Gareth Southgate being installed as England’s caretaker manager for their next four fixtures has seen him chucked in as favourite for the permanent position. At evens with 888 Sport, Southgate’s continued insistence that he does not want the job seems to be doing little to stop his backers.

• England Manager Odds

Following Southgate in the stakes is the unemployed Steve Bruce. Bruce left his position at the helm of Hull’s ship when they hit choppy waters over summer and the ability to walk straight into Wembley without the strings of club management tying him down might tempt the FA. Sitting at 3/1, Bruce is a clear second favourite for the post.

A cluster of managers are sat at 12/1 with 888 Sport. Glenn Hoddle, who has not managed a team since 2006, will be touted by many an ex-player and pundit for the job but it is hard to imagine even the FA taking such a leap to a man with little recent experience.

Joining Hoddle at 12s is Arsene Wenger. Having reached landmark upon landmark as Arsenal gaffer recently, the Gunners’ icon would surely only be tempted into the role on a permanent basis if it could be worked alongside his club commitment. These odds seem a little short, particularly as both Eddie Howe and Alan Pardew are both at 12/1, too.

Howe, who has suffered a challenging start to the season, led Bournemouth to a comfortable, exciting first Premier League campaign last time around. As a young, unscarred manager, Howe might be favoured by the FA to take the post on a longer-term basis, but there is a distinct feeling that this step has come a little early in his career.

Pardew, however, is primed for the role. If the FA, as one would expect, are to stick to their policy of favouring British managers, Pardew’s odds of 12/1 are potentially excellent value. Despite a rocky 2016 with Crystal Palace, the travelled manager will certainly be in contention. However, after one PR disaster, Pardew might not be the smartest appointment.

If the decision makers at English football’s headquarters look further afield for Allardyce’s replacement, Roberto Mancini at 25/1, Rafael Benitez at 40/1 and Louis van Gaal at 30/1 could be worthwhile longshot bets.

Check out all the latest England manager betting odds here: https://www.888sport.com/football/football-betting.htm#/filter/football/specials/managers

Gareth Southgate being installed as England’s caretaker manager for their next four fixtures has seen him chucked in as favourite for the permanent position. At evens with 888 Sport, Southgate’s continued insistence that he does not want the job seems to be doing little to stop his backers.

• England Manager Odds

Following Southgate in the stakes is the unemployed Steve Bruce. Bruce left his position at the helm of Hull’s ship when they hit choppy waters over summer and the ability to walk straight into Wembley without the strings of club management tying him down might tempt the FA. Sitting at 3/1, Bruce is a clear second favourite for the post.

A cluster of managers are sat at 12/1 with 888 Sport. Glenn Hoddle, who has not managed a team since 2006, will be touted by many an ex-player and pundit for the job but it is hard to imagine even the FA taking such a leap to a man with little recent experience.

Joining Hoddle at 12s is Arsene Wenger. Having reached landmark upon landmark as Arsenal gaffer recently, the Gunners’ icon would surely only be tempted into the role on a permanent basis if it could be worked alongside his club commitment. These odds seem a little short, particularly as both Eddie Howe and Alan Pardew are both at 12/1, too.

Howe, who has suffered a challenging start to the season, led Bournemouth to a comfortable, exciting first Premier League campaign last time around. As a young, unscarred manager, Howe might be favoured by the FA to take the post on a longer-term basis, but there is a distinct feeling that this step has come a little early in his career.

Pardew, however, is primed for the role. If the FA, as one would expect, are to stick to their policy of favouring British managers, Pardew’s odds of 12/1 are potentially excellent value. Despite a rocky 2016 with Crystal Palace, the travelled manager will certainly be in contention. However, after one PR disaster, Pardew might not be the smartest appointment.

If the decision makers at English football’s headquarters look further afield for Allardyce’s replacement, Roberto Mancini at 25/1, Rafael Benitez at 40/1 and Louis van Gaal at 30/1 could be worthwhile longshot bets.

