Weekend TV Preview: 4 - 6 May

Friday 4 May

19:05 Derry City v St Patrick's Athletic, Airtricity League, Premier Sports

The Irish league season is only nine games old. Derry are fifth with no wins in five. St Patricks are one place and five points ahead.

19:45 Blackpool v Birmingham City, Championship Play Off Semi Final 1st Leg, Sky Sports 1 / Sky Sports 1 HD

A quick look at the form book tells us... nothing at all. This is because play offs have a mind of their own and no one knows what's going to happen. That's why they're so much fun.

Saturday 5 May

12:45 Rangers v Motherwell, SPL, Sky Sports 4 / Sky Sports 4 HD

Motherwell have sealed third place which qualifies them for a Champions league qualifier by virtue of Rangers' administration not making them eligible for UEFA competition. So that's it I'm afraid. Nothing else to play for.

17:15 Chelsea v Liverpool, FA Cup Final, ITV1 / ITV1 HD / ESPN / ESPN HD / SKY 3D

It's more than just dewy eyed nostalgia that affronts people about the relegation of the FA Cup final to the 5:15 dead slot just before the end of the English League Season. Bumping the final to accommodate the all conquering Premier League undermines the competition and may affect its ability to raise revenue, in the future. This is in turn would affect the pot of prize money for progressing through the rounds. While that may be of little consequence to the big professional clubs, the money that non league clubs can make, even progressing through the preliminary rounds can transform their fortunes. The preliminary rounds may seem small beer to most football fans but for the clubs participating they are potentially very lucrative games. No other competition in England connects the elite with its grass roots, in this way, than the FA Cup. That's why the FA Cup matters and that's why its preeminence needs to be restored.

21:00 Barcelona v Espanyol, La Liga, Sky Sports 4 / Sky Sports 4 HD

The title is decided and the coach is on his way. Two weeks ago this city derby may have meant something. Not today though.

21:00 Granada v Real Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 4 / Sky Sports 4 HD

A win would guarantee Granada's survival in the League. It's possible that Real will be too busy fellating themselves to notice that there is a football match going on but do you want to take that chance?

Sunday 6 May

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

Harrison Energy Drink Concern featuring Thierry Henry travel to the Home Depot to meet an out of sorts Galaxy team. Red Bulls are two points behind a resurgent DC United in the Eastern Conference.

11:30 Siena v Parma, Serie A, ESPN / ESPN HD

Mid table, end of season fixture. 'Nuff said, stay in bed.

12:45 Dundee United v Celtic, SPL, Sky Sports 4 / Sky Sports 4 HD

We're down to the scrutlings of the Europa League qualifying spots here. It's a shame Sky can't be more flexible with their fixture choice as there is more fun to be had with this league at the bottom.

13:30 Newcastle United v Man City, Premier League, Sky Sports 1 / Sky Sports 1 HD / SKY 3D

Of course, Cisse scored goals like the one he netted against Chelsea every week for Freiburg. Newcastle are playing without fear at the right time of the season which makes them terrifying opponents for a Man City team who will be repeatedly reminding themselves that just because they've beaten United, they still haven't won the title. In some ways, this will be a tougher challenge that the game on Monday.

13:30 Cagliari v Juventus, Serie A, ESPN / ESPN HD

Only Lecce have beaten Cagliari at home in 2012 so the Old Lady has a tough task. Still, Juve have won the last four games on the road. If they get three points then it's down to Milan to deny them the Scudetto.

16:00 Man Utd v Swansea City, Premier League, Sky Sports 1 / Sky Sports 1 HD / SKY 3D

History tells us that United fight to the last so it will be a measure of our far they have fallen if they capitulate at home to the mighty Swans.

19:45 Inter Milan v AC Milan, Serie A, ESPN / ESPN HD

Bit of a Catch 22 situation for Inter. While winning will almost certainly deny their city rivals the title it will also hand the Scudetto to their even deadlier rivals, Juventus. The added complication is that they need the points in order to get into Europe themselves. Definitely a must see game and a fine way to end the weekend.

Weekend TV Preview: 27 - 29 April 2012

Friday 27 April

19.05 Sligo Rovers v St Patrick's Athletic, Airtricity League, Premier Sports

Eight games into the new season and the only two teams still unbeaten face each other at The Showgrounds. Sligo lead the table having won six of their eight games so far.

