Ian Rush exclusive: LIVERPOOL HAVE THE EDGE ON TITLE RIVALS

Liverpool legend Ian Rush is convinced his former club have a big advantage over their title rivals this season because they don’t have to rely on any one individual to find the target.

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“There are so many players who can score goals, at least five in Firmino, Coutinho, Mane, Sturridge or Lallana. Then you have defenders like Lovren chipping in too. When you have players like that it’s very difficult for the opposition manager to know what to do. They can’t just say ‘stop him and stop him’. They don’t know what team is going to be playing and when they do, they don’t know who to man-mark.”

The Reds currently lie second in the Premier League and with their free-scoring ways and spirited performances are putting together a charge that brings to mind their incredible season of 2013/14. Back then a runner-up spot was attained, in part, due to having no European distractions and Rush believes Jürgen Klopp’s men are once again benefiting from being able to focus entirely on domestic affairs.

“When you’re not in Europe you have to take advantage of that and do well in the league and the two teams who are doing it are Liverpool and Chelsea. Also when you’re not involved in European competition you have time to get over injuries – just that day or two – and that makes a massive difference in a very competitive Premier League.”

It helps too if you have an outstanding talent firing on all cylinders and Philippe Coutinho is certainly that. Rush unsurprisingly is a fan.

The Brazilian magician is one third of an attacking trio who have bamboozled defences this season but while their trickery and goals have delighted the Kop, Rush has been even more impressed by what he describes as their ‘football brains’.

“You can’t always leave it to the manager and that’s what we’re seeing now with Firmino, Mane and Coutinho. Lallana too. They have the manager’s guidelines but if it’s not happening they’ll change positions between them and get it right. Better yet with Sturridge and Origi there is a threat now for the whole ninety minutes whereas previously there wasn’t.”

Speaking of Sturridge it has astonished many that a fit striker who boasts a better than one-in-two scoring ratio for Liverpool cannot get into the starting eleven, a situation that’s led to lots of moody stares from the bench as the 27 year old reportedly eyes a move away from Anfield. Rush, the club’s all-time record goal-scorer, offers some sage advice.

If he needs inspiration the England forward could do a lot worse than look to his skipper Jordan Henderson and copy a professional attitude that has seen the midfielder finally emerge from the long shadow cast by Steven Gerrard to become the new heartbeat of the side. Rush clearly admires how the pupil is turning into the master.

“He has become the leader now. It might not be by talking on the pitch but it’s by example with his work-rate and his completed passes. Jordan probably works harder while Stevie was better with the ball. Jordan is a good captain and while he might not be as good with the long balls as Stevie he’s doing the easy balls and making things quicker.”

It would be unrealistic to hope Henderson comes close to matching Stevie G’s achievements at Anfield of course and such is his standing at the club there is now talk of him returning in a coaching role, possibly with the Academy. The rumours have picked up further pace this week after Gerrard turned down the manager’s vacancy at MK Dons.

“Stevie will always be welcomed back at Liverpool in whatever capacity but in my opinion he should carry on playing. I played until I was 38 and it’s the best thing in the world. He could still do a job for the right club and Newcastle or Celtic would be right down his alley. If he went to a lower Premier League club he could end up working harder than for Liverpool so that can work against you. But in the Championship or in Scotland it is easier and for dead-ball situations he would be phenomenal for any of those teams.”

As for Rush himself he was phenomenal for the Reds and Wales over two decades in a distinguished career laden with goals. Does he watch the present side creating opportunities for fun and wish he was still out there?

“I’d love to play in this Liverpool team. They’re fantastic and so many chances are created but the main thing for me is how defending has changed. The likes of Jamie Carragher and John Terry are dying out and there are a lot of footballers who like to play around the back. If you’re a clever striker that gives you half a chance and then you’re one-on-one with the keeper.”

As hundreds of goalkeepers from the eighties and nineties would gravely attest: that only used to end one way.

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   Coutinho

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The £100,000 Charlie Hall Steeplechase at Wetherby is widely acknowledged as one of the most important and influential early season trials for top-quality chasers as they set out on the season long road to the Cheltenham Festival with the very live possibility of running in the Gold Cup itself.

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The hugely popular Cue Card won this race in superb style in 2015, and went on to land both the Betfair Chase at Haydock and Kempton’s King George VI on Boxing Day. He unfortunately fell while in contention for the 2016 Gold Cup. Cue Card returned to Wetherby in 2016 but failed to secure the double, being beaten into third place behind the Rebecca Curtis trained Irish Cavalier.

As of the 48-hour declaration stage, thirteen runners make their way to the Yorkshire venue on Saturday afternoon. Here is a runner-by-runner guide:

More Of That (current odds 12/1)

Jonjo O’Neill’s More Of That, a former winner of the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and Gold Cup sixth, takes his chance in this race rather heading over to Down Royal for the JN Wine Champion Chase.

“He ran flat last year, he never really turned up, for whatever reason,” O’Neill said. “Obviously, he’s had his problems but he’s come back in really good shape. At the moment, we’re all full of hope.”

Double Shuffle (current odds 20/1)

Tom George had this race earmarked for the seven-year-old gelding after he was pulled up in the Aintree Grand National.

“He might be the sort of horse to start off in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby as he has got that bit of class. He will improve for another summer on his back." said George after the National.

Double Shuffle ran second on his seasonal return at Chepstow. A nice warm-up for this perhaps?

Village Vic (current odds 20/1)

Somewhat of a Cheltenham specialist but did win the Bobby Renton Chase here back in 2015.

Village Vic is the pace angle in the race but is unproven beyond three miles and must be vulnerable to anything finishing late and fast.

