Tony Kelshaw 
We’ve picked out three 2023 Grand National tips for punters to consider ahead of this year’s Liverpool spectacular. The world’s most famous race attracts over 500 million viewers in more than 140 countries and features 30 fences across just under four and a half miles.
The Grand National is one of the most popular events on the UK sporting calendar, with up to 40 horses going head-to-head at the famous Aintree racecourse. We have picked out the key trends from the previous 20 renewals ahead of this year’s Liverpool showpiece on Saturday.
All eyes will be on Aintree this weekend and we’re taking a look at all 40 intended Grand National runners ahead of the Liverpool spectacular. With some cut underfoot expected after this week’s rain, stamina will be even more essential than usual for the 4m 2f-plus marathon.
Ronnie O’Sullivan is once again rated the man to beat in the 2023 World Snooker Championship odds. The Rocket is quoted at 4/1 to secure a record eighth title of the modern era, having joined Stephen Hendry on seven Crucible triumphs 12 months ago.
Aston Villa look a value bet to blow the race for a Premier League top-four finish wide open by getting the better of Newcastle on Saturday. The hosts have come out on top in their last three head-to-head meetings at Villa Park and go into this encounter in fantastic form.
The 2023 US Masters is not far away, with players due to tee off at Augusta National on April 6. The first of golf’s four majors is set to be more competitive than ever, with allegiances split between the US-based PGA Tour and the new Saudi-funded LIV Tour.
Cristian Stellini faces a tricky first test as Tottenham interim manager when taking on a rejuvenated Everton team fighting for survival. The last three renewals of this Premier League fixture played at Goodison Park have ended in stalemate and this could be another close encounter.
Newcastle can blow the battle for top-four places in the Premier League wide open with a home win over Manchester United. The Red Devils are currently in pole position to finish best of the rest behind Arsenal and neighbours City but their away record is worrying.
West Ham and Southampton are both in the bottom three but the Hammers look a percentage pick in this Premier League relegation battle. The Hammers have been rock-solid at home since the turn of the year and will be determined to prevail here prior to a tough run of fixtures.
Anthony Joshua will look to get his career back on track by beating Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena in London. AJ lost his WBA, IBF and WBO belts to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 and failed to gain revenge in last August’s rematch, leaving him at a crossroad here.
With Red Bull again expected to dominate Down Under, we’re focusing on the battle to be best of the rest in our Australian Grand Prix predictions. The resurgent Fernando Alonso has finished third in the first two races and will be eyeing another bold showing for Aston Martin.
Chelsea are only above Aston Villa on goal difference in the Premier League table and are hard to trust as short-priced favourites. While Graham Potter is under constant pressure to improve results, Unai Emery has settled in nicely at Villa and is earning plenty of plaudits.
Thomas Tuchel’s arrival can give Bayern Munich a crucial lift ahead of Saturday’s crunch Der Klassiker clash with Borussia Dortmund. FC Hollywood are a point behind their great rivals in the Bundesliga table but have a great head-to-head record in this fixture.
We’re taking a look at some of the differences between Rugby League and Rugby Union, two contrasting codes played with the same oval ball. From the number of players in a team, to scoring points and popular regions, we examine how each sport has developed since an 1895 split.