Saturday 28 April

12.30 Dundee United v Hearts, SPL, ESPN/ESPN HD

United need a win to stay well ahead of The Jam Tarts in the race for a Europa League place. The home team have history on their side with Hearts having beaten today's opponents only once in their last 11 meetings.

12.30 Southampton v Coventry City, Championship, BBC1/BBC1 HD

It's fair to say the BBC got the best deal out of this last-day race for the Premier League. The Saints are two points clear of their rivals West Ham and must beat already-relegated Coventry to be certain of promotion. Logic suggests they'll do it, and if so, the Beeb will be able to show the joyous post-match celebration that will ensue.

12.30 West Ham v Hull City, Championship, Sky Sports 2/Sky Sports 2 HD

Sky get to show West Ham's frantic last-ditch efforts to pip Southampton to the line in the race for promotion. Despite a recent run of decent form, The Hammers are still in with a chance on the final day, but they must beat Hull and hope Southampton fail to beat Coventry. Were it not for West Ham's mid-season slump, this may have all been avoided.

13.00 Fleetwood Town v Luton Town, Blue Square Premier League, Premier Sports

Now that The Cod Army are assured of their place in League Two next season, it just remains to see whether Luton can nab the last play-off spot ahead of Kidderminster Harriers. For Luton, it all hangs on whether Fleetwood can be bothered to beat Crawley's points record of 103 set last season.

15.45 Afan Lido v Newtown AFC, Welsh Premier League, S4C

Technically, Newtown are already relegated having finished bottom of the WPL, but in reality they'll be saved if Neath and The New Saints fail to win their appeal against not being issued with a domestic license for the 2012/13 season. (Thank you Wikipedia.)

17.20 Sheffield United v Stevenage, League One, Sky Sports 2/Sky Sports 2 HD

A tense affair is on the cards as The Blades look to secure their automatic promotion slot and Stevenage hope to snap up the last play-off place. On current form, it's too close to call.

17.30 Norwich City v Liverpool, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD

Liverpool continue to lurch from one extreme to another as far as form's concerned. With only the Cup Final left to concern them, it's entirely possible that Norwich could get the three points they need to reach the same total as their opponents.

19.45 Roma v Napoli, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Two teams who could end the season with either a Champions League play-off spot, Europa League spot or neither when the season ends. A draw seems likely.

20.25 Newell's Old Boys v All Boys, Argentinean Clausura, Premier Sports

The Boys Derby, as I've just named it. NOB are second in the table but level on points with leaders Boca after 11 games but sixth-placed All Boys could (with a heavy stroke of luck) overtake both with a win today at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.

21.00 Villarreal v Osasuna, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/Sky Sports 1 HD

In theory, Osasuna are knocking on the door of a European place for next season but with only one win in their last five games, they might be losing momentum when they least want to. A win for Villareal will take them a valuable step further away from the dreaded trap door.

Sunday 29 April

11.00 Real Madrid v Sevilla, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/Sky Sports 1 HD

Out of the Champions League but still proudly top the La Liga table, Real's only remaining challenge is to take maximum points from their remaining games and thereby set a record of 100 points in a single season.

11.30 Bologna v Genoa, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

One win in seven for Bologna, one win in thirteen (TREDICI) for Genoa. A Super Sunday clash and no mistake.

12.45 Celtic v Rangers, SPL, Sky Sports 4/Sky Sports 4 HD

Here we go again. Despite being a dead rubber, Celtic will want to avenge their dramatic defeat to The Gers a month ago while at the same time waving their SPL trophy in the faces of their cash-strapped rivals. Expect carnage as usual.

13.30 Chelsea v QPR, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/Sky Sports 1 HD

Chelsea's performance against Barca on Tuesday had 'miracle' written all over it. Drogba hardly dived at all, Torres scored and John Terry got sent off despite 'not being that sort of player'. Oh, and they also beat the world champions with ten men, which should be ideal preparation for the visit of relegation-threatened QPR.

14.00 Novara v Juventus, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Over the last seven matches, Juve's record reads 19 goals scored, one conceded, no defeats. Ominous reading for a Novara side who have looked like condemned men for some time now.

15.15 St Mirren v Hibernian, SPL, Sky Sports 4 / Sky Sports 4 HD

St Mirren's Steven Thompson is top scorer in the SPL Relegation Group, and an increase on his three goals so far could be enough to put the willies up The Hi-Bees.

