A dozen-strong field line out in the opener and it’s a belter on paper. Nicky Henderson’s Old Park Star sets the standard with Talk The Talk not far behind and El Cairos a possible major-improver, but the same goes for Mighty Park. He won his maiden by a whopping 38-lengths at Fairyhouse and it’s decent form. The Willie Mullins camp haven’t done much to keep a lid on their high opinion of him and he could be something special.

As with the Supreme, it’s Henderson vs Mullins here with Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes. Similar vibes all round, as Lulamba has three chase wins and has done more on track but Kopek, winner of the Supreme on this card last year, was sublime in his chasing debut at Navan in November, beating a good yardstick out of sight, and all dispatches suggest his homework has been electric.

A smart but winless performer on the Flat for Jessica Harrington, Winston Junior got off the mark at the third time of asking over timber at Ascot in January and he did so in the manner of a 4YO with plenty more to offer. His second here in December behind Minella Study had some misfortune about it and could be very solid form. A mark of 131 is pleasing and the booking of Jack Kennedy is a real positive.

Golden Ace defends this crown but faces a major challenge to retain. Fellow mares Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead are respected but not without frailty and it could be that the most upside is held by The New Lion, winner of the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle here last season and yet to be defeated when staying on his feet (one fall). He won here on Trials Day and a more honest gallop in this race could bring about a career-best for Dan and Harry Skelton’s challenger.

A dozen-strong field line out in the opener and it’s a belter on paper. Nicky Henderson’s Old Park Star sets the standard with Talk The Talk not far behind and El Cairos a possible major-improver, but the same goes for Mighty Park. He won his maiden by a whopping 38-lengths at Fairyhouse and it’s decent form. The Willie Mullins camp haven’t done much to keep a lid on their high opinion of him and he could be something special.

As with the Supreme, it’s Henderson vs Mullins here with Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes. Similar vibes all round, as Lulamba has three chase wins and has done more on track but Kopek, winner of the Supreme on this card last year, was sublime in his chasing debut at Navan in November, beating a good yardstick out of sight, and all dispatches suggest his homework has been electric.

A smart but winless performer on the Flat for Jessica Harrington, Winston Junior got off the mark at the third time of asking over timber at Ascot in January and he did so in the manner of a 4YO with plenty more to offer. His second here in December behind Minella Study had some misfortune about it and could be very solid form. A mark of 131 is pleasing and the booking of Jack Kennedy is a real positive.

Generally a race that Britain excels in. Top-weight Iroko and stablemate Jagwar give Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero a strong hand but Hyland could be one that goes well for Nicky Henderson. He is a three-time course winner, two of those chasing at this trip, and this mark is fair based on his close-up Ascot fourth in December. The short break since looks in his favour and he’s player in first-time cheekpieces that could spark a big run.

Golden Ace defends this crown but faces a major challenge to retain. Fellow mares Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead are respected but not without frailty and it could be that the most upside is held by The New Lion, winner of the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle here last season and yet to be defeated when staying on his feet (one fall). He won here on Trials Day and a more honest gallop in this race could bring about a career-best for Dan and Harry Skelton’s challenger.

Henry de Bromhead’s fortunes typically improve in the spring and the 25-time Cheltenham Festival winner could get on the scoresheet with Downmexicoway now. He made good progress with figures of 121 over fences from August-November, his second in a Grade 3 at Tipperary now reading well, and last month’s Irish Arkle was asking a lot but should leave him ripe going back into a handicap with a nice weight of 11st 5lb.

Guard The Moon is a work in progress over fences but has won two-from-three and showed positive stamina-traits in his Windsor win in January. He could excel over this marathon trip and the pace of the race over three-and-three-quarter-miles will possibly help eliminate his tendency to make a mistake. Sam Twiston-Davies’ partner could go well off a mark of 137 and has an each-way shout.

A smart but winless performer on the Flat for Jessica Harrington, Winston Junior got off the mark at the third time of asking over timber at Ascot in January and he did so in the manner of a 4YO with plenty more to offer. His second here in December behind Minella Study had some misfortune about it and could be very solid form. A mark of 131 is pleasing and the booking of Jack Kennedy is a real positive.

Golden Ace defends this crown but faces a major challenge to retain. Fellow mares Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead are respected but not without frailty and it could be that the most upside is held by The New Lion, winner of the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle here last season and yet to be defeated when staying on his feet (one fall). He won here on Trials Day and a more honest gallop in this race could bring about a career-best for Dan and Harry Skelton’s challenger.

Golden Ace defends this crown but faces a major challenge to retain. Fellow mares Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead are respected but not without frailty and it could be that the most upside is held by The New Lion, winner of the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle here last season and yet to be defeated when staying on his feet (one fall). He won here on Trials Day and a more honest gallop in this race could bring about a career-best for Dan and Harry Skelton’s challenger.

