King George VI Chase

King George VI Chase: Envoi Allen to thrive

ENVOI ALLEN had more in hand than the winning margin indicated last-time-out on his return and should come on plenty for the run too. Henry de Bromhead has said his preparation has gone smoothly and that adds further confidence. 

A few of his rivals underperformed last time but he looked back to something near his best as he travelled well and stuck to the task well to take the spoils. This multiple Grade 1 winner will be suited to the track, is likely to get a good pace to aim at and he remains unexposed over three-miles.

A lot of this year’s field will be desperate to get a prominent position in the early stages and if a few of these take each other on for the lead, this race might set-up for a closer and Envoi Allen might be that horse to capitalise on that possibility and add another Grade 1 to his CV.

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

John McGinn to dive in at Villa Park

Aston Villa currently sit 12th in the table, and yet, they are only four points adrift of their Boxing Day opponents, Liverpool. 

The pattern of bookings in this fixture over the years makes for interesting reading; Aston Villa central midfielders have collected five bookings in the last five against Liverpool in the Premier League.

It’s a theme that lends itself to the playing style of Monday’s opponent. Curtis Jones, Thiago and Harvey Elliott make up three of the top four most fouled players in Liverpool’s team this season – Luis Diaz is the other, but he misses out through injury. 

You can expect JOHN MCGINN, Douglas Luiz or Marvelous Nakamba to make their presence felt in typical style against the Reds’ pacey counters. Yet, it’s the former who is most persuading for a yellow card – he’s got four for the season already.

Another factor is the referee Paul Tierney. In nine out of the 12 matches he’s officiated this season, he’s shown at least four cards – plus, he currently sits top of the referees table for yellow cards issued thus far (45) – 3.75 per match.