Month in Sport: 15/1 acca covering August's biggest sporting events

August is upon us and that means it’s time for another edition of our Month in Sport Accumulator, and this latest offering pays out at 15/1.

The return of the Premier League and the resumption of top flight football in all of Europe’s major leagues are obvious highlights, while Anthony Joshua will attempt to become a three-time heavyweight world champion as he faces a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, Formula 1 is back at the end of the month in Belgium and there is a UFC event in Salt Lake City.

I’ve roped in a few of our experts for a few tips and together we’ve put together this four selection cross-sport bet that should hopefully keep us entertained until the end of the month. Read on to see what we’re backing.

FST’s Month in Sport accumulator

Premier League

Chelsea vs Spurs, August 14

One of the standout games in the early rounds of Premier League fixtures is Chelsea’s clash with Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have made some bold moves during their first summer window of the post-Roman Abramovich era with the captures of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly – and they may have a few more new faces by the time Tottenham visit.

Spurs have also been active as well, bringing in Richarlison, Yves Bissouma and Ivan Perisic, and this should be an intriguing clash between two sides who will feel they can close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool in the season ahead.

Personally, I’m expecting a big season from Tottenham but they may stumble in this early test. Chelsea beat the North Londoners four times last season, twice in the league and twice in the League Cup, and they’ve now won the last five meetings between the two sides – without conceding, so the current price of 23/20 on a home win looks a good option here.

Tip: Chelsea to win

Boxing

Joshua vs Usyk II, August 20

I picked out Usyk to beat Joshua in the first meeting at 2/1 but he is just 1/2 to win the rematch after a dominant unanimous decision win. To get a bit more value out of this clash, the method of victory market could be the way to go and this time I’m backing the Ukrainian to get the job done inside the distance with a KO, TKO or disqualification win at 9/4.

Usyk very nearly stopped Joshua late on in their first meeting and I’m expecting a different kind of contest this time around. Joshua cannot afford to try and outbox Usyk again as that just didn’t work last time so he has to be more aggressive, and that means taking more risks. Usyk is arguably the most technically gifted active fighter right now, across all of the divisions, and his ability to set traps and counter is unrivalled, as such he can do enough damage to claim the win without needing the judges.

Tip: Usyk to win by KO, TKO or Disqualification

UFC

UFC 278: Usman vs Edwards, August 20

Noah Bradley: Not only does Kamaru Usman sit atop the Welterweight throne in the UFC, he is also the pound-for-pound number one. With his high level wrestling background, Usman has evolved into one of the best strikers in the division with the help of coach Trevor Wittman making him such a well rounded fighter.

Usman has beaten Leon Edwards once before, back in 2015 where he won via unanimous decision, and I have him getting his hand raised again and retaining his belt in August.

Tip: Usman to win

Formula 1

Belgian GP, August 28

Alex Wrigley: Another Ferrari disaster-class in strategy handed Max Verstappen an unlikely win from tenth on the grid in Hungary and the Dutchman is fancied to live up to his favourite tag when Formula 1 returns from its summer break at Spa.

Last year’s Belgian Grand Prix was a shambolic affair as biblical rain resulted in it running for just three laps – all behind the safety car – and only half points being awarded. Verstappen was credited with the win but, after winning eight of the 11 Grands Prix he has completed this season, he will be looking for a more satisfying victory at Spa later this month.

Tip: Verstappen to win