16.00 Tottenham Hotpants v Blackburn Rovers, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/Sky Sports 1 HD

With only three games left to secure their Premier League survival, Blackburn's chances look slim. With Wigan and Chelsea still to come, this trip to White Hart Lane could be their best chance of a win. Spurs, meanwhile, look like they'll be caught by Chelsea in the race for a European place next season unless Harry can dig deep and take his mind off the England job.

18.45 Real Betis v Atletico Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/Sky Sports 1 HD

After the joy of reaching this year's Europa League final, it's back to the business of getting into next season's competition on merit for Atletico Madrid. Betis, for their part, are almost safe from the threat of relegation and a point in this match should confirm it.

19.45 Udinese v Lazio, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Two of the four teams playing Europa League Musical Chairs in Serie A. With four games remaining, a win here will ensure the victors are seated when the music stops.

20.30 Rayo Vallecano v Barcelona, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/Sky Sports 1 HD

The only way Barcelona's week could end any worse is if Geoff Shreeves gave the team talk and told all the players they were shit. Tune in to see if it happens.

Weekend TV Preview: 20 - 22 April 2012

Friday 20 April

19.30 Mansfield v Wrexham, Blue Square Premier League, Premier Sports

With Fleetwood already crowned as Champions and both sides having secured a play-off place this only provides a dress rehearsal for the possible final next month.

Saturday 21 April

12.30 St Johnstone v Dundee United, SPL, ESPN/ESPN HD

A good time to be from Perth - celebrating city status and St Johnstone making it to the top half Scottish Clausura for the first time since its introduction in 2001. Dundee United are old hands, having reached this stage for the past four seasons in a row but start the post season a point behind today's hosts.

12.45 Arsenal v Chelsea Premier League, Sky Sports 2/HD2/SKY 3D

Ok, so this week Chelsea are brilliant and Arsenal are rubbish - is that right? I'm sure, that's how it works.

17.20 Middlesbrough v Southampton, Championship, Sky Sports 2/HD2

Boro's 0-0 draw with Doncaster midweek has left them with a mountain to climb if they are to reach the play-offs. Their sorry decline has seen them take just one win in their last ten games. The Saints on the other hand can secure promotion with a win - though they will be up anyway if West Ham fail to beat Leicester on Monday.

17.30 QPR v Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD

QPR's run-in looked awful, it still does in fact but having won their last three home games against Liverpool, Arsenal and Swansea there's no reason they can't turn over 'Arry's stuttering Spurs side.

19.00 Barcelona v Real Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1/SKY 3D

If ever Mourinho needed to beat Barcelona it's now. Defeat will leave Real just one point clear with four games to go. Of course it'll make great viewing, whether it'll be a good game is another matter altogther.

19.45 Napoli v Novara, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Surely Napoli have to break out of this terrible run of results since their Champions League exit and beat lowly Novara. Third place is still possible for Napoli though unlikely, Navaro on the other hand need a miracle to survive in the top flight.

21.00 Sevilla v Levante, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/Sky Sports 1 HD

The battle for european places in La Liga could hardly be tighter with just three points separating these teams in 9th and 5th respectively. Sevilla have been dropping points against their closest rivals so look favouries to miss out.

Sunday 22 April

07.00 Brisbane Roar v Perth Glory, A-League Grand Final, Sky Sports 4/HD4

Two teams that perfectly represent my theory that A-League teamnames are all euphemisms. Brisbane are looking to retain their title against a Perth reaching this stage for the first time.

11.30 Fiorentina v Inter, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Despite their win the other week in Milan, Fiorentina will be looking over their shoulders at a resurgent Lecce side on a fantastic run to escape relegation. Inter are desperate for the win now that Juventus have reclaimed top spot.

12.30 Manchester Utd v Everton, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Penalty for Man U about 20 minutes in. What do you reckon?

14.00 Motherwell v Celtic, SPL, Sky Sports 4/HD4

The Scottish Clausura starts with Celtic already Champions, Motherwell's bid to snatch Champions League football from Rangers has come off the rails after taking just one point in their last three games.

16.00 Wolves v Man City Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Terry Connor gets to stand on the touchline and watch his side get taken apart. Again. Defeat here will see them relegated if QPR win on Saturday.

16.30 Hannover 96 v SC Freiburg, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Hannover are still in the chase for a Europa League spot but face a FReiburg side un beaten in eight matches and seemingly clear of relegation worries

19.45 Juventus v Roma, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Juve have ridden out their toughest fixtures in this run-in and have come out of it top of the table with five straight wins. Another defeat could spell the end of Roma's Champions League hopes.

