Man Utd analysis: Is Michael Carrick a long-term contender for Red Devils role?
Michael Carrick continued his 100%-win streak as interim manager of Manchester United after an impressive 3-2 Premier League victory over Arsenal on Sunday, January 25.
Carrick’s fired-up United spoiled the party at the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners lost at home for the first time this season.
Too early to say, but Carrick has brought back the much-discussed missing “DNA” of the club - whatever that may consist of, writes Sports News Blitz’s Ruben Picardo Ashworth.
Aston Villa triumph 2-0 at Newcastle: A statement win as Villa break Newcastle curse
In a compelling Premier League clash at St James’ Park, Aston Villa secured a memorable 2-0 victory over Newcastle United.
Aston Villa underlined their growing credentials in the title race and ended a long-standing hoodoo on Tyneside.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Harrison Pearce describes how Aston Villa finally got the better of Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Harry Skelton: We’re very proud to be the winning-most trainer-jockey partnership
Star Sports ambassador Harry Skelton looks back on a record-breaking weekend for the team, and ahead to Festival plans for some of their Trials Day runners.
Premier League reactions: Roy Keane unconvinced by Man Utd win, Arne Slot frustrated by mistakes
It was yet another Premier League weekend defined by drama and comebacks as results shook up the table even further.
Liverpool collapsed late once again, Manchester United continued their great form under interim boss Michael Carrick, and the relegation and title races both delivered twists.
From Arne Slot’s blunt assessment of his side’s season to Roy Keane’s lack of confidence despite Carrick’s early successes, managers and pundits alike had plenty to say.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Jake Reed rounds up the best reactions from the weekend.
Premier League news: Man Utd stun Arsenal in five-goal thriller at the Emirates to reignite title race
Manchester United stunned Arsenal with a statement 3-2 win on Sunday, snatching all three points in a pulsating Premier League clash at the Emirates.
In a game that swung wildly from end to end, United showed ruthless edge at the decisive moments to outlast Mikel Arteta’s title contenders and send a jolt through the table.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Robert Bore relives another cracking Michael Carrick result.
Australian Open news: Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff and the key talking points of the tournament so far
With the quarter-finals of the Australian Open just around the corner, there have already been plenty of surprises and upsets in the main draw at Melbourne Park.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Lorenzo Gagliotta takes a closer look at the tournament’s biggest talking points so far and what to expect from the closing stages of the year’s first major.
UFC 324 main event reaction: Justin Gaethje defeats valiant Paddy Pimblett in five-round war
Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision over five rounds in the UFC lightweight interim title fight main event on January 25 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The judges scored the contest 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46 – with Gaethje putting in a dominant display to clinch the interim title by winning four rounds to one on two of the scorecards.
Pimblett did not go down without a fight, though, exhibiting admirable toughness across the contest, but the Liverpudlian took considerable damage the judges could not ignore.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Aidan Leo runs through the top reactions to the bout.
Horse racing news: Ka Ying Rising equals Silent Witness with historic G1 Centenary Sprint Cup win
Moments after Ka Ying Rising forged into Hong Kong racing history with a record-equalling win in the HK$13 million (approx. £1.2m) G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (6f/1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday 25 January, David Hayes predicted the world’s best sprinter could potentially break Sha Tin’s 1400m course record next month.
NBA 2025/26: Whose Championship Odds Have Shrunk Throughout the First Half of the Season?
The defending NBA champions haven’t missed a beat. Oklahoma City’s 36-8 record through mid-January has turned the regular season into something that feels less like a race and more like everyone else fighting for second place.
After being considered +230 shots in preseason, the popular Lucky-Rebel betting site now positions OKC as a mightily short +115 favourite to repeat as champions. And truth be told, they have played like a team that deserves top billing. But the more interesting story lives a tier below them, where a handful of franchises have forced oddsmakers to admit they misread the room.
The real story of the championship odds board is how those teams have dragged themselves from the long-shot margins to the centre of the conversation.
Ferrari’s planning missteps threaten Lewis Hamilton’s 2026 F1 start
In modern Formula 1, identifying a problem is rarely the challenge. Finding a solution is where teams often stumble.
Ferrari seem to be caught in precisely this trap with Lewis Hamilton as the 2026 season approaches.
Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo explores the risk Ferrari run by delaying decisive action, and how poor planning around Hamilton could compromise his start to the 2026 Formula 1 season.
All Star Game 2026: a new formula for the match
The NBA superstars have been celebrated, once a year, in a game created to put them one against the other, East versus West, since 1951.
For 2026, the event will be held starting February 15. This year, the All Star Game has undergone a significant change in format, which we are about to explain. It is sure to be a great show, and since the best players in the NBA are competing, it is very difficult to predict a possible winner of the tournament.
