It’s a new year which means we’ve got 12 whole months of sporting events to look forward to.
Which club will win the Champions League? Will Anthony Joshua unify boxing’s heavyweight division? Can Serena Williams overtake Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam victories?
These and many other questions will be answered during 2018, but read on to find out our top sports predictions this year.
Brazil or Germany for the World Cup?
Reigning holders Germany are strongly fancied to retain the World Cup, but Brazil are amongst a host of nations who will provide stiff opposition.
France, Spain, Argentina and Belgium will all fancy their chances of lifting the trophy, while Cristiano Ronaldo will hope to lead Portugal to another triumph after emerging victorious at Euro 2016.
England have certainly improved under Gareth Southgate, but it would be a surprise to see them progress beyond the quarter-finals. Check out this Coral Promo Code to make the most of your World Cup bets.
Pep eyeing the Quadruple at City
Manchester City look well-placed to win the Premier League and they should reach the final of the Carabao Cup after drawing Bristol City in the last four.
Pep Guardiola’s side should be capable of progressing past Burnley in the third round of the FA Cup, while a place in the last eight of the Champions League awaits after City drew Basel in the round of 16.
Guardiola has said winning the Quadruple is impossible, and the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid will certainly put up stern resistance in Europe’s top tournament, but City can be expected to give it their best shot.
Tennis legends set to shine
Roger Federer will be looking for a 20th Grand Slam victory and after his success in 2017 there’s no reason to think he can’t reach the landmark.
Serena Williams will return to action in 2018 after taking time out to have a baby needing just two more Grand Slam victories to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24.
Both Federer and Williams have been true legends of the game and it’s debatable whether anyone will ever surpass their achievements in the future.
Fury could derail Joshua’s unification bid
Anthony Joshua could have a huge year ahead of him in boxing as he aims to unify the world heavyweight division.
The IBF and WBA champion is lining up fights against Joseph Parker and Deontay Wilder, but he could also face Tyson Fury at some point.
Fury’s victory over Wladimir Klitschko was far more impressive than Joshua’s and the controversial star may derail his British rival’s bid to mop up all the titles.
The best of the rest
The New England Patriots remain on course to win their third Super Bowl in five years and they are the bookmakers’ favourites to do just that.
P.K. Subban and Nashville Predators have emerged as a genuine force in the NHL and they look capable of lifing the Stanley Cup this season.
Rory McIlroy is one Masters win away from a career grand slam of majors in golf, although the likes of Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler are strongly fancied to wear the Green Jacket in April.
Team Europe can gain their revenge against Team Europe with victory in the Ryder Cup in France in September, while it’s difficult to look past Lewis Hamilton retaining his Formula 1 title in 2018.
