Betting sign up offers and free bets are available from betting sites for signing up and betting online.
At The Independent, our experts have used their impartial and detailed analysis to find new and existing customers the best betting sign up offers and free bets on the market.
We have stringent criteria when it comes to picking our top betting offers available. Our experts focus on accessibility, flexibility, fairness, key terms and conditions and regularity when selecting the best options out there.
Every betting site that we recommend is licensed and regulated by United Kingdom Gambling Commission, ensuring that new and existing customers are using a reputable betting operator.
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Free bets can be claimed from betting sites by new and existing customers, allowing bettors to bet without risking their own money.
Terms and conditions are attached to free bets and betting offers. Usually, bettors must deposit or stake a qualifying amount to claim a free bet, which can be used on selected sports and events.
Wagering requirements can be attached to free bet offers, which means winnings must be played through a set number of times before you can withdraw funds as cash, but this is more common on casino sites.
Types of free bets
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Bet & Get: The most common betting sign-up offer, bet a minimum amount, meet the T&Cs and receive a free bet bonus.
Moneyback specials: Typically an ongoing free bet promo, whereby punters get their money back as a free bet if there’s an underwhelming outcome such as a 0-0 draw.
Free bet clubs: Loyalty reward schemes aimed at those who bet regularly with one bookmaker in particular.
Enhanced odds with free bet winnings: A bookmaker offers a wildly inflated price on a popular market, such as 40/1 on Man City to win, with winnings paid out as free bets.
No deposit free bets: These are rare, but can be obtained via free-to-play prediction games on several online bookmakers.
Free bets are straightforward to use for customers, although the way they can be deployed may differ depending on your chosen bookmaker.
Usually, betting sites will have a box or toggle on your bet slip that users can tick or move to confirm free bets on their bet.
An important note. If your bet wins, you only keep the profit, the free bet stake itself isn’t returned.
Bookmakers may require you to use free bets in precise portions, such as £5 or £10, while others will allow you to bet with amounts of your choosing until you’ve used up your balance.
Here are the latest betting sign up offers and free bets available for this week’s major sporting events.
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William Hill: Wales World Cup Epic Boost
William Hill are offering an Epic Boost price for Wales to qualify for the World Cup play-off final on Thursday.
Customers can claim the Epic Boost price of evens boosted from 2/5 for Wales to advance from their World Cup play-off semi-final clash against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Qualifying bets must be placed before kick-off and customers are limited to a maximum £10 stake.
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Paddy Power: Free Bet Builder Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland
Paddy Power are offering customers a free bet builder for users that place a qualifying bet builder on Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland on Thursday.
To qualify, customers must opt-in on the free bet offer before placing a £2 bet builder on the World Cup play-off clash with three selections or more and odds of evens or greater.
Once the qualifying bet has settled, customers will receive a free bet builder worth £2 to use on football. Free bet builder expires within seven days.
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Bet365: Bet Builder Boost 25% World Cup Playoffs
Bet365 are offering 25 per cent bet builder boosts on select games for tonight’s round of World Cup play-off matches.
Customers can claim the betting offer for matches including Italy vs Northern Ireland, Wales vs Bosnia-Herzegovina and Czech Republic vs Northern Ireland.
Qualifying bet builders must include three selections or more and odds of evens or greater, with users selecting the bet builder boost option in their bet slip.
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Winning bet builders will be paid out with the 25 per cent boost.
Betting Site
Offer Type
Min. Bet
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Free Bet Value
Best For
Coral
Welcome bonus
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£5
£30
Low-stake sign up value
Betano
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Welcome bonus
£10
£50
Football free bets
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Tote
Welcome bonus
£10
£30
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Horse racing free bets
Bet365
Moneyback special
£10
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£10
Ongoing money-back as free bet offers
Virgin Bet
Free Bet Club
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£20
£5 weekly
Ongoing rewards for regular bettors
Free bets value for money (Independent)
Here are the standout betting offers on the market for users broken down into strength of category.