Virgilio (current odds 20/1)

Virgilio has made giant strides since arriving on British shores and completed a hat-trick straight away for Dan Skelton.

He could not live with Might Bite and Whisper at Aintree in the Mildmay but returned the following month to the course to record a win.

Indian Stream (current odds 40/1)

Indian Steam was tailed off behind Rock The Kasbah at Chepstow three weeks ago and was never in contention.

The eight-year-old mare did win a 2m 3f Chase here however at last year’s corresponding fixture.

Coneygree (current odds 9/4)

The Scarlet Pimpernel of National Hunt finally makes his long awaited appearance on Saturday.

The 2015 Gold Cup winner has had just three races since his Cheltenham victory but showed he still retains plenty of ability when finishing third behind Sizing John at Punchestown in April.

The predicted overnight rain on Friday is also welcome news for the Bradstock team.

Blaklion (current odds 13/2)

Nigel Twiston-Davies, a four-time Charlie Hall winner, will be going into the year’s renewal with a two-pronged attack.

Blaklion, off since a fine fourth in the Grand National, was also placed fourth in this last year. The 2016 RSA Chase winner has Aintree aspirations again this season but may just need this opening run.

Definitly Red (current odds 8/1)

Brian Ellison’s bane of spellchecker has the Gold Cup as his long-term target and the Charlie Hall Chase will be the first stepping stone along that path.

The 159-rated chaser was in cracking form last season winning the Grimthorpe Chase by a street and scoring on Boxing Day here in the Roland Meyrick Handicap Chase.

He was rather unfortunate in the Grand National when going well and has to be a big player on Saturday.

Cue Card (current odds 11/4)

The nine-time Grade One winner suffered a surprise defeat in last year’s renewal when he was only third after being sent off 8-11 favourite.

Lack of fitness was blamed that day but the Tizzard’s have given their veteran star a racecourse gallop at Wincanton to sharpen him up, suggesting he is much further forward than he was twelve months ago.

After Wetherby, Cue Card is expected to run in the Betfair Chase at Haydock before racing in the King George VI at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Shantou Flyer (current odds 20/1)

Shantou Flyer makes his first start for trainer Richard Hobson in the Charlie Hall.

The Carl Hinchy-owned seven-year-old has joined Hobson from Rebecca Curtis and has not been seen since he was pulled up in the Grand National.

Before that he won a Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and also finished second behind Cue Card in the Ascot Chase in February.

Sizing Codelco (current odds 20/1)

Aintree and Punchestown winner Sizing Codelco was made top weight for his seasonal return at Chepstow but was pulled up that day.

Dropped back down to a mark of 158 from 160 after that result, Colin Tizzard’s “Sizing” recruit could easily bounce back at generous odds and is hard to dismiss.

Vieux Lion Rouge (current odds 20/1)

Trained by David Pipe, Vieux Lion Rouge has won 11 of his 22 races and earned his owners £205,000.

Last seen when finishing sixth in the Grand National, the eight-year-old gelding had previously won the Grand National Trail at Haydock and the Becher Chase at Aintree.

He certainly gets every yard of the trip and appears to be another that has been largely ignored outside of the top two in the market.

Bristol De Mai (current odds 8/1)

Nigel Twiston-Davies’ six-year-old grey was the emphatic winner of the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock last season and will only run on Saturday if there is some soft in the going.

Given the weather forecast there is every chance of that being the case and it will be all systems go for the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede owned runner.

He should really relish that type of ground and looks the more likely winner out of the Twiston-Davies pair.

Summary

After speaking with the Crossed Fingers Partnership at Aintree last Sunday and seeing how well their stable-star God’s Own ran, I am going to take an outside punt on the Tom George trained Double Shuffle.

The George stable put in some decent results last week at Cheltenham and Aintree and he certainly knows how to ready one for a big race.

Controversially I shall leave out the two horses heading the market and take Bristol De Mai and Definitly Red to fill the forecast and tricast spots.

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

Every sport has a definitive year-ending event to crown its champions. In horse racing, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships is the culmination of the horse racing season worldwide and the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic is the defining event of the international racing season. The Breeders’ Cup Classic, run over 1 1/4 miles, draws a star-studded list of international runners year upon year. It is open to 3-year-old horses and older and this year has attracted thirteen runners.

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This year the Championships are being held at Del Mar Racetrack.

Let’s take a look at the contenders this year:

Collected (current odds 5/1)

Collected beat his stablemate Arrogate to land the Pacific Classic at Del Mar which gave their trainer Bob Baffert the 1-2.

Collected is a perfect four-for-four this season, and a winner of eight of his eleven career starts. After his Santa Anita run every start has been in Stakes company. The Pacific Classic victory secured the colt a spot in the starting gate for the Breeders' Cup Classic as a part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series.

Diversify (current odds 25/1)

New York-bred Diversify won the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes at Belmont on October 7th in front-running fashion thus automatically qualifying for this race.

After a workout at Belmont on Saturday, trainer Rick Violette said he would first have to speak with owner Ralph Evans and to expect a decision Sunday as to whether they would be travelling or not.

Gun Runner (current odds 2/1)

Gun Runner has never won at the distance over which he will be tested over in the Classic, but trainer Steve Asmussen has no concerns his stable star will get every bit of the 1 1/4 miles.

Gun Runner’s four Grade 1 wins have come at 1 1/8 miles. He comes into this race off a three-race win streak, taking the Clark Handicap, the Whitney Stakes, and the Woodward Stakes.

Mubtaahij (current odds 16/1)

Mubtaahij won the Grade 1, $300,690 Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita to qualify for the Classic and gave Bob Baffert yet another runner in the race.

Mubtaahij was making his first start since finishing fourth in the Dubai World Cup in March, and his Santa Anita run was his first start since joining Baffert's stable.

