The Sports Personality of the Year Awards take place from London’s Excel arena on Sunday evening and it will be a celebration of a quite incredible year for British sport.

It is no surprise that the twelve candidates for the main award on the evening are dominated by heroes from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Rory McIlroy, who has won major gold tournaments and was of course part of the European Ryder Cup team this year, is the only person to have not being involved in London 2012 on the list of potential winners.

Bradley Wiggins is the man that many are tipping for the award after he became the first Brit to win the Tour de France. Not only that, Wiggins went on to win the time trial event at the Olympics and claim a gold medal.

Also, you have some heroes of the athletics track – Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis and David Weir. All three of these sent the stadiums into raptures with their performances and have seven gold medals between them.

Andy Murray is sure to be another big contender after winning gold at London 2012 and then ending a long wait for a Grand Slam by claiming the US Open title in September.

Chris Hoy, Sarah Storey, Ellie Simmons, Ben Ainslie, Katherine Grainger and Nicola Adams are the other hopefuls on the night and with such a strong field, it is very tough to call.

What it will be is a celebration of one of the besting sporting year’s in history for Great Britain and anyone of these twelve icons are worthy winners of the award.

In truth, you could have had another twelve at least adding to this list.

It is certainly not an event that you want to be missing.

Sports Personality Winner

Wiggins is certainly the favourite to claim the award as he is being offered at 1.33 (1/3) with BetVictor.

Then, Ennis is available at 9.00 (8/1) with Paddy Power, with Farah out at 10.00 (9/1) with Bet365.

Murray then makes up the list of candidates at 19.00 (18/1) with StanJames.

Recommended Bet

David Weir could have the backing of a number of supporters after winning four gold medals at the Paralympic Games and he could be great value at 12.00 (11/1) to with SportingBet to finish in the top three.

The PDC Darts World Championships get underway from the Alexandra Palace in London next week and it is all set to be another thrilling couple of weeks to warm you up through this festive period.

There will be a number of players all hoping that they have what it takes to win the newly-named Sid Waddell trophy on New Years Day.

Adrian Lewis will be going for his hat-trick in this event after winning the last two tournaments, but knows he simply has to produce more world-class darts to claim his third title.

That is because Phil Taylor, 15-time winner of this competiton has really found his form and comes into this one on the back if a fantastic major win.

Taylor has not tasted success at the Palace for a while now and will be desperate to show that he is still the best around. If he is at his best, then no one will be able to stop ‘The Power’ lifting yet another world title in the New Year.

However, Michael van Gerwin is a man who is really starting to show what a fantastic player he is and the Dutchman has been causing a few surprises recently.

He will be out to show that he is a match for Taylor this time out, but once again, will have to play the best darts of his life.

Another Dutchman always in contention is Raymond van Barneveld, especially after winning his first major trophy since 2007 this year. Barney is always popular with the crowd and could be a surprise package.

Also, the likes of Simon Whitlock, James Wade and Gary Anderson are all sure to be in contention. It should be a fantastic tournament.

PDC World Championship Winner

There is no surprise that Phil Taylor is the big favourite to win this one as he is at 3.00 (2/1) with Ladbrokes.

Michael van Gerwin can then be backed at 6.00 (5/1) with BlueSQ, which could be good value.

Adrian Lewis is then out at 13.00 (12/1) with Sportingbet, whilst Gary Anderson and Simon Whitlock are both at 17.00 (16/1) with BoyleSports.

Recommended Bet

It is hard to ignore Raymond van Barneveld at such good odds of 19.00 (18/1) with StanJames. He has a point to prove on the big stage, and could do it on the biggest of them all.

The men’s 400m event is one that will be watched all across to world when it takes place this evening. It is one of the main events in what is sure to be another fascinating day at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

After breezing to the final, 19-year-old sensation Kirani James seems to be the man to beat at the moment.

Even at the age he is, James is no stranger to the limelight or performing on the big stage. He won the World Championships last year and looks in great shape to take a gold medal here.

James’ chances of winning seem to have got bigger now after the man who seemed to be his big challenger, LaShawn Merritt pulled up with an injury and did not qualify for the final.

