The Tolworth Hurdle is a good pointer to some of the novice events at the Cheltenham Festival and has often been a stepping stone to greater things over the years.

The contest is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 2 miles and 110 yards with a generous first prize of almost £30,000

The race was abandoned in 2009 & 2010 and in 2014 was rescheduled to Kempton.

Recent winners of the Tolworth include Finian’s Oscar, Yorkhill and L’ami Serge and back in the day, even Desert Orchid won it.

Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls have pretty much monopolised the race in recent years, with Nicholls winning the race on four occasions since 2000, while Henderson has saddled the winner four times in the last seven years.

Runner-by-runner guide

Western Ryder

Two miles on soft ground should suit the Warren Greatrex trained six-year-old and the form of his Cheltenham win looks solid with the likes of Lalor in behind him.

Western Ryder, who was fifth in the Champion Bumper last term, is a general 20/1 chance for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and also 20/1 for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Whatswrongwithyou

Whatswrongwithyou looks to be the stable third-string here but it would be very dangerous to dismiss him out of hand.

Although his future appears to be over the larger obstacles this point-to-point and bumper winner has schooled well over the smaller obstacles at home and went well on his first appearance of the season at Sandown.

Sussex Ranger

Two wins from two starts already this season and probably a horse on the upgrade.  A winner on soft ground on the flat, the Gary Moore trained four-year-old should see the youngster in good stead for predicted going on Saturday.

He runs here in preference to the Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow.

We Have A Dream

Nicky Henderson’s We Have A Dream is the 11/10 favourite for the feature hurdle race at Chepstow on Saturday but there has been sustained support all week for him in the Tolworth.

Winner of the Summit Juvenile Hurdle last time out the four-year-old looks like another exciting prospect for his owners.

The Russian Doyen

The Russian Doyen comes into the race on the back of a win at Exeter in December.  

The runner-up in that race has since won but it remains to be seen whether Colin Tizzard’s gelding has the necessary class to take this feature.

Summerville Boy

Summerville Boy was second to the highly regarded Slate House at Cheltenham this season then was well held on his return to the venue by Western Ryder.

Tom George's runner will need to step up considerably on those two defeats to figure here.

Dream Brother

Won an Irish point-to-point race at Belclare some 272 days ago and comes into the race a total unknown quantity.

It would come as a major shock if this horse can win a race of this magnitude on its British debut.

Kalashnikov

Hailing from the Amy Murphy yard, this progressive gelding easily beat Al Shahir at Wetherby first time up in the soft ground before going on to beat Irish Prophecy at Doncaster last month.  

Talked about as a potential Supreme Novices’ Hurdle contender, Murphy will be keeping a close eye on the weather this weekend before committing him to run.

Mont Des Avaloirs

The Paul Nicholls trained Mont Des Avaloirs fell on his hurdles debut at Wincanton in November with the race at this mercy. That mishap was firmly put behind him next time up as he scored by three lengths over Midnight Shadow at Aintree in December.

This is a step up again in class but his trainer is no stranger to landing this trophy.

Claimantakinforgan

Third in last season's Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, Nicky Henderson's runner has won each of his two starts over hurdles, most recently scoring in the Grade Two Supreme Trial at Ascot.

However at the time of writing this preview news is filtering through that Claimantakinforgan appears to be an increasingly unlikely runner in the Tolworth Hurdle with Henderson reluctant to run his novice on heavy ground.

Claimantakinforgan is currently the 8/1 clear favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Conclusion

With the participation of some of the runners in doubt it will probably be more prudent to save your money until Saturday morning until the final field is decided.

Unfortunately one of the pitfalls of ante-post punting in the depths of winter is that race conditions and a variety of other circumstances often conspire against us.

Claimantakinforgan is the most likely winner of the race should he line up, but if he does not then the form choice has to be Western Ryder.

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

The race takes place over three miles, five and a half furlongs and over 22 fences, probably on soft/heavy going, and will test the stamina reserves of all the contenders. There will be no hiding place for non-stayers.

The Welsh Grand National is often a stepping stone to Aintree Grand National glory, not always necessarily in the same calendar year, but it’s certainly a race that tests a horse’s credentials for taking on Merseyside’s blue riband event.

