Midweek TV Preview 5 - 6 October 2011

Wednesday 5 October

01:00 New York Red Bulls v LA Galaxy, MLS, ESPN / ESPN HD

If Major League Soccer commissioner, Don Garber, had his way this would be MLS' Blue Ribbon fixture, the derby of America if you will. In years to come, this may be the case in the future but at the heart of every great rivalry are great games between great sides. However, at present the Harrison Energy Drink Concern XI are in the last play-off spot and need to put a shift it if they want to beat himself Robbie Keane and Lord Beckham. You can read all about this game in Chris Nee's excellent Football Americana, right here on the Football Fairground.

19:45 Charlton Athletic v Brentford, Johnstone's Paint Trophy 2nd Round, Sky Sports 2 / HD2

A third tier London Derby in a much maligned competition. Charlton are in decent form at the top of League 2 and could probably do without this game. Brentford, on the other hand are comfortably mid table and may enjoy a modest cup run in what is a winnable competition, for them. They also have a point to prove after getting humped 4-0 at home to Huddersfield, last weekend. Possible upset for your coupon.

23:15 Univ Catolica v Velez Sarsfield, Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 1st Leg, Premier Sports

Catolica have lost their last four matches in the Chilean League so will be grateful for some respite. Sarsfield haven't been that great this season but picked up a couple of wins, domestically. Hard to see the appeal of this game, it must be said.

Thursday 6 October 

19:45 Iceland U21 v England U21, UEFA Euro 2013 U21 Qualifying, ESPN / ESPN HD

Would you believe that England's 6-0 win over Azerbaijan last month, was their first competitive victory since October 2010. Iceland lost to Norway in their last match but beat a handy Belgium side in the opening fixture of this qualifying group. So the question is, can the English boys do it on a cold Thursday evening in Reykjavík?

19:45 Cambridge United v Stockport County, Blue Square Premier League, Premier Sports

As is often the way when impoverished league clubs are relegated to the top of the Non League Pyramid, Stockport are finding life tough in the Conference under rookie coach Didi Hamaan. Despite their defeat to Southport, last Saturday, Cambridge are in pretty good shape. More pain for the Cheshire club, methinks.