represent Asia this summer and Japan are currently the 19/10 favourites to go furthest in Russia.

Akira Nishino has won a few fans over after including Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa in his 23-man squad; former manager Vahid Halilhodzic had previously opted to look past Japan’s two most experienced players.

However, South Korea are the value bet at 33/10. This current crop of stars, led of course by Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min, have the talent to reach the knockout stages – although emulating their run to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals will take some doing.

Group F is there for the taking; South Korea are capable of pipping Sweden and Mexico to second spot behind defending champions Germany.

TIP: South Korea to finish as the best Asian side @ 33/10

 

EUROPE

Take your pick here. France and Germany have received plenty of betting attention in the build-up to this summer’s competition but doubts remain over both nations.

Les Bleus head coach Didier Deschamps has had to deal with his fair share of criticism in recent years and the pressure on his shoulders is immense – France could crumble.

Meanwhile, Germany are on their worst run of results in 31 years and it is hard to place too much faith in Joachim Low’s men knowing that statistic. Five games without a win is NOT like Germany at all.

But I quite like the 4/1 on offer for Spain to finish as the best European outfit. 2014 was a disappointing anomaly for Vicente Del Bosque’s side and Julen Lopetegui has changed the mindset of this squad.

Finishing above Portugal in Group B is important but a testing game during the group stages may set Spain up perfectly to compete for a second Jules Rimet Trophy.

TIP: Spain to finish as the best European side @ 4/1

 

SOUTH AMERICA

On paper, this looks like a straight tossup between Argentina and Brazil. Argentina finished runners up to Germany four years ago and Jorge Sampaoli’s men will be determined to go one better this summer.

Incredibly, Lionel Messi and co were in danger of missing out on qualification for the competition before the four-time Ballon d’Or winner stepped up at the pivotal moment.

There are still major question marks over Argentina’s ability to defend though – especially against those top tier nations.

Brazil have lost just once in 20 matches since Tite was appointed as manager and that run of form is not a coincidence. Le Selecao are well fancied to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy for a record sixth time and 4/5 to finish as the best South American side is worth snapping up.

On current form, it is hard to back against Brazil and the likes of Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus will be central to their aspirations in the coming weeks.

TIP: Brazil to finish as the best South American side @ 4/5

 

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

The Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes sees a field of nine go to post for the Group One contest at Newbury on Saturday afternoon.

Horses that have run in the previous season’s Prix du Moulin, QEII Stakes, St James Palace, Greenham Stakes and Prince Of Wales Stakes are certainly the ones to watch as they either win or place in this contest.

Here are some trends and statistics to bear in mind over the past ten years followed by a runner-by-runner summary of all the participants.

Age (wins-placed-runners)

4-y-o: 8-15-63

5-y-o: 2-2-20

6-y-o: 0-1-9

7-y-o+: 0-0-8

As you can see the last ten winners have been aged either four or five. This year that trend would rule out five of the sixteen runners, those being Dutch Connection, Librisa Breeze, Lightning Spear, Limato and Suedois.

 

Fillies & Mares

Only three females have won since 2004. Rhododendron is the only filly in the field this year.

 

Previous Form

Six of the last ten winners had won at Newbury before.

The last ten winners were all officially rated 113 or higher.

Six out of the last ten winners were having their first run of the season.

 

Trainer Form

Charles Hills has run three previous runners in this race and all of them have finished unplaced.

Aidan O’Brien won this race in 2003 with Hawk Wing but has only gained two places in the last ten years.

 

Starting Price

The starting price trends have been absolutely on the button over the last ten years. The winner has always been 9/1 or less and has come from the first four in the betting. The most likely top four in Saturday’s horse racing odds are:  Rhododendron, Addeybb, Limato and Beat The Bank.

7 of the last 10 winners were favourites/joint favourites.

 

Runner-by-runner guide:

Accidental Agent

Accidental Agent progressed into a very smart handicapper last season, winning the Challenge Cup at Ascot. He was below form on his return in a listed race at Ascot earlier this month and will need to improve upon that to figure here.

 

Addeybb

He recorded a facile victory in the Group Two Bet365 Mile at Sandown Park at the end of April. Owned by Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, he was the impressive winner of the Lincoln Handicap over the straight mile at Doncaster at the start of the season and took the transition over to Group company in his stride with a decisive two and three-quarter length victory at Sandown.

 

Alexios Komnenos

50/1 winner on debut at The Curragh in 2016 and he beat a nice field in the Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown last season. This is a much tougher task for Fozzy Stacks’ Irish raider.

 

Beat The Bank

Andrew Balding’s Beat The Bank has won four of his six starts to date including successes at Group Three and Group Two levels last season. The Lockinge has been his early-season target for some time.