Check out all the latest England manager betting odds here: https://www.888sport.com/football/football-betting.htm#/filter/football/specials/managers

Everton to beat Stoke City and over 2.5 goals

Ronald Koeman’s Everton showed the sort of determination that they lacked under Roberto Martinez as they came from a goal down to win 2-1 against West Brom last weekend. Both of these sides still have weaknesses defensively, but Koeman’s tried and tested 3-5-2 seems to be fixing this, at least temporarily, for Everton.

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Stoke, on the other hand, don’t seem to be addressing their defensive frailties. Ryan Shawcross’ poor form is a worry and there is a lack of midfield protection. Peter Crouch may start this game after netting a midweek hat-trick against Stevenage, too, if Crouch is left out, Stoke will probably opt for Bojan at false nine in a 4-3-3.

On paper, it’s hard to see how this clash won’t have goals. Over 2.5 goals at 21/20 is a must-bet, even if Stoke are without Xherdan Shaqiri. Whatever shape the game takes, Everton should just pip the slow-starting Potters to the three points.

Tottenham to beat Liverpool

Liverpool have started this season with the consistent inconsistency that blighted their 2015/16 season. Spurs, meanwhile, have not played with quite the same gusto as their nearly-campaign last time around.

Mauricio Pochettino’s team wore down Crystal Palace to snatch a late win last week, but they may find they get significantly more opportunities against this leaky Liverpool defence. Spurs have averaged 16.5 shots per game in their opening two fixtures and will continue to shoot freely against the error-prone Simon Mignolet.

Liverpool’s midfield may struggle to cope with Spurs’ Dier and Wanyama pivot, whilst the Reds’ lack of a natural holding player will leave plenty of space for Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen to operate. Although Liverpool possess potent attacking options and will have energetic runners from midfield, Tottenham’s defensive pairing of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen should be able to limit the Reds’ positive attacking situations with the support of their energetic full-backs. 

The Lilywhites aren’t setting the world alight right now, but their organisation and plethora of consistent performers makes them understandable favourites at 34/25.

Southampton to beat Sunderland and over 2.5 goals

Southampton haven’t started this campaign brilliantly, but they have looked significantly better than their opponents this weekend, Sunderland. The Saints looked limp in their Friday Night Football defeat to Manchester United, but did offer a threat on the counter-attack through Shane Long and Nathan Redmond.

David Moyes’ Sunderland, however, were the weaker side by far when they faced Middlesbrough last Sunday. Boro’s fluid front line terrorised their shaky defence and that’s exactly why an over 2.5 goals bet at 23/20, looks excellent value. 

BARCELONA vs CELTIC

Celtic are up against it in this clash. Barcelona fell at home against Alaves at the weekend but that defeat may spur Luis Enrique’s men to send out a statement on the big stage. On their day, Barcelona’s front three; Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar, are unplayable and this could be very one-sided if the Spanish side get their own way.

 Find the latest Champions League Betting Odds Here

If the visitors play at their best, they might be able to hold Barcelona off until the second half but it is hard to see Brendan Rodgers’ men earning a positive result at Camp Nou. In my opinion, Barca are too strong and I’m fully expecting the La Liga champions to run riot...

TIP: Barcelona to win both halves @ 18/25

PSV EINDHOVEN vs ATLETICO MADRID

On paper, Atletico Madrid are excellent value but Diego Simeone’s men were held to a goalless draw in this exact fixture last season and that is why I cannot back the Spanish side to win outright. However, Atletico have enough nous and offensive prowess to create opportunities and France star Antoine Griezmann may be the main beneficiary.

Griezmann was phenomenal for Atletico Madrid last season and he netted a brace in their victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday afternoon. Without a doubt, Griezmann is one of Europe’s top talents and he could be the difference-maker – back him to score at 31/20...

TIP: Antoine Griezmann to score @ 31/20

BAYERN MUNICH vs ROSTOV

The Bundesliga champions have been supreme since Carlo Ancelotti took over from Pep Guardiola and I’m backing Bayern to put Rostov to the sword in their Champions League opener. Robert Lewandowski has been in amongst the goals already this season and the Poland international could see plenty of goal-mouth action on Tuesday evening.