Merritt is the defending Olympic Champion so it is certain that we will see a new gold medallist in this event.

In terms of some contenders, Luguelin Santos is another who has the ability to set the world alight at the age of just 18.

Not too many will have heard of Santos which could suit him as the pressure may be somewhat off. However, with Merritt missing out he will know he has a better chance of taking a medal.

Then there are the Borlee brothers, Jonathon and Kevin who will also be challenging for a spot in the top three.

Lalonde Gordon is another big contender who will not only be challenging for a medal, but going for gold.

With the American favourite out of the race, it really has been blown wide open and although it is a shame that he is not competing – it should make for an incredible 400m.

Unlike with the shorter sprints, there is a chance to put this right if you don’t get the best of starts.

Race Winner

As mentioned, Kirani James is the current favourite and could be extremely tough for anyone to stop. He can be backed at 1.33 (1/3) with VC Bet.

Santos is then the man who seems as though he could challenge James. He is available at 5.50 (9/2) with Bet365.

Jonathon Borlee then leads the way in terms of outsiders with odds of 26.00 (25/1) with Boylesports. Lalonde Gordon then has the same odds with Paddy Power.

Kevin Borlee is being offered at 62.00 (61/1) with Betfair.

Recommended Bet

A win for Kevin Borlee may be out of the question but he could manage a medal, if you want some better odds on him then you can back him at 3.25 (9/4) with SkyBet.

The 200m final will be another race that is watched by many at this summer’s Olympic Games.

It is an event where people are suggesting that the world record could be broken.

As is expected in men’s sprinting at the moment, Usain Bolt looks as though he is the man to beat. After smashing the world record at the Beijing Games four years ago, he could do it again this year.

Bolt is the two time World Champions as well so some may argue that he is stronger in this event than in the 100m.

It is now time for him to prove himself as one of the best Olympic athletes of all time, something he will be desperate to do and success here would do just that.

However, as in the 100m, Yohan Blake looks as though he could upset the odds and take the Gold medal.

Blake has ran the second fastest time of all time in this event, second to only Bolt. He seems to be getting better and better and this could be his year to shine.

The Jamaicans look as though they will be going head to head for the Gold, not many people are tipping anyone to get near these two athletes.

Of course though, the 100m is the medal that both are dreaming of, so they may be slightly of their game in this event.

Should someone stop them then America’s Wallace Spearman could be the man to do so. Spearman is looking to bounce back from 2008 where he was disqualified.

At 27-years-old, he may feel as though this is his last chance to take a medal at the Olympics.

It is all set to be an enthralling race and despite it not taking more than 20 seconds, will certainly be watched by many all over the world.

Race Winner

As mentioned, Usain Bolt is the big favourite to take the gold which is no surprise given his recent record in the event. You can back him at 1.62 (8/13) with SportingBet

Yohan Blake is then the big contender to win the 200. He is available at 2.88 (15/8) with Bet365.

Wallace Spearman will know it will take something special to come out on top here. Paddy Power are offering odds of 23.00 (22/1) on this happening.

Top 3 Finish

Another good bet regarding Spearman could be for him to finish in the top three which has odds of 3.50 (5/2) with BetFred.

Recommended Bet

Alonso Edward has looks in fairly good form recently and he could be the man to the take the bronze medal. You can back him finishing on the podium at 14.30 (133/10) with Betfair.

At this summer’s Olympic Games, the battle between nations will of course be for who can take the most Gold medals.

It looks to be a two horse race between China and USA such is the amount of athletes they have competing and the array of talent that they have at their disposal.

On home soil in the Beijing 2008 Games, China stormed to victory in the medal table, taking 51 gold medal compared to the Americans who took 36.

The Gymnastics in where the Chinese athletes are often unstoppable and with so many events in this sport, they could do the same again this time out.

As for America, there are not many events where they don’t have a genuine medal hope. Whether it be on the track, field, pool or anywhere else for that matter.

The USA lead the way in terms of most gold medals in the history of the Olympics so they can never be taken lightly.