Arrogate (current odds 9/4)

Arrogate is a four-time winner at the top-level for trainer Bob Baffert with those wins including last year's Breeders' Cup Classic and the Dubai World Cup.

He has failed to show his best in his two most recent starts and will be retired to stud whatever the outcome of Saturday’s feature race.

Despite his recent disappointments, Arrogate remains the highest-rated horse in the world.

Churchill (current odds 12/1)

Dual 2000 Guineas winner Churchill will be representing “Group One world record” holder Aidan O’Brien in the Classic.

Aidan O'Brien's colt, who has not tasted victory since following up his Newmarket Classic win at the Curragh, finished third in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes to Persuasive at Ascot’s Champions Day meeting.

Cupid (current odds 33/1)

*Note* Cupid will make his next start in the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar, Coolmore confirmed Thursday after the colt was also pre-entered into the Classic.

Gunnevera (current odds 50/1)

Gunnevera confirmed he can still mix it with the best with a runner-up effort in the Travers Stakes on August 26^th.

The Kentucky-bred colt won the 2016 Saratoga Special Stakes (G2) and closed out his 2-year-old campaign with victory in the $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes (G3).

Pavel (current odds 33/1)

Pavel made the winner’s circle when scoring by five lengths in the Smarty Jones Stakes at Parx in Philadelphia. He then took on the big hitters in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont and finished third behind Diversify and Keen Ice.

Trainer Doug O’Neill believes a rematch in the Classic is just up his street.

War Decree (current odds 25/1)

War Decree is certainly not an Aidan O’Brien afterthought for the Classic.

The lightly-raced 3-year-old War Front colt rewarded his connections with the form they knew he possessed, scoring easily in the Koffy Diamond Stakes at Dundalk last time out.

Prior to that, he returned back in April with a sixth in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket and a fifth in the Qipco Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly.

War Story (current odds 100/1)

In his three Grade 1 starts this year he’s finished a combined 40 ½ lengths out of first place. Unsurprisingly those three races were won by Arrogate (Pegasus World Cup Invitational) and Gun Runner (Whitney Stakes and Woodward Stakes).

The best position fans of this runner can really hope for is a possible superfecta spot should he run on through beaten horses.

West Coast (current odds 5/1)

A son of Flatter, West Coast has won five straight races in tough company with victories in the Grade 1 Travers and Pennsylvania Derby leading into the Classic.

West Coast also has history on his side as Bob Baffert has won this race in three straight runnings, all with 3-year-old horses.

Win The Space (current odds 100/1)

Win the Space returns to the Classic after finishing unplaced in 2016. For the second straight year, he prepped for the race by finishing third in the Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita a month ago.

It would however come as a major shock if this horse troubles the judge on Saturday.

Summary

Essentially it’s a game of “which Bob Baffert horse wins?” isn’t it? But the likes of Aidan O’Brien and Steve Asmussen will be hoping to have something to say about that.

Baffert does however look to hold all the aces in the pack and his three-year-old West Coast completely fits the mould of previous Classic winners.

Selection: West Coast.

The “Monet’s Garden” Old Roan Chase is a Grade 2 National Hunt steeplechase run on the Mildmay course at Aintree. A total of sixteen fences are jumped in the contest. The race was first run in 2004 under the title of the Totesport Wigan Chase.

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This race kick starts the season for the top two and a half milers, having been won by the likes of Kauto Star, Monet’s Garden (2007, 2009, and 2010), Alberta’s Run, Wishful Thinking and Sound Investment in previous years.

Here we take a look and the trends and statistics over the last 10 renewals of race plus a rundown of some the runners:

Weight (wins-placed-runners):

11st +: 6-8-36

10st 13lb or less: 4-6-46

The last eight winners have carried 10st 7lb or more which is good news for that handful of runners at the top of the handicap.

Age (wins-placed-runners):

5-y-o to 8-y-o: 3-9-43

9-y-o to 12-y-o: 7-5-35

Five out of the last ten winners have been aged ten or more so the older horses are not easy to dismiss.

Ratings

154+ : 6-8-35

153- : 4-6-46

The last ten winners have been rated 150 or higher.

Ten important trends to note

• 10/10 had previously finished in the top 3 of a G1 contest.
• 10/10 ran at a G1 track last time out.
• 9/10 were making their seasonal debut.
• 9/10 had previously won at G1 or G2 level.
• 8/10 had previously won over 20/21f.
• 8/10 had 19+ previous career starts.
• 9/10 had their last start in a Graded race.
• 10/10 had an OR of 150+.
• 8/10 had 4+ previous Chase victories.
• 8/10 had their last start at either Cheltenham or Aintree.

Trainer form:

Philip Hobbs trained the winners of this in 2004 and 2014. He saddles Royal Regatta this year.

Paul Nicholls has been responsible for sending out the favourite five times in the last ten years. He is represented by Bouvreuil and Warriors Tale this year.

Tom George and Alan King have sent out ten horses between them with only Tom George managing to hit the frame on a single occasion. That must be a slight worry for backers of Smad Place and God’s Own even if the latter was the runner-up last season.

Price

The last ten winners have ranged from 9/4 to 14/1

The Principle Contenders

Cloudy Dream

Malcolm Jefferson’s runner went from being a smart hurdler to having a great first season over fences. The seven-year-old won three of his seven starts, finishing runner-up on the four other occasions. His efforts in defeat included a staying on six-length second to Altior in the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival which was no mean feat.

He rounded off last season with an easy victory at Ayr’s Scottish Grand National meeting.

God’s Own

God’s Own, runner-up twelve months ago, attempts to go one better in this Aintree Grade Two on Sunday. Beaten a length and three-quarters by Third Intention last year, Tom George’s triple Grade One-winner is reported to be in great shape.