Majborough put it all together to win at the Dublin Racing Festival last month and a repeat effort will make Willie Mullins’ charge difficult to beat here. Defending champion Marine Nationale is absent, which adds to his allure and if he jumps around in one piece, he should carry Mark Walsh to Champion Chase glory.

Emma Lavelle has previous with the Stayers’ Hurdle, winning with Paisley Park in 2019, and her latest progressive seven-year-old Ma Shantou could emulate him now. Like Paisley Park, he has come through the handicap ranks and he won the Cleeve Hurdle here in January. Five Cleeve winners since 2008 have followed up in this contest come March and Ma Shantou was an impressive winner seven weeks ago.

Jango Baie was only fourth in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, beaten less than a length, but he could turn it around with his conquerors back at a track where he has a perfect 2-2 record. He defied mistakes to win the Arkle here last season, coming up the hill with a wet sail to gun down a trio of smart horses that seemed to have his measure. He’s still low-mileage and Nicky Henderson’s inmate could shine brightest in the closing stages if his stamina reserves hold up.

Golden Ace defends this crown but faces a major challenge to retain. Fellow mares Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead are respected but not without frailty and it could be that the most upside is held by The New Lion, winner of the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle here last season and yet to be defeated when staying on his feet (one fall). He won here on Trials Day and a more honest gallop in this race could bring about a career-best for Dan and Harry Skelton’s challenger.

Golden Ace defends this crown but faces a major challenge to retain. Fellow mares Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead are respected but not without frailty and it could be that the most upside is held by The New Lion, winner of the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle here last season and yet to be defeated when staying on his feet (one fall). He won here on Trials Day and a more honest gallop in this race could bring about a career-best for Dan and Harry Skelton’s challenger.

Henry de Bromhead’s fortunes typically improve in the spring and the 25-time Cheltenham Festival winner could get on the scoresheet with Downmexicoway now. He made good progress with figures of 121 over fences from August-November, his second in a Grade 3 at Tipperary now reading well, and last month’s Irish Arkle was asking a lot but should leave him ripe going back into a handicap with a nice weight of 11st 5lb.

Galatasaray thrashed Juventus 5-2 in their last Champions League outing on home soil, and, having already beaten Liverpool in Istanbul this term, look a decent bet to avoid defeat at the very least in this intriguing contest. The Reds are in a better place since that 1-0 loss in September but they remain unreliable on the road and they may again struggle to cope with the hostile atmosphere.

Harry Kane has scored in his last seven appearances for Bayern Munich, netting 11 times in total. He’s only failed to score on two occasions since mid-December, and the forward has scored three consecutive braces ahead of this trip to Bergamo.

Guard The Moon is a work in progress over fences but has won two-from-three and showed positive stamina-traits in his Windsor win in January. He could excel over this marathon trip and the pace of the race over three-and-three-quarter-miles will possibly help eliminate his tendency to make a mistake. Sam Twiston-Davies’ partner could go well off a mark of 137 and has an each-way shout.

These two sides are meeting in the knockouts for the fifth straight year, and Real Madrid have won three of the previous four meetings, including the last two. The Spanish giants have won eight of their last 10 under new boss Arbeloa at the time of the draw, and they are one of the few sides in Europe with the individual talent to match City.

While Chelsea beat PSG 3-0 in the summer’s Club World Cup, Enzo Maresca’s tactical tweaks were key in that victory. Months on, and the Blues look to have gone backwards. PSG clearly took issue with the Blues, and they can claim some revenge after eliminating three Premier League sides on their way to last season’s final.

Sporting are arguably the weakest of the top-eight sides, while Bodo have won four straight European games including home and away victories over Inter Milan. The Norwegian side went to the semis in the Europa League last year, and they can see off a Sporting side who overperformed their xG numbers at a huge rate in the League Phase.

Atletico Madrid were handily beaten by Arsenal and Liverpool in the League Phase, while they were a mess defensively against Club Brugge in the last round. Spurs won all four home games on their way to finishing fourth in the first round, and they can match an Atletico side who have been far from dominant in Europe in recent seasons.

Arka Gdynia have lost 10 of their 11 away trips this season to sit third from bottom in Poland, but they at least make this trip in scoring form. The visitors have found the net in six of their last seven league games, while Wisla Plock are without a clean sheet in six.

Almeria’s last six home games have seen both teams score, with the hosts failing to keep a clean sheet in their previous 12 league matches. They meet a Cultural Leonesa side who have both scored and conceded in their last four on the road. Almeria have won and conceded in four of their last five games, while the visitors have lost 13 of 15 encounters with the top 10.