With not too many people backing anyone to get near these two huge nations, it could be a head to head battle for the bragging rights.

In terms of team GB’s hopes, they will just be looking to do better than they did in 2008, which will be a tough task as they had a fantastic summer in Beijing.

Great Britain took a total of 47 medals, including 19 gold’s. With this summer’s games being in London, they will be hopeful of beating that achievement four years ago.

Russia are another massive nation that are capable of winning a lot of medals. They finished third in the table in 2008.

The Russians took 73 medals and are another nation that can be strong in a number of events.

Gold Medals

As mentioned, it looks to be a two horse race for the nation that will take the most gold’s. USA are the current favourites with odds of 1.67 (4/6) with BlueSQ.

China can then be backed 2.44 (36/25) with Betfair.

If you do fancy an outside bet, Great Britain have odds of 101.00 (100/1) with SportingBet.

Top European Gold’s

Russia currently look the most likely to have the European bragging rights. They are available at 1.73 (8/11) with Paddy Power.

Team GB are then being offered at 2.50 (6/4) with Germany being 10.00 (9/1)

Recommended Bet

China would have benefited from their big success in 2008 and could now be set to win the most medals overall, any colour. You can back this happening at 3.25 (9/4) with Coral.

One of the most eagerly anticipated events in this summer’s Olympics will be the men’s 4x100m relay.

It is a race that is full of drama and one of the most fascinating to watch.

Jamaica look as though they are going to be tough to stop in this race. They are the current Olympic Champions and two time World Champions. They also hold the world record.

The Jamaicans have the fastest man in the world – Usain Bolt in their team and he will be well supported by Yohan Blake who has ran the quickest time this year.

Asafa Powell is also likely to be in the team, which makes for an extremely talented set of sprinters. This year, they will be looking to win in style, smashing the World Record yet again.

The team that look as though they have any chance of getting near Jamaica are the USA who have won this event at the Olympics 15 times.

They have not won since the 2000 games in Sydney though so will be desperate for success this time out.

America are not short of talent in their team either. Tyson Gay has been in superb form so far this year and is capable go causing some real upsets.

Justin Gatlin is also available for selection after he missed the Olympics in 2008 due to a doping ban. Gatlin won the gold back in 2004 in the individual 100m race.

Great Britain will know they have a tough task if they are to pick up a medal this summer on home soil.

The British men did win the 4x100m back in 2004 and although there will be a new set of sprinters this year, they can still use that as a big incentive to take the gold.

It is all about smooth changeovers in the relay and if you get them right, you are always in with a chance.

Gold Medal

As mentioned, Jamaica are the big favourites and you can back them at 1.44 (4/9) with BoyleSports to win back to back gold’s.

America will be quietly confident of upsetting the odds and finishing on top spot. This is available at 4.00 (3/1) with William Hill.

Medal Winner

Team GB may feel as though the power of the two favourites is too much for them to challenge so you can bet on them picking up a medal, any colour at 4.50 (7/2) with Ladbrokes.

Many people are backing Trinidad and Tobago to be another big challenger and them winning a medal has odds of 1.40 (2/5) with Betfair.

Recommended Bet

Trinidad and Tobago could be a real threat to the big two favourites in this race. You can back them to upset all the odds and win the gold at 21.00 (20/1) with BWIN.

We are not far from the Olympics getting away and the exctiment is now starting to build for the biggest sporting event in the world which this year comes from London.

One of the most eagerly anticipated events is the men’s 100m sprint. It is an event that will grab the attention of millions around the globe. Usain Bolt is of course the man to beat at the moment and he is the current Olympic and World Record holder.

Many people are tipping the Jamaican to really produce something special this year and he could yet again smash the record books.

Bolt is not invicable though as fellow countryman Yohan Blake has shown that he can compete with the fastest man in the world. He is the current World Champion as Bolt was disqualified in the event last year.

Blake also shocked the world in the Jamaican Olympic trials when he ran in 9.76 seconds whereas Bolt could only manage a time of 9.85.

Tyson Gay is another man who should not be written off as he also showed what he is capable of in trials, running the same time as the current World Record holder.