 

Deauville

A former winner of the Belmont Derby International Stakes, Aidan O’Briens’ five-year-old has won four of his career starts.

Second in the Earl Of Sefton last time out and is entitled to come on for that run.

 

Dutch Connection

Godolphin, with eight winners, are the most successful owner in Lockinge Stakes history and are represented by multiple Group race victor Dutch Connection trained by Charlie Hills. He is likely to be upstaged by younger rivals here however.

 

Lahore

This Elusive Quality colt was making his first start for the Clive Cox at Leicester after being switched from Roger Varian’s stable.  He travelled well that day but looks totally up against it in this field.

 

Lancaster Bomber

Aidan O’Brien believes Lancaster Bomber is good shape for the weekend saying he thinks he is a miler who will maybe get nine furlongs on fast ground. He certainly cannot be left out of calculations given the stable he hails from.

 

Librisa Breeze

Dean Ivory's Librisa Breeze has a similar profile to Limato in that he can also perform at his best over six and seven furlongs, as shown when he bounded to victory in the British Champions Sprint Stakes at the end of last season. He looks a little too big in the betting.

 

Lightning Spear

Lightning Spear will attempt to go one better than in last year's renewal when he beat all bar Ribchester. However, at the age of seven the age trends for this race are certainly against him.

 

Limato

Trainer Henry Candy is hoping Limato can make it third-time lucky over a mile trip on Saturday. The six-year-old, who finished fourth in the Group One in 2016, has not run over the trip since finishing down the field at the Breeders’ Cup later that year.

Having ended last season with victory in a Group Two at Newmarket, the son of Tagula continued his Lockinge preparations earlier this week with a short racecourse gallop under Harry Bentley.

 

Suedois

Shadwell Turf Mile victor Suedois, trained by David O'Meara, takes another trip down south to try and land another valuable prize. The seven-year-old had a great season last year and looks the best placed of the “oldies” to score here.

 

War Decree

Prix du Jockey Club fifth War Decree has been somewhat of a globe trotter so far in his career and will go off the outsider of the Aidan O’Brien quartet. His runner-up finish in the recent Huxley Stakes at Chester gives him a little bit of a squeak.

 

Zabeel Prince

The Sheikh Mohammed Obaid-owned colt created quite an impression with a Listed prize win on his reappearance at the Lincoln meeting at Doncaster. This is a step up in class but he has won four of his last five races.

 

Zonderland

Clive Cox’s five-year-old only made it to the racecourse twice last season, the latter of which was a Goodwood where he just got touched off by Lightning Spear in the Celebration Mile. Has plenty to do on seasonal reappearance this year.

 

Rhododendron

Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Rhododendron is the one and only filly in the field and gets a weight allowance for being so.

Winner of the Prix de l'Opera at Chantilly last season, she was fourth on her seasonal reappearance behind Cracksman in the Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp and she should put up a bold show in this contest on Saturday.

 

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

Marseille and Atletico Madrid are the two teams remaining in the Europa League. The standard of the competition has been at maybe its highest ever, and the fact we are left with two European giants in the final speaks volumes for the growth of the Europa League.

The reward of a Champions League place for winning the tournament certainly helps, but successes of teams like Sevilla and Porto in the competition have undoubtedly raised its profile. The final is being held in the brand new Lyon stadium this Wednesday.

While Marseille survived a scare with Salzburg in the semi-final, Atletico cruised past Arsenal to book their place in France. Okay, cruised is a bit generous. Atleti were on the ropes with 10 men for most of the first leg. When they got that vital away goal, though, it seemed inevitable that Diego Simeone’s side would make it to the final.

After the disappointment of being knocked out of the Champions League, Atletico have – unlike a lot of teams who are forced to drop down to the Europa League – looked something like their best version of themselves.

Atletico at their best are one of the top defences in the world. Simeone’s side have given up a shade over 16 non-penalty expected goals against in their last 20 La Liga outings. I really like the 21/20 on under 0.5 goals by the ‘home team’.

Atleti are expected to name Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa in the starting line-up. Vitolo is their main injury worry, but he could be fit enough to start.

Marseille’s defence is obviously not as resilient as Atletico’s, and I doubt they will keep Griezmann and Costa quiet for ninety minutes. Costa to score the opening goal at 19/5 is very appealing after his dominant display against Arsenal.

Marseille’s attack should be feared too, however. Dimitri Payet, Lucas Ocampos and Florian Thauvin form a fearsome attacking midfield triumvirate. Payet and Thauvin have been producing at an elite rate this season.

