Stephen Ferris predicts Ireland to take Grand Slam with decisive Six Nations win over England

THE Cheltenham Festival and the Six Nations aren't the only events causing a betting frenzy this week.

Ryan Tubridy's replacement on The Late Late Show has now become the hottest topic in town.

Veteran presenter Miriam O'Callaghan stormed to the head of betting straight away and is 2/1 to become the first woman to present the iconic show in its 58-year history.

She is certainly the obvious choice, having filled in for Tubs before, but she's not the only one attracting money.

Some would prefer Claire Byrne to take the hotseat at 4/1, while Sarah Mcinerney is also high up on the list at 6/1.

So who is flying the flag for the men?

The odds suggest Brendan O'Connor is the most likely replacement, while Ray D' Arcy and Tommy Tiernan aren't without chances either at 8/1 and 10/1, respectively.

Some of the outsiders have also attracted a flutter, including the ever-popular Doireann Garrihy at 18/1!

GRAND AULD CLASH

By Stephen Ferris, rugby legend & Ladbrokes ambassador

IRELAND v England is the biggest show in town. A grand slam is on the line for Ireland against their old enemy.

Tickets are like hen's teeth, and anyone who has managed to get themselves one will hopefully be given a day to remember by the Boys in Green.

However, England roll into Dublin after being slaughtered by France. A wounded animal is a dangerous one, but do England have the clinical edge needed to beat Ireland, who have cemented that No. 1 spot on the world rankings? I hope not!

The Irish are battered and bruised after their victory against Scotland.

Iain Henderson and Garry Ringrose won't be featuring after they picked up knocks.

One thing that Ireland have done well over the past couple of years, though, is expand on their squad depth.

Guys with not a lot of game time through the championship will have to step up on Saturday evening. Big boots to fill, so let's see how they all go.

Ireland have won their past two games against England. They have also won seven Six Nations games in a row, which is their joint-longest winning record.

If they make it eight, they will win the triple crown and the grand slam in front of their home support.

England sport the best lineout and scrum success in the championship, although stats don't always tell the whole truth - especially when France blew away the English scrum a couple of times last week.

England head coach Steve Borthwick will want a pragmatic game against Ireland.

Will it be the fairy-tale ending for Johnny Sexton in his last
Six Nations game, or will we see the biggest upset of this season's championship?

I'm predicting that Ireland will cover the 15-point handicap.

To read Stephen Ferris's full interview go to sports.ladbrokes. com/news/

ARMAGH THE MEN TO BEAT

By Marc O'Se, GAA legend and Ladbrokes ambassador

ARMAGH v Galway to draw a repeat of last year's All-Ireland quarter-final between the teams is on the cards.

That encounter was a thriller, and I think today's fixture has all the ingredients for a repeat.

With five points on the table and Kerry set to play Roscommon in Tralee, Armagh will see this as a huge opportunity to leapfrog both Galway and Roscommon and go second in the league.

Rian O'Neill, Andrew Murnin and Jarlath Burns are flying, and Armagh will certainly fancy their chances.

On the other hand, Galway are motoring along nicely.

Paul Conroy, Mattie Tierney and Rob Finnerty are in fine form, and I expect this game to go down to the wire.

It's the home teams that are getting the wins this year, but I think the draw looks a bet at 13/2.

At this stage, Jack O'Connor will be looking over his shoulder at
the teams that could catch Kerry. Avoiding relegation is his main aim.

As noted, teams are banking on home victories, and Kerry will be no different when they welcome Roscommon tonight.

This is a must win for Kerry, and they will throw the kitchen sink at it.

To read Marc's full blog go to sports.ladbrokes.com/news/