20.30 Valencia v Real Betis, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Betis are a much imporved side and have put in some good performances lately. They could upset a wobbling Valencia side struggling to hold on to third spot.

23.00 DC United v New York Red Bulls, MLS, ESPN/ESPN HD

Both sides are being left in the dust of Sporting KC in the Eastern Conference. The sides third and second in the table are alreadly 11 points behind the seven wins from seven former Wizards.

Weekend TV Preview: 13 - 15 April 2012

Friday 13 April

19.30 VfB Stuttgart v Werder Bremen, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Both of these sides were in action during a busy midweek programme in the Bundesliga, with varying fortunes. Bremen went down to ten men with a 1-0 lead against Borussia Moenchengladbach and wound up needing an equaliser for 2-2, while Stuttgart's 3-1 win at Augsburg did wonders for their European hopes.

19.30 Fleetwood Town v Lincoln City, Blue Square Bet Premier, Premier Sports

Runaway leaders Fleetwood needed an own goal equaliser to overcome ten-man Wrexham on Tuesday night, a result that leaves them 11 points clear of the Welsh side. A win tonight will secure promotion after they failed to finalise the title in midweek.

19.45 Southampton v Reading, Championship, Sky Sports 1/1HD

The Royals' win at Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday took them level on points with leaders Southampton, but Nigel Adkins team have an immediate chance to rebuild the gap when they welcome Reading to St Mary's. It won't be easy though - Reading have won 14 of their 18 league games since the turn of the year.

Saturday 14 April

12.15 Aberdeen v Hibernian, Scottish Cup Semi-Final, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Both of these sides won away from home in their quarter-final matches. Hibs cruised past Ayr United with two early goals, while Aberdeen rode two first half Rory Fallon goals all the way to a 2-1 victory over Champions League chasing Motherwell. They meet at Hampden Park with a (relatively) mouthwatering final on offer for the winners.

12.30 Liverpool v Everton, FA Cup Semi-Final, ESPN/ESPN HD

The Alan Davies Saga has been unseemly, but it has thrown the spotlight on what is sure to be an emotional semi-final day on the eve of the Hillsborough anniversary. Kenny Dalglish will primarily be focused on happenings against Everton - he needs this particular pot in order to salvage Liverpool's season. He might even name himself as the reserve goalkeeper.

12.45 Norwich City v Manchester City, Premier League, Sky Sports 2/HD2

Perhaps the only man who had a worse day than me last Sunday was Roberto Mancini, who probably didn't have to extend his stay in a hotel in Dudley in order to have somewhere sensible to vomit. He did, however, have to look on as Manchester United opened up an eight-point gap at the top of the Premier League. That's enough to make any blue want to hurl even before the midweek fixtures took place.

19.00 Real Madrid v Sporting Gijon, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

The reverse fixture saw Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid cruise to a 3-0 win over Sporting thanks to goals from Angel di Maria, Marcelo and - inevitably - Cristiano Ronaldo. Every game at the top of La Liga is now vital, with the title race finally becoming a real battle.

20.00 Lyon v Marseille, Coupe de la Ligue Final, ESPN/ESPN HD

Silverware awaits the winner of this year's Coupe de la Ligue final at the Stade de France. Lyon required extra time to negotiate their semi-final, which was eventually a 4-2 win over Lorient in which Bafe Gomis and Alexandre Lacazette were the heroes. Brandão scored the all-important winner for Marseille as they saw off Nice 2-1 in their last four game.

21.00 Levante v Barcelona, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

Barca are right back in the fight for the title, but they can't afford to drop any points at all. Just as well, then, that they haven't allowed single point to go astray since 11th February, when they were beaten by Osasuna.

Sunday 15 April

11.30 Novara v Lazio, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Lowly Novara haven't won in four, so Lazio will be confident of tightening their grip on third - and a Champions League place - despite their own inconsistency. Besides, their alternating fortunes mean this one has to be a Lazio win.

12.45 Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Cup Semi-Final, Sky Sports 2/HD2

The League Cup may have escaped their grasp, but Neil Lennon's Celtic still have their Double destiny in their own hands. The title in the bag early thanks to Rangers' Basket Case of Doom, Celtic can now focus on Heart of Midlothian and the Scottish Cup. Hearts needed a replay to beat St Mirren in the quarters, but it was plain sailing for Celtic against ten-man Dundee United, whom they beat 4-0.

14.00 Cesena v Juventus, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Juventus are still top and they're hitting form just at the right time. They're just a point ahead of Milan but they have won their last five Serie A games. Famously, they're also unbeaten after 32 matches. Incredible.