Only Neymar has a better expected assists per 90 in Ligue 1 than the duo, and Payet ranks higher than Messi in the same category. Thauvin has contributed 22 league goals, too.

If Marseille are to have any chance, they need big performances from Thauvin and Payet. Thauvin to score anytime at 19/5 looks decent value.

Away from their attacking prowess, the trends are not good for Marseille. Form has been poor, including a 3-3 draw with Guingamp in their last outing, leaving them off the pace for Champions League qualification. They have won just once in four matches and have struggled on the road all season.

Despite that, the 3/5 price on Marseille to have more possession is a good one. Atletico average under 50% in the Europa League this season, and will likely sit deep from the off, looking to create chances with long balls to Costa in transition.

Marseille will want to counter-attack themselves but may have little choice other than to have a tonne of possession.

Ill-discipline or sheer misfortune are most likely to stop Atletico. Marseille will need a majestic attacking performance to stand a chance, but even then, I doubt their defence can hold up.

It won’t be a walkover, because that’s not how Atleti work, but it should be a win for the Spanish club.

TIP: Atletico Madrid to win 2-1 @ 8/1

 

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

York Racecourse gets its season underway with the three day Dante Festival taking place this week starting on Wednesday through to Friday.

Prize money over the three days of the Dante Festival has risen for the seventh year in succession, increasing by £50,000 again this year to £1.4m. With a feature race taking place on each day of the Festival, the York season begins with a feast of top quality racing on the Knavesmire.

Wednesday’s £100,000 Tattersalls Musidora is just one of the races this week that offers a six figure sum to connections.

A feature race for three year old fillies, the Musidora has proved to be a greater pointer to the Investec Oaks, with six fillies going on to achieve Classic glory.  Typically, fillies from the Musidora return as older horses to contest the Group Two Middleton Stakes on Thursday.

Wednesday also sees the sprinters going to post in the Group Two Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes, run over six furlongs. This year’s renewal will see a whole host of top class speedsters battling it out down The Knavesmire.

The Dante, the race so named to honour the last Yorkshire trained winner of the Derby back in 1945, is held on Thursday.  This Group Two contest now offers a prize fund of £165,000. The Dante winner has gone on to win the Investec Derby ten times, with Golden Horn the last to achieve that impressive feat three seasons ago.

The British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes for three-year-old sprinters is one of three Listed contests during the Festival to see its prize money rise to £50,000. This race also takes place on Thursday.

Friday’s feature race is The Yorkshire Cup, with £165,000 on offer to the leading stayers over one mile and three-quarters, making it a valuable Group Two “Cup” race.  Friday’s renewal is part of the Qipco British Champions Series, the first of five York races that make up a special series of top races in Britain.

Let’s look at each day of the Dante Festival in some depth:

 

Wednesday

John Gosden hopes Highgarden can use the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York as a stepping stone towards a potential outing at Royal Ascot.

Highgarden steps up in class for the Group Three prize after finishing third in a novice contest on her return at Sandown last month and will be bidding to give Gosden his seventh Musidora.

Gosden said: "Highgarden goes to the Musidora. I think she strikes me as a Musidora and Ribblesdale type, but we will see after the Musidora.

"That was a very nice race at Sandown. She got a little caught for toe, but then stayed on and was suddenly running on again at the end. She is a Nathaniel and wants a mile and a half now."

Aidan O’Brien has five of the 14 entries in the Musidora Stakes as he seeks to win the Group Three heat for the first time.

The Ballydoyle handler will choose from Ballet Shoes, I Can Fly, Magical, Sarrocchi and Sizzling.

The Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes will seen the seasonal return of Clive Cox’s consistent Harry Angel. Cox is hoping it will be an ideal prep race for Royal Ascot.

“Obviously he’s got a penalty here and then we’re looking at a similar path (for the season) to last year, once we get to Royal Ascot – it will be the Diamond Jubilee and the rest,” said the Lambourn trainer.

“It will be nice to get a run under his belt. The team are in good form, but I’m sure he’ll improve for the run as well, so I’m very pleased he’s in good order and starting his season this week.

“It’s an important stepping stone to Ascot.”

The last two winners of this race, Tasleet and Magical Memory, should be there contesting the race again while Aidan O'Brien is responsible for no less than seven in the list - Intelligence Cross, Spirit Of Valor, Washington DC, Declarationofpeace, Fleet Review, Murillo and Sioux Nation.

Henry Candy’s Limato and the in-form Kevin Ryan-trained Brando figure among the Duke of York possibles, as does James Fanshawe’s The Tin Man.

