Europe’s elite club competition continues on Tuesday night and plenty of punters will be backing Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to pick up another victory. The Premier League leaders host Napoli and a win should see City take total control of Group F. With that in mind, the Blues feature prominently in our top tips ahead of the action.

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MANCHESTER CITY vs Napoli

Pep’s side have been a class above in the Premier League this season and it would take a brave man to back against them here. Napoli are a talented side and it won’t be easy by any means but the English outfit should be strong enough to emerge victorious at home. With Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus on top form, this may be a formality.

The visitors head into this one with an outside chance but Napoli to win or draw is available at 5/4. At the time of writing, Maurizio Sarri’s men are two points clear at the top of Serie A having won all eight league game so far this season. This may be a step too far for the Italian giants though.

TIP: Manchester City to win @ 8/13

RB LEIPZIG vs FC Porto

It hasn’t gone to plan for RB Leipzig so far this campaign but a win looks likely here. You can back the Bundesliga giants at 11/10 to defeat Porto on Tuesday evening; I’m fully expecting Leipzig to get back to winning ways after falling short to Besiktas. It won’t be totally one-sided but Leipzig should have enough to keep the visitors at bay.

Meanwhile, Porto ran out clear winners against Monaco in their most recent European clash – the visitors may find this one much tougher. The Portuguese side are sitting pretty at the top of the domestic table and the Champions League knockout stages are in sight. A positive result here could spur Porto on in their pursuit of glory.

TIP: RB Leipzig to win @ 11/10

Benfica vs MANCHESTER UNITED

It might not be a good couple of days for the Portuguese clubs. Benfica have failed to inspire confidence so far this season; especially in Europe’s elite competition. The hosts will be up against it against Manchester United here and a Red Devils triumph could be on the cards if Jose Mourinho lets his side go for the jugular.

The English giants were disappointing at Anfield on Saturday afternoon but a win here will erase any lingering memories of that performance. United cannot afford to be too sloppy in possession or else risk a shock defeat. 3/4 represents solid value for the Premier League side here – United will be confident of notching another win.

TIP: Manchester United to win @ 3/4

CHELSEA vs AS Roma

Antonio Conte’s men suffered a shock defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon but I fancy the Blues to get back to winning ways here. The defending Premier League champions have won both of their Champions League games so far this campaign and another success looks likely – the Stamford Bridge faithful will expect a major effort.

For the visitors, this is about damage limitation. Roma have been solid in Italy’s top flight so far this year but Chelsea may be too strong. The hosts are sitting pretty at the top of Group C and a positive result in west London will see Roma bolster their claim to advance to the knockout stages at the expense of Atletico Madrid. Sadly, Chelsea may be too strong.

TIP: Chelsea to win @ 4/7

(*Odds subject to change – accurate at the time of writing...*)

Cersei as Mourinho..? Check out our "Game of Thrones in the Football world" Infographic

Weeks do not get much better than this one for football fans. There is live football on every single weekday, which is the perfect tonic for the dragging working days.

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Our Thursday treat is Europa League action. With the first match kicking off at 4pm and the later matches set to finish at around 10pm BST, it’s a marathon session for those committed enough.

In this piece we are going to wander through a few of the best fixtures:

RED STAR BELGRADE vs ARSENAL

Arsenal make the trip to the magnificent Marakana on the cusp of crisis again. Their limp defeat to Watford at the weekend means victory in Serbia is even more important than previously.

Their chaotic meeting with BATE Borisov on matchday two does little to calm any nerves of Arsenal supporters, too. Despite far superior players, the Gunners’ second string were all at sea defensively and made hard work of a match that should have been a stroll in the park once they had taken an early lead.

Arsene Wenger’s side have taken all the available points, but could drop into second in the group with defeat here.

Red Star will produce a hostile atmosphere at an iconic stadium, and are a team accustomed to victory. Their win away at FC Cologne in their last Europa League outing shows they are no walkover for the Gunners, despite Cologne’s struggles this term.  