He runs off a mark of 166 again which will not be an easy task.

Tea For Two

The Nick Williams-trained Tea For Two was the winner of The Bowl back here in April under Lizzie Kelly and the family team will be aiming for great things again with the eight-year-old.

He looks better treated at the weights than God’s Own and has to be given serious consideration.

Bristol De Mai

Won the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock last January by a country mile but failed to register another win afterwards. He was seventh, twenty lengths behind Sizing John in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March and only managed fifth to Tea For Two in the The Bowl at Aintree.

The six-year-old was forced to miss his intended return at Stratford last week due to quick ground.

Third Intention

Winner of this race last year and Colin Tizzard has managed to get him here on the same mark. Comes back to Merseyside as a ten-year-old and may just need the run first time out.

Shantou Village

Lots of support for this horse in the betting this week but the worrying thing is the slow start to the season for the Neil Mulholland stable, granted they did record a double at Sedgefield this week.

He is only seven years old and has won four of his five starts over fences, so there should be much more to come this season. He enjoys decent ground so would not want it too soft on Sunday.

Vaniteux

Vaniteux has two entries at the weekend and may head to either Cheltenham on Saturday or the Old Roan chase at Aintree on Sunday for his Pond House debut.

Formerly trained by Nicky Henderson, he put in a great performance behind Altior & Special Tiara at Sandown, and although well beaten in the end in The Ryanair he ran with plenty of promise.

This looks a horse to give the each-way backers a good run for their money.

Devils Bride

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Devils Bride is the sole Irish raider in Sunday's feature race. Michael O'Leary's 10-year-old ran well for a long way in the Galway Plate until falling at the last, but then struggled at Killarney after that.

Waiting Patiently

Malcolm Jefferson has also entered Waiting Patiently for this weekend's two-and-a-half-mile Grade Two, but he is unlikely to line up unless conditions deteriorate and the heavens open.

Waiting Patiently is unbeaten in three starts over fences since joining Jefferson from the recently retired Keith Reveley.

Summary

Another competitive renewal of the Old Roan Chase and there looks like being a fairly sizeable field lining up.

Cloudy Dream looks a worthy favourite and should run a solid race but that string of seconds he racked up last season may just put the jitters up a few punters looking for a solid win bet.

Should Vaniteux take up his Aintree engagement he should represent some each-way value in the race at a track that David Pipe did extremely well at last season.

After a six month hiatus over the summer the long anticipated Showcase Meeting takes place this week at the headquarters of jump racing, Cheltenham.

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The Showcase is a popular meeting with many of the top owners, trainers and jockeys having runners over the two days. This fixture marks the beginning of the year for many horses, ready to get the season rolling which will hopefully bring them back to The Festival™ next March.

The schedule for the two days is as follows:

Friday, October 27

2.00pm - Ballymore Novices' Hurdle Race 2m 5f £20,000

2.35pm - squareintheair.com Novices' Chase 2m £25,000

3.10pm - Brandon Hill Capital Handicap Hurdle (0-140) 2m 5f £12,000

3.45pm - Ryman Stationery Cheltenham Business Club Novices' Chase 3m ½f £25,000

4.20pm - Joel Dommett Here On 6th April Centaur Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase (0 -125) 3m 1f £12,000

4.55pm - Foundation Developments Ltd Maiden Hurdle 2m ½f £10,000

5.30pm - Experience The Theatre at The Festival Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (0-140) 2m ½f £10,000

Saturday, October 28

2.00pm - randoxhealth.com Handicap Chase 3m 1f £50,000

2.35pm - Masterson Holdings Hurdle 2m ½f £35,000

3.10pm - Randox Health Handicap Chase 2m £50,000

3.45pm - Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle 3m £25,000

4.20pm - Royal Gloucestershire Hussars Novices' Chase 2m 4f £25,000

4.55pm - Junior Jumpers The Showcase Novices' Hurdle 3m £10,000

5.30pm - Jockey Club Venues Standard Open NH Flat Race 2m ½f £10,000

Some exciting novice chasers and hurdlers are set to feature on a seven-race card on day one of The Showcase.

Racing gets underway at 2pm with the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle over two miles and five furlongs, which has attracted 15 entries including Mon Palois, who has been successful on both his hurdle appearances to date, and recent Uttoxeter winner Palmers Hill.

Sceau Royal, sixth in the Champion Hurdle at The Festival in March, headlines 12 entries for the Squareintheair.com Novices' Chase (2.35pm) over two miles. This useful performer won at this corresponding meeting last year. The Alan King-trained five-year-old made a winning start to his chasing career when scoring comfortably from Ballyhill at Warwick on October 5^th...

Paul Nicholls has won three of the last nine renewals of the race and could this year rely on his Betfair Hurdle runner-up Movewiththetimes. Capitaine may make a quick return to action after scoring at Market Rasen last Saturday.

North Hill Harvey (Dan Skelton), successful in the Greatwood Hurdle in 2016, and recent Downpatrick winner Canny Tom for Gordon Elliott also hold entries in the Squareintheair.com Novices' Chase.

Guitar Pete scored a couple victories over hurdles as a juvenile in 2014, as well as finishing third in the Triumph Hurdle in the same year. The seven-year-old is one of the entries for the two-mile, five-furlong Brandon Hill Handicap Hurdle (3.10pm).

Nicky Richards could also be represented in the Brandon Hill Handicap Hurdle by six-year-old Caius Marcius, a four-time hurdle winner over two miles, who last raced at Market Rasen, finishing eighth in the Listed Prelude Handicap Hurdle.