The Welsh National roll of honour includes Aintree Grand National winners, the likes of Corbiere in 1982, Earth Summit in 1997, Bindaree in 2003 and Silver Birch in 2004 as well as Cheltenham Gold Cup winners - Burrough Hill Lad in 1983, Cool Ground in 1990, Master Oats in 1994 and Synchronised in 2010. It’s a veritable who’s who of Chasing greats.

Here is a look back at the last ten years of trends and statistics on the Welsh marathon race.

Age (wins)

6-y-o (1), 7-y-o (3), 8-y-o (5), 11-y-o (1).

Weight (wins)

10st 10lb+ (4) 10st 9lb or under (6)

It is worth noting that since the turn of the millennium all six Welsh Grand Nationals that have been run on heavy going have been won by horses carrying 10st 9lbs or less.

Previous form

• 10/10 winners ran in the last 55 days
• 9/10 winners finished in the first four last time out

• 9/10 winners won over 3m+ at a left-handed track
• 9/10 winners had finished in the first three in a Listed or Graded Chase

Trainer success (with runners this year)

R.Lee/K.Lee (2), P.Nicholls (1), V.Williams (1), P.Hobbs (1), M.Scudamore (1), C.Tizzard (1).

Starting Price

Last year Native River (11/4f) was a rare winning favourite. Silver Birch (100/30f) in 2004 was the last winning favourite prior to that.

Interesting contenders

Vicente (current odds 14/1)

With five horses above him taken out of Wednesday’s race, the Paul Nicholls-trained Scottish National winner will have to shoulder the welter burden of 11st 12lb if taking up his entry.

Rock the Kasbah (current odds 8/1)

The seven-year-old has enjoyed a nice break since his comeback win at Chepstow and his liking for the course could be a crucial factor. Rock The Kasbah can boast form figures of 22111 at the Welsh track.

He has given every indication that he'll stay, and the going conditions should not bother him at all.

Beware The Bear (current odds 7/1)

Nicky Henderson’s improving stayer Beware The Bear has been the clear favourite in most lists for the Welsh National after overcoming a slipping saddle to win Newcastle's Rehearsal Chase off a mark of 145.

Henderson has never won the Welsh Grand National (or any National for that matter) and does not claim to be a fan of it due to the conditions that usually prevail on the day.

These are worrying statistics for any ante-post punter but he still remains strong in the market.

Chase The Spud (current odds 8/1)

Fergal O'Brien's improving staying chaser Chase The Spud is a popular pick for the race. The nine-year-old was last seen winning at Haydock on Betfair Chase day, staying on dourly in testing conditions to record his fourth chase victory.

One of those four victories happened to be the Midlands Grand National which he won back in March.

O'Brien reports Chase The Spud to have taken those Haydock exertions well and is looking forward to sending him across to Chepstow to contest yet another National.

Ask The Weatherman (current odds 12/1)

Former pointer Ask The Weatherman arrives at the Welsh National following a gusty win under top weight in a handicap chase at Exeter.

The eight-year-old carried 12st 4lb to victory to score by ¾ of a length, continuing an excellent start to the licensed trainer's career for Jack Barber.

Ask The Weatherman won open point-to-points at Larkhill and Trebudannon last season, plus a hunters' chase at Wincanton, but in the St James's Place Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival he floundered and could do no better than seventh of the 23 runners.

Barber put that performance down to the ground being too quick for him that day and he will certainly get conditions more to his liking on Wednesday.

Mysteree (current odds 12/1)

The nine-year-old makes his first start of the season in the Grade Three contest which his trainer Michael Scudamore won in 2012 with Monbeg Dude.

Winner of the Eider Chase on his penultimate outing, the former Lucinda Russell-trained gelding was last seen finishing second to Chase The Spud in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter in March.

The horse has a good record fresh and stays all day in the going.

Folsom Blue (current odds 12/1)

Placed in an Irish National during his time with Mouse Morris, the 10-year-old has “warmed up” for a tilt at this Welsh marathon by running in two hurdles races for his new trainer Gordon Elliott.

A change of scenery appears to have sparked some new vigour into the gelding and Elliott has proved he is very astute at placing his runners in the right races.