Coral – Best low-stake betting sign up offer
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Coral offer the best low stake betting sign up offer allowing new customers to secure £30 in free bets after signing up and betting just £5 on any sports bet of their choice.
There’s plenty of flexibility over where users can place their qualifying bet. Customers can choose any sport with odds of 1/2 odds or greater, only Bet365 has a lower threshold among welcome offers, but their value is not as high as Coral’s.
Time is also on your side using Coral. Customers can take up to 14 days after sign up to make their first bet and still qualify for the betting sign up offer.
Coral rewards customers with £30 in free bets for betting just £5 online (The Independent)
Payout is also prompt as soon as your qualifying bet settles. Coral will credit your account with £30 in free bets within 24 hours. These free bets are paid out in 6 x £5 free bets, giving customers plenty of scope to use their funds.
These free bets are fairly flexible as 4 x £5 free bets available to use on any sport on Coral, while the remaining £10 free bet balance is reserved for 1 x £5 football bet builder and a 1x £5 horse racing bet builder.
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It’s arguaaly the best £5 deposit betting site around as customers secure a 600% return from their first deposit and bet. For first-time bettors it’s a perfect betting sign up offer for value.
Betano – Best football betting sign up offer
Betano is the best option for punters looking for free bets at leading football betting sites, with the Betano sign up offer providing £50 in free bets with an initial wager of just £10 (an excellent return for a low entry stake).
The offer includes a straightforward qualifying bet with minimum odds of evens and no accumulator required, while the 30-day expiry on free bets gives users flexibility, with plenty of time to use bonuses.
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Newcomers can get £50 in free bets after an initial £10 bet (iStock/The Independent)
This new betting site provides great variety on its football markets – from match odds and BTTS to goalscorers, correct scores and much more – and users will also find regular offers and promotions once signed up to the site.
Tote – Best for horse racing free bets
The Tote betting sign up offer is an excellent choice for horse racing fans, with a £10 bet returning £30 in racing value – a strong 3x reward for such a low qualifying stake.
The offer provides £20 in Tote Credit for horse racing – which is ideal for pools, exotics, and Tote-only markets – as well as £10 in free bets to use on the sportsbook, offering plenty of flexibility for new customers.
The Tote website performs equally well on mobile and desktop (iStock/The Independent)
The qualifying bet simply need to be a £10 wager on any sport (with some exclusions, though win, place, or pool bets all count) at odds of evens or greater, and winnings are fully withdrawable, with Tote Credit profits available to be cashed out, keeping risk low.
Tote also guarantee boosts payouts paid at SP or better, adding an extra upside for horse racing bettors and making Tote the best choice among horse racing betting sites.
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Bet365 – Best for moneyback as a free bet
Bet365 have recently launched its moneyback specials across a number of sports, including football and horse racing, as well as a range of major events.
Customers can wager up to £10 and will receive their stake back in free bets if their bet fails. The system is simple for claiming the betting offer, with users ticking the ‘Money Back As Free Bets’ box on their bet slip to qualify.
Free bets are usually credited within a matter of hours, but it can take up to 24 hours. Free bet credits can be used anywhere on one of the best betting sites in the business with no limit on where and how your credits can be spent.
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Bet365 customers can get up to £10 back as a free bet on losing racing and football bets (iStock/The Independent)
Bet365 moneyback specials are most common on football, and notably the Premier League where the highlight games of the week are covered with a moneyback special notably on Saturday and Sunday evenings, although Champions League and Europa League midweek games have also featured this betting offer.
The nuts and bolts of the requirements are as follows. Customers must place a qualifying bet builder on the eligible game or event, with bet builders needing only evens (2.0) or higher odds.
Bet365 also attaches its Sub Play On feature on football bet builders in conjunction with the moneyback special, which keeps bets alive even if a player is subbed.
Virgin Bet – Best free bet club
Existing customers can use the weekly Virgin Bet rewards club to claim £5 in free bets for placing qualifying accas.
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Users only need to opt-in on the promotion before placing four £5 accas with odds of 2/1 or greater between Monday to Sunday, making these qualifying stakes smaller than most rival free bet clubs.
