What's on: Sporting Life pick out five big sports events for the week ahead

Football – Sky Bet League Two play-off final

• When: Monday – 19:30
• Where: Wembley
• TV: Sky Sports Football
• Odds: Click here for Sky Bet's football odds

The first of the Sky Bet EFL play-off finals take place on Monday as Northampton and Exeter head to an empty Wembley Stadium for the League Two edition.

Both overturned first leg deficits to reach the final; Exeter beat Colchester while Northampton remarkably came from 2-0 down to win 3-0 away from home and knock out Cheltenham.

The bookies can’t decide who wins here with both sides priced at 5/6 for promotion. However, if Northampton show the desire that was on display in their second leg, they stand a great chance of securing a spot in Sky Bet League One.

Golf – Rocket Mortgage Classic

• When: Thursday to Sunday
• Where: Detroit Golf Club, Michigan
• TV: Sky Sports Golf
• Odds: Click here for Sky Bet's latest golf odds

With many of the world’s top players taking their first break since the lockdown, the Rocket Mortgage Classic offers an opportunity for the lesser lights of the circuit to content for an event still in its infancy.

Last year’s first renewal went to Nate Lashley, who shot 25-under in a front-running masterclass, and birdies will once again be firmly on the agenda.

Lashley returns to defend his title but there will be no Rory McIlroy, no Bryson DeChambeau and no Justin Thomas, with Brooks Koepka and Webb Simpson still sidelined after people close to them tested positive for coronavirus.

This is clearly the most low-key tournament since the PGA Tour returned, but that could mean better punting opportunities. Our preview will be live on Monday evening with in-play tips ahead of Sunday’s final round.

Football – Manchester City v Liverpool

• When: Thursday – 20:15
• Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
• TV: Sky Sports Main Event
• Odds: Click here for Sky Bet's football odds

Liverpool have finally ended their 30-year wait to become champions of England again. Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City wrapped up the title for Jurgen Klopp’s side on Thursday night.

This Thursday takes them to the home of the previous champions, and even with the title decided, it is set to be a highly-entertaining encounter between two of the best teams that English football has to offer.

City are very likely to secure second spot while Liverpool are aiming to reach the 101-point mark and break that record. This game is set to be one of the highlights of the season.

Horse racing – The Derby

• Where: Epsom Racecourse
• When: 4.55 Saturday, July 4
• TV: ITV and Racing TV
• Odds: Click here for Sky Bet's Irish Derby odds

It’s the first time the Investec Derby has been run in July since the First World War but at least Epsom stages it and racing fans are in for a treat as the Oaks is run on the same card.

QIPCO 2000 Guineas winner Kameko will bid for a second Classic over half a mile further under our star columnist, Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy, but Frankie Dettori is his big rival on Lingfield Derby Trial winner English King.

Aidan O’Brien is the joint-leading trainer in the race with seven wins and he’ll be bringing a big team over from Ireland in a bid for that record outright.

Russian Emperor, Mogul and Vatican City look the pick of his raiding party and we’re all set for another classic Classic on the Downs.

Horse racing – The Eclipse

• Where: Sandown Park Racecourse
• When: 3.35 Sunday, July 5
• TV: ITV and Racing TV
• Odds: Click here for Sky Bet's Irish Derby odds

It’s usually the first clash of the generations but not this year, with three-year-olds not allowed in the 2020 Coral-Eclipse due to the revamped season.

However, that doesn’t look to have taking any of the gloss of this particular renewal with two superstars heading to Sandown for a 10-furlong G1 blockbuster.

Enable, twice a winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the reigning Eclipse champion, is all set to make her seasonal reappearance for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori.

She won’t have things all her own way, though, as Godolphin’s Ghaiyyath, rated just 2lb inferior on 126, is all set to take her on for Charlie Appleby.

Throw in Japanese raider Deirdre and we have all the ingredients for a real Sunday treat.

Responsible gambling

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Sky Bet's responsible gambling tools are detailed here and if you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org.

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