16.00 Manchester United v Aston Villa, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1/3D

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Andi Weimann. We've known about him for AGES. He's BRILLIANT. And it's time Alex McLeish recognised it, because it's kids like Weimann, Ciaran Clark and Gary Gardner that might just turn things around for Aston Villa. It won't happen this weekend, though, because Manchester United never lose to Villa, and that's barely an exaggeration.

16.30 SC Freiburg v Hoffenheim, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Both sides here have something left to play for. Freiburg are just six points clear of the drop zone, and Hoffenheim are the same distance from fifth place and a possible Europa League spot. The visitors have form on their side; they haven't lost in four.

18.00 Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea, FA Cup Semi-Final, ITV1/ITV1 HD

Yes, 18.00. 6pm. On a Sunday. Still, this semi-final should be a right-old slobberknocker. Harry Redknapp's got a taste for the Cup - it's the only thing he's ever won, after all - but Chelsea's modest resurgence under Roberto di Matteo could well be aided by the Wembley memories of a man who knows exactly what it takes to win the competition.

19.45 Roma v Fiorentina, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

If Lazio win on Saturday, rivals Roma have their work cut out to catch them. But they can keep themselves occupied by the challenge from below of another bitter enemy, Napoli, who would dearly love to make up the small gap and take the Europa League spot being kept warm by the Wolves.

20.30 Rayo Vallecano v Atletico Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

All four goals were scored by Atleti players in their 3-1 win over Rayo in December, and Sunday's hosts will be hoping their opponents have been sufficiently distracted by the Madrid derby and their European exploits to be susceptible to a surprise defeat.

Weekend TV Preview 6 - 9 April 2012

Friday 6 April 

14:00 Reading v Leeds United, Championship, Sky Sports 1 / HD1

With the  league leaders, Southampton, embroiled in a south coast derby against Portsmouth, there is a whiff of a chance of Reading taking top spot if they beat the Championship's very own rogue state and Pompey cause an upset. Either way a win stretches the gap between themselves in second and West Ham in third who play later in the day.

16:30 Swansea City v Newcastle United, Premier League, Sky Sports 1 / HD1

M'colleague on the Sound Of Football, Graham, believes Swansalona will be "found out" next season and cites both Reading and Ipswich of Premier Leagues passim who wowed us with their football and got tonked the following year. So we'd better enjoy Swansea while we can and this game promises to be an entertaining fracas between this season's two surprise packages.

17:15 Barnsley v West Ham, Championship, BBC 1 / BBC1 HD

By common consent, West Ham are pretty unwatchable yet broadcasters persist in putting them on the telly. I can understand Sky chasing ratings, after all the happy hammers enjoy a wide support base but Auntie Beeb should be a little more discerning, no?

Saturday 7 April 

12:00 Kilmarnock v Celtic, SPL, ESPN / ESPN HD

Celtic can win the title and exact a modicum of revenge over the team that beat them in the League Cup Final a few weeks ago.

12:45 Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Sky Sports 2 / HD2

The Martin O'Neil honeymoon period continues at the Estadio Illuminata and Harry's men travel north to build on their win against Swansea which broke a run of three games without a win.

17:20 Nottingham Forest v Bristol City, Championship, Sky Sports 2 / HD2

Forest are only six points away from their opponents who are third from bottom. So it's a sort of six pointer but again, are there not more interesting fixtures worth watching?

17:30 Stoke City v Wolves, Premier League, ESPN / ESPN HD

The Terry Connor freak show continues as the Wolves board consider conceding the season early and giving everyone 3-0 wins. Stoke are thirteenth and have nothing left to play for except pride and money. Barely worth your time.

19:00 Zaragoza v Barcelona, La Liga, Sky Sports 3 / HD3

The home side are mounting a convincing survival bid after winning their last threes games and are four points off the fourth from bottom place. Unfortunately, for them, Barca have not dropped points in the league since February.

20:00 Lazio v Napoli, Serie A, ESPN / ESPN HD

Third plays fourth with three points between them and a Champions League spot up for grabs. Why not watch?

21:00 Real Betis v Villarreal, La Liga, Sky Sports 3 / HD3

An away win should establish some more distance between themselves and third from bottom Zaragoza who are probably losing to Barcelona.

Sunday 8 April 

12:30 Hibernian v Motherwell, SPL, ESPN / ESPN HD

Tasty fixture this. Hibernian may be awful but will put up a strong fight against a more than decent Motherwell side who may yet overhaul Rangers for second place.