 

Thursday

Crossed Baton has already won an Investec Derby trial, and now he is set for another, with connections confirming this he will appear in this week’s Dante Stakes on Thursday.

The Prince Khalid Abdullah owned colt made it three wins in four career starts when successful at Epsom last month.

He showed his talent by making all to win the listed race by a head from My Lord And Master with Dee Ex Bee a further length and a quarter behind. The form already has a solid look to it with the second and third both finishing second in subsequent races at the Chester May Festival last week.

Local trainer Tim Easterby runs Well Farhh Go and he would be a popular Yorkshire winner.

The three-year-old was unbeaten in two starts on the Knavesmire last season and will be aiming to make it an impressive hat-trick this week.

Aidan O’Brien has four remaining contenders in Full Moon, James Cook, Kew Gardens and Zabriskie all in the hunt.

Mark Johnston’s Mildenberger will have his Derby credentials out to the test in the Dante Stakes.

Although he is not entered for the Derby at this stage the Middleham-based trainer won last year’s Dante with the ill-fated Permian before supplementing him for the premier Classic, a route connections may well consider again.

Mildenberger made a successful start to his three-year-old campaign in the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket in mid-April.

 

Friday

Jessica Harrington’s Sagaro Stakes winner Torcedor is among 16 confirmations for the Yorkshire Cup on Friday.

Jessica Harrington's six-year-old took the Ascot event, which is one of the first legs in the WH Stayers' Million, and he would need to take this race before going on to the final leg - the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

Another Irish trainer, Willie Mullins, has left in Max Dynamite and Wicklow Brave, who both ran over hurdles at last month's Punchestown Festival.

 

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

The last weekend of the Premier League season is here. A campaign that started back in August has finally reached its ending, with a fair share of surprises along the way.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much to play for on the last day of the season. Drama is possible still, though, particularly in the contest for the top four.

Here are a few thoughts and tips on some of the more interesting clashes this Sunday…

LIVERPOOL vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Liverpool, thanks to their superior goal difference, need just a draw in this one to wrap up a Champions League spot for next season. They could guarantee that with a victory over Real Madrid in the final, too, but they hardly need more pressure being heaped onto that match.

Brighton have stayed up with relative ease. Amidst the admiration for teams escaping the drop, the efficiency of Chris Hughton’s side has been forgotten at times.

It's certainly not out of their reach to snatch a win at Anfield, though their focus may not be quite the same as it was a few weeks ago.

Liverpool will be at full strength for this one. I expect a return to Anfield normality, meaning a comfortable win and a few goals along the way.

TIP: Over 2.5 home goals @ 4/5

 

NEWCASTLE UNITED vs Chelsea

Chelsea need to win to capitalise on a potential Liverpool defeat at Anfield. The Blues’ failure to beat Huddersfield in midweek minimised their chances of a top four finish, as Antonio Conte again became the enemy of the home fans.

The decision to leave Eden Hazard on the bench was puzzling, and it will be interesting to see if the Italian opts to leave his star out again in the north east.

via GIPHY

Newcastle have done what so many mid-table teams do. Get safe early, then lose a string of matches to make the season look less impressive. They have earnt these relaxed performances but will likely be back to their best in front of their own fans to close the season.

I like Newcastle’s price to avoid defeat here. Chelsea are heading into a period of transition again and could struggle to create if Newcastle can return to their form of a few weeks ago.

TIP: Newcastle to win or draw @ 11/8

 

Southampton vs MANCHESTER CITY

Mark Hughes has done what he had to with Southampton. It’s no miracle work from Hughes, but Saints at least have some attacking emphasis now.

They just have to avoid one of the all-time heaviest Premier League defeats to stay up. The club would have accepted that a few weeks ago.

Manchester City are perhaps the worst team in the world to face in such circumstances, though. While I doubt they’ll score eight, we certainly know they could do against a Southampton side who have leaked goals since Hughes took over.

I fancy City to score a few goals to make us all wonder if they’ll actually do it.

TIP: Over 2.5 away goals @ 29/20

 

SWANSEA CITY vs Stoke City

Swansea were understandably mortified at defeat to Southampton on Tuesday. Carlos Carvalhal’s club then saw Huddersfield secure safety with a point at Chelsea, to put them on the brink of the Championship.

They’re not gone just yet, however, but require a ten-goal swing in goal difference with Southampton on the final day.

Stoke have exaggerated their season of meltdown since their own relegation was confirmed. The Potters have been dire under Paul Lambert and would have been the ideal opponent had the hosts given themselves a decent chance.

This match should have been a showdown. Unfortunately, the recruitment failings of both clubs meant they couldn’t even hold on that long. I think Swansea will do what they have to do, but this will be a Championship fixture next season.

