It seems like this summer is flying by and while some sports fans will be licking their lips and the thought of Premier League football returning, a lot of us have enjoyed the extra sun, lighter nights and the cold drinks that come with the first COVID free season for a couple of years.
Already seven months through 2022, we’ve seen intense action from a variety of events — Nick Kyrgios almost defying the odds to win Wimbledon but falling short to the brilliance of Novak Djokovic; Aussie golfer Cameron Smith winning the Open on Scottish shores, his long blonde locks a far cry from the description of the archetypical Majors champion; and Derek Chisora returning to the ring for his first win since 2019 after he beat Kubrat Pulev by split decision.
With August on the horizon, there is still plenty to sink your teeth into and with a busy month ahead it can be hard to balance what to watch. Read on, as we discuss some of the biggest events in the world of sport happening in the next few weeks.
Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League – Football
In what serves as the first big game of the new Premier League season, Chelsea host London rivals Tottenham Hotspur as the two sides begin their pursuit of another top four finish. Both occupied the remaining Champions League spots ahead of Arsenal and despite contrasting results in preseason, with the former suffering big defeats and the latter picking up silverware on tour, Antonio Conte’s former and current sides are expected to play out an intense derby.
Chelsea secured the services of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly over the summer, while Djed Spence, Richarlison, and Ivan Perišić were the marquee attractions in north London. Fresh faces will be expected when the sides meet at Stamford Bridge as the two look to get off to a bright start.
Summer Stayers Classic – Greyhound Racing
While the sport of greyhound racing doesn’t quite have the same popularity it once garnered in the peak of its powers, there are still a dedicated fanbase, committed to keeping up with the Category One races and placing a greyhound bet. While the English Greyhound Derby, the most prestigious race on the calendar, has come and by this year with Romeo Magico winning at Towcester, new fans will get the chance to witness the Summer Stayers Classic in August.
Wolverhampton’s Monmoore Green is host to the 630-metre race, which will see a plethora of former Category One winners and some of the best trainers around including Angela Harrison and Patrick Janssens compete on the sand for the £7,500 prize. Although it’s still too early to pick a clear favourite when checking greyhound tips today, expect an exciting race in the West Midlands if last year’s event, won by Harrison-trained Coolavanny Bani is anything to go by.
The Hundred – Cricket
The inaugural season of The Hundred was met with a warm reception from newcomers and cricket enthusiasts alike. While initially met with scepticism, the fresh spin on the T20 game was packaged nicely and certainly achieved its goal of helping increase participation and reach a younger audience. Last year saw Southern Brave win the first men’s tournament while Oval Invincibles took home the women’s title. This year expect plenty more action throughout England and Wales, with the final at Lord’s on September 3rd.
Commonwealth Games – Athletics
While technically starting at the end of July, the thick of the action at this year’s Commonwealth Games takes place throughout August, with the closing ceremony on the 8th at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. The likes of Victoria Square, Sutton Park and Edgbaston will host the large variety of events as England look to go one better on their second place in the medal table at the last event in Australia.