A heavily-rotated Arsenal team could be rattled under the lights in Belgrade, and the Gunners often follow a bad result with another.

TIP: Match to be drawn @ 11/4

DYNAMO KYIV vs Young Boys

Dynamo Kyiv have got off to an absolute flier in Group B, and can as good as confirm their progression with a victory on Thursday. They have six points from two matches, scoring six in the process.

The Ukrainian side were involved in a thriller with Partizan Belgrade last time out, and – if their first two matches are anything to go by – we can expect another high-scoring affair here.

BSC Young Boys, meanwhile, will be disappointed with their two points at this stage. It’s enough to keep them second in the group, but their 1-1 draw with Skenderbeu on matchday two puts them under pressure to deliver here.

Home advantage tips the balance for me.

TIP: Dynamo Kyiv to win @ 7/10

AC MILAN vs AEK Athens

The top two teams in Group D face-off at the San Siro with AC Milan on a perfect six points, and the visitors on a respectable four.

After a summer of massive investment and a plethora of changes to the team, Milan have had an up and down start to the season. Their Europa League results have been a positive, but three straight Serie A defeats – including a heart-breaking defeat to Inter at the weekend – see them already off the pace domestically.

The defence has been leaky for Milan in the Europa League, too, while there have been over 2.5 goals in both of AEK Athens’ matches. We should at least see some goals at one of football’s great coliseums, but Milan cannot afford to slip up again.

TIP: Milan to score in both halves @ 57/50

EVERTON vs LYON

Each match feels like it could be Ronald Koeman’s last as Everton manager at the moment.

Lyon have their own concerns, however, and will go to Goodison Park in desperate need of a victory having drawn their first two in the group. The Toffees have a solitary point after their frustrating draw with Apollon Limassol, and will need a miracle to qualify if they fall to defeat.

Failure to beat Brighton at the weekend really sums up the dire start to the season for Everton. To say they lack momentum coming into this crucial fixture would be the understatement of the season to date.

The visitors, on the other hand, put an end to a three-match winless Ligue 1 run with a cracking 3-2 victory over Monaco. It could be a tense evening on Merseyside, with a low-scoring affair probable.

With this being the first of a double-header, avoiding defeat is perhaps most important of all for both teams.

TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 21/20

*Odds subject to change - accurate at the time of writing*

Friday Night Football is back. All eyes will be on the London Stadium on October 20^th as West Ham United welcome newly promoted Brighton & Hove Albion.

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Slaven Bilic’s men struggled to get going early on in the season but the Hammers have found their feet in recent weeks – the east London outfit have lost just once since the end of August.

Meanwhile, Brighton have been rock solid on home soil but the Seagulls have tended to struggle away from the Amex Stadium.

Chris Hughton will be hoping that Brighton can turn their form around in the coming weeks and some will fancy the visitors to earn a shock win here. At 18/5, they are well worth considering for a surprise triumph.

Hammers To Break Stiff Brighton Resistance?

West Ham have won three of their last four home games; keeping a clean sheet in all three victories. Bilic will expect Brighton to adopt a defensive approach at London Stadium and it will be up the Hammers to force the issue.

A clean sheet for the home side is valued at 6/5 and plenty of punters will be keen to back the Hammers in a low scoring affair.

via GIPHY

With Andy Carroll suspended, the onus will be on Javier Hernandez to inspire the Hammers to victory on Friday night.

The Mexico striker has scored three Premier League goals so far this season and another could be on the cards here – he is a 27/20 shot to score during 90 minutes.

Hughton Won’t Let Hosts Run Away With It

The Seagulls will view this one as a winnable encounter but Hughton will be wary of a West Ham thrashing here. Bilic’s side put three past hapless Huddersfield Town earlier this season and another impressive performance may be forthcoming.

Keeping things tight, especially in the first half, is an absolute must if Brighton are to defy the odds this weekend.

