Friday Stances
?1. Sports Personality of the Year award this week. Andy Murray has to win. My bigger issue was some of the nominees
2. Big weekend of football this weekend. Arsenal and City both could do with a win to keep up with Chelsea who have an easy fixture list. Some relegation battles will also be key for the teams involved
3. Uknowhatimeanharry is the favourite for the long walk Hurdle and an impressive victory really would further his case for the World Hurdle
4. Even missing Tannehill, I make Miami favourites over a Jets team that looks like it no longer cares. If New England and Kansas can do them favours this could be huge for making the second wildcard spot
5. Giants v Lions is a huge match. A win for either likely takes them into the playoffs. The biggest game is Tampa Bay v Dallas. Once again a win is massive for both teams.
6. A lot of boxing this weekend. Hopkins will have his final ever fight and you have to imagine he is going to be too smart for Smith
7. Usyk, Quigley, Gamboa, Pascal, Soro, Shabransky and Diaz are all superb boxers who I am excited to watch even though none are in particularly even contests. Povetkin v Stiverne looks more even to me
8. The top half of the Scottish Open draw is ripe for a surprise name while the bottom half has a load of big names
9. Strong event in the UFC this week. The main and co-main are both intriguing 50/50 contests while Faber will compete in his last bout against Brad Pickett
10. Los Angeles Lakers are finally crashing back to earth. They need some kind of spark as that Sixers pick gets more valuable by the day.