Bayern have been sensational in the group stages in recent years, scoring goals left, right and centre. If Ancelotti lets them off the leash in this encounter, it could get very ugly indeed for their Russian opponents. Bayern to win both halves at 7/10 looks tasty...

TIP: Bayern Munich to win both halves @ 7/10

MANCHESTER CITY vs BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH

Pep Guardiola’s side are full of confidence right now and City will be desperate to get off to a good start in this year’s competition. Last season, the Blues reached the semi-finals but fell short against eventual champions Real Madrid – Guardiola will be keen to take City one step further this time around.

The Blues started quickly in the Manchester derby on Saturday and I reckon they will be fast out of the blocks again on Tuesday night. Borussia Monchengladbach aren’t a bad side but City are on a different level and I’m expecting Guardiola’s men to be firmly in control at half-time.

TIP: Manchester City to be winning at half-time @ 87/100

JUVENTUS vs SEVILLA

Juventus are one of the leading contenders to win the Champions League this season and Massimiliano Allegri’s men will be raring to go. Whilst Paul Pogba left the Juventus Stadium for a world record fee of £89 million this summer, it wasn’t all bad as Gonzalo Higuain joined the club from arch-rivals Napoli – and his goals will be crucial as they look to win a sixth successive Serie A title.

Higuain has settled quickly into life at his new club and Juventus fans will be expecting the £75 million man to fire the Italian side to the latter stages of Europe’s elite club competition this season. The Argentina man netted twice in Juventus’ victory over Sassuolo on Saturday night and I’ll be backing him to continue his fine scoring run for the Old Lady against Sevilla.

TIP: Gonzalo Higuain to score @ 26/25

A £10 stake on this 5-fold returns £284.44 – check out more Sport Betting Odds here.

BURNLEY

Burnley were relegation favourites before a ball had even been kicked – and it was easy to see why. Sean Dyche’s men had failed to invest heavily and key personalities, such as Joey Barton, had opted to jump ship instead of tackling the difficult task of keeping the Clarets in the top flight.

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However, Burnley have been solid so far. Whilst they suffered a heavy defeat to Chelsea in their last encounter, the Clarets earned a 2-0 victory over Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool; a result that sent shockwaves across the Premier League.

If star striker Andre Gray can hit the ground running, Burnley stand a chance of avoiding the drop. Unfortunately, it is going to be very tough and it might be a step too far...

Relegation odds: 4/5

CRYSTAL PALACE

Alan Pardew’s men were woeful at the back end of last season and the Eagles look like they are going to struggle again this time around. Palace have picked up just one point in their opening three fixtures – and even that came in the dying embers of their clash with Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth.

Christian Benteke will look to lead Palace up the Premier League table; and the Eagles will be relying on his performances as they look to avoid the drop. The Belgium international couldn’t cut it at Liverpool but Selhurst Park might be more suited to his skillset.

Pardew isn’t a genius but he can get Palace playing again. It has been a busy summer at the club and their late flurry of transfer activity could pay dividends in the coming months.

Relegation odds: 3/1

STOKE CITY

It might be a bit naïve to label Stoke City as a relegation candidate but they haven’t been at all convincing in the opening few weeks of the campaign. Mark Hughes needs to take some form of immediate action to steady the ship or the Potters will find themselves in serious trouble.

Stoke have enough quality to finish in the top half of the table but confidence and building momentum will be crucial to their chances of glory. Injuries hindered their chances of glory last season and Hughes will be hoping for better luck on that front this time around.

Right now, the Potters are looking low and they need a positive result to turn their fortunes around. But with a difficult run of fixtures ahead, Stoke fans won’t be too positive about their chances of a top-half finish...

Relegation odds: 6/1

SUNDERLAND

With David Moyes at the helm, Sunderland should be looking up – but they aren’t. The former Everton and Manchester United boss has already raided the Old Trafford ‘B’ string to bring a fresh perspective to the squad at the Stadium of Light; and Moyes will be hoping his transfer activity pays off.

Talented youngster Adnan Januzaj will give the Black Cats a new lease of life on the wing – and he performed exceptionally well for United during Moyes’ brief stint. He has already shown his talent in a Sunderland shirt and should link up well with Jermain Defoe.