Windshear who came fourth in the 2014 St Leger, and French import Dostal Phil feature among the contenders for the £10,000 Foundation Developments Ltd Maiden Hurdle (4.55pm) over an extended two miles.

The second day of The Showcase on Saturday, is headlined by a pair of £50,000 contests - the randoxhealth.com Handicap Chase over three miles and a furlong and the two-mile Randox Health Handicap Chase - plus the £35,000 Masterson Holdings Hurdle over two miles.

Cheltenham specialist Perfect Candidate heads a strong team of Fergal O'Brien-trained runners gearing up for season.

Perfect Candidate will bid to go one better than two years ago in the £50,000 randoxhealth.com Handicap Chase over three miles and a furlong, which opens the seven-race programme on the second day.

The 10-year-old, a dual winner of handicap chases at Cheltenham in 2016, bravely lumped top-weight to victory in a veterans' handicap chase at Exeter in February. He has not raced since the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree in April when he was pulled up.

The Triumph Hurdle victor Defi Du Seuil, unbeaten in seven hurdle races, is on course to make his eagerly-awaited comeback in the £35,000 Masterson Holdings Hurdle. The two-mile contest, restricted to four-year-olds, is also set feature recent Dan Skelton scorer Bedrock.

And don’t forget next Sunday...

Aintree begins its season with a top class card starring the Monet's Garden Old Roan Chase. The Grade Two event honours Nicky Richards' ever-popular grey who won the race three times, including a memorable victory over dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Kauto Star in 2007. The two-and-a-half-mile race usually draws some decent entries and it should be a great contest once again.

Check out our website for the latest prices during the week.

It seems the absence of players with touchline paint on their boots is not a drawback solely reserved for Old Trafford.

“There are no wingers in any team now, club or international. It is not just a problem for Manchester United; it is a problem for English football. Having wingers is good for the team and good for the fans. They excite and United have always had good wingers – Giggs, Beckham, myself, Ronaldo and Nani.”

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The 47 year old Russian is entirely right to place himself in such company as for four years he epitomised United’s gung-ho attacking intent all achieved with lightning pace. It made him a firm fan’s favourite while Sir Alex Ferguson evidently loved his direct dribbling. Today Kanchelskis remembers his ex-boss in using him as a counter-balance to Mourinho’s recent barbed comments aimed at his players.

“It shouldn’t happen. Ferguson was only critical in the dressing room and now too many coaches are critical of their players in public. Ferguson didn’t do that and it should not be done.”

Even so, it is not inconceivable that the self-proclaimed Special One will once again turn on his own this weekend should United fail to get maximum points against their old adversaries Arsenal and his traditional sparring partner Arsene Wenger. It is a fixture that Kanchelskis is relishing.

“Manchester United v Arsenal are always great games with great atmospheres. United need to win it because it’s starting to look very difficult to get top four. They need to play very tight because Arsenal are full of good technical players; they need to play aggressive because Arsenal don’t like that. If this game was near the end of the season then United would 100% win because Arsenal are always very poor then.”

Except of course it’s not and the Gunners are presently looking formidable which means United’s cause would be helped significantly by the continued improvement of Paul Pogba, whose huge fee has brought microscopic attention to his form and influence. Kanchelskis however, remains confident that the Frenchman’s disappointingly ordinary start is simply part of a settling in period.

“Pogba is a very good player who needs time to adapt to the Premier League. He has only played four months. Look at De Gea – when he arrived everybody was saying he wasn’t such a good keeper but now he’s the best goalkeeper in Europe.”

Speaking of being the best at another of his former clubs, Romelu Lukaku is well on his way to establishing himself as a truly elite striker with even Ronald Koeman saying this week his prized asset should leave Goodison Park to fulfil his immense potential. The one-time record signing for the Blues agrees.

That is not to suggest that Kanchelskis doesn’t still think extremely highly of the Toffees, stating more than once his love for the people of Merseyside and insisting they deserve Champions League football over and above their rivals.

Yet history could have painted a very different picture and had their archest of rivals Liverpool been successful in luring the winger over from Ukraine in 1991 instead of Ferguson’s United our discussion might well have centred on Klopp and their bid for the title. According to a chuckling Kanchelskis it was initially a coin-flip.

“Souness said if I went to Manchester United I would regret it and should go to Liverpool. He said United were not playing very well and told me about the Anfield crowds. But I was very happy to join United and I think it was good for the fans as well.”

The last sentence is uttered with admirable understatement yet the accompanying laughter gives him away. Two league titles and a place in the heart of every man, woman and child of the Old Trafford faithful – his decision was good for Andrei too.

“It’s not mentality, it’s just injuries. That’s what has hurt them all these years – key injuries to key players in key moments. Not just a few games out but for six months. If they can keep a fit team they can go all the way.”

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Having overcome an opening day defeat to Liverpool, the Gunners presently find themselves joint top and in a rich vein of form. Yet Campbell is reluctant to pin his colours too firmly to Arsenal’s mast, not while the league summit remains crowded with an array of genuine challengers this year.

“Every team has got something in their own way. Manchester City at the beginning blew teams away before stuttering a bit. Tottenham have been steady. Arsenal started out blasting then scraped a couple of results so they are there. Liverpool have been industrious and street-like and then you have Chelsea with a new system that Conte seems happy with. They look slick. Manchester United are trying to be involved but something is not there, something isn’t right.“

A lack of a goal threat can partly be attributed to United’s woes, which is hardly a concern for Arsenal right now who can’t stop scoring. Indeed Alexis Sanchez has single-handedly put away just five short of the entire United squad despite playing in an unfamiliar role up front. Even so his repositioning has led to serious discussions on where the Chilean is best employed, a discussion that Campbell holds little stock with.