Final Nudge (current odds 12/1)

The David Dennis trained Final Nudge appeared to be going extremely well when coming down four out in the Midlands National last year and he also ran a massive race in the Badger Ales on his seasonal return.

This race has been on the cards for the eight-year-old for some time.

Raz De Maree (current odds 16/1)

The twelve-year-old ran a superb race to finish second to Native River in the Chepstow showpiece twelve months ago and is only 1lb higher this year. He geared up for another tilt at the race by running in a 3m handicap hurdle at Southwell.

Raz De Maree has won the Cork National twice, the Munster National and has been runner-up in both the Welsh National and the Midlands National.

As he approaches his thirteenth birthday he still appears to be a willing partner in these distance handicaps.

888sport suggests: Raz De Maree (E/W)

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

Split by a mere two points, Brighton and Bournemouth’s contrasting starts to the season have met in the (lower) middle of the Premier League. The New Year’s Day lunchtime hosts started well, but their run of one win in 10 league matches has left Chris Hughton’s side teetering.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, had a torrid start. The Cherries have had brief relief by taking four points from their last two matches. The last gasp win over Everton was needed and brought an end to a nine-match winless run. Eddie Howe might just see that as a springboard to find a little comfort.

It’s probably a good time to visit Brighton. The Seagulls are still struggling in the final third, and sit in the bottom three on expected goals (per understat). Additions to their frontline will almost certainly come in January, so Bournemouth are fortunate to get their trip to the Amex in before any new names appear.

Howe’s team are not the same as they were last season. Where Joshua King was a sensation early in 2017, their attack is short of potency. Jermain Defoe has struggled at times this season, and defensive fragility remains.

Pair that with Brighton’s limitations going forward, and under 2.5 goals looks a worthwhile pick. Hughton is a pragmatic manager at the best of times, but a lack of creativity forces the south coast side to prioritise defence. It has worked for the most part, putting them in the top half of the expected goals against table.

At 11/20, the price on under 2.5 is on the short side. I still would consider it, though, as Brighton have failed to score in five of their last six.

As you have probably guessed, this match does not look like a good one for the neutral. Hughton has his Brighton side well-drilled, and will set out to avoid defeat first. Unfortunately, efficiency seldom makes for aesthetically-pleasing football. This match is not going to shake you out of your New Year’s Day hangover, unfortunately.

If there are going to be any goals in this at all, then Pascal Gross to score at 21/5 is certainly the value pick from both teams. It’s far from a nailed-on thing, but the German is very likely to be involved if the hosts do create anything meaningful.

I am going to sit on the fence here. It would be great to see a thriller to start the Premier League’s 2018 adventures, but we will have to wait for one of the later kick-offs for such a match. A point is acceptable for Bournemouth, and it’s no disaster for Brighton, who would keep themselves above the Cherries in the table as they await attacking reinforcement.

The highlight of this might be how people react to it on Twitter. I am expecting a lot of snoring GIFs, and a fair bit of whining that there haven’t been any goals.

Of course, I am hoping that I am hideously wrong. So wrong that we watch one of the best matches of all time. It would be reckless to tip that, though.

TIP: Match to finish 0-0 @ 13/2

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

Festive football continues this weekend. It has been a true feast for any football fan of late, and we are lucky enough that there is a whole schedule on Saturday.

Our attention for this piece is on the Premier League and – as is now tradition in these parts – my weekly look at the 3pm games. So, here goes.

Chelsea vs Stoke City

Mark Hughes has taken four points from his last two matches to keep his job. In a crucial spell of matches, the trip to Stamford Bridge is probably a simple case of avoiding a thrashing for the Potters, who may well rotate with a key clash with Newcastle coming up.

Chelsea, meanwhile, could go above Manchester United. Perhaps irrelevant other than a bit of extra prize money, but an interesting psychological development for the reigning champions.

Eden Hazard is obviously the man to watch. The Belgian might be the only reason to watch this one, in fact. The Blues are in decent form – largely down to Hazard – and I just cannot see past a comfortable home win at the Bridge. Sorry, Potters.