However, Sunderland’s leaky defence remains a major concern. They have already conceded five goals in just three games and are yet to record a clean sheet. Moyes faces a difficult task to keep the Black Cats in the Premier League...

Relegation odds: 17/10

WATFORD

Watford earned a decent point away at Southampton on the opening day of the season to give Walter Mazzarri a positive start to life at Vicarage Road but it has all gone downhill in recent weeks.

The Hornets played well for the majority of their clash with Chelsea but fell short as Diego Costa snatched a late winner for Antonio Conte’s side – and it would get worse for Watford in their most recent fixture against Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger’s men netted three goals in the first half to pile the misery on Watford; and critical fans have already slated the club for parting ways with Quique Sanches Flores at the end of last season. It could be a long year ahead for Watford supporters...

Relegation odds: 11/5

Manchester City are 17/20 to win without conceding as Joe Hart hopes to get the chance to show Pep Guardiola – and potential new clubs – what he can do against Steaua Bucharest tonight.

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The England number one's future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain after losing his place in the City side and with the club apparently closing in on Barcelona's Claudio Bravo. 
The pair were seen in deep conversation as City trained in front of media ahead of the Champions League play-off second leg, with City already 5-0 up from the away leg and almost certain to qualify for the group stage.

Hart looks set to leave the club before the end of the month but Guardiola insists he has not ruled out the possibility of Hart featuring against Steaua, and City are 8/11 to keep a clean sheet.

"He has a chance to play tomorrow," said Guardiola at yesterday’s press conference. "I have said many times, he is a player of us." 

Tonight’s second leg is little more than a formality but Guardiola is not looking at the game that way and is demanding maximum commitment from his players. 

He said: "I will make some rotations. I don't know how many, they all deserve to play and I am so confident about all the players.  But I have a lot of respect for the opponent and I know what happens in football. Everybody knows it's not done until it's done. 

"I have seen many times in the Champions League - at half-time an experienced team like AC Milan were 3-0 ahead and the final was done, but Liverpool won the Champions League final. I don't like to play the game when people say it's easy and it's finished. No, a lot can happen." 

City are 33/25 to win by at least three goals and 31/10 to win by four or more, with Steaua coach Laurentiu Reghecampf intending to make a number of changes to his side.

"I don't think there is a question over who will qualify," he said. "We will give a chance to some players who have not played much lately and we will try to finish this play-off in the Champions League with a good performance, because I think the players need that.”

Steaua Bucharest are 6/1 to stun Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on Tuesday night.

Champions League Betting on 888sport

Bucharest boss Laurentiu Reghecampf believes he can get the better of the world's best coach to secure Champions League qualification.

Reghecampf will pit his wits against Pep Guardiola, a two-time winner of the competition with Barcelona, as the Spaniard brings his new team to the Romanian capital.

Victory in the tie would take Steaua, European Cup winners in 1986, back into the group stage for the first time in three years.

Reghecampf thinks it is a realistic target, despite Guardiola's formidable reputation and City's star-studded squad.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference at the impressive Arena Nationala, the 40-year-old said: "We saw City play Sunderland and have all the information to play football well and achieve a positive result.

"Even if we face a big team, even if we face the best coach in the world with fantastic results, it is a huge chance for us to prove ourselves.

"I am very confident that we will qualify for the group stage again. We have a strong team and the match starts at 0-0."

City are 4/9 to take a lead back to the Etihad Stadium with 18/5 on offer for the draw.

With the City squad containing the likes of Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva, they are 32/25 to score in both halves.

You can also back City at 9/4 for them to win and for both teams to find the back of the net with odds of 21/2 for Bucharest to claim victory with both teams scoring.

Captain Nicolae Stanciu hopes he can inspire a famous victory and insists his mind is fully on the challenge despite being linked with a move to Celta Vigo.

The 23-year-old midfielder said: "We have to be focused only on the match. I am proud to be captain at such a big club. I am happy and privileged. I hope my display will motivate my team-mates."

The Premier League is back! Now painfully referred to as the ‘super league of managers’ the English top flight is set for a fascinating campaign. As a result of the hefty new TV deal, the clubs have had the freedom to spend in a way never seen before. Transfer records have been crashed through with ease and several squads look substantially different to how they did just a few months ago.