TIP: Swansea to win @ 10/11

 

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

Playoff season is here. Charlton Athletic and Shrewsbury Town went toe to toe on Thursday evening and Paul Hurst’s men came out on top at The Valley. Lee Bowyer’s side will look to regroup ahead of the trip up to Shrewsbury on Sunday evening.

But anyway, enough about that – it is time to focus on the upcoming playoff games. Derby County and Fulham could serve up a feast of football at Pride Park on Friday night; check out our best bets on the five remaining postseason first leg fixtures below…

DERBY COUNTY vs FULHAM

The Rams will be quietly confident of securing a positive result on home soil and the Pride Park faithful could give Derby an edge on Friday night.

Gary Rowett’s side finished 13 points behind Fulham in the regular season but in a two-legged playoff game, anything can happen – and it so often does.

Fulham head into this clash as the Championship’s in-form team and the Cottagers will take some stopping in their pursuit of promotion.

Slavisa Jokanovic will have his troops fired up and the visitors will be looking to emulate March’s 2-1 triumph in this fixture. The selection has landed in the last five games involving both clubs and I’ll be taking that at 3/4.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 3/4

 

SCUNTHORPE UNITED vs ROTHERHAM UNITED

Scunthorpe are on an eight-match unbeaten run and plenty of punters will fancy the Iron to avoid defeat this weekend.

The decision to sack Graham Alexander raised a few eyebrows at the time but what a decision it was. Since then, Nick Daws has taken over and Scunthorpe are playing well – the hosts are value at 2/5 to win or draw here.

Fortunately for Rotherham, their recent form in this encounter is positive. The visitors won both regular season matches this season and Paul Warne will be quietly confident of picking up a positive result in this clash.

The Millers have been superb in the second half of the campaign and fans will be hoping for another big effort on Saturday afternoon.

TIP: Scunthorpe to win OR draw @ 2/5

 

LINCOLN CITY vs EXETER CITY

Just five points separated seventh-placed Lincoln and third-placed Exeter and there is little to choose between them ahead of this playoff clash.

A tight encounter is fancied at Sincil Bank; neither side will want to give too much away. Lincoln will look to exploit any hesitancy shown by Exeter though and the Imps could be the team to back.

Meanwhile, the Grecians limped over the line to secure third spot after winning just two of their final five games.

With 19 goals this season, Jayden Stockley could be Exeter’s biggest threat on Saturday and the visiting fans will be expecting a big performance from the 24-year-old. For me, the 4/5 for both teams NOT to score is the one to be on.

TIP: Both teams to score – NO @ 4/5

 

MIDDLESBROUGH vs ASTON VILLA

Tony Pulis will have Middlesbrough fired up and ready to go on Saturday evening – there is an aura of expectation around the Riverside Stadium.

Patrick Bamford’s 97^th minute goal at Ipswich Town last weekend moved Boro up to fifth and that secured a clash with Aston Villa; the hosts need to get off to a fast start in this encounter.

The visitors will be quietly confident of securing a result in the north east and 8/13 for Steve Bruce’s side to avoid defeat is well worth taking.

Villa have been solid for the most part of the campaign and another consistent performance looks likely here. At the very least, they should head back to Villa Park knowing that a win will be enough to secure a Wembley berth.

TIP: Aston Villa to win OR draw @ 8/13

 

COVENTRY CITY vs NOTTS COUNTY

It would be foolish to write Coventry off at the Ricoh Arena. The Sky Blues have been solid on home turf all season and another positive result could be on the cards.

It might be a close encounter though; defences may come out on top. 4/6 for under 2.5 goals is the way to go in this clash.

Notts County were leading the way at the top of the table in the early stages of the season but their form tailed off after the busy festive period.

Capable of causing Coventry issues, the visitors may choose to sit back and soak up pressure before counter attacking. It might not be the most entertaining contest this weekend but it will be intriguing nevertheless.

TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 4/6

 

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

For two decades Shay Given was a familiar presence in Premier League goalmouths, pulling off spectacular point-blank saves and earning an undisputed reputation for being one of the best goalkeepers in the modern era. Only two other players have ever appeared more in a Newcastle jersey while his 134 caps for the Republic of Ireland is a testament to his astounding consistency at the very highest level. After eleven years at St James’ Park, moves to Manchester City and Aston Villa followed for the agile stopper who was included in the PFA Team of the Year on two separate occasions. 

Here the Irish legend discusses the varying fortunes of three of his former clubs starting with the recently crowned Premier League champions and a goalkeeper intent on ripping up the playbook.