Hughton himself knows that West Ham are full of confidence right now and it would take a brave man to back a strong home win.

Lewis Dunk will have to be at his brilliant best to keep Hernandez quiet and the Brighton vice-captain is a 19/10 chance to be carded. Slowing the game down and preventing West Ham from breaking on the counter will be key to success at London Stadium.

Prediction

This one won’t be completely one-sided but the Hammers should prevail. Hughton’s side will defend resolutely and may get the odd chance; however, West Ham should have too much class for their opponents.

A first half goal will see Bilic’s men on their way and it could turn out to be a fairly comfortable evening for the home side. The Hammers are excellent value for money at 17/20 in 888sport’s Premier League betting markets.

WEST HAM 2-0 Brighton (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)

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

Manchester United top our Premier League accumulator ahead of Saturday afternoon...

Premier League football is on our screens again this weekend for gameweek nine. The league is beginning to take shape, and clubs are suffering from the wear and tear of the season already.

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Injuries are frustrating some managers, while rotation has seen some interesting team selections from the teams in midweek action. It might be a while until clubs are pigeon-holed for the campaign, but there are still some significant fixtures this weekend.

Below we are going to look through four of the 3pm kick-offs…

Huddersfield Town vs MANCHESTER UNITED

After flying out of the blocks and threatening to have a Premier League season for the romantics, David Wagner’s Huddersfield have struggled. They are winless in six league matches, having found the net only once in that span.

The Terriers’ failing attack has its work cut out this Saturday. Manchester United have conceded just twice in their eight league matches to date, and Jose Mourinho has already reverted to his favoured ultra-pragmatic brand of football.

The newly promoted side could slip into the bottom three with another loss here. Their 2-0 defeat at Swansea last weekend did little to inspire any optimism for this weekend, and even a depleted United should stroll to a comfortable win.

A slip up would be a hurtful blow to United’s title chances given City’s form. The only concern for Mourinho will be the form of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Romelu Lukaku.

TIP: Manchester United to win @ 33/100

NEWCASTLE UNITED vs CRYSTAL PALACE

Crystal Palace sprung the surprise of the season in beating Chelsea at Selhurst Park last weekend to pick up their first points of the season.

The decisive match will be this one, however, when we will see if that can be used as a springboard for the Eagles to pull themselves away from the foot of the table.

Newcastle have no such relegation worries, and have started the season well. The Magpies were unfortunate not to win away at Southampton last weekend, and will be looking up as they sit only two points behind Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

Early form has to be forgotten for Palace if they are to avoid the drop this season. At the very least we can expect an organised performance at St James’. This could easily regress to stalemate.

TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 3/4 

STOKE CITY vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH

After being thrashed 7-2 by Manchester City last weekend, Stoke are in desperate need of a result. Failure to win could well see the Potters fall into the relegation zone, but injuries remain a concern for Mark Hughes, who could be without three regular starters again.

The visitors, meanwhile, are stranded in the bottom three regardless of their result in the Potteries. Eddie Howe’s team are renowned for their attacking intent and high-scoring matches, but their four goals scored in eight matches is a real concern.

The defence has improved – conceding only once in their last 180 minutes of league football. With the form of Jermain Defoe and Joshua King, however, the Cherries are a perfect opponent after Stoke’s Etihad Stadium humiliation.

With stormy weather probable, this could easily break into a battle for much-needed points.

TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 17/20

SWANSEA CITY vs Leicester City

Tammy Abraham delivered a crucial three points for Swansea and Paul Clement last time out. A second home match in a row gives the Welsh club the chance to give themselves some breathing space, but they must be wary of the manager-change bounce that Leicester could benefit from.

The Foxes removed Craig Shakespeare from his post after their draw with West Bromwich Albion on Monday. With one win so far, it was an understandable decision, particularly with the success Leicester enjoyed after sacking Claudio Ranieri last season.

Swansea are a good, if a little imbalanced, team. Clement should guide them to comfortable safety this season, and their Liberty Stadium form will be key to that.