Virgin Bet have an extremely low minimum odds requirement to use your free bet at 1/100.
Claim £5 in free bets for placing qualifying accas on Virgin Bet (iStock/The Independent)
You’re spoiled for choice, and better yet, there are no restrictions where you can use your bonus.
In addition, the seven-day expiry gives plenty of time to use the bonus, meaning the free bet club offers huge flexibility.
After the qualifying bets have settled, Virgin Bet pays out the £5 free acca bet into your account and to activate the free bet offer, simply use the toggle on your bet slip to use up the credits.
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Below, we’ve provided some detail on common traps that users can fall into when claiming free bets:
Stake not returned on free bets
Not all free bet offers return the original stake if your bet wins. For example, a £10 free bet at 3/1 pays £30 profit, not £40; always factor this in when comparing headline free bet amounts.
Short expiry windows
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Free bets usually expire within 5-7 days of being credited, and occasionally less. Unused free bets are removed automatically once they expire, so casual or infrequent bettors can lose value this way.
Remember to always check the expiry date as soon as the free bet is added.
Bet builder or market restrictions
Some free bets are limited to certain types of use. For example, some are football bet builders only, accumulator bets or bets fixed to specific sports, leagues or events. These restrictions reduce flexibility and can increase risk.
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Bet builder-only free bets often require multiple selections to win, meaning long odds, and it is the same with accas. Remember to check eligible markets before placing your qualifying bet.
Minimum odds requirements
Betting offers may require minimum odds on either the qualifying bet or the free bet itself, and sometimes both. Higher odds thresholds can push bettors toward riskier selections, while a smaller free bet with low odds requirements can offer better value.
Cash-Out and In-Play exclusions
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Remember that cashing out a qualifying bet often voids eligibility for the offer. Some free bets also cannot be used on in-play markets.
These exclusions are commonly hidden in the T&Cs, so avoid cashing out unless you’re sure it won’t affect the promotion.
Wagering requirements and bonus conditions
Wagering is uncommon on free bets, but it is not unheard of. Some promotions attach extra conditions to winnings or follow-on bonuses instead.
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Offers requiring winnings to be wagered multiple times reduce real value, while simpler “bet and get” free bets are usually the safest option.
Before a bookmaker makes our list of free bet offers, they must meet key criteria to ensure a high-quality betting experience.
1. Licensing
Only sites with a valid UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence are considered on our list of recommended operators.
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The UKGC ensures fair play and consumer protection, working alongside independent testing agencies like eCOGRA. If a bookmaker isn’t regulated, it’s not safe – anyone can verify a licence via the UKGC register.
2. Security
Every bookmaker we recommend must implement high-quality security measures such as SSL encryption and two-factor authentication to protect customer data.
3. Reputation
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Reputation also plays a role – established brands like Betfred, William Hill and Bet365 consistently rank highly with us, but we also highlight new, reputable operators such as BetMGM when their free bet offers meet our expectations.
4. Mobile
With most bets now placed on phones and tablets, mobile betting functionality is essential.
Bookmakers with dedicated betting apps that mirror the desktop experience are given preference, and we also consider user app reviews from the Apple and Google Play stores.
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5. Experience
The customer experience is equally crucial – we rigorously test bookmaker support channels, favouring those that provide fast, effective resolutions.
Ultimately, our rankings focus on the quality of the free bet offers, but we also take into account matters including odds restrictions, timeframe to both unlock free bet offers and use your bonus funds, wagering requirements and available payment methods.
6. Value
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Operators that provide valuable betting sign up offers, competitive terms, and ongoing free bet promotions for returning customers get the highest ratings.
Why trust us?
Chris Wilson is a betting content producer and sports reporter who has been working at The Independent since 2023.
He writes betting tips across a range of sporting events as well as reviewing dozens of betting sites and casino sites across the UK.
Chris has extensively tested and reviewed offers from established operators and new betting sites to find the best free bet offers for readers of The Independent.
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Responsible gambling is always at the forefront of his research, ensuring customers have a fair and secure experience claiming and using betting offers online.