City are champions for the long-haul

It is always interesting to seek out the opinion of retired number ones on the extreme sweeper-keepering of Manchester City’s Ederson Moraes. This is especially true of Given who revelled in playing out from the back before it became fashionable. 
Even so, when it comes to all-round quality the 42 year old insists that the brilliant Brazilian remains the second best in the city of Manchester. 

“On the other side of the city of course is Ederson and he has just won the Premier League in his first season. He’s relatively young and still learning his trade and if you asked Pep Guardiola this same question he’d go with Ederson because of how good he is at the back and keeping the ball. He picks people out fifty, sixty yards up the pitch. At times you think it’s a miskick along the ground but it’s to Jesus’ feet and he’s turning and away. It’s a different kind of goalkeeper but at the same time he’s made big saves this season as well and he’s got a great future ahead of him.”  

The former keeper turned pundit was recently present for the trophy-parading celebration at the Etihad after City completed their third title in seven years. Having signed for the club in 2009 at the start of their incredible journey he has witnessed close-at-hand the transformation that has taken place by the blue half of Manchester. 

“You have to give a great deal of credit to Sheikh Mansour and Khaldoon Al Mubarak the chairman who I have met on numerous occasions and he has a great passion for the club. They are here for the long-haul and what they’ve done for the club speaks for itself. It’s awesome and you only have to look at the jobs they have created in Manchester and obviously the brand because City are massive now around the world.”

“They said they were going to do all this when they came in but initially people are always sceptical aren’t they because owners have come in before and sold up after a couple of years. They deserve great credit for sticking to what they said.” 

Newcastle need to strengthen or risk losing Rafa

North-east of the Etihad meanwhile an owner continues to survey his kingdom while the Newcastle fans hope in vain that he does sell up and move on. 

Since taking control at St James’ Park in 2007 Mike Ashley has proven to be an immensely unpopular figurehead among the Geordie faithful with his reluctance to invest on the pitch and a sacrilegious decision taken seven years ago to rename the sacred ground after his sporting goods company. 
Having experienced Ashley’s roughshod methods first-hand when his transfer to Manchester City turned sour Given despairs of how his beloved club is being run. 

“You wonder about Amanda Staveley and whether that’s all dead in the water. If someone did come forward and offer financial support then with Rafa in charge I think they could do big things.” 

If the boardroom is distrusted by the Toon Army the same can certainly not be said of the man who inhabits the dug-out with Rafa Benitez greatly impressing with his managerial nous and striking up a genuine connection with the fan-base. How important is it that the Spaniard’s services are retained this summer?

“It’s massive. He brings so much to the football club and he’s a big presence with the city not just Newcastle United. He’s got a wealth of knowledge and experience and he’s in that top bracket of managers. He could go to most jobs in Europe and he’s quite sought after and that’s my concern – can they keep him this summer? That will come down to the owner and his support but we don’t want to lose him.” 

“His work this year has been phenomenal on not a big budget but will he want to do the same again? It’s a worry for the fans that he might leave.” 

Benitez has rightfully and widely been praised for coercing a Championship-standard squad into the top ten of the top flight yet in Jamaal Lascelles they have a centre-back of rare quality. Does Given believe the 24 year should be Russia-bound this June? 

“Lascelles is a young defender of course but he is clearly a leader both on the pitch and off it and he’s captain of Newcastle as well. There are still a couple of places to be finalised and I think he could be one of them to get on the plane. Obviously there is Smalling and Jones at Manchester United and Maguire has done well but Cahill hasn’t been in the last couple of squads and there is room for Lascelles.”

Bruce is perfect for Villa 

Further south in the Midlands we reach Villa Park where Given was forced to display his excellent shot-stopping talents perhaps more than he would have wished during a mixed four year spell. 

Having endured relegation in 2016 the Villans are now preparing for the tumultuous and tense ordeal of the Play-Offs with a season-defining semi-final against Middlesbrough imminent. Does the veteran stopper believe his former club can prevail?

“We all know it’s a bit of a lottery but they have a good chance because they’ve got an experienced group of players. Some of them have been there before and Steve Bruce has definitely been there before as a manager. He knows how to get the job done. I hope to see them back up there because they’re a huge club with a great stadium and fan-base. We’ve seen a full house at Villa Park again this season and it’s great to see that atmosphere returning.” 

Looking beyond the critical next two games does Given believe they have the right man in charge to take the club forward? 

“Yeah I do and I said that at the start of the season when they had a poor start. I said they just needed to relax and take a deep breath because he’s been here before and knows how to get out of the Championship. It’s a long season and ultimately he’s proven a lot of people wrong again. He’s the perfect man to get them up.”