13:30 Man Utd v QPR, Premier League, Sky Sports 1 / HD1

Apparently, Manchester United won the league against Blackburn, last Monday, which make this the start of a very long lap of honour. Earlier today, United issued a statement denying that they have swapped their team coach for an open top bus.

16:00 Arsenal v Man City, Premier League, Sky Sports 1 / HD1 / 3D

The Gunners are currently duking it our with their London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea for those two remaining Champions League spots. City, meanwhile are losing ground. Both teams have reasons to win and a bevvy of superb talent that should keep us entertained, royally. Oh yes.

16:30 Hamburg v Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga, ESPN / ESPN HD

Hamburg have never been relegated from the Bundesliga in its 49 (nuenundvierzig) year history yet they sit one place above the drop zone. Leverkusen were abject in their defeat against Freiburg last week and sacked their coach, Robin Dutt shortly afterwards. Former Liverpool player Sami Hyypia is temporarily in charge.

21:00 Real Madrid v Valencia, La Liga, Sky Sports 3 / HD3

Twenty points separate these two teams so it would be a slight exaggeration to suggest that this first versus third match was a top of the table clash. Valencia have the least wiggle room of the two as Malaga are only a  single point behind.

Monday 9 April

12:45 Sheffield Wednesday v Oldham Athletic, League One, Sky Sports 1 / HD1

The Owls and the Latics kick off a full round of fixtures with The Wednesday looking to usurp their city rivals for that second place spot in the table. They've got a chance as well against an Oldham side who have lost the last three games.

17:20 West Ham v Birmingham City, Championship, Sky Sports 1 / HD1

Oh look everybody, West Ham are on the telly against. Please, I beg you, contain your excitement.

20:00 Fulham v Chelsea, Premier League, Sky Sports 1 / HD1

One of the more curious London derbies. Geographically they are within spitting distance of each other but if you were caught spitting in west London you're liable to find yourself the subject of an angry letter to The Telegraph. This rivalry doesn't have too much of a history and you suspect that Chelsea have other fish to fry. Still, a nice way to round off the bank holiday weekend.

Weekend TV Preview: 30 March - 1 April 2012

Friday 30 March

19.30 Luton Town v York City, Blue Square Premier League, Premier Sports

Fifth plays fourth. Two teams in the running for a play-off place but neither are in consistent form. Both could easily be usurped by a growing pack of challengers come season's end.

Saturday 31 March

12.00 Motherwell v Rangers, SPL, ESPN/ESPN HD

Unprecedented scenes at Ibrox last weekend as Rangers beat Celtic 3-2, but you get the impression that a return to the comparitive mediocrity of Motherwell will also bring about a return to The Gers' previous poor form. Home win.

12.45 Sheffield Wednesday v Preston North End, League One, Sky Sports 2/HD2

Wednesday remain on top of the form table with four wins and two draws from their last six games, but rivals United leapfrogged them into second spot in the league table midweek. This should be a chance for The Owls to restore order (if only temporarily) against a struggling North End side.

17.25 Blackpool v Southampton, Championship, BBC 2/BBC HD

Despite a post-Christmas lull, fortune has swung back in favour of The Saints. Whether they can extend their 5-point lead over second placed Reading here is a matter for some debate, but suffice to say Blackpool's own bid for promotion has recently hit a rocky patch. Should be a good game.

19.00 Osasuna v Real Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

Real's 5-1 spanking of Sociedad last weekend well and truly got them back to winning ways after a couple of draws, but they remain six points ahead of Barcelona. Osasuna are pulling up a few trees of their own at the moment and a repeat of their 1-0 home win over Real back in January 2011 can't be entirely written off.

19.45 Parma v Lazio, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Poor Parma have had just two wins in all competitions since November 20th last year. If Lazio (3rd in the table) can't beat Parma, (in the words of Brian Clough) 'they want bloody shooting'.

21.00 Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

As amazing as Barcelona are, there can be no doubt that the big story here is Bilbao. Though Messi and Co trot out the same silky skills every week, you can't help but be excited that Athletic are on a journey to reach such heights and that, for the purists, is where the real interest lies.

Sunday 1 April

11.30 Roma v Novara, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

A win for Novara will seal the Serie A title for the northern Italian side. APRIL FOOL!