Having regained some confidence, the hosts are my pick to squeak this one as Leicester experience more mid-season turbulence.

TIP: Swansea to win @ 9/5

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

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho makes our list of sporting stars who would make great poker players - who else features?

The fourth round of the Carabao Cup is here – we are another step closer to the Wembley Stadium showpiece. With five of England’s top six still in the competition, punters will be eagerly anticipating Tuesday night’s fixtures. Manchester United do feature in our tips for this week but Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth head the accumulator. Check out my thoughts on the action below...

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BOURNEMOUTH vs Middlesbrough

Eddie Howe’s men have struggled so far this season but a 2-1 victory away at Stoke City last weekend may spur the Cherries on as they look to build momentum.

Bournemouth will be confident of challenging for silverware in the League Cup this campaign and a quarter-final berth beckons barring a major collapse on their part on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough have bigger fish to fry – securing promotion back to the Premier League has to be their number one priority. Garry Monk is a decent manager but this may be a step too far for the visitors.

The top flight side are unbeaten in their last three home games in all competitions and Boro’s run of five without a win does nothing to inspire confidence.

TIP: Bournemouth to win @ 8/11

Swansea City vs MANCHESTER UNITED

Swansea will rue last weekend’s defeat to Leicester City – the Welsh side failed to make up for a disappointing first half performance.

Against Manchester United, it is always going to be difficult but this might just be the best time to play the Red Devils. Swansea’s record in this fixture isn’t the worst but United did put four goals past Paul Clement’s side earlier this season...

And while Jose Mourinho’s men may not score four this time around, I’m expecting a similar outcome in terms of result – a convincing United win.

The Red Devils represent great value at 4/7 to win in south Wales on Tuesday evening and plenty of punters will be backing the visitors to get back to winning ways. This could get out of hand if United hit top form.

TIP: Manchester United to win @ 4/7

CHELSEA vs Everton

What is going on at Stamford Bridge? Chelsea have been far from assured in recent weeks – conceding three at home against Roma before allowing Watford to bag a couple of goals in their most recent top flight encounter.

Antonio Conte is in dire need of a confidence booster and an early Blues onslaught may be expected against Everton.

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It is official: Ronald Koeman has left the club. You won’t find too many Toffees fans crying at his departure after a very poor start to the campaign and this isn’t the easiest of starts for interim boss David Unsworth.

Everton may struggle to keep tabs on Chelsea if the hosts go for the jugular and Conte may go with a strong starting line-up as he hunts silverware for the second year in a row.

TIP: Chelsea to win the first half @ 19/20

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs West Ham United

Spurs will head into this contest as red hot favourites and rightly so. After picking up a draw away at Real Madrid in the Champions League, the north London outfit thrashed Liverpool on Sunday – putting four goals past Jurgen Klopp’s hapless defence.

Harry Kane may get a rest here but if he does feature, expect the England man to get his name on the scoresheet at some stage.

Meanwhile, West Ham are in disarray and Slaven Bilic’s days at the London Stadium may be numbered; although the owners have stated that they will discuss his future at the end of the current campaign.

Spurs aren’t totally consistent at Wembley Stadium just yet but this looks tough for the Hammers and the hosts are worth backing at 4/9 in our League Cup odds.

TIP: Tottenham to win @ 4/9

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

Sean Dyche and Rafael Benitez have Burnley and Newcastle sitting in eighth and seventh respectively before any weekend matches are played. Each team, fans, and the managers would rapidly bite hands off if they were offered that in August. They would probably do exactly the same if they were offered to keep their positions until May, too.

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Burnley threatened, albeit briefly, to cause an upset at Manchester City last weekend. The eventual 3-0 defeat is hardly humiliating given what City have done, and will do, to many teams this season. The Clarets will see this match as a chance to get back on course, especially having failed to beat West Ham the last time they played at Turf Moor.