The 42 year old has clearly been impressed with the flourishing partnership of Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny that has added some much-needed steel to the Gunners’ spine.

“I like the mentality between them. They have the right guys in there now who have the willingness to defend and that is key. They’re mobile but calm; they can pass the ball around the back or pick the right ball or find row Z if needed. There is a nice balance between those guys.”

That balance needs to be right this weekend as Arsenal entertain their local rivals Spurs in a momentous derby. Having left one for the other in controversial fashion back in 2001, Campbell will be keenly observing the clash that has infinitely more than just three points at stake. In fact such is Spurs’ transformation under Mauricio Pochettino there are some who claim the Lilywhites are slowly becoming the top dogs of north London. The former idol of the Lane is having one of it.

As for this Sunday’s game, who better to ask for their thoughts than a defender who played several times apiece on each side of the divide. If you’re a betting man Campbell suggests you back late goals once the chaos has given way to tired legs and minds.

“Arsenal will be geared up for Spurs’ pressing because you cannot do that relentlessly all of the time, only five or ten minute spells. They will be concentrating on how to get past the second press and that’s where you open them up. That’s why the last twenty minutes will be key because a side that has pressed will have spent up a lot of their energy. You have to get used to that frequency and be savvy, especially on a big pitch. Go between the lines.”

Looking further down the fixture list, the man with 73-caps to his name is relishing the prospect of England taking on their ‘auld enemy’ Scotland in a crucial World Cup qualifier on November 11th. Yet their recent choice of manager Gareth Southgate is hardly afforded an unequivocal thumbs-up.

“They believe he’s the right man because he’s gone through the ranks and done everything right. He has ticked all the boxes. Whether he is going to be the one who changes English football – whether anyone can change English football….”

“He’s the right man for now because he doesn’t rock the boat. But that’s all we’ve got which is a shame really. It’s disappointing that we haven’t got anyone else to choose from.”

Could that choice be extended to include Campbell himself in a few years’ time? The question is met with roars of laughter as he compares the chances of a black manager becoming England’s national coach to the UK voting in a black Prime Minister. As regards to club management however Campbell is chomping at the bit to take on the challenge.

“I’m ready now and looking around and putting my name out there. I’m ready for all options. I want to get on to that ladder and however I have to I’ll get on that ladder and work through it.”

1. Arsenal v Spurs score prediction?

   2-2. Dele Alli first scorer - Bet on Premier League

2. Who will win the Golden Boot?

   Sergio Aguero - Bet on the Golden Boot winner

3. Who will finish top four?

   City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham - Bet on top four

4. Who will win the Champions League?

   Bayern Munich - Bet on Champions League winner

QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot is the finale of the European Flat racing season. It's the richest raceday in the British racing calendar and some of the finest horses from the UK, Ireland and France will battle it out on Saturday afternoon.

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The best horses and jockeys will be in action to compete for a record-breaking £4.3 million purse as they bid to follow in the hoof prints of former series stars. The presentation for the Stobart Champion Flat Jockey will also take place on Saturday before the opening race.

The fixture features the end-of-season championship races for Ten-furlong horses (The Champion Stakes), Milers (The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes), Sprinters (six furlongs), Long distance horses (two miles) and Fillies and Mares (one mile and four furlongs).

This really is a meeting for the connoisseurs of Flat racing!

1.25pm - Long Distance Cup (2m)

ORDER OF ST GEORGE comes here on the back of his fourth place in the Arc at Chantilly and could help Aidan O’Brien equal or even surpass the number of group races won in one season set by Bobby Frankel. Big Orange faces a rematch with Order Of St George following their thrilling duel for the Gold Cup back in June.

St Leger third Stradivarius, Doncaster Cup winner Desert Skyline and Mount Moriah represent the younger crop of stayers. Duretto, the Queen’s horse Dartmouth and last year's winner Sheikhzayedroad are also among a strong field of 13 for the opening contest of the day.

2.00pm - Sprint (6f)

Thirteen runners including five Group One winners go to post again in this fascinating renewal of the Champions Sprint. Harry Angel has already beaten his elders twice this season, in the July Cup at Newmarket and the Sprint Cup at Haydock however the only three defeats of his career have interestingly enough all been at Ascot.

Last year's winner The Tin Man, Commonwealth Cup hero CARAVAGGIO and Karl Burke's Quiet Reflection are all in there with a fighting chance. Aidan O’Brien, the trainer of Caravaggio, will also be represented by Alphabet, Intelligence Cross and Washington DC.

2.40pm - Fillies and Mares (1m 4f)

Journey will aim to defend her crown in the Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes but she has the most to fear from BATEEL, who had her measure in the Prix Vermeille. The Juliet Rose and Left Hand add to the French challenge in the race whilst John Gosden also runs Coronet and The Black Princess in addition to Journey.

Aidan O'Brien saddles L’opera runner-up Hydrangea and Wild Irish Rose, with Park Hill winner Alyssa and Andrew Balding's Horseplay making up the ten-runner field.

3.15pm - Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1m)

The eagerly awaited dual between Ribchester and CHURCHILL is on the menu here after both horses featured among 15 declarations for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Thursday. Richard Fahey’s runner has been the strong favourite for the straight-mile Group One, having won three times at the top level this season.

Aidan O'Brien who won this prize for the fourth time 12 months ago saddles 2000 Guineas hero Churchill as well as Lancaster Bomber and Sir John Lavery. Andrew Balding sends out Here Comes When and the fast-improving Beat The Bank. Others with live chances include Saeed bin Suroor's Thunder Snow, the Andre Fabre-trained Al Wukair plus Zonderland and Persuasive.