If you decide to engage with any of the online betting sites highlighted on this page, remember to gamble responsibly, even when using free bets and betting sign up offers.
When betting, always assume you’ll lose and therefore, only bet what you can afford to lose. Even free bets still involve a level of risk.
Make sure you use the responsible gambling tools offered by betting companies such as deposit limits, reality checks, loss limits and time outs. These can stop gambling from getting out of hand.
If you have gambling-related concerns, then seek independent help. There are several UK charities and institutions that offer support, advice and information, with a few listed below:
Are free bets withdrawable?
No, it is not possible to withdraw a free bet. It must be used according to the terms and conditions of the free bet offer or it will be forfeited.
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Can you cash out free bets?
In most cases, bookmakers will not allow punters to cash out a free bet before the bet has run its course, so you will likely have to wait for your bet to settle before receiving any winnings.
What does money back in free bets mean?
This means you can get a refund on your stake, but not as withdrawable cash – only as a free bet, meaning you have to stake the same cash again on a different bet.
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What is the best betting sign up offer available now?
In the Independent’s view, Coral provides the best betting sign up offer on the market at present. New customers need only sign up and deposit £5 before betting £5 on any sports market with odds of 1/2 or greater to unlock £30 in free bets.
What betting sites give free bets without a deposit?
Few bookmakers hand out free bets for nothing, but you can earn free bets by entering free-to-play prediction games on Bet365, BetVictor, NetBet, Betway, Betfred, Ladbrokes, Coral and BetMGM.
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We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
The Minnesota Timberwolves will have to close out their series against the Denver Nuggets without their best player.
Anthony Edwards will miss multiple weeks due to a bone bruise and hyperextension of his left knee, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Sunday.
In a bit of positive news for Edwards, tests showed no ligament damage, per Charania.
Edwards’ left knee appeared to buckle as he landed after contesting a layup late in the second quarter of the Wolves’ Game 3 win over the Nuggets on Saturday.
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He was helped to the locker room and the Timberwolves ruled him out for the rest of the game.
Edwards came into Saturday averaging 23 points and eight rebounds in the series, as the sixth-seeded Timberwolves look to upset the third-seeded Nuggets.
Minnesota leads the series 3-1, with Game 5 set for Monday.
The Timberwolves also lost starting guard Donte DiVincenzo for the season due to a torn Achilles in the same game.
The Miami Dolphins had a busy 2026 NFL Draft, but the work is not done. With the Draft coming to an end, it is time for the madness of signing undrafted players. Everyone who was draft eligible and were not one of the 257 players to have their name called are now free to sign with any team in the league. And the news and rumors will likely come quickly.
The 2025 NFL Draft has ended, with 257 new rookies assigned to teams. Now, the madness begins as those who were not selected start signing as undrafted free agents with teams all across the league. The newest round of the free agency frenzy is upon us.
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Teams are making calls and trying to lock down players they like but did not draft. The Dolphins will be busy trying to sign UDFAs over the next several hours and days. We will keep up with all the latest news and rumors right here.
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After the Draft ended, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan told the media, “Probably I would say eight to 10 [UDFA signings], just depending on how that goes.”
Before we get to the tracker, however, we need to put out our annual disclaimer. Nothing is official with UDFAs until the team announces the signing. Every year it seems as though there are reports of a signing, only to have another team swoop in with a better deal and sign the prospect. It has gone so far as a player boarding a plane for one destination, but signing with a different team during the trip. While we will probably know most of the UDFA signings, just remember everything can change in an instant when it comes to these moves
Dolphins 2026 draft picks
12th overall (from Cowboys) – Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama 27th overall (from 49ers) – Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State 43rd overall – Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech 75th overall – Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech 87th overall (from Eagles) – Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State 94th overall (from Broncos) – Chris Bell, WR, Louisville 130th overall – Trey Moore, Edge, Texas 138th overall (from 49ers) – Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh 158th overall (from Panthers) – Michael Taaffe, S, Texas 177th overall (from Cowboys) – Kevin Coleman, Jr., WR, Missouri 180th overall (from Cowboys) – Seydou Traore, TE, Mississippi State 200th overall (from Panthers) – DJ Campbell, G, Texas 238th overall (from Chargers via Titans via Jets) – Max Llewellyn, DE, Iowa
Dolphins 2026 undrafted free agent signings and rumors
All of these signings are “reported” and subject to change, as discussed above. The Dolphins will announce them once the contracts are officially signed and executed.
Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Aljamain Sterling during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After nearly two full slow-paced rounds in the UFC Vegas 116 main event from the Meta APEX Saturday night, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling found an opening with under a minute left in Round 2 against Youssef Zalal. But it was only the beginning of Sterling’s relentless pace.
Several submission attempts, including a fourth-round rear-naked choke opportunity in the closing minutes from Sterling, led to a unanimous decision win across 25 minutes, 49-45, 49-45, 49-45. Sterling (26-5 MMA, 18-5 UFC) was comfortable in all areas against his former training partner, but his objective for the rest of his career is simple.
“(Alexander) Volkanovski, you know I’m coming for that ass,” Sterling said, calling for a featherweight title shot.
Zalal (18-6-1 MMA, 8-4-1 UFC) was classy in defeat.
“I’ve come back before and I’ll come back again,” Zalal said, crediting Sterling’s efforts.
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Sterling snapped Zalal’s eight-fight unbeaten streak, predicting that with a bit more five-round experience, the Moroccan competitor will find himself fighting for a championship.
The co-main event saw UFC women’s bantamweight contender Joselyne Edwards of Panama move a step closer to a title shot with a unanimous decision victory over Brazil’s Norma Dumont, sweeping the scorecards 29-28, 29-28, 30-27. Edwards (18-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC) had little trouble with Dumont (13-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC), extending her win streak to five. Dumont fell just short of a four-year unbeaten run, having won her previous six outings before taking her first loss since May 7, 2022.
In the lightweight division, Rafa Garcia of Mexico halted Alexander Hernandez’s four-fight winning streak, earning a unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 30-27. Garcia (19-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) has won three in a row, keeping the fight on the feet, taking Hernandez’s best punches while giving back his own at a much higher rate. Hernandez (18-9 MMA, 10-8 UFC) had not lost since April 6, 2024.
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Bantamweight Davey Grant of England earned a unanimous decision against UFC debutant Adrian Luna Martinetti, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, in an entertaining all-around affair. Grant (18-8 MMA, 9-7 UFC) has won five of his last seven fights, while Luna Martinetti (17-2 MMA), who hails from Ecuador, had not lost since Sept. 20, 2017.
At bantamweight, Brazil’s Raoni Barcelos squeaked out a split-decision win against Montel Jackson, taking two of the three judges’ scorecards, 29-28, 28-29, 29-28. Barcelos (22-5 MMA, 11-4 UFC) extended his winning streak to five, dating back to Feb. 24, 2024. On the other side, Jackson (15-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) has lost back-to-back fights since his six-fight winning streak which spanned March of 2021 until last October.
Heavyweight Ryan Spann delivered a blitzing right hand to send Brazilian Marcus Buchecha to the canvas, finishing the fight by KO at 2:10 of Round 2 to open the UFC Vegas 116 six-fight main card with what became the only finish. Spann (24-11 MMA, 10-6 UFC) has won back-to-back fights and three of his last four. Buchecha (5-3-1 MMA, 0-2-1 UFC), a seasoned grappler, remains winless in the promotion.
LSG vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026 LIVE Cricket Score: Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to bowl first against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Manchester United are closing in on a return to Champions League football as they prepare for the Premier League visit of Brentford
Manchester United return to action on Monday night in the Premier League when they welcome Brentford to Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick’s side remain third in the table ahead of Liverpool on goals scored and Aston Villa on goal difference. The top two is all but out of reach for United, who have five games remaining, but they are in pole position to secure Champions League football for next season.
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The Reds have taken huge strides under Carrick and are now closing in on a return to Europe’s top table. Brentford are still in the hunt for European football themselves as they prepare to visit Manchester, and a win for the Bees would move them into sixth.