• Premier League Betting

The return of top level football is a glorious thing, isn’t it? So, to welcome in the new season, here is a 16/1 accumulator to get your campaign off to a winning start…

Manchester City to beat Sunderland and have over 3.5 goals

Of all the bets on offer this weekend, this one stands out. Even with odds so heavily heaped in City’s favour, Pep Guardiola’s side are absolutely nailed on for victory at the Etihad when they clash on Saturday. Although Guardiola’s unique tactical demands will take some time to properly take effect, they will have far too much for a Sunderland side that have found themselves with a new manager despite avoiding relegation last season.

Whether Manchester City play a variation of Guardiola’s 3-4-3 or a more conventional 4-3-3, the superb Sergio Aguero will terrorise Sunderland’s defence, however well organised they may be. Even if City’s defence leaks goals, which it may well do if last year is anything to go by, it is hard to see anything other than a goal fest for the Citizens.

Turmoil for Sunderland this summer, combined with a rejuvenated and talented City squad, should see an emphatic score line for the home team.

Southampton to beat Watford 4/5

Watford’s new manager, Walter Mazzari, is going to shake things up in the Premier League. Despite Mazzarri’s arrival, Claude Puel’s Southampton side should come out on top at St Mary’s on Saturday.

Nathan Redmond will be the new signing star to look out for in this game, with the former Norwich man signed as a replacement for the inconsistently devastating Sadio Mane. For Watford it will be about the footballer with the name of victory, Isaac Success, a forward who arrived from Granada earlier this summer.

Both teams are somewhat unknown entities, with this fixture being our first glimpse of either side in a competitive match. Southampton, however, possess a squad with greater depth and proven quality than Mazzarri’s Hornets. The road-running pace of Shane Long, combined with a solid defence make the Saints understandable favourites, particularly with home advantage.

Southampton will aim to replicate the consistent performances that saw them become a top half stalwart under Ronald Koeman throughout this season. Their guests this weekend will hope that their summer rest can see their attack return to the sharp goal-scoring machine that fired them to such a successful first half of the 2015/16 campaign.

Everton and Spurs to draw 12/5

Two of the most impressive managers in the league go head-to-head at Goodison this weekend, Ronald Koeman and Mauricio Pochettino.

Everton, boasting new investment, are beginning to flex their financial muscle with the additions of Yannick Bolasie and Ashley Williams, whilst Spurs have stuck to their tried and tested transfer policy in signing Vincent Janssen and Victor Wanyama this summer.

We can expect much of the same from Pochettino’s side, lots of energy, Harry Kane leading the line and a narrower three behind the striker with marauding full-backs. There is a chance that Everton will setup in Koeman’s tried and tested 3-5-2. The Merseyside club are waiting on news of the fitness of wantaway striker, Romelu Lukaku, and we could see Gerard Deulofeu play as the number nine if Lukaku is unavailable.

The final international break is over – it is time to focus entirely on the domestic game. This weekend, we’ve got an intriguing Premier League double header on Sunday. Ronald Koeman is still under intense pressure at Goodison Park and anything less than a win at Brighton this weekend could signal the end of his brief Everton tenure.

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In the late afternoon game, Southampton play host to high-flying Newcastle United and the international break may have hindered the Magpies’ momentum. Rafa Benitez is one of the best managers in the Premier League and Newcastle supporters will be quietly confident of avoiding relegation with the Spaniard in charge.

For now though, the main aim for all four teams is to pick up three points this weekend. We took a look at both fixtures and give our tips for Sunday’s Premier League double header, starting with Everton's trip to the AMEX Stadium.

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs EVERTON

You can’t knock Brighton’s endeavour and effort. What they lack in quality, they more than make up for in commitment. The Seagulls picked up seven points from a possible 12 prior to the international break and Everton are certainly there for the taking this weekend. At what is an appealing price of 9/4, Brighton are worth considering on home soil.