3.50pm - Champion Stakes (1m 2f)

Cracksman will face nine rivals in the Champion Stakes with one of his main rivals, Ulysses, an unsurprising absentee. The John Gosden-trained colt missed a clash with stablemate Enable in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and he instead drops to a mile and a quarter for this feature race.

In the absence of Ulysses, Sir Michael Stoute places all his faith upon Irish Champion Stakes runner-up Poet’s Word. Barney Roy, trained by Richard Hannon for Godolphin, was runner-up to Churchill in the 2000 Guineas before exacting his revenge in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Aidan O’Brien’s Highland Reel will be seeking a seventh career Group One success on Saturday afternoon.

He will be joined by stable companion Cliffs Of Moher. French raiders BRAMETOT and Recoletos, Ken Condon's Success Days, David Simcock's Desert Encounter and the Gosden-trained outsider Maverick Wave complete the line-up.

4.30pm - Balmoral Handicap (1m)

Just the twenty plus runners to round off the afternoon and it is never an easy task trying to find a big handicap winner. Prominent in the betting are Zabeel Prince and Lord Glitters.

The former was an impressive winner from Bravery at York last time out and has lost only one of his four starts, while the latter made an eye-catching British debut for David O’Meara when splitting Accidental Agent and at this track earlier in the month.

Firmament made his presence felt in last year’s renewal of the Balmoral, won by Yuften, while Master The World, winner of the Betfred Mile Handicap at this year’s Qatar Goodwood Festival, is one of two runners runners for the David Elsworth stable, the other being the Jim Crowley ridden Speculative Bid.

The entries also include GM HOPKINS, who was the runner-up two years ago. Stamp Hill and Withernsea, who featured in the first three home in the Gigaset International Stakes at Ascot in July, are also engaged.

Summary

All too often over the years this fixture has been the victim of some pretty atrocious going conditions due to the unpredictable autumnal weather, however this time around it appears the races will be run on some decent raceable ground.

Here are the horses we think will be crowned “Champions” on Saturday:

1.25 Order Of St George 2.00 Caravaggio 2.40 Bateel 3.15 Churchill 3.50 Brametot 4.30 GM Hopkins

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

British Champions Day at Ascot is now billed as the finale of the European Flat racing season and has been running for seven years. It is the richest raceday in the British racing calendar and some of the finest horses battle it out at the Berkshire track.

As the culmination of the QIPCO British Champions Series, this raceday features the end-of-season championship races for Ten-furlong horses (The Champion Stakes), Milers (The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes), Sprinters (six furlongs), Long distance horses (two miles) and Fillies and Mares (one mile and four furlongs).

Let’s take a look through some of the feature races next Saturday and who we can expect to see line up.

QIPCO Champions Sprint Stakes

Clive Cox is excited about the prospects for Harry Angel in the Champions Sprint Stakes.

The colt found Caravaggio too good in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June but turned the tables on him when taking the Darley July Cup at Newmarket before following up with a comprehensive win in the Sprint Cup on heavy ground at Haydock last time.

He is a 5/4 shot with us here at 888sport to extend his winning sequence on Champions Day, with Caravaggio 4/1 and The Tin Man next in the betting at 6/1.

“He’s come out of the Haydock race absolutely super and I’m very pleased with him,” Cox said. “The time scale between his races - from July Cup to Haydock, and then from there to Champions Day - is perfect and I’m less concerned about what the ground might be than I was before Haydock.

“Thankfully, he’s won his races very cosily and for that reason I hope we’ve been able to maintain a fairly healthy edge on him. Our biggest concern was going to the July Cup after Royal Ascot but that worked out fine”.

Other top-level scorers in the field are Karl Burke's Commonwealth Cup and Sprint Cup heroine of last year, Quiet Reflection (8/1), the James Fanshawe-trained The Tin Man, who won this race 12 months ago as well as the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot in June, and Limato (8/1) from the Henry Candy stable.

QIPCO Champion Stakes

One of the star attractions on Saturday afternoon will be the return of Cracksman who controversially swerved the Arc after some long discussions between John Gosden and Anthony Oppenheimer.

Gosden is confident his Qipco Champion Stakes hope Cracksman would have finished in the first three in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, which he won with Enable.

Cracksman has clocked up Group 2 wins over a mile and a half on his latest two runs and will be dropping in trip for the first time since winning at Epsom, but Gosden seemed a little bit more concerned with other issues.

He said: "He's won over a mile and a quarter this year and is actually bred to be a miler, so we're hoping it works out. He's a stronger horse now, about 16lb or 17lb heavier than he was in April.

"We just hope we don't get another wide draw as that bend at Swinley Bottom comes at you pretty quickly and Jack Hobbs has had two bad trips around there already."

Sir Michael Stoute could hold all the aces as he sends out Poet’s Word and Ulysses.

Poet’s Word showed some top form when beaten only by Decorated Knight in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown last time out.

Stoute said: "He goes for the Champion Stakes. He is in really good shape and he hasn't had a tough campaign. I hope the ground isn't too soft." 

Poet's Word is 8/1 with us here at 888sport to land the Champion Stakes.

Stablemate Ulysses will take in this contest before returning to America for the Breeders' Cup Turf in which he finished fourth last year.

Ulysses won the Eclipse and Juddmonte International this season before finishing third in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly.

"He has just come out of the Arc and we will just keep an eye on things," said Stoute.

"He is bouncing and he takes his racing very well."

QIPCO Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

Ribchester (5/2) heads a stellar cast for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over the straight mile.

 The Godolphin-owned four-year-old, officially Europe’s best miler, has already won four Group One races for trainer Richard Fahey.

His opponents include Churchill (7/1), Barney Roy (10/1) and Al Wukair (7/1) who finished 1-2-3 in this year’s 2000 Guineas.