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For United, three points would represent a huge step towards securing a top-five spot and Champions League football. If Carrick’s men earn a victory, they would move to 61 points with four games to play and out of reach of Chelsea, Brentford and Fulham. Should United then go on to beat Liverpool next weekend, that will be enough to earn a top-five spot.
But Carrick’s side could secure a top-five place before the final whistle at Anfield. If both Brighton, who are away at Newcastle on Saturday, and Bournemouth, who welcome Crystal Palace next weekend, fail to win then United will be assured of a top-five finish regardless of how they fare on Merseyside.
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There are still plenty of permutations to play out, but whatever happens in the closing weeks of the season, six points from five games will guarantee United a return to the Champions League, regardless of how others get on.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Arsenal secured a 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League standings, but Manchester City still have a major chance to clinch the title next month
Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal nine minutes into the action from a well-worked corner – a common theme this season. However, given City have a valuable game in hand and lag Arsenal by just one in terms of goal difference, a couple of big results in their final five could see Pep Guardiola’s side storm to pole position once more.
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Arsenal are also plagued by injuries at present, picking up another two issues during Saturday’s clash in the capital…
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Ebere Eze
Despite proving the match-winner and collecting the Player of the Match award, Eze was hauled off less than 10 minutes into the second half. While supporters feared the versatile attacking midfielder could be facing a spell on the treatment table, Eze was swift to address his condition with Sky Sports at the final whistle.
He explained: “Yeah, I’m alright. I’m all good,” before adding: “Just precaution, didn’t want to do anything. Yeah, I’ll be okay.”
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Potential return date: Wednesday, April 29 vs Atletico Madrid (A)
Havertz was also substituted for Viktor Gyokeres just 35 minutes into the match, having received treatment on the pitch before Mikel Arteta ultimately made the decision to withdraw him, with the forward heading straight down the tunnel for further evaluation.
Speaking after the final whistle, Arteta addressed both Havertz and Eze’s conditions, saying: “Lets see, at the moment they have to be looked after but hopefully they’re going to be okay.”
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In his post-match press conference, he further explained: “Muscular niggles, we don’t think it is too much.”
Potential return date: Wednesday, April 29 vs Atletico Madrid (A)
Riccardo Calafiori
The Italian was absent from Saturday’s squad entirely as he continues his recovery from an ongoing issue. Nevertheless, Arteta offered an update on Calafiori prior to the game, with the defender also spotted participating in a training session on the pitch following the final whistle.
He said: “He was very close. But we have certain players that are coming back from injuries and can play certain moments as well, and we need to be balanced in what we need to.”
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Potential return date: Wednesday, April 29 vs Atletico Madrid (A)
Jurrien Timber
Timber was also absent from Arteta’s squad for the Newcastle fixture due to a hip injury sustained nearly six weeks ago. Arteta has yet to provide a recent update on his condition.
Potential return date: Unknown
Mikel Merino
Although the Spaniard could yet feature before the campaign draws to a close, Arteta has been guarded about putting a timeframe on Merino’s comeback. The midfielder, who has been an integral part of Arsenal’s set-up since joining from Real Sociedad in 2024, is working his way back from a foot injury.
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Arteta recently said of the player: “It’s a bit premature to say that [he will play again this season]. He’s evolving really well he’s really pushing every boundary that he possibly can but it’s a bit early to answer that question.”
The fifth-seeded Toronto Raptors look to even their best-of-seven series with the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers when they meet in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff matchup on Sunday in the 2026 NBA playoffs. Toronto is coming off a 126-104 win in Game 3 on Thursday to cut the series deficit to 2-1. The Cavaliers (52-30), who finished second in the Central Division, are 25-17 on the road this season, including the postseason. The Raptors (46-36), who placed third in the Atlantic Division, are 25-17 on their home court, including playoffs.