Sassuolo have managed only three clean sheets on their travels this term, and they’ve conceded in each of their previous seven on the road. The visitors are in fine attacking form, and they should add to Lazio’s struggles against top-half teams, with Sarri’s side managing one clean sheet in 13 encounters. The hosts played out a 2-2 draw at home to Atalanta in the cup last time out, but Sassuolo have won four of their six visits to sides below them in the standings, including two 2-1 victories.

The biggest improvement from West Ham in recent weeks has been in defence. Axel Disasi’s January arrival has helped them keep four clean sheets in six games. Under 2.5 landed in both of the Hammers’ previous two ties.

Nuno Espirito Santo has led Wolves and Nottingham Forest to the FA Cup semi-finals in the past seven years and he can make progress in getting there again with West Ham. The Hammers have lost only two of their last ten games and can see off a Brentford side who have been poor since drawing with Arsenal on February 12.

Almeria’s last six home games have seen both teams score, with the hosts failing to keep a clean sheet in their previous 12 league matches. They meet a Cultural Leonesa side who have both scored and conceded in their last four on the road

Espanyol have lost their way, going nine games without a win, but they have a golden opportunity to put an end to their struggles on Monday as rock-bottom Real Oviedo head to Catalonia. The visitors have lost five of their last seven and their lack of confidence is likely to cost them again.

Shelbourne’s four games this season have finished with both teams scoring, including a 3-2 home defeat to St Patrick’s last time out. Shamrock Rovers have scored in all of their four games this season, losing their first away trip 3-2 at Bohemians, so this should be a high-scoring encounter.

Shelbourne’s four games this season have finished with both teams scoring, including a 3-2 home defeat to St Patrick’s last time out. Shamrock Rovers have scored in all of their four games this season, losing their first away trip 3-2 at Bohemians, so this should be a high-scoring encounter.

Sassuolo have managed only three clean sheets on their travels this term, and they’ve conceded in each of their previous seven on the road. The visitors are in fine attacking form, and they should add to Lazio’s struggles against top-half teams, with Sarri’s side managing one clean sheet in 13 encounters. The hosts played out a 2-2 draw at home to Atalanta in the cup last time out.

Almeria’s last six home games have seen both teams score, with the hosts failing to keep a clean sheet in their previous 12 league matches. They meet a Cultural Leonesa side who have both scored and conceded in their last four on the road. 

Crysencio Summerville scored only one goal in his first 38 West Ham appearances but looks a brand new player under Nuno, netting seven in his last ten. He has scored in both of the Hammers’ FA Cup games this term and will be full of confidence after his winner against Fulham on Wednesday.

Berardi has scored seven goals for the campaign, and four of those strikes have come away from home. The forward struck twice against Verona last month, and he has found the net in away wins at Atalanta and Pisa.

Nuno Espirito Santo has led Wolves and Nottingham Forest to the FA Cup semi-finals in the past seven years and he can make progress in getting there again with West Ham. The Hammers have lost only two of their last ten games and can see off a Brentford side who have been poor since drawing with Arsenal on February 12.

Sassuolo have won five of their last six games, and the Neroverdi won the reverse fixture earlier this season. Struggling Lazio are winless in six, and they’ve conceded twice in five of their last seven games. The hosts have lost eight of 13 meetings with the 10 sides above them, while the Neroverdi have won five of eight visits to teams outside the top six.

No La Liga team has conceded more away goals than Oviedo’s 29 this term and Espanyol can get their confidence back by putting a couple past their visitors.

Second-bottom Tondela have scored twice in three of their last four matches, including their 2-2 draw with third-bottom Santa Clara in their last home game. Rio Ave are only two points clear of the bottom two, but they’ve won 3-0 and 2-1 in their two meetings with the sides in the drop zone to stay clear of the drop. The visitors have shipped 24 goals in 12 away trips, so goals appeal here.

Sassuolo have managed only three clean sheets on their travels this term, and they’ve conceded in each of their previous seven on the road. The visitors are in fine attacking form, and they should add to Lazio’s struggles against top-half teams, with Sarri’s side managing one clean sheet in 13 encounters. The hosts played out a 2-2 draw at home to Atalanta in the cup last time out, but Sassuolo have won four of their six visits to sides below them in the standings, including two 2-1 victories.

No La Liga team has conceded more away goals than Oviedo’s 29 this term and Espanyol can get their confidence back by putting a couple past their visitors. A clean sheet would also help matters for the hosts and with Real losing their last two games to nil, one may very well arrive.

Espanyol have lost their way, going nine games without a win, but they have a golden opportunity to put an end to their struggles on Monday as rock-bottom Real Oviedo head to Catalonia. The visitors have lost five of their last seven and their lack of confidence is likely to cost them again.