Newcastle were so nearly frustrated into a bore draw by Crystal Palace. Their eventual goal was probably fair given the balance of the match, but the difficulty that Benitez’s side had in trying to break down an opponent was clear again. The same issue could well resurface at Burnley, with both teams comfortable out of possession and well organised at the back.

The hosts have fallen far short of their own lofty standards at home. Draws with Huddersfield and West Ham are joined by a defeat to West Brom. The Clarets were one of the toughest away fixtures last season, and will see their home credentials tested by a well-managed Magpie team.

Goals are a rare treat for the Turf Moor faithful. There have been under 2.5 in 10 of the last 12 at the historic Lancashire ground, and Newcastle have scored only three in their last four Premier League matches on the road, with two of those coming at St Mary’s. Benitez’s side are at 2/1 to fail to score.

Burnley have been fortunate to only concede nine this season. Goalkeeping heroics and some poor opponent finishing has saved them despite giving up over 13 expected goals. Dyche continues to make his team defy all odds, and sometimes, all logic. There is no reason to believe that will end this Monday, though.

Newcastle, perhaps fittingly, have been one of a host of Premier League teams struggling to finish chances. Joselu has been a good focal point for their attack, but the Magpies could be having an even stronger start to the season if they had been more clinical. 

In true Burnley fashion, Dyche has seen his side only score eight in nine so far. The eight have almost all been scored in the right matches, at the right times. Burnley to score under 2.5 at 4/7 is a steal given their record. The loss of Andre Gray over the summer has not been as hurtful as many – including myself – thought it would be. Their attack is functional, but chances will be limited against this Newcastle defence.

Under two pragmatic, skilled managers, these two teams look safe already. They could be neck-and-neck in the Premier League midriff for the remainder of the Premier League campaign. Neither team will be thinking like that just yet, however. Each manager will stick to their trademark approaches for this one, meaning the match could revert to an attritional stalemate.

Tip: Burnley to win 1-0 at 13/2 

After an impressive Super Sunday last weekend that blessed us with a total of 12 goals over just two games, we can only hope for a similar situation this weekend. Kicking us off in the early afternoon is Brighton & Hove Albion who look to maintain their impressive home form this season as Southampton visit the AMEX stadium.

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Later in the day we have an exciting fixture between Leicester City and Everton – two struggling clubs that have both dismissed their manager’s in the past few weeks.

The home team have form on their side, but could Everton be revitalised after Koeman’s departure? It’s fair to say that both games, especially the latter, will be incredibly tense with no manager ready to give their opposition an advantage in the league.

I took a look at both fixtures and give my tips for Sunday’s Premier League double header.

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs SOUTHAMPTON

Despite our earlier mention hoping for a repeat of last week’s goal fest – do not expect them to be flying in left, right and centre in this fixture. Whilst Brighton have performed significantly better than many neutrals predicted before the season started, one thing they have struggled for is goals.

And it is not just the home side who have struggled in front of goal. Brighton and Southampton have scored just 9 and 8 goals respectively out of the 9 Premier League games that have been played so far. Equally, they have conceded just 10 and 9 respectively too which shows just how conservative both sides have been this season.

One factor which sits in favour of the home side is their impressive home form this season – especially for a newly promoted side. Losing only one game, 0-2 to Manchester City on the opening day of the season, they have certainly been solid on their own turf.

Because of this, a punt on a Brighton win at 23/10 is a solid shout, however when looking at both team’s poor form in front of goal, I fancy Sunday’s early fixture to end in a draw.

TIP:  Draw @ 21/10

LEICESTER CITY vs. EVERTON

Arguably the fixture of the weekend after Manchester United vs. Tottenham, the late afternoon kick-off has the potential to be an exciting one. Both teams have had an abysmal start to the 2017/18 season and have consequently sacked their manager’s.

With new Leicester boss Claude Puel and interim Everton manager David Unsworth looking to impress club owners and cement their respective positions, this tie is set up to be an incredibly tense affair.