TIP: Chelsea to win @ 1/6

Huddersfield Town vs Burnley

Huddersfield and Burnley are separated by 10 points. It’s remarkable that that is the case, and it’s not because one has been cut adrift. The Terriers are cosy in mid-table, while Sean Dyche’s Clarets continue to defy logic to chest bump with the best in the league.

After a poor run, Huddersfield have put together a three-match unbeaten streak. The draw at home to Stoke on Boxing Day was underwhelming to say the least, but David Wagner’s side continue to look every bit a Premier League team, though investment in January remains probable.

Burnley, in contrast, have not won in three. Depending on your perspective they were unlucky/lucky to draw at Old Trafford last time out. As much as I don’t see a top seven finish for the Clarets this season, I think they’ll get something here - the draw looks well priced...

TIP: Match to be drawn @ 41/20

Liverpool vs Leicester City

Liverpool’s attacking display against Swansea was a joy to watch. Since then, they’ve completed a deal to sign their long-term target, Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman is not available until the turn of the year, however.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are perhaps the most exciting team to watch in the league right now. Goals are an absolute certainty with so much attacking talent on the pitch, and they face a Leicester team who have seen the over 2.5 line land in each of their previous five league matches.

Although there have been the beginnings of a blip for the Foxes, Claude Puel has done a stellar job since replacing Craig Shakespeare. The Jamie Vardy, Marc Albrighton, Riyad Mahrez axis is at its fearsome best, and will almost certainly cause this comedy-providing Liverpool defence trouble.

I expect a Liverpool victory, but I’m playing it cautious with my prediction here.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/11

Newcastle United vs Brighton

These two newly-promoted sides will be relatively happy with their current positions. While both are far from clear of relegation peril, Brighton sit three points above Newcastle. The Magpies gave a decent account of themselves at home to Manchester City on Wednesday night, but still loiter only one point above the bottom three.

Those matches have little bearing on a campaign, though. The key for Rafa Benitez and his under-funded squad is home clashes with sides around them, such as this one. It is a must-not-lose as much as it is vital to win to build upon their victory at the London Stadium.

That performance against West Ham – despite defence insecurity – was a vast improvement for the Magpies. I think a display like that will be far too much for Brighton.

TIP: Newcastle to win @ 23/20

Not many teams can be feeling better than Manchester City as they tuck into whatever footballers have for their Christmas meal. One such team might just be Newcastle United - the two will go up against each other on Wednesday evening.

The Magpies had one point in nine league matches when they went to the London Stadium to face an in-form West Ham. Rafael Benitez’s side collected an improbable three points with a blend of fortune and improvement.

The attack was unleashed, and their direct game found holes in the Hammers’ back line. The victory pulled the northeast club away from the peril of the bottom three, though they could be back there by the time they kick-off on December 27^th.

Such joy on the 23^rd will have been wiped out when the Magpies took a peek at their fixture list, mind.

Manchester City arrive at St James’ Park on a record-breaking 17-match winning streak. Pep Guardiola’s side have dropped just two points all season, and are playing football better than we have ever seen in this country. Even when the Spaniard has rotated, City look otherworldly. It’s like they are playing a different game, and no team has yet found a formula to frustrate the champions elect.

Perhaps most remarkable of all has been City’s defence. It is not fortune that they have concede just 12 this season. It begins with a high press, and ends with the superb Ederson sweeping and leaping to smother any danger.

Their expected goals against are a smidgen under 12, which is four goals superior to the next best team. Even with the Magpies’ offensive success against West Ham, the 23/25 price on Newcastle to fail to score is a good one.

It’s at this point that I would usually turn to the goal scoring markets. The trouble with City is, they could come from almost anywhere. Guardiola’s rotation makes it even more perilous, especially during this frankly insane schedule. The one that might be worth a shot is Leroy Sane to score anytime at 13/10, but that’s still quite a risk given their options.

As with my piece on Liverpool vs Swansea, it would be great to see some festive cheer for the underdogs. Newcastle, though, like Swansea, stand almost no chance in my mind. It would take a red card and a freaky catalogue of events for the visitors to leave with anything other than three points.

