Melanie Gervasoni
Melanie is a freelance writer covering sports news, major event analysis, and match previews/reviews. Her articles feature athlete perspectives and insightful commentary on the latest developments across the sporting world.
News
26
Feb
The Cheltenham Festival and the Aintree Grand National are two crown jewels of UK jump racing, but they differ greatly in format and focus. The Cheltenham Festival is a four-day event featuring 28 races, including multiple Grade 1 championship races, whereas the Grand National at Aintree is centred on a single, marathon steeplechase.
In this analysis, we take an informative, side-by-side approach – not to declare a “winner,” but to understand how and why each event stands out in terms of prestige, challenges, fan experience, and attractiveness for bettors.
Prestige and History
The Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham is widely regarded as the pinnacle of...
21
Feb
Britain's horse racing calendar features two distinct disciplines. Flat racing's main season runs from spring to autumn (April to October), with horses competing on level courses. National Hunt (jump racing) dominates from autumn through spring (October to April), with horses tackling hurdles and steeplechase fences.
While racing happens almost daily across Britain's dozens of racecourses, some events stand out. Below is an overview of major UK horse racing events – their history, significance, key details, and what makes each unique.
The Grand National
The Grand National is a four-mile battle of endurance where horses and riders face 30 fences, each with its...
17
Feb
A midweek Premier League match clouded in controversy arrives at Villa Park, as eighth-placed Aston Villa host league leaders Liverpool in a fixture that neither side wanted at this juncture of their campaigns.
Villa's frustration at the Premier League's rejection of their rescheduling request adds an extra edge to an already charged encounter. The club faces a punishing schedule of five matches in 14 days, while having just one Premier League fixture in the whole of March. This scheduling could prove decisive in how both teams approach the match.
Key Details
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Kick-off: 19:30 (UK Time)
Venue:...
14
Feb
If you're new to betting, you might feel overwhelmed by all the odds and terminology you encounter. One of the most common terms you'll encounter is 'EVS' or 'Evens', and whilst it might seem confusing at first, it's actually one of the most straightforward betting concepts to understand. Let's break it down in simple terms.
What Does EVS Stand for?
EVS in betting stands for Evens (also known as Even money), and the way it works is quite simple. When you see odds listed as EVS, it means you'll win exactly the same amount as your stake if your bet is...
13
Feb
In a season where both teams have fallen well short of expectations, Tottenham and Manchester United will meet in North London this Sunday. Both sides find themselves in unfamiliar territory in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
With just two points separating these traditional top contenders in 13th and 14th place, this fixture has transformed from its usual battle for Champions League positions into a desperate scramble for mid-table dignity.
Key Details
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025
Kick-off: 16:30 (UK Time)
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Where to Watch: Sky Sports
Current Form
Spurs's Season
Tottenham's current 14th place position tells a...
06
Feb
History has a peculiar way of repeating itself in football, and nowhere is this more evident than in this Champions League rivalry. For the fourth consecutive season, Manchester City and Real Madrid find themselves on a collision course, but this year's encounter carries a different weight.
Both European giants enter this fixture with their own lows – City grappling with their worst form under Guardiola (11 losses in 22 matches), while Real Madrid show determination despite the recent controversial game against Espanyol.
What makes this tie particularly intriguing is its prophetic nature: the victor of this fixture has gone on to...