12.45 Celtic v St Johnstone. SPL, Sky Sports 4/HD4

Steve Lomas continues to work his magic for The Saints, as shown in a spirited 1-0 win over Inverness CT on Wednesday. They're certainly on a par with Celtic form-wise although more pressing is the need to close the 5-point gap with Motherwell in third place. Not sure they'll do it this week.

13.30 Newcastle United v Liverpool, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1/3D

Theoretically, at least, Liverpool could find themselves down in ninth if they lose this match. Not wishing to infer anything but only Wolves are on worse form than Kenny Dalglish's side at the moment.

15.00 Inverness CT v Hibernian, SPL, ESPN/ESPN HD

Super Sunday on ESPN. Not.

16.05 Falkirk v Hamilton, Scottish Challenge Cup Final, BBC ALBA

The competition for SFL clubs reaches its climax as the 2005 winners play the 2006 runners-up. On current league form, the Accies should win comfortably despite both teams being separated by just two points in the First Division table.

16.00 Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea City, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Two goals scored in the last four league games. Ten goals conceded in the last five. Two points gained from the last fifteen... We thought you were minding the gap, Tottenham?

19.45 Juventus v Napoli, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Match of the Weekend. Juve, unbeaten since May last year, take on Walter Mazzarri's side who let slip a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 against Catania last weekend. A vital test of Napoli's determination to return to the Champions League next season, or a chance for the home side to extend their lead at the top of Serie A (depending on your viewpoint).

20.30 Villarreal v Espanyol, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Espanyol's recent wobble has allowed Osasuna overtake them in the race for a Champions League spot. Villareal, meanwhile, need a win to fend off the threat of relegation

Weekend TV Preview: 23 - 25 March 2012

Friday 23 March

19.30 Wolfsburg v Hamburg, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Felix Magath's Wolfsburg side host the club where he made his name as a player and started his managerial career, and finds Hamburg in serious danger of falling into the relegation zone. Hamburg have just one point from the last five games and are just two points above Freiburg in the play-off position.

Saturday 24 March

12.45 Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Sky Sports 2/HD2/3D

Both teams suffered mid-week; Chelsea losing after being ahead at the Etihad and Spurs snatching a late draw at home to Stoke. Spurs, now fourth, need a boost to put them back on track after a month that's seen them lose a 10 point lead over Arsenal. Chelsea can close the gap to fourth place to just two points with a win.

17.00 Mallorca v Barcelona, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

Real Madrid had to come from a goal down to get a win earlier in the season. Luckily goals for a certain Barcelona striker haven't been too hard to come by: 17 (DIECISIETE) in the last 8 games for Messi as they slowly chip away at Real's lead.

17.20 Portadown v Coleraine, Irish League, Sky Sports 2/HD2

Both teams are comfortably in the top half as the North Irish Aperatura has its final week of fixtures. Both suffered surprise 3-1 defeats to sides at the bottom of the table last time out, pretty much ending any hopes Portadown had of catching Linfield.

17.30 Stoke City v Manchester City, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD

It doesn't get any easier for Man City in their chase for the Premier League title. Stoke will feel they did enough to come back from White Hart Lane with all three points. It wouldn't be surprising if they got all the points here.

19.00 Real Madrid v Real Sociedad, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

Back-to-back draws have seen Madrid's lead over Barcelona drop to six points. They should take all the points here against a Sociedad side that travels about as well as a toddler with a belly full of jelly and ice-cream.

19.45 Palermo v Udinese, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Lazio's surprise defeat in Catania last week left the door open to Udinese and Napoli who shared the points in their game last weekend. While the battle for the title is seemingly swinging in just one direction the other issues at the top of the table are impossible to call.

21.00 Getafe v Valencia, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

A midweek home defeat to bottom placed Zaragoza (who played most of the game with just ten men and finished with nine) has put Valencia's comfortable third place in jeopardy. Getafe should have done enough to secure yet another season in the top flight.

Sunday 25 March

11.30 Atalanta v Bologna, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Two sides are comfortably mid-table - Bologna started the season very poorly, losing five of their first seven fixtures. They've recovered admirably since then and have shown the sort of form that would have seen them challenging for European places had the season started in October. Atalanta have gone the other way, after having a fantastic start their recent form has seen them drop from the surprise challengers they were in December.

13.00 Rangers v Celtic, SPL, Sky Sports 1/HD1/3D

After losing the League Cup Final to a late goal for Kilmarnock, Celtic will be even more motivated to heap even more misery on their city rivals.