Other records could yet tumble on this extraordinary streak. Away from those, City to score over 2.5 goals at 5/6 is what should be getting all your attention. Despite victory at the London Stadium, Benitez’s side were vulnerable at the back. Any vulnerability will be brutally exposed by David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne.

Newcastle’s relegation will not be decided in matches like this, and the title is as good as in Guardiola’s hands. Weirdly, there’s not too much riding on their clash at St James’. Still, I’m sure you’ll all be tuning in just for the show that is Manchester City.

TIP: Manchester City to win 3-0 @ 13/2

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

Manchester United are in a bad spell, whatever Jose Mourinho claims. The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ is in a particularly spiky mood lately.

Southampton, though, are in a rut of their own. Their thrashing at Wembley on Boxing Day was a lowest point of their season, and Mauricio Pellegrino is under severe pressure to turn things around. As of December 27^th, Saints are just two points above the bottom three. Since a three-match unbeaten run in October, they have won one match.

This pre-New-Year’s-Eve clash is terribly timed for the visitors. Well, it should be. Manchester United are traditionally a dangerous wounded animal, as is Mourinho. The trouble is, there are inklings of meltdown at Old Trafford. From calling his players ‘childish’ to hilariously bemoaning his lack of funds, Mourinho is in dangerous territory.

The superiority of Manchester City is hurting Mourinho. Their last three matches have seen them sandwich a defeat to Bristol City with draws to Leicester and Burnley. By kick-off with Southampton, United could be 15 points off Manchester City, and more importantly, will be six ahead of fifth-place Tottenham. The title is out of reach, falling out of the top four remains a realistic prospect.

Aside from his increasingly comical rants to the press, Mourinho is left with dilemmas ahead of this one. He fielded Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku from the start against Burnley. It did not go well. Does he try it again? Does he change system? Is it time to give Lukaku a rest?

I cannot answer those for you, unfortunately. What we do know, though, is that Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Jesse Lingard were excellent when they came on. Lingard is arguably United’s most important player at the moment, such is the unselfish work he does off-the-ball. The 6/1 on the England international to open the scoring is value.

United were good in the second half to come back from two down to Burnley. This was not some great brave tactic, however. There was no choice other than all-out attack. It would be a mistake to expect such front-foot, attacking football in this clash from the off. For that reason, I really like 11/10 on under 2.5 goals.

Backing that does rely on Southampton returning to defensive form of sorts. Their expected goals against are eighth best in the league, but they were a disaster at the back against Spurs. Southampton are a better side than form suggests, and they should be comfortably safe this season. This could be the match that ends their extended blip.

There’s a surprising amount on the line in this one. Another performance like the first hour against Spurs, and Pellegrino will be close to departing. Failure to win – and possibly falling to third – might just see Mourinho combust in his post-match media duties.

I saw enough in Southampton’s performance after the substitutions against Spurs to believe they can extend this torrid run for United. Mourinho claims they deserved to score more in their last few games, but their defence is vulnerable again, and the attack is dysfunctional. The 19/5 price on a draw is a very good one. 

TIP: Match to be drawn 1-1 @ 8/1

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

The Long Walk Hurdle was first run in 1965 and it was initially a handicap race. It became a conditions race in 1971, and it was given Grade One status in 1990. Prior to the redevelopment of Ascot Racecourse (2004-2006) the race was run over 3 miles and 1½ furlongs.

Four winners of the Long Walk Hurdle have gone on to win the World Hurdle in the same season. Derring Rose (1980–81), Baracouda (2001–02), My Way de Solzen (2005–06) and Big Buck’s (2009–10, 2010-11 and 2011-12).

Trends (source: The Stats Don’t Lie)

Age – 9 of the last 12 winners were aged between 6 and 8-y-o.
Price – 7 of the last 12 favourites have won, 9/12 winners were in the top three in the betting.
Last Run – 6 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before the Long Walk Hurdle, 11/12 winners ran within the last 38 days.
Previous Course Form – 6/12 winners had at least one previous run at Ascot, 3/12 winners had at least one previous win at Ascot.
Previous Distance Form – 10/12 winners had at least three previous runs over 24-26 furlongs, 9/12 had at least one previous win over 24-26 furlongs.
Previous Hurdle Form – 9/12 winners had at least 10 runs over hurdles, 12/12 winners had at least three wins over hurdles, 9/12 winners had at least four wins over hurdles.
Rating – 9/12 winners were rated 151 or higher.
Grade 1 Wins – 8/12 winners had at least one previous win in a Grade 1 race.
Season Form – 12/12 winners had at least one run that season, 8/12 winners had at least one win that season.