For Koeman, the bottom line is this: win or be handed your P45 on Monday morning. Farhad Moshiri has backed the Dutchman publicly but Toffees supporters won’t stand for this much longer. Everton spent well over £100 million this summer yet sit just two points above the relegation zone after seven games. Something has to give...

The ‘under’ line for this weekend is worth considering. Chris Hughton’s side have featured in nine competitive games this season and just two have contained three or more goals. With that in mind, it may be worth looking at under 2.5 goals at 13/20. Everton have failed to score in their last three away games and a tight contest looks likely on the south coast.

TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 13/20

SOUTHAMPTON vs NEWCASTLE UNITED

On the face of it, a tough one to call. Southampton have been very hit and miss so far this campaign whilst Newcastle are fighting it out in the top half of the division. However, it may be wise to take their head-to-head record into account, especially at St Mary’s. Saints have won three of the last four fixtures without conceding a goal – and a similar result could be on the cards here.

Meanwhile, all three of Newcastle’s away fixtures have been settled by the odd goal; once in their favour. Benitez knows that picking up as many points as possible in the early stages of the season could make all the difference at the business end of the year, particularly with the Premier League now being more competitive than ever before.

A Saints win to nil is currently available at 41/20 in 888sport’s Premier League markets and plenty of punters will fancy Mauricio Pellegrino’s side to get back to winning ways. For most clubs, the international break can put an end to any early momentum but for Southampton, it might work in the opposite way. Expect a rejuvenated Saints performance this weekend.

TIP: Southampton to win to nil @ 41/20

* Odds subject to change 

Separated by four points, Leicester and West Bromwich Albion face-off at the King Power Stadium under the lights on Monday night. It’s a Midlands derby of sorts, and a potentially significant match in the tenure of Craig Shakespeare.

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Shakespeare’s Foxes have endured a tricky start to the campaign, but their five points from the opening seven matches is a cause for concern.

Meanwhile, West Brom have started in true Tony Pulis fashion. They sit 10^th before the Premier League resumes, and have scored only six. It has been disappointing of late for the Baggies, however - Albion's last Premier League triumph was at Turf Moor back in August.

Pulis, though, is fortunate to have a fully fit squad to choose from. The former Stoke boss could name the same team that drew with Watford a fortnight ago, meaning the continuation of the formidable midfield pairing of Grzegorz Krychowiak and Gareth Barry.

Leicester, on the other hand, are going to be waiting on the fitness of midfielder Wilfried Ndidi and defender Ben Chilwell. Robert Huth and Matty James are confirmed absentees, meaning Wes Morgan will partner Harry Maguire at the heart of the hosts’ defence.

No West Brom player has found the net more than once this season, while Jamie Vardy and Shinji Okazaki have scored five and three times respectively. Vardy is a threat, but will have minimal space to attack behind the Baggies’ defence.

Okazaki is – as he was during the title-winning season – the player that makes Leicester tick. He has started the season in fine form, and is at a tempting 11/2 to open the scoring.

Form gives little indication in this match away from Leicester’s front two. West Brom have only won one of their last 12 away from home, and Leicester have won only one of their last 10 in the Premier League.

With the aforementioned West Brom midfield and Leicester’s own industrious pairing, we can expect a physical, perhaps attritional encounter. Aerial balls towards Vardy’s surging runs will be Leicester’s go to move to catch the sluggish West Brom defence up the pitch, while the visitors will use Salomon Rondon as a target for long balls to bring their attacking midfielders into play.

Direct play has been effective for Leicester and West Brom in recent seasons, and it can make for an interesting match when you have two teams who thrive without the ball.

Given the nature of the two teams, cards are a guarantee. Gareth Barry and Daniel Amartey are the two favourites to go into the book, and understandably so. Their roles as midfield firefighters often leaves them in precarious positions, and can force the odd tactical foul.

A double on this pair to get booked is at 11/1 at the time of writing; you won’t find much better value than that this weekend.

West Brom’s dire record away from the Hawthorns – paired with their trouble in front of goal – makes Leicester natural favourites. With a partisan King Power crowd roaring every touch, the Foxes should squeak three points here to ease the pressure on Shakespeare.

TIP: Leicester to win 1-0 @ 11/2

* Odds subject to change