And they are finally under way in the Triumph Hurdle, the opening race on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival.

There was drama when Ex Patriot unseated jockey Rachael Blackmore on the way to the start but after a bit of a gallop around the course, the horse has been led back to be reunited with the jockey and they have taken their place with the rest of the field.

Simon Stone
BBC Sport

Image source, Empics

If your glass is half full, Manchester City’s Champions League defeat by Monaco on Wednesday is an, admittedly significant, blip in what had been a fairly impressive run of eight wins and three draws in 11 games.

If your glass is half empty, it means they have underachieved in Europe and more questions should be asked of a new management team struggling to adapt to English football.

Which way will Pep Guardiola look at it?

He faces the media at 13:30 GMT

It's almost time for the opening race on the last day of the Festival and it could be a commentator’s nightmare. 

Three of the leading fancies in the betting are owned by JP McManus and will be wearing his traditional green and gold hooped silks but with different colour caps to distinguish them.

The unbeaten Defi Du Seuil , trained by Philip Hobbs and Charli Parcs , from the Nicky Henderson yard will be hoping to maintain British-trained horses' good record in the race but Irish hopes lie with the Joseph O’Brien-trained Landofhopeandglory .

Image source, Rex Features

Chelsea

Image source, Empics

Nigeria midfielder Victor Moses is a slight doubt for the game against Stoke with a calf problem. He trained with the team on Friday though.

Manager Antonio Conte was also asked whether winger Eden Hazard deserved the Player of the Year award for his dazzling displays this season.

The Italian said it was too early to choose but that he hoped the honour would go to one of his players.

Ruby Walsh had a day to remember at Cheltenham on Thursday with four winners but he has forgotten about it already.

"Yesterday is history and you have to move on today," he tells 5 Live's Andrew Thornton.

"We didn't think yesterday was going to be our strongest day.

"Djakadam [his Gold Cup mount] is in great form and has had great prep. Last year he ran a blinder to finish second so if he can run to that level he will be bang there and hopefully he will be good enough."

Image source, Getty Images

More from Jurgen Klopp on Sunday's game at Manchester City...

"The way they played against Monaco was impressive, they could have won game easily," said Klopp of the Champions League exit on away goals.

"We don't go there as favourites and that's a role that's not too bad.

"If you are passive they will play around you. It's a real tactical challenge."

Jockey Lizzie Kelly is looking forward to her ride on Tea For Two in the Gold Cup. 

"I've had quite a few messages from people ahead of today - some from people I haven't spoken to in a while," she tells 5 Live.

"My friends and family are here. My dad, who isn't in racing, and his side of the family are here as well. It's amazing I'm here. I can't wait and it's a privilege to ride in the race."

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Chelsea

Image source, Reuters

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has been speaking on the eve of his side's game at Stoke.

Some of it centred around reports that the Italian would not sign a new deal unless he had ultimate control over transfers.

He said that he's happy to be Chelsea manager and that it's not true he is seeking more control over transfers.

The 47-year-old also said his contract situation remains the same as every week.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has arrived for his news conference to preview Sunday's game at Manchester City.

The Reds are one point behind City in fourth, having played one game more. 

Radio 5 live's Juliette Ferrington summarises the team news...

We've got a few non-runners to tell you about at Cheltenham today.

1330 JCB Triumph Hurdle - 8 King Julien

1410 Randox Health County Hurdle -  8 Mick Jazz

1530 Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup - 5 Empire of Dirt

Radio 5 live coverage of Gold Cup day at the Cheltenham Festival is now under way. Select the audio icon at the top of this page to listen in.

We'll take you through all the action as well, alongside the best lines from the Premier League news conferences.

Simon Stone
BBC Sport

Manchester United follow up their Europa League win over Rostov with a Sunday lunchtime Premier League engagement at Middlesbrough.

It is fair to say manager Jose Mourinho is not happy about it.

"We should be the last team to play in the weekend - it is as simple as that. We should play Monday. Or we should play the last match on Sunday. Not 12 o’clock. At least let us sleep a little bit on Sunday, right? We cannot even sleep on Sunday morning. We have to wake up at seven o’clock to eat and come to the game."

Caretaker boss Steve Agnew has made his first appointment at Middlesbrough with Joe Jordan joining the coaching staff.

Not as excited as us Henrikh! 

Henrikh, honestly though, you don't look very excited. 

From Tom Allnutt of the Press Association...

Tottenham Hotspur

Full-back Kyle Walker (ankle) & midfielder Victor Wanyama (neck) are to be assessed over minor problems. Midfielder Mousa Dembele is available again.

Harry Kane, Danny Rose and Erik Lamela are unavailable, as expected.

Mike:  Anderlecht.  Decent draw with the second leg at home and not far to travel, we should be winning the Europa League

Mark Young:  Europa draw looks really dull... united will never have a better chance to win it!

Jake Doyle:  MUFC going for another 12-0 aggregate win over Anderlecht a la 1956.

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Manchester United and Anderlecht have some history in European competition. Quite big history, in fact.

The Belgians were United's very first opponents in Europe - meeting in the preliminary round of the 1956-57 European Cup. The Busby Babes won the home second leg 10-0 for a 12-0 aggregate victory.

It's their record win as well across all competitions.

It wasn't played at Old Trafford, though. Manchester City's Maine Road was the venue - something to do with the Old Trafford floodlights not being up to scratch, we believe. 

The sides last met in the 2000-01 Champions League first group stage - United winning 5-1 at Old Trafford (they'd sorted the lights out by then) before losing 2-1 in Belgium.

Image source, Getty Images