Here is a runner-by-runner guide to Saturday’s big race:

Agrapart

The Nick Williams trained Agrapart scored at Cheltenham last New Year’s Day, beating L’ami Serge in the process but the six-year-old has failed to find his spark since.

Connections, including his jockey Lizzie Kelly, are adamant that he needs the going to be as heavy as possible to be seen at his best on Saturday.

Saying that, conditions at Auteuil for his last two runs ranged from soft to heavy but he could only finish seventh on both occasions.

L’Ami Serge

The winner of the Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil back in June, L’Ami Serge is likely to benefit from the return to 3 miles, and is entitled to be thereabouts on all known form.

His subsequent return in the 2m 3f Coral Hurdle was a fine effort given he was conceding race fitness to Lil Rockerfeller and he ought to have come on for that run.

Lil Rockerfeller

Neil King’s gutsy chestnut gelding finished runner-up in this race twelve months ago behind Unowhatimeanharry prior to finishing ahead of the same rival at Cheltenham in the Stayers’ Hurdle.

After a decent return to action in testing conditions at Wetherby he went on to beat L’ami Serge in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot.

Finishing in second place behind Nichols Canyon in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham was no mean feat and the six-year-old should be on the premises again in this contest.

Sam Spinner

Sam Spinner galloped his rivals into submission when making all in a competitive handicap at Haydock last time out and he appears to be on an upward curve.

Jedd O’Keefe’s runner will find it much tougher to fend of seasoned Grade One performers off level weights from the front but those will be probably be the tactics that will be adopted again.

The predicted soft ground will suit the five-year-old however and this young horse could easily take the step up in class here in his stride.

Taquin Du Seuil

Taquin Du Seuil finished third in the Coral Hurdle, running on well in the closing stages but all too late given that the bird had already flown.

Jonjo O’Neill’s ten-year-old last scored over hurdles in the 2012 Challow Hurdle, after being largely campaigned over fences with some success, namely the BetVictor Gold Cup in 2016.

The gelding will probably run another solid race but you can only envisage him placing at best.

The Worlds End

The six-year-old was well fancied on his seasonal return at Haydock in the race won by Sam Spinner but he failed to get competitive that day and was beaten a good thirty lengths.

The Worlds End will be bidding for a second top-level success in this feature race after scoring last season at Aintree in the Sefton Hurdle.

With ground conditions not expected to be quite as tacky as they were at Haydock, Tom George’s gelding could well put that last run behind him.

Thomas Campbell

The Nicky Henderson trained Thomas Campbell has already registered two comfortable victories in 3m handicaps at Cheltenham this term, the second of which he managed to defy a 10lb rise in the weights.

Considered a 16/1 contender for the Stayers Hurdle next March, the five-year-old may not have finished his meteoric rise through the ratings just yet, with Saturday being the acid test.

Ubak

Winner of a Grade Three race at Aintree back in 2016, Gary Moore’s runner has been off the track for just over twelve months.

He came fourth in this race twelve months ago but he is clearly a fragile horse. He will probably need the run and would be a shock winner on this occasion.

Unowhatimeanharry

Harry Fry's nine-year-old won the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, the Long Walk and the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham last season before finishing third in the Stayers' Hurdle at the Festival in March and bids to retain his crown at Ascot.

He was successful on his reappearance at Aintree last month, but was surprisingly beaten by Beer Goggles when bidding for back-to-back victories in the Long Distance Hurdle three weeks ago.

The JP McManus owned gelding looks sure to be involved in the finish once again this term.

Summary

Lil Rockerfeller looks a better horse than ever this season and if there was a prize for steely resolve, grit and determination to be given out then this horse should have it.

He never goes down without a fight and that could just be the key to success on Saturday afternoon at Ascot.

888sport suggests: Lil Rockerfeller (win).