Andrew Balding is set to saddle the fast-improving Joel Stakes winner Beat The Bank (5/1), as well as Here Comes When (25/1), who surprisingly took the scalp of Ribchester in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

QIPCO Long Distance Cup

Big Orange and Order Of St George could clash once again in the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup.

Other hopefuls include John Gosden's Goodwood Cup winner Stradivarius, who has since finished a close third in the St Leger, and David Elsworth's Desert Skyline, who was third at Goodwood before winning the Doncaster Cup.

"He's come out of his win at Doncaster fine and we are looking forward to running him on Champions Day," said Elsworth.

Last year's winner Sheikhzayedroad has also been entered by David Simcock.

QIPCO Champion Fillies and Mares Stakes

French trainer Francis Graffard feels Bateel can cap off a fantastic season with victory in the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes.

Formerly trained by David Simcock, the five-year-old made the move to France before the start of this season, but did return to Britain to win the Pinnacle Stakes at Haydock in June.

Her rise to greatness continued when landing the Group Two Prix de Pomone at Deauville before Group One success in the Prix Vermeille at Chantilly and she is now set to raid these shores again for her Champions Day target.

Winter is one of 19 possible runners in the Fillies & Mares along with her stablemate Rhododendron - the Prix de l'Opera winner and last year's winner Journey and her stable mate Coronet.

You can find all our QIPCO British Champions Day markets here...

Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke has been scathing in his criticism of new England gaffer and former team-mate Gareth Southgate for his ‘disrespectful’ treatment of Wayne Rooney this week.

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“People forget he’s the greatest English player and the goals he has scored. We’ve all gone through spells where you’re not playing well and it’s a real battle, but the way people have talked about him is really disrespectful. It’s a real difficult time because he’s asked to play all these different positions and gets all the flak he does, yet he tries his hardest every single game. Then you get people like Gareth Southgate taking him out of the team because of the pressure from the media and I think that’s wrong especially coming off the back of a positive result. Sometimes you have to show people a little faith and for Gareth Southgate to make that call, well I thought that was a little strange. To then put him in front of the media to face the music and say he isn’t going to play was disrespectful and a disgrace in my opinion.”

In an exclusive interview with 888sport, the three-time Premier League winner surprisingly excuses Jose Mourinho of similar condemnation despite Rooney recently finding himself relegated to the bench for both club and country after a highly publicised loss of form.

“It’s a different situation at club level. His England performances have been stronger than his performances for Manchester United. Anyone can see that he’s struggled there this season and sometimes it’s not a bad thing to take a back seat. Where England are concerned he has not been the worst player on the pitch by any standards and you have a young manager like Southgate trying to make an impression but you need someone like Wazza around to keep things in check.”

As for the player himself and his slump that has received more column inches than Brexit and Donald Trump’s race for the White House combined, Yorke is confident that it’s only a temporary malaise.

“People in football have such bloody short memories. He just has to get his confidence back and play in the manner we’re used to banging in goals. Then everyone will be singing his praises again. People are suggesting he should leave but that wouldn’t be a good call for him. If you leave Manchester United you’ll never find another club like that. He has to fight his way through this season and we know he’s good enough to do that.”

The usually laid-back 44 year old was speaking ahead of his former club’s visit to Anfield this Monday, a full-blooded fixture that is always guaranteed to provide plenty of drama and controversy. According to Yorke the ‘M62 derby’ is no longer the biggest clash in the English football calendar.

“It’s a game full of history and rivalry but perhaps not so much in the modern day. This was the game we all looked forward to in my day but now with the two Manchester clubs being where they are that is the bigger game. I’m sure there will be one or two people disappointed in me saying that. The Liverpool game still has the intensity and history but the derby is bigger now.”

That noise you hear is a multitude of United supporters taking a deep breath at reading the above. They will need to exhale again sharpish for Yorke’s take on Liverpool’s title chances.

“This is the year where four, even five, teams could win it. It’s very hard to predict who is going to win which is a good thing because in seasons past it was easy to say who would finish in the top two. That’s not the case anymore and Liverpool have a genuine chance of winning the Premier League this year that’s for sure.”

The Tobagonian striker may have filled up much of his trophy cabinet courtesy of four outstanding seasons at Old Trafford but his early years at Aston Villa have certainly not been forgotten when talk moves to the Midland giant’s fall from grace. Yorke evidently still holds the club with great affection so it’s with no small degree of sadness – and frustration - that he addresses their present plight.

“The mentality of the club is really something to be questioned from top to bottom. Most of the players who have come out of the Premier League won’t know the players they are coming up against. That’s something I had to do at the age of 37 when I went to Sunderland in the Championship. It’s your duty as players to at least know the strengths and weaknesses of players you are going to come up against. I bet 100% if you asked Villa players who they’re playing against they wouldn’t have a clue.”

Regarding the expected appointment of Steve Bruce into the hottest of seats as a step in the right direction Yorke is nonetheless disgusted at the defeatist attitude that seems to pervade the club. His thoughts on the matter will surely resonate with every exasperated fan.

“Why are Newcastle and Norwich thought of as favourites for promotion and not Aston Villa? Because of the mentality of everyone at the club. “It’s a difficult league” – we know it’s a difficult league but it doesn’t mean I want my players to think it’s a league we can’t get out of. It’s a joke and I’m disappointed with them”.

Dwight Yorke’s quickfire questions

Score prediction for Liverpool v Manchester United

United have a good record so I’m going 2-1 to Man U

First goalscorer

Zlatan

Who will win the Premier League

City but expect United to have a fantastic run near the end

Who will win the Golden Boot

Aguero is always a goalscoring machine

Who will win the Champions League

Bayern Munich

Who will win the Europa League

Not United