Jack is the lad for England

Moving away from club allegiances it would be remiss to be in the company of such a venerable master in the art of goalkeeping and not enquire who he thinks should be starting between the sticks for England this summer.  Here Given is torn not by club association but friendships. 

“It’s a difficult one for me to answer because I’ve worked with Joe Hart and I’ve worked with Jack Butland. The ‘tell’ for me came in the recent friendlies when Gareth Southgate picked Jordan Pickford to play the first game – that said to me that he could start.” 

 

The Chester Cup, first run in 1824, takes place on Friday 11^th May and is the highlight of the Chester May Festival. It is a Class Two Heritage Handicap, run over 2 miles, 2 furlongs and 147 yards and in recent years horses that have been running over hurdles and are trained by a predominantly National Hunt stable have fared extremely well.

Here are some trends and statistics based on the last ten renewals of the race:

Recent Chester Cup Winners

2017 – Montaly (16/1) 2016 – No Heretic (11/1) 2015 – Trip To Paris (10/1) 2014 – Suegioo (10/1) 2013 – Address Unknown (12/1) 2012 – Il De Re (10/1) 2011 – Overturn (11/2) 2010 – Mamlook (7/1 fav) 2009 – Daraahem (7/1) 2008 – Bulwark (33/1) 2007.

 

Age Trends (winners-placed-runners)

4-yo-: 2-7-31

5-y-o: 1-6-44

6-y-o: 4-10-47

7-y-o: 2-4-28

8-y-o+: 1-3-18

Six-year-olds have had a decent time of it in recent years. Only two seven-year-olds have won the race in the last twenty years.

 

Weight (winners-placed-runners)

9st 7lb or more: 0-4-17

 9st to 9st 6lb: 5-14-68

 8st 7lb to 8st 13lb: 5-11-71

 8st to 8st 6lb: 0-1-12

Nine of the last ten winners carried a weight between 8st 9lb to 9st 4lb.

 

Historical Form

7/10 had won a Class Two race or higher.

7/10 had won a race over 2m+.

8/10 were having their first flat start of the season.

6/10 had their last run in April.

4/10 had previously finished in the first four in a race at Chester.

 

Draw

Despite being run over a distance of 2m2f the draw plays a big part – mainly due to Chester being one of the tightest tracks in Great Britain. Horses drawn low have always held sway at Chester meaning they can save ground and get good positions in the race – 10 of the last 15 winners were drawn from stall seven or below.

 

Fate Of The Favourites

Despite the market leaders having a poor win record a fair few of them have placed, with 8 of the last 15 favourites making the frame.

 

Official Ratings (winners-placed-runners)

100 or higher: 0-9-38

90 to 99: 10-16-105

 89 or lower: 0-5-25

The last ten winners were officially rated 93 to 99.

 

Price

There are no strong trends on the prices, the last ten winners were sent off at odds of between 11/2 to 16/1.

 

Top Trainers

Richard Fahey has a fine record in this saddling seven placed runners as well as the winner in 2007, first tow home in 2013, runner-up in 2014 and 4th in 2015 & 2016.

Donald McCain trained the winner in 2011 & 2012.  

Dermot Weld has been knocking on the door in recent years.

Mark Johnston has had plenty of runners in the frame but no recent winners.

 

Miscellaneous Trends 

Dr Marwan Koukash has owned three of the last 9 winners

The race has seen repeat winners three times since 1997

Since 1975 there have only been three winners aged 8 years-old

Since 1975 there have only been 4 winning favourites

The average winning SP in the last 15 years is 12/1.

 

The Main Contenders

An early season contest for staying handicappers, the Chester Cup is the target for several horses that are regular visitors to the Roodee.

Fun Mac, Magic Circle and Watersmeet all feature amongst the early declarations and will be hoping to improve on their respective 2017 runs.

Watersmeet has been raced successfully on the all- weather over the winter by trainer Mark Johnston and is a regular attendee at Chester during the summer season. Fun Mac won a valuable listed race at Maison-Lafitte last July and Magic Circle was successful at York in August.

Local trainer Donald McCain has already won the Chester Cup twice and has entered Good Tradition. McCain told reporters: “Obviously it’s a great race for the area and there’s a consolation race as well this year, so we could sneak in there, it will be good to have a runner at Chester. It’s surreal to win the Chester Cup, very satisfying and it was magic when we won the first time.”

Tom Dascombe is another local trainer and he will be represented in the race by the four-year- old Teodoro, twice a winner at Haydock Park in 2017 and also successful at Yarmouth at the tail end of last season.