Football fans from all over the world, it is that time of year again – El Clasico is here. Real Madrid will host Barcelona on Saturday but this time with a twist; a 12pm kick-off for UK viewers awaits.

Will an early start contribute to a light-hearted contest between two great clubs? I highly doubt that. There will still be plenty of energy, enthusiasm and endeavour on show from the first minute to the last…

There isn’t much value in backing both teams to score at 1/3 but fans will be expecting the two sides to create plenty of chances in attack.

With that in mind, the 23/4 on offer for both teams to score in both halves carries more appeal. I looked at a few of the biggest betting markets ahead of Saturday’s contest...

Real Must Be Ruthless To Keep Pace In Title Race

Zinedine Zidane’s side find themselves trailing Barcelona by 11 points and only a win will do for Real here.

Los Blancos are favourites at 27/25 to secure a crucial victory on Saturday and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Real pull out all the stops. Punters expecting the hosts to play well can back Madrid at 11/25 to score over 1.5 goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo has struggled to inspire confidence in La Liga so far, scoring just four goals in 11 games. The Portugal international has bagged eight goals in his last seven appearances in all competitions though and is valued at 5/6 to get his name on the scoresheet.

Meanwhile, 888sport are offering a SPECIAL – 1/5 for Ronaldo or Lionel Messi to score, 3/1 for neither to score. Make of that one what you will…

Do Barcelona Stick With A Draw Or Twist For The Win?

The visitors will have a game plan and it all depends on Ernesto Valverde’s way of thinking ahead of this contest.

Would a draw be a good result? In the grand scheme of things, yes but Real’s struggles may tempt the Barcelona boss to go all out for the win. Barcelona are a general 43/20 chance to secure a win over their oldest and fiercest rivals.

via GIPHY

An open and expansive encounter is expected but Barca may surprise us by standing tall at the back and keeping things tight.

The draw at half-time is priced at 6/4 in our La Liga odds and plenty of punters will be keen to support La Blaugrana before Saturday. Trying to guess how Barcelona will play could be tricky…

Prediction

Over 6.5 cards is always a decent bet for El Clasico and punters can get 22/25 for this to land here. Barcelona will be quietly confident of avoiding defeat and that makes 3/4 for an away win OR draw an exceptional price.

Barcelona are by far and away the strongest club in Spain right now and another positive result will see Valverde’s men move one step closer to the La Liga title.

REAL MADRID 2-2 BARCELONA (Priced at 9/1 with 888sport)

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

If you are reading this whilst stuffing your face with turkey, Merry Christmas. If you are reading this without the turkey, Merry Christmas to you too. If you aren’t reading this, bah humbug.

Tottenham host Southampton in Boxing Day’s early kick-off and plenty of punters will be hoping for an entertaining affair – and they might just get their wish.

Over 2.5 goals has landed in four of the last five fixtures involving both clubs and the 7/10 on offer in 888sport’s Premier League betting markets should NOT be sniffed at.

Spurs are renowned for their defensive capabilities but with star defender Toby Alderweireld out until February, Tottenham are there for the taking, as shown in Saturday’s trip to Burnley.

Spurs Licking Their Wounds After City Thrashing

Tottenham were disappointing against Manchester City, conceding four goals in what was a very un-Tottenham-like performance.

Mauricio Pochettino is a top manager and he can take Spurs to the next level; although the club will need to invest heavily to compete at the top of the Premier League table. That 3-0 win away at high flying Burnley should silence the doubters…

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Spurs are currently available at 4/11 to win here – a short price to say the least. For all of Southampton’s struggles, the Boxing Day calendar is unpredictable and you never know who is going to turn up.

Saturday’s hat-trick hero Harry Kane to open the scoring carries more appeal at 21/10 but there is a general lack of value about for any Spurs players here.

Struggling Southampton In Need Of A Confidence Boost

Mauricio Pellegrino is in a spot of bother down on the south coast. Southampton have failed to inspire confidence so far this season and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Spurs tear their opponents to shreds.

Saints have won just once in their last nine league games but the 21/10 available for the visitors to win OR draw at Wembley is worth considering.

All Charlie Austin does is score goals, right? 888sport are going 16/5 for the Saints striker to add another goal to his Premier League tally for the campaign.

