Fans set for summer sporting extravaganza
Sports fans across the world are in for a treat this summer, with the schedule over the next couple of months packed with top-class action.The United Kingdom and Europe are leading the charge, having already restarted many of their best leagues and competitions over the past few weeks.For instance, the Premier League has returned with a bang in the UK to join other major sports like horse racing in resuming their respective seasons.Horse racing fans were in their element during June, with the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting sparking a huge flurry of activity with the bookmakers featured on the horse-bettors.com website.However, football is dominating most of the sporting headlines at the moment and looks set to continue to do so throughout the summer.Premier League delivers successful Project RestartThe Premier League returned from a three-month hiatus on June 17 and has already delivered a plethora of major talking points.Liverpool have ended their 30-year wait to clinch another league title, but there are still plenty of issues to be resolved elsewhere.Four teams are battling for two spots in the top four, with Leicester City and Chelsea currently in pole position ahead of Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.There is also an almighty battle to avoid relegation, with the likes of Watford, West Ham United, Bournemouth and Aston Villa all fighting to survive.Big title battles unfolding in Spain and ItalyParis Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have won their respective leagues in France and Germany, but the outcomes in Spain and Italy are yet to be resolved.Real Madrid and Barcelona are locked together at the top of Li Liga, and the race between the two Spanish giants looks set to go down to the fire.Juventus currently lead the way in Serie A, although Lazio and Inter Milan are still in with a chance of finishing top of the pile in Italy.Lazio must travel to face Juve on July 20 (find out how to watch that game live here) and that game could well determine the destination of the title this season.Champions League dominates August scheduleAll of the domestic leagues in Europe are on track to finish by the end of July, allowing UEFA to complete the Champions League and Europa League during the following month.The Champions League will be the standout event in August, with UEFA’s decision to adopt a revised format adding an interesting twist to its top competition.Once the remaining round of 16 ties are completed, the remaining teams will play a ‘final eight’ tournament in Portugal from August 7-23.Manchester City, Bayern and Barca are amongst the favourites to lift the trophy, but the different set-up could produce a surprise winner.