While it is hard to predict how both sides will line up and set out to play, going on recent form it would be hard to bet against a home victory. Having scored 12 goals compared to the visitors’ 7, it could be the case that Appleton’s men simply outscore their opponents.

It is more than likely we will see goals from both teams and at EVS, over 2.5 goals in the game is worth a shot in a fixture of this calibre.

TIP:  Leicester win @ 11/10

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

Antonio Conte's men got back to winning ways against Watford - can they build on that success away at Bournemouth? Our preview is available here.

Who is ready for match day four of the 2017/18 Champions League campaign? Manchester United, fresh from their 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon, lead my accumulator this time around.

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Jose Mourinho’s men have won three out of three so far in Europe’s elite club competition and another win looks likely here. Check out my views on the action below...

Celtic vs BAYERN MUNICH

Celtic remain the dominant force in Scottish football but they aren’t as solid as they were in the previous campaign.

Brendan Rodgers’ men are still unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership but the Champions League is much tougher and home advantage isn’t what it used to be. A difficult fixture awaits for Celtic here and a positive result looks unlikely.

Bayern are a class above and a comfortable evening could be on the cards if Bayern take the lead. In years gone by, Celtic Park has been somewhat of a fortress on European nights but neutrals will recall their 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this season.

The Bavarians should have a fairly straightforward night if they play at their brilliant best.

TIP: Bayern Munich to win @ 1/3

MANCHESTER UNITED vs Benfica

The Red Devils were lucky to come away with a win in the away leg earlier this month as the young Benfica goalkeeper made a crucial mistake to gift the English giants victory.

This time around, United should have no trouble dispatching the Portuguese outfit. I’m expecting the hosts to come out firing and an early goal could settle a few nerves in the crowd.

Benfica were THE force in Portuguese football last term but they have tended to struggle on the big stage this season. Trailing FC Porto by five points in the race for the domestic title, it may be wise for Benfica to harness their attention on Primeira Liga.

Reaching the next round of the Champions League is almost out of reach and this will be their toughest test yet.

TIP: Manchester United to win the first half @ 4/5

BORUSSIA DORTMUND vs APOEL Nicosia

The German giants have struggled to inspire confidence in their group stage fixtures so far but victory over APOEL Nicosia here will boost their stock to qualify ahead of Tottenham or Real Madrid.

Peter Bosz’s men are building momentum at Signal Iduna Park and this one could get ugly for the European minnows if Dortmund go for the jugular.

As expected, APOEL have been the whipping boys in Group H so far this season. The Cyprus-based outfit have scored just one goal in three Champions League fixtures and it would take a brave man to back against another thrashing here.

888Sport are currently priced at 11/25 for Dortmund to score three or more goals and that looks like the best bet.

TIP: Borussia Dortmund to score over 2.5 goals @ 11/25

Napoli vs MANCHESTER CITY

Napoli will be quietly confident of finishing above Juventus in Serie A this season and plenty of punters will fancy the Italian giants to prevail on home soil.

The English outfit edged the first contest 2-1 and Napoli may be about to get their own back. It is a difficult contest to call and an opening goal for the hosts could set the tone for the evening.

The Manchester City juggernaut continues to roll on – and another win for Pep Guardiola’s side looks likely here. They won’t necessarily keep a clean sheet but City are solid value for money at 13/5 to win with both teams scoring.

It is hard to put too much faith in the Blues defence right now but this City side has goals in it and a high-scoring contest looks likely.

TIP: Manchester City to win and both teams to score @ 13/5

*Odds subject to change – accurate at the time of writing...*

Stoke City host one of their fellow Midlanders in the Saturday lunchtime weekend opening showpiece. As winter sets in, the Potters’ blustery stadium becomes an even less appetising day trip.

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Both sides notched crucial wins last weekend, though. Stoke fought – on some occasions literally – to a surprising win at Watford, while Leicester delivered a win on Claude Puel’s first match in charge as they saw off the languishing Everton.