With five goals in his last seven outings, Austin could be primed to make a positive impact on Boxing Day.

Prediction

Looking past Spurs in the betting would be foolish here – virtually all of the signs point to a home win.

The omens look good for Tottenham to push on and close the gap to the top four over Christmas and Pochettino will have his troops fired up for this contest.

Saints will give a decent account of themselves but class should tell in this one. Both teams to score is currently priced at EVS and that does carry some appeal; although a little risky on Southampton’s part.

Back over 2.5 goals at 7/10 rather than a home win for that additional value…

TOTTENHAM 2-1 SOUTHAMPTON (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

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

This festive schedule seems to be particularly bonkers. Ahead of the traditional matches after Christmas, the Premier League sides have a full set of Saturday fixtures.

Matches are being played at midday, 5:30 and 7:45. It’s a feast of football, including six 3 o’clock kick-offs. So, without further ado, let’s take a wander through those matches…

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Watford

Watford’s flying start has hit a rather unpleasant dip. One point from five league games has seen the Hornets drop to tenth in the table, as their flowing attacking play has stopped producing goals at such a rate.

Brighton have failed to score in five of their last six. Their own attacking decline is of little surprise, but it is a growing concern. The Seagulls are now only three points above the relegation zone and Chris Hughton’s side are in need of upturn in form, particularly at home. They have drawn five of their last six at the Amex.

TIP: Watford to win @ 39/20

Manchester City vs Bournemouth

Bournemouth rotated for their midweek Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea, as they suffered a heart-breaking late defeat. That will unlikely have much of an impact on their date with Manchester City, however.

Eddie Howe’s side had a brief revival earlier in the year, but have gone winless in six league matches. Not exactly ideal form for a trip to the Etihad Stadium.

City’s brilliance shows little sign of halting. It’s now 16 straight in the Premier League, and it would be the shock of the season if that did not become 17.

TIP: Manchester City to be winning at half-time and full-time @ 7/20

Southampton vs Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield’s stunning 4-1 win at Watford last weekend put them three points above Southampton in the table. The teams sit in 11^th and 12^th, but it’s the hosts under more pressure this weekend.

Mauricio Pellegrino’s side have not won in five. After the decision to sack Claude Puel, Pellegrino’s beginnings have been thoroughly underwhelming. Saints are not a team considered to be at threat of relegation, but that could soon change.

Two wins in three for the Terries make them decent value for a win, but I am sitting firmly on the fence.

TIP: Match to be drawn @ 29/10

Stoke City vs West Bromwich Albion

The Darren Fletcher and Tony Pulis derby could have seismic implications for Stoke City. There are murmurings that Mark Hughes will be sacked should the Potters fall to another home defeat.

Alan Pardew, meanwhile, is desperate for his first win, having seen his team score just one goal since he took over four matches ago. The Baggies still only have two league wins all season, and could go 20^th if Swansea win at home to Crystal Palace.

Stoke were a mess against West Ham last weekend, and I fancy Pardew’s side to just edge it here.

TIP: West Brom to win @ 13/5

Swansea City vs Crystal Palace

Paul Clement was unfortunate to lose his job in midweek. Swansea’s problems centre around the squad rather than his managerial decisions, but it was sadly inevitable.

Perhaps removing Clement was motivated by the success Crystal Palace have had since changing managers. Roy Hodgson has turned the Eagles into a comfortable mid-table team, who look far superior to many in the bottom-half.

The Swans are in dire need of the typical bounce associated with changing manager, but I think the visitors will pull off another impressive win.

TIP: Crystal Palace to win @ 13/10

West Ham United vs Newcastle United

Speaking of new managers working wonders, David Moyes has done a brilliant job at West Ham. Having taken four points from a run of Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, the Irons dispatched Stoke last weekend to pull up to 15^th.

Newcastle are disarray right now, and replaced West Ham in the bottom three. Eight of their last nine league matches have ended in defeat. Rafael Benitez remains the right man for the club, but they are in need of significant January investment if they are going to turn this around.

Even without the suspended Manuel Lanzini, the Hammers should win this.

TIP: West Ham to win @ 23/20

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