Gay has been quietly going about his business leading up to London 2012 as all the focus has been on the two Jamaican’s, something that will not bother the American and he could now cause some surprises.

Other American sprinter Justin Gatlin is the 2004 Olympic Champion, however he missed the event four years ago due to a doping ban.

Gatlin is now fit and ready to compete again and he ran a time of 9.80 in the trials, which is the third fastest in the world this year.

It is all set to be an incredible race and even though it may not even last ten seconds, will be full of drama.

Race Winner

As mentioned, Usain Bolt is the current favourite to win back to back gold medals in this event. You can back him at 1.53 (5/6) with Ladbrokes.

Yohan Blake looks to be his biggest threat though as he has really shown what he is capable of this year. Blake is available at 2.63 (13/8) with Bet365.

Tyson Gay will be hopeful of his chances. StanJames are offering odds of 13.00 (12/1) on him winning the gold.

Justin Gatlin and Asafa Powell make up the list of contenders. Gatlin has odds of 23.00 (22/1) with BWIN and Powell can be backed at 33/1.

Recommended Bet

With so much talent on show and with this being on the biggest stage, a World Record could be broken here. Someone running between 9.50s and 9.59s is available at 4.33 (10/3) with BlueSQ.

In just under two weeks David Haye and Dereck Chisora meet in a massive fight in the world of boxing at Upton Park.

The decision for these two to meet each other in the ring has been surrounded by controversy of course.

They are only being allowed to go ahead through a Luxembourg boxing associationas neither hold a British boxing license.

However, it is sure to still attract plenty of attention.

David Haye may have lost some of his fans in the sport after agreeing to go ahead with this fight. Haye had a lot of respect in Boxing after becoming the heavyweight champion of the world before retiring in 2011.

The Hayemaker and Chisora have been desperate to get in the ring with each other for a while now after a brawl at a press conference in February when ‘Del Boy’ lost his fight to Vitali Klitschko, which sparked ugly scenes between the two men.

Many people are tipping Haye to come out on top in this fight, believing he has the experience and speed to knockout his opponent.

Tyson Fury, the 6ft 7 heavyweight boxer that beat Chisora himself in the past has backed Haye to be triumphant on the 14^th July.

He has said: “I see Haye winning on points. Chisora has a decent chance but it depends if Haye comes for a fight or not.

“As long as Haye comes to box and not go toe to toe, he will beat Chisora comfortably.”

The 28-year-old will be confident about beating Haye though. He has had a good record in his career so far, losing just three times and is sure to be up for this fight more than any to show he is capable of beating one of the best around.

Whatever happens, it is all set to be an enthralling fight and although it has controversy looming over it – there is no doubt it will be entertaining.

Fight Odds

With his experience and knowhow in big matches, David Haye is the favourite to come out on top at Upton Park. You can back him at 1.40 (2/5) with BetFred.

Dereck Chisora will know he has it all to do to win here and will need to bring out one of the best performances of his career. He is being offered at 3.75 (11/4) with VC Bet.

Method of Victory

The most likely method of victory at the moment seems to be Haye to win the fight by decision of technical decision. This is being offered at 2.75 (7/4) with Bet365.

Chisora winning in the same method has odds of 7.00 (6/1) with StanJames.

Recommended Bet

The Hayemaker could have too much for his oppentent in the end and take the fight by knockout. A victory for the 31-year-old in the 6^th round can be backed at 21.00 (20/1) with SkyBet.

Liverpool sent out a clear message to Cardiff about what they like to do to Championship teams when they hammered Brighton 6-1 at the weekend.

The two sides go head to head in the Carling Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, with the Reds fired up to end a run of almost six trophy-less years.

Victory would be a sure sign that Kenny Dalglish was the right appointment when he took over from Roy Hodgson in the Anfield hot-seat last year with the brief of bringing success back to the club.

Cardiff, meanwhile head into their fourth Wembley visit in four seasons – an impressive record for a Championship club, but will be looking to overcome something of a hoodoo at the English national stadium.