Mark Hughes lifted a lot of the pressure that had built with that win. It is still possible the Potters drop into the bottom three again this weekend, however. The visitors, on the other hand, will be looking up. Puel could take his side as high as eighth with a win at the Bet365 Stadium, such is the bunched nature of the Premier League mid-table.

The sides are separated by a mere point, but new manager bounce was already evident for Leicester. Stoke are at risk of having a long season embroiled in a relegation tussle, with their attack not producing and their defence far more porous than any of the overused stereotypes suggest.

Taking chances has been a trouble for Stoke. Mame Diouf has been their best goal threat, but his versatility costs him minutes in the final third. When Xherdan Shaqiri is absent – as he was for defeat to Bournemouth two weeks ago – Hughes’ side are without invention.

Needing plenty of opportunities to score, and not creating many, makes for a perilous combination. Stoke to score under 1.5 goals at 1/2 is one of my picks for this one.

The hosts’ defence has given up the second most expected goals in the league this season. Perhaps considered uncharacteristic, but Stoke’s back-line has been unsettled with injuries and too often without protection from the midfield.

Facing a Leicester team who have the most expected goals outside of the top six, Stoke will need to recreate the backs-to-the-wall defensive resilience of last week to have any chance.

Given his four goals already this season, Shinji Okazaki is at a great price of 7/1 to open the scoring. Okazaki is one of the league’s most underrated players, and could cause problems with his well-timed surges into the opponent’s box.

This match may not be pretty, and could – again – have us wondering why it was picked to go on television. Combative football should be expected, particularly with both sides more comfortable playing on the counter-attack. Leicester will be happy to gamble on Stoke’s limited creativity, and unleash the devastating duo of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy on an uncertain defence.

Cards are well worth backing. I can’t look past Christian Fuchs in this market. His price of 12/5 to pick up a card looks very long considering that he will be dealing with the jinking Shaqiri. Joe Allen at 15/4 is good value, too, given that he is already on four yellows for the season and could be forced into a play-breaking trip.

Leicester suffered with a torturous early fixture list, but have now gone four unbeaten in the league. I think their price of 37/20 is a solid one to make it three wins in a row, with the matchup of their flying attack against this Stoke defence. Kevin Wimmer getting isolated against Mahrez has to be a massive concern for Hughes.

TIP: Leicester to win 1-0 @ 8/1

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

Look no further than our very own 888sport Premier League Super Sunday preview - top tips and odds on the action this weekend!

“In a Premier League race it’s never over until it’s over. At one stage it was an 11 point gap and now it’s down to four points, so that is nerve-wracking for the players. As we would say, it’s squeaky bum time. It could be that they’re on a downward spiral. As big as the characters are in that dressing room, I still think there will be a spell where they might get nervy if Tottenham keep going as they are.”

***

The Blues seemingly had a fifth Premier League crown sewn up by Easter, but two defeats in April have left them looking over their shoulder at a hard-chasing Spurs, who also happen to be their FA Cup semi-final opponents this weekend at Wembley. Wright-Phillips insists that experience will now be critical as the pressure mounts, although it’s perhaps telling that Chelsea’s most seasoned leader, John Terry, has seen his role greatly diminished this term.

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What did the Pheonix Rising star make of this week’s announcement that Terry would be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer?

“I saw it on the news over here, just flashed across the bottom of the screen. I didn’t see it coming. Twenty two years he has stayed there – pretty much his whole life – and I would have thought they’d be more for him, like a testimonial or something. I really think though that he will stay in England. He’s played a bit this year and that shows he’s still got a lot to give in the Premier League. Hopefully Chelsea win the league because that would be a huge achievement to sign out on.”

Looking further down the line the player, popularly nicknamed ‘Sweep’ by adoring fans, definitely sees a managerial challenge awaiting his long-time friend.