Tipoff from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto is set for 1 p.m. ET. The Cavs lead the all-time postseason series 14-3, and have won 12 of the past 13 playoff meetings with the Raptors. Cleveland is a 3.5-point favorite in the latest Cavaliers vs. Raptors odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 220.5. Before making any Raptors vs. Cavaliers picks, check out the Cavaliers vs. Raptors predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. The model entered the first full week of the 2026 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 24-9 roll (73%) on top-rated NBA spread picks this season. Anyone following its NBA betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
After 10,000 simulations of Cavaliers vs. Raptors, SportsLine’s model is going Over on the total (220.5). The Over has hit in six of the past 10 head-to-head meetings, including three of the past four games played in Toronto. The Over has also cleared in seven of the past 10 Cleveland games, and in four of the past six Raptors games. The Cavaliers had the fourth-best scoring offense in the NBA this season, averaging 119.5 points per game.
The SportsLine model is projecting the Cavaliers to have four players scoring 14.8 points or more, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 26.7 points. Brandon Ingram is projected to lead the Raptors with 21.5 points scored, as five Toronto players will score 11.1 or more points. The teams are projected to combine for 223 total points as the Over has all the value, making it a great selection for anybody targeting NBA parlay betting. See the Cavaliers vs. Raptors spread pick at SportsLine, and you can bet the Over in Cavaliers vs. Raptors at FanDuel here:
Chris Waller needs only one more success to join a select group, courtesy of Panova handing him his 199th Group One in the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville.
No more than two Australian conditioners, T J Smith and Bart Cummings, have delivered over 200 elite wins, both legends ending on 246.
This result lifted Waller to 19 Group 1 victories this term, equalling his own Australian record from the 2024-25 season.
Waller reveals that the pursuit of 200 hasn’t been central to his plans, expressing joy at Panova’s return to form after playing second fiddle all prep.
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“She had a temperature at the start of the autumn, and we don’t want to push them. We gave her time,” Waller said.
“But as a result she was a bit bigger, and we all know about that. Once you get out of shape, it’s hard to get back in shape, whether you’re a racehorse or a person, so we’ve just worked away, we haven’t rushed her, and she’s got there today.”
Panova had shown promise in Sydney stakes without a win, her prior success marking the end of spring in Flemington’s Carbine Club Stakes (1600m).
James McDonald, aboard for the win, attributed part of it to the left-hand track, ecstatic for his first Adelaide Group 1 after 10 during Sydney’s autumn carnival.
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“It’s an honour to be here,” McDonald said.
“To win one of the nice Oaks, I enjoy winning classics. They’re one of my favourites, rich in history and this race is no different.”
Per Waller, Panova’s campaign is ramping up, with eyes possibly on Eagle Farm’s Queensland Oaks (2200m) in June.
“She is very adaptable. A talented horse,” Waller said.
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“We started a long way behind the eight ball, and she has caught up now. She will train on from it and might even get to the Queensland Oaks.”
The $11 shot Panova powered down the outside from the pack to triumph by a length ahead of $6 favourite Mating Call, with Paltrow Miss ($15) next best.
Punters should visit premier racing betting markets for Australasian Oaks insights and promotions.
Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad found himself in the record books for the wrong reasons after registering the slowest fifty of IPL 2026 during a tough outing against Gujarat Titans at Chepauk.Gaikwad’s half-century came off 49 balls, making it not only the slowest fifty of the current season but also the slowest in the Impact Sub era since 2023. The previous slowest this season was a 43-ball effort by Rishabh Pant against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad.