Nakeeta, trained by Iain Jardine, was just touched off by a short head in the 2016 renewal. He could only finish tenth last year in the Chester Cup and but went on to land the Ebor Handicap at York in August.

Locally-owned Stargazer heads the betting at 8/1. The Phil Kirby-trained five-year-old has already proved his worth after he was snapped up cheaply from the Sir Michael Stoute stable.

Alan King’s Who Dares Wins has shown his liking for Chester in the past and he should run a big race, keeping up the fine record that National Hunt trainers tend to have in this race.

 

So What Will The Weather Be Like?

Early signs suggest it could be dry and sunny at the Chester for this year's Boodles May Festival with temperatures reach a high of 18 degrees on Ladies Day (Thursday, May 10).

City Day (Wednesday, May 9) and Chester Cup Day (Friday, May 11) both look good with plenty of sunshine forecast.

Click here for the latest odds on the Chester May Festival...

 

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

The end of the Premier League season often gets a bit chaotic. Teams, usually due to cup commitments, are left with extra matches to play, that are wedged into the May schedule.

Teams seemingly neck and neck are less balanced than it may appear due to an extra fixture. This week is when we discover if they can take advantage of that additional opportunity for points.

Here are a few thoughts and tips on the midweek matches…

Swansea City vs SOUTHAMPTON

The Premier League calendar has a way of finding these showdown fixtures. Few expected Southampton be in this sort of trouble when the season started, but Saints are firmly in must-win territory now with a visit from Manchester City on the last day of the season.

via GIPHY

Swansea are not in such dire straits. While their form is very poor – they’ve lost three straight – the visit of Stoke next weekend will give them a greater hope of survival even with defeat. Bouncing back from a defeat in this one would be an almighty task, mind.

Southampton were unlucky not to beat Everton at the weekend. I fancy Mark Hughes’ side to get something from south Wales given the struggles of the hosts lately. A draw, though, may well not be enough for Hughes.

TIP: Southampton to win OR draw @ 7/20

 

CHELSEA vs Huddersfield Town

Chelsea’s victory over Liverpool was peak Chelsea. Despite giving up countless first half chances, the Blues snatched a goal in the first half and held off the advances from Jurgen Klopp’s side in the second half. The win kept their top four hopes just about alive, but they still need to win their two remaining matches.

Although all the attention will be on Swansea and Southampton in the relegation scrap, Huddersfield could still go down. The Terriers got an invaluable point at the Etihad on Sunday but are only three points above 17^th with a final day matchup against Arsenal to look forwards to.

The hosts should win this one quite easily. Eden Hazard was superb on Sunday, another performance like that from the Belgian will see Chelsea cruise.

TIP: Chelsea to be winning at half-time and full-time @ 11/20

 

Leicester City vs ARSENAL

Leicester’s run of one point from five matches puts them at risk of slipping into the bottom half of the table. Claude Puel seemed to have sorted many of the issues at the King Power, but the former Southampton manager is under severe pressure to keep his job for next season.

One man who we know is changing job, Arsene Wenger, waved an emotional farewell to the Emirates last weekend. The Gunners have nothing to play for, but there has been a notable upturn in performance since Wenger’s announcement.

The attacking link-up of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is producing some magical football. Arsenal should be too strong for the Foxes here despite their dire away record.

TIP: Arsenal to win @ 19/20

 

MANCHESTER CITY vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION

Manchester City’s players might have sobered up from Sunday’s title celebrations by the time they welcome Brighton. Pep Guardiola may take this opportunity to name some of his younger players. They struggled against Huddersfield at the weekend, and it’s hard to know what sort of performance we will get from the champions.

The visitors will be in party mood themselves. Their Friday night victory over Manchester United secured their Premier League status for next season, as Chris Hughton completed what has been a superb season for the south coast club.

I expect a relaxed atmosphere for this one, which may see a fair few goals. More likely to be a 5-2 than another 0-0.

TIP: Over 3.5 goals @ Evens

 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs Newcastle United

Tottenham’s slip up against West Bromwich Albion has put the club under pressure for their top four spot. Mauricio Pochettino has seen his side win just once in four league outings, and they could slip to fifth if they lose at home to Newcastle on Wednesday evening.

via GIPHY

Everything is good for Newcastle for once. Safety was guaranteed with plenty of breathing space, and rumours of Rafa Benitez departing are quieter than they have been at almost any time during his tenure. A top half finish would be a remarkable achievement for the Magpies.

I think Spurs will return to form of sorts at Wembley. It might end up being a relatively comfortable one as Newcastle’s players begin to turn their attentions towards the Mediterranean beaches.

TIP: Spurs to be winning at half-time and full-time @ 8/15

 

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