Stag Weekends Weekend Preview 7th April

As far as weekend's go, this is up there! Where to even begin? There's the Grand National to look forward to, the conclusion of The Masters, Premier League action and the Chinese Grand Prix!

The good news doesn't end there, it's also set to be the hottest weekend of the year to date, so time to dust off the BBQ and stock the fridge full of beer!

Here, we take you through all the talking points ahead of the weekend's action.

Grand National

The Grand National at Aintree is the biggest race of the calendar and draws up interest like no other. There are 40 runners all set for the race, with punters frantically studying the form book ahead of the race at 17:15 tomorrow.

The early race favourites are Vieux Lion Rouge and Definitely Red, both whom can be got at prices of around 10/1. But as recent years have proven, it's not always wise to back a favourite for the National. Last year, 33/1 outsider Rule The World won the race; in fact, the favourite hasn't been victorious since back in 2010 when Don't Push It won.

In essence, we feel you may as well just pick a horse because you like their name! Good luck, lads!

The Masters

We're all set for a great weekend of gold at Augusta National as the race for the 2017 Masters hots up. Yes, there may have been the pre-tournament disappointment of world number one Dustin Johnson dropping out due to a back injury, but that won't take away from the action over the weekend.

Yesterday's opening round was an interesting one, with American Charley Hoffman leading the way on seven-under. The 40-year-old carded nine birdies on his way to a round of 65 and now holds a four-shot lead over compatriot William McGirt.

England's Lee Westwood is next back on two-under-par – wouldn't it be great for him to finally win his first major after coming close so many times? Justin Rose is also in the chasing pack on one-under, with defending champion Danny Willett two shots further back.

Despite Hoffmann's lead, it's too early to say who will claim the green jacket this weekend and we expect there to be drama over the weekend.

Premier League

There was some thrilling Premier League action midweek and let's hope for the same again this weekend!

Spurs left it very late to come back and beat Swansea in the week and can move within four-points of leaders Chelsea with a win over Watford on Saturday lunchtime. Chelsea are in action Saturday evening when they travel to the Vitality Stadium to take on Bournemouth. The leaders responded well to last weekend's setback with a win over Man City in the week and it's hard to see anything other than Antonio Conte's side being crowned champions in May.

The battle for relegation will intensify this weekend as West Ham host Swansea at the London Stadium. The Hammers have lost their last five and a defeat for Slaven Bilic's side would move Swansea into within two points. The recent form of Hull City has brought a few teams who thought they were safe, back into the relegation dogfight.

Chinese Grand Prix

The second race of the F1 season will take place at the Shanghai International Circuit this weekend.

The opening race in Australia was one for the Ferrari team to saviour with Sebastien Vettel taking first place. Lewis Hamilton won't want to get into a position like last season where he was playing catch-up, so we expect him to go well this weekend!

Race practice has been farcical so far as due to the medical helicopter being unable to land. Only 15 minutes of the scheduled three hours practice went ahead on the first day – hopefully this won't have a knock-on effect on the race Sunday morning.

Image credits: Imperial Events, Liverpool Echo, European Tour, Chelsea News App, Formula 1