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Justin Langer on LSG batting failure and opens up on the team’s bowling
Slowest IPL 50s for CSK in IPL53 P Patel vs PBKS Chennai 201051 M Hayden vs MI Gqeberha 200950 M Vijay vs PBKS Mohali 201349 M Vijay vs RR Jaipur 201349 D Smith vs MI Wankhede 201449 R Gaikwad vs GT Chennai 2026The knock also places Gaikwad among the slowest fifties in CSK history, alongside names like Parthiv Patel, Matthew Hayden and Murali Vijay. While the innings of 74 not out off 60 balls helped CSK reach 158 for 7, it reflected the broader struggles of the batting unit on the day.On a lively Chepauk surface that offered sharp bounce, Gujarat Titans bowlers dictated terms early. Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada extracted steep carry and forced errors, reducing CSK to 28 for 3 in the Powerplay. The early collapse put Gaikwad into a rebuilding role, slowing down the scoring rate significantly.As wickets kept falling, Gaikwad adopted a cautious approach, with dot balls piling up and CSK reaching 50 only in the 12th over. Though he eventually found some fluency with a few late boundaries and sixes, the delayed acceleration meant the innings never gained momentum.In a season dominated by high-scoring encounters, this knock stood out as a reminder that conditions still dictate the tempo, and on this occasion, CSK failed to adapt in time.
West Ham 2-2 Leeds (Leeds win 4-2 on penalties) – Quarter-final
Leeds celebrate their penalty shootout win (John Walton/PA). (PA Wire)
Flo Clifford26 April 2026 13:33
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Routes to the semi-finals
Here’s a reminder of how both sides got here:
Charlton Athletic 1-5 Chelsea – Third round
Hull City 0-4 Chelsea – Fourth round
Wrexham 2-4 Chelsea (AET) – Fifth round
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Chelsea 7-0 Port Vale – Quarter-final
(Getty)
Flo Clifford26 April 2026 13:25
Chelsea take on Leeds in echo of 1970 final
The West Yorkshire club led 2-0 at the London Stadium, but saw the hosts score twice in added time to take it to an extra 30 minutes, only for the visitors to eventually triumph 4-3 on penalties and claim a place in the last four for the first time since 1987.
Chelsea, 7-0 victors over League One Port Vale, famously provided the opposition for Leeds in the 1970 final, which went to a replay eventually won by the Londoners, one of eight occasions on which they have won the FA Cup.
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Flo Clifford26 April 2026 13:17
Pep Guardiola pays tribute to Southampton as Man City scrape into FA Cup final
Pep Guardiola paid tribute to plucky Southampton after Manchester City scraped into a fourth successive FA Cup final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory at Wembley.
A slow-burner of a semi-final came alive 11 minutes from time when Finn Azaz put the second-tier Saints on course for a shock win by curling home a sublime goal.
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Yet that served only to spark City into action and substitute Jeremy Doku quickly equalised with a deflected strike before Nico Gonzalez won it with an 87th-minute piledriver.
Flo Clifford26 April 2026 13:08
How Southampton’s euphoria was cut short by Man City’s treble charge in FA Cup semi-final
Here’s what awaits today’s winner, from Chief Sports Writer Lawrence Ostlere...
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Manchester City are going to Wembley, again. City will return here on 16 May to meet either Chelsea or Leeds in what will be their fourth successive FA Cup final. If all goes to plan in these final weeks, in this strange crescendo of a season, it will be the second piece in a treble of trophies for Pep Guardiola’s side.
On a warm, hazy evening in London, City won this semi-final 2-1 but only after coming through an almighty scare by Southampton, who came desperately close to an upset.
Flo Clifford26 April 2026 13:00
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Chelsea v Leeds
Chelsea face Leeds at Wembley in their FA Cup semi-final, with the winner to face Manchester City in the showpiece on Saturday 16 May.
The Blues have endured a run of five successive Premier League games without scoring – their worst run in 114 years – and will need to prove less toothless in front of goal if they are to see off Daniel Farke’s side.
Leeds meanwhile are still on a hot streak after snatching a last-gasp draw at Bournemouth, which took them to the all-important 40-point barrier in a huge boost to their Premier League survival bid.
McFarlane confirmed that Estevao is out for the season after scans showed the extent of his hamstring injury. Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro are both “in a good place” after training but will face a late fitness test to see if either can be involved.
Leeds are without Ilia Gruev after he sustained a meniscus injury that has ruled him out for the season. Farke is hopeful that Jayden Bogle, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Anton Stach will be included in Leeds’ semi-final plans.
Flo Clifford26 April 2026 12:38
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How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, with coverage from 2pm BST.
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