Our cup runneth over: Five reasons why the FA Cup has been a treat this season February 17, 2019 If unpredictability is at the heart of the FA Cup’s appeal then there is much to love about how this season’s competition is unfolding and the composition of the last eight. For the first time in five years – and only the second time in a decade – there will be just two teams from [...]
Frankenstein’s flanker: England’s Tom Curry has taken on aspects of all his idols but is keeping grounded after successful Six Nations start February 14, 2019 Tom Curry is quickly establishing himself as Eddie Jones's go-to man at openside flanker after an impressive start to the Six Nations. He may be only 20 years old but his ability and tireless work ethic has seen him improve England's performance at the breakdown markedly – even if he is modest about it. In [...]
AFC Wimbledon v Millwall: The FA Cup tie neither team wanted as giant-killers meet at Kingsmeadow February 14, 2019 If the FA Cup is a competition most loved for its giant-killings, then Millwall are its best proponents. In the entire history of the world’s oldest cup tournament the Lions have produced 25 giant-killings – defined as victories over a top-flight side by one in a lower division – the joint most alongside Southampton. And [...]
Horse Racing Betting Tips: Jefferson has been Waiting Patiently to unleash her aeroplane February 14, 2019 WHAT a strange week that was. Last Thursday racing was suspended due to the equine influenza outbreak and there were concerns that next month’s Cheltenham Festival could be in trouble. Thankfully the show is now back on the road and we’re blessed with a proper Super Saturday tomorrow. The ITV4 cameras will be showing action [...]
Horse Racing Betting Tips: Monalee all set for first Festival glory in Ryanair February 14, 2019 THOSE of you with long memories will remember that I recommended backing Henry De Bromhead’s MONALEE at fancy ante-post prices for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle back in 2017. Everything looked to be going swimmingly rounding the home turn as the favourite Death Duty started to tread water and when Monalee took over coming down [...]
Horse Racing Preview: David Pipe looks at his chances this weekend February 14, 2019 WHAT a strange week we have had with the whole equine influenza saga. I’m glad that common sense has prevailed, and we are now back racing. We vaccinated all of ours last month and routinely take temperatures twice a day, so it hasn’t really affected us much. All our staff have been taking extra care [...]
Ollie Phillips: England’s emphasis on the collective has turned the side into a multi-faceted one with a shot at a Six Nations Grand Slam February 14, 2019 England have enjoyed a perfect start to the Six Nations but the length of the tournament and physical nature of rugby means squad depths will always be tested. Mako Vunipola was one of the stand-out players in the wins over Ireland and France but an ankle injury means the back-up options now come into question. [...]
On the up and in the cup: Frank Lampard has turned Derby County into giant-killers as they look to claim third Premier League scalp February 14, 2019 Earlier this week Frank Lampard brushed off talk that he could be the man to replace Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea, anid speculation over the Italian’s future following a turbulent start to 2019. The notion that Lampard could be ready to take on such a big challenge at his former club is testament to the job [...]
Go away, Jose: Mourinho and his team receive £19.6m pay off from Manchester United February 14, 2019 Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and his coaching team received a £19.6m payoff after getting sacked from the club, its accounts reveal. The club’s quarterly accounts list the £19.6m payment under exceptional items describing it as “compensation to the former manager and certain members of the coaching staff for loss of office”. Mourinho was [...]
Tottenham 3-0 Borussia Dortmund: Son Heung-min and Jan Vertonghen lead perfect second-half performance for Spurs February 13, 2019 As the Tottenham fans funnelled into the depths of Wembley at half-time last night there would have been nerves. Spurs had fashioned just one opening in the first 45 minutes as they continually ran up against the yellow wall of Borussia Dortmund. The passes weren’t sticking up front, the midfield were struggling to penetrate and [...]