5/1 shot Xintong can rule the roost at Ally Pally

The best value in the opening round could well be Mark Allen (evens) against Mark Williams, while Barry Hawkins (11/10) has a decent chance against John Higgins.

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By the time we reach the semifinals, I'm going for Selby, Robertson, Judd Trump and world champion Zhao Xintong to be the last four men standing.

As for the finalists, don't be surprised if it turns out to be a repeat of the UK Championship with Selby and Trump doing battle once more.

However, he hasn't pulled up too many trees since the Crucible, so maybe this week Xintong (5/1) will remind all and sundry that he really is a special talent.

With the FA Cup third round kicking off last night, the pressure will really be on Thomas Frank when Tottenham entertain Aston Villa this evening.

The former Brentford boss really needs to inspire his side to pull a result out of the fire against inform opposition, and he just might manage it.

Tottenham (6/4) can win, by eking out a 1-0 (15/2).

The perennial mess that is Manchester United, with interim Darren Fletcher now in charge, will face a huge challenge as Brighton come to Old Trafford tomorrow.