14.00 Chesterfield v Swindon Town, Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final, Sky Sports 2/HD2

Just one league place separates the two teams with Chesterfield at the very bottom of League 1 and Paolo Di Canio's Swindon seven points clear at the top of League 2. Chesterfield manager John Sheridan will hope the new Wembley is kinder to him than the old one - he lost a League Cup Final and an FA Cup Final there in 1993 playing for Sheffield Wednesday.

15.45 Bohemian's v St Patricks, Airtricity League, Premier Sports

This early season Dublin derby finds Bohemians still looking for their first point and first goal after three games. St Patricks are at the top of the table with three other teams on seven points.

16.00 West Brom v Newcastle United, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

A chance for Newcastle to snatch fifth spot should Chelsea lose to Spurs on Saturday. Sixth won't be good enough for Europe should Bolton, Everton or Sunderland make it to the FA Cup final. The Baggies are pretty much already in their flip-flops but have thrown in some impressive performances recently.

19.45 Juventus v Inter, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

The Derby d'Italia is always one of the high points of the Serie A calendar and finds both teams desperate for the win. Juve need wins and lots of them to hang on to Milan's coat tails. The Old Lady's is the much tougher run-in, having to play four of the sides chasing the third Champions League slot starting here; though Inter look the most unlikely to achieve that lofty position.

Weekend TV Preview: 16 - 18 March 2012

Friday 16 March

11.00 UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Draw, Champions League, Sky Sports News/British Eurosport

Sponsored by Jaffa, because the draw for the last eight is seedless. Both ends of the football spectrum are represented here, from Milan, Bayern and Barcelona to APOEL and Chelsea. Once the quarter finals are decided, they'll also pick out the semis too (once the attending dignatries have finished laughing at Man United's early elimination).

12.00 UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Draw, Europa League, Sky Sports News/British Eurosport

If you're not inspired by the sheer variety and freshness of the teams through to the last eight of the Europa League, you shouldn't be watching football. This competition continues to grow in stature and this draw (along with the one following for the semis) will whet the appetite for the latter stages nicely.

15.00 Dinamo Moscow v Zenit St Petersburg, Russian Premier Liga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Four games into the Championship Group and no-one's taken the competition by the throat yet. Zenit still lead the table and haven't lost a league game since September 10 2011.

19.00 Cork City v Shamrock Rovers, Airtricity League, Premier Sports

The season's two games old and Cork have already lost both theirs. Shamrock, however, have won both theirs. Early days, but our money's on Rovers.

19.30 Hoffenheim v Stuttgart, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Stuttgart are finally getting some decent form together at long last, and this could be a chance to extend it against a Hoffenheim side still reeling from the seven they conceded last week against Bayern.

Saturday 17 March

12.45 Everton v Sunderland, FA Cup Quarter Final, ITV1/ITV1 HD

I'm highly tempted to put a few quid on Sunderland to go all the way in this year's Cup. It's based on nothing more than a hunch, plus the way they disposed of Liverpool last weekend. Oh, and the fact that Martin O'Neill wears glasses. That must count for something.

12.45 Dundee United v Rangers, SPL, Sky Sports 1/HD1

United are on a tremendous run of form at the moment - 14 scored, one conceded in the last five league games and unbeaten in the last six. Every chance they'll inflict another stumble on Rangers here.

17.30 Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers, FA Cup Quarter Final, ESPN/ESPN HD

Both teams will see this as a welcome opportunity to be distracted from their dire league form. Whether that same form will be carried over into this Cup tie remains to be seen.

19.00 Sevilla v Barcelona, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

Barcelona still 10 points off the pace, Sevilla stuck in mid-table. Should be a win for Barcelona though the last two meetings between these two have ended tied.

19.45 Fiorentina v Juventus, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

While the Old Lady may be unbeatable, she's also fallen out of the habit actually winning games - so much so that despite a zero in the losses column they trail Milan now by four points at the top of the table. Fiorentina are only seven points above the drop zone and will gladly take a point from this. Won't be an easy watch, this one.

21.00 Rayo Vallecano v Real Betis, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

The runners-up and champions of last season's Segunda Division meet in differing circumstances. Only four points separate the sides but while the fourth Madrid team in Spain's top flight are having a steady first season sandwiched between local rivals Atletico and Getafe in mid-table, the Seville side are hovering just above the relegation zone.

Sunday 18 March

12.00 Hearts v Hibernian, SPL, ESPN/ESPN HD

The Jam Tarts' 2-1 win over Rangers last weekend