TV Preview: 22 - 28 July 2011

Saturday 23 July

12.30 Rangers v Hearts, Scottish Premier League, Sky Sports 2/HD2/3D

Yes, the SPL kicks off, sort of, in July. Over on my own site, Ryan Keaney explains exactly how Scotland's stop-start season opening came to be, and why it's been introduced. Suffice to say it's a desperate measure for desperate times. 2010/11 champions Rangers get their season underway at home against a Hearts side that's been plenty distracted in its prep for the season.

19.00 Peru v Venezuela, Copa America 3rd/4th Playoff, ESPN/ESPN HD

After scrapping with Paraguay after losing out on penalties in the semis, the Vinotinto are aiming to turn their greatest ever Copa America into a podium finish. Standing in the way are Peru, who lost out to Uruguay.

Sunday 24 July

12.30 Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD

Neil Lennon and last term's runners-up Celtic return to our screens on Sunday with a clash in Glasgow against Hibernian. Hibs have, at the time of writing, managed to hold on to Colin Calderwood despite apparent overtures from Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest, and will want to improve on a disappointing campaign.

19.00 Uruguay v Paraguay, Copa America Final, ESPN/ESPN HD

The final of this year's Copa America will be the Guay Derby, with Uru clear favourites over Para, who've drawn their way to the last hurdle. I think Uruguay are too good for their opponents here and tipped them before the competition began, so get yer monies on the Albirroja before it's too late.

Monday 25 July

19.45 Dunfermline v St Mirren, Scottish Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

This glamorous evening game in Fife pits First Division champions Dunfermline against The Buddies, who avoided SPL relegation thanks in part to a terrible season for Hamilton Academicals.

Wednesday 27 July

01.00 (Thursday) MLS All-Stars v Manchester United, MLS All-Star Game 2011, MUTV

Okay, so it's MUTV and that most certainly doesn't warrant a listing, but you know we love a bit of MLS action here. The game takes place in New York Red Bulls' Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, under the stewardship of the club's head coach, Hans Backe. The same fixture resulted in a 5-2 United win in Houston last season.