For those who still want to bet on the event, though, it is possible to exploit the promotions that gaming platforms make available to users every month, such as the latest Paddy Power promo code. This one may come in handy for betting on the 2026 All Star Game, as well as on other basketball matches with uncertain outcomes, like many of the league’s best games are.
NBA news: LeBron James’ 22-year All-Star streak ends
LeBron James’ remarkable run as an automatic presence in the NBA All-Star starting lineup has come to an end, closing a historic chapter in league history.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Noa Ngcobo looks at how injuries, changing dynamics, and a new generation of stars combined to halt the Lakers icon’s 22-year All-Star starting streak.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner take over tennis in 2025
If 2025 has shown us anything, it’s that the men’s game is firmly in the hands of the new generation. With Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner splitting the four Grand Slam titles between them, fans are witnessing a rivalry that feels destined to define the next decade.
For those looking to ride the excitement, the season has been the perfect backdrop for a little extra thrill, whether that’s following the matches live or exploring sites like LiveScore Bet to add even more stakes to each showdown.
Premier League betting tips: Eli Junior Kroupi to score against Liverpool, Arsenal to beat Man Utd and more Gameweek 23 betting tips
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from this weekend’s Premier League TV games from Sports News Blitz’s punting bon vivant - The Bookie Basher - including Sunday’s big one between Arsenal and Manchester United.
NFL betting tips: Rams to face Patriots at Super Bowl LX as Broncos, Seahawks fall short in play-offs
In just a few days, we will have our 2026 Super Bowl contenders as only four teams remain in the play-offs.
The Seattle Seahawks host the NFC championship game against the Los Angeles Rams following a demolition job against the San Francisco 49ers. Over in the AFC, the Denver Broncos welcome the New England Patriots.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Sam Condy predicts the high-stakes match-ups and outlines his favourite betting angles.
ITV horse racing tips and best bets for Cheltenham and Doncaster on Saturday, January 24
After causing controversy last week by revealing he doesn’t have any sauce on his bacon sandwich, Sport News Blitz’s horse racing tipster Jeff Mexico has now gone and stuck his neck on the culinary block once more.
This week he was spotted tending a huge bonfire, fuelled entirely by Jaffa Cakes. “The most overrated sweet treat ever to go near a cup of tea,” he barked. And yes, he is prepared to fight you in any Lidl car park to defend this statement.
While we recover from this blasphemy, why not have a look at Jeff’s tips for the eight races ITV are serving up this Saturday afternoon – including two Grade Twos from Doncaster and three G2s from Cheltenham.
Gulfstream Park horse racing tips: Disco Time in the Pegasus World Cup on Saturday, January 24
After scoring a healthy profit last week, Sports News Blitz’s horse racing expert Kieran McHugh is planning on raiding the ‘land of opportunity’.
The Pegasus World Cup headlines a great card at Gulfstream Park with seven graded races on offer, and our pundit is hoping his selections will grow wings and fly to victory.
UFC 324: Preview and suggested bets for Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett and more
Will Paddy the Baddy boost his stocks once more in his toughest fight yet? Does Sean O’Malley still have the hunger to contend for the belt? Sports News Blitz’s Finn Littlewood gives his thoughts.
The UFC makes its long-awaited 2026 debut this weekend, with some big names taking to the octagon in what promises to be an electric event in Las Vegas.
Something that no doubt fight fans have missed the most is making their picks for a UFC weekend, and here I am going to talk through a few of mine and why I believe I’ve got it spot on (I have).
Horse racing news: Pegasus World Cup preview – Will White Abarrio go back-to-back?
With the 10th running of the Pegasus World Cup taking place at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, Sports News Blitz’s Kieran McHugh takes a look at the field.
The Pegasus World Cup is run over 1 1/8-mile (nine furlongs), with two turns in the race. It is the first major event of the American racing season.
The $3 million contest will see 12 horses go to post, with two in reserve for any scratches. Brad Cox–trained Disco Time is currently heading the market. Last year’s winner, White Abarrio, also takes his place in the line-up as he bids to become the first horse to win the race back-to-back.
NFL news: Only one Divisional-Round path leads to a never-before-seen Super Bowl
The NFL’s Divisional Round rarely offers genuine novelty, but this year one unlikely path could lead to a Super Bowl match-up fans have never seen before.
The potential pairings are straightforward: New England Patriots vs Seattle Seahawks, Patriots vs Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos vs Seahawks, and Broncos vs Rams.
Sports News Blitz’s Graeme Bailey previews the potential 2026 Super Bowl match-ups.