Premier League Player Of The Year: Hazard Out At 5/1
All you need to know before Chelsea V Tottenham FA Cup clash

“He could definitely be a manager because of his character in the dressing room, and the way he spoke to players like myself to help deal with things when it got tough. We always looked at his football and sometimes he would have a go at us, because he knew what we were capable of and what we could give to the team. Some could take that. Some couldn’t. He has all those instincts in him to be a manager.”

The imminent departure of Terry from West London is not the only high-profile exit expected this summer, with Manchester City legend Yaya Toure also rumoured to be seeking new employers. Does Wright-Phillips see the imposing midfielder joining him in the MLS perhaps?

“As an ex Manchester City player and a supporter I’d love for a talent like that to stay, but if you want to play more football sometimes you have to move on. As for where he might move on to, that’s a hard one because there are so many things that now open to you in football. There are so many different places he could go to and enjoy his football, but he’s still got a good few years left in him. He could stay in the Premier League but it depends on if a club is willing to pay what he gets. Talent wise he’s still got it all.”

It’s little surprise to learn that the 35 year old remains a Citizen after nine happy years over two different spells at the club where his status is forever secured as a terrace idol. How does he view their season, considering the incredible expectation and hype that surrounded Pep Guardiola’s appointment last year?

“Pep has seen a difference to how it’s like playing consistently in the Premier League to Spain. No matter how good your team is, every other team will cause you a problem, but I think he’s slowly getting to grips with that. We haven’t seen the best yet because he’s had injuries and it has taken time to get the team playing his way. It’s a building process.”

“When you’re not winning every game obviously that puts doubt into the system but the players are getting to grips with that now. They’re going to be a lot better with it next year.”

One player who has already showed a marked improvement is Raheem Sterling, a flying winger who in many ways can be seen as a successor to Wright-Phillips for both club and country. After a difficult period that led to the 22 year old clearly losing his confidence and form he is now reinvigorated under Pep, and showing his doubters precisely why City paid such a handsome fee for his talents. Wright-Phillips believes that fee lies at the root of Sterling’s recent woes.

“The criticism was harsh on him because the price tag was out of his hands. So he’s had to just put his head down and play and for the most part he’s done that. He’s scored goals and created goals, and he’s working hard. For me it was all about the price tag and that’s unfair.”

“He is capable of going all of the way and especially under a manager like Pep. We’ve seen that with the wingers he has produced and managed. He could be a big threat not only for City but for England as well.”

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As indeed Wright-Phillips was, in over 200 appearances for the Blues and 36 times for England, during an exhilarating and impressive career. Would he have liked to have played under the Spanish grandmaster himself?

“As a player I’d have definitely loved to have played under Pep. He likes attacking, working hard, and pressing from the front and that’s the stuff I like. I enjoy watching the football he produces because it’s all about flair and keeping the ball.” 

Instead he played under another formidably talented coach in Jose Mourinho, and next week the self-appointed ‘Special One’ takes his side across town for a mother of all derbies. Wright-Phillips is delighted that his former gaffer is now taking on the club closest to his heart.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge but it’s nice that Jose has gone to United, because derby days might now go back to when there was a lot of aggression and everyone wanted to win to get one over on the other. I hope it goes back to that because I used to love playing against the Reds. Scoring against them just made it even better.”

On which note talk naturally leads to the all-time leading goal-scorer in this famous fixture, and the third expected big departure from the Premier League this summer. Wright-Phillips however brushes aside any suggestion of China or the MLS for United’s record-breaking striker.

“Wayne Rooney has still got so much more to give and he could still do an outstanding job in the Premier League. It depends on the player and where his head is at right now.”

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SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS

Score prediction for Chelsea v Tottenham?

Chelsea win 2-1

Score prediction for Manchester City v Arsenal?

2-0 to Man City

Who will win Champions League?

Juventus. If not then Atletico Madrid

Who will win the Premier League Golden Boot?

Sanchez just keeps scoring but that’s hard. I’m going to have to get back to you on that one.