Of their three previous visits, the Bluebirds have only managed one win – an FA Cup semi-final over Barnsley in 2008. Since then they have lost out to Portsmouth in the final (2008) and Blackpool in the play-off final in 2010.

Furthermore, they hardly go into the game in the best of form, having only picked up four points from their last four league games. In their last outing they were hammered 3-0 away to Ipswich.

The last meeting between these two sides was back in 2007, when they met in the same competition. That day it was Liverpool who came out on top, finishing with a 2-1 victory.

Prior to that, their previous meeting had been as far back as 1959 in the old Second Division. Cardiff completed an impressive league double over Liverpool, first winning 3-2 at Ninian Park, before heading to Anfield to complete a 4-0 romp.

Match Odds

It is perhaps unsurprising that Liverpool, the Premier League side, go into this game as clear favourites. BoyleSports make Kenny Dalglish’s men 1.40 (2/5) odds on to win the game.

Cardiff are massive outsiders at 9.00 (8/1) with Bet365, while SkyBet have it down at 4.50 (7/2) to go to extra-time.

First Goal Scorer

Luis Suarez is the 4.50 (7/2) favourite to open the scoring, while former Cardiff front man Craig Bellamy is priced at 5.00 (4/1). Andy Carroll and Steven Gerrard are each available at 7.00 (6/1), while Dirk Kuyt is 7.50 (13/2).

Cardiff’s Kenny Miller is 13.00 (12/1) to score first while Joe Mason is priced at 15.00 (14/1). Robert Earnshaw is available at the same odds, while Rudy Gestede is priced at 17.00 (16/1).

Recommended Bet

Andy Carroll has tentatively been getting back in the goals for Liverpool just lately, and this will be another great opportunity for him to get on the score sheet.

With the opposition being from the Championship, this could be the chance for him to make a real impression, and with the hat-trick being priced at 67.00 (66/1), this could well be worth a flutter.

Twickenham will play host to one of the biggest international rivalries in the world on Saturday, as Wales arrive to take on their nearest neighbours, England.

It has not been the most impressive start to England’s Six Nations campaign, but narrow victories over Italy and Scotland mean they sit second in the table.

However, in their opponents Wales they have the one side who sit above them in the table, level on points but with a superior point differential. They will certainly be no walk-overs.

Though the competition is still in its early days, the Welsh have really made their intentions known, first beating Ireland in a closely fought game away from home, before recording a convincing win over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium.

In Leigh Halfpenny they have the Six Nations’ leading point scorer (30), as well as Jonathan Davies who has already got two tries to his name.

England will be boosted, no doubt, by a recall for Leicester’s Manu Tuilagi, with head coach Stuart Lancaster insisting that he will play ‘some part’ in Saturday’s game.

The last time these two sides met was back in August in a World Cup warm-up game, with Wales running out 19-9 winners in Cardiff. Merely a few days before that the reverse fixture had been played at Twickenham with England coming out on top, 23-19.

When the two sides faced each other in the Six Nations last year, England recorded an impressive win, by 26 points to 19 away from home.

Match Odds

Recent form mean Wales go into this one as significant favourites. BoyleSports make them odds on to win the game at 1.67 (4/6).

However, one thing that could play in England’s favour is home advantage, having not lost at home to Wales since February 2008. Bet365make them 2.50 (6/4) outsiders, with the draw an unlikely outcome at 21.00 (20/1).

First Try Scorer

England’s Chris Ashton is the favourite with BetFred to open the try scoring at odds of 10.00 (9/1), while Wales’ George North is available at the same odds.

Paddy Power have Alex Cuthbert priced at 11.00 (10/1), while David Strettle is at 12.00 (11/1). Ben Foden, Leigh Halfpenny and Jonathan Davies each come in at 15.00 (14/1).

Recommended Bet

Indeed, with Leigh Halfpenny priced at 15.00 (14/1) to get the first try, it certainly makes for one of the most tempting bets of the game.

Being the competition’s highest point scorer so far, as well as having an equal number of tries to team mate Jonathan Davies, Halfpenny would appear to have a good chance of getting that first try.

At 15.00 (14/1), a tenner would bring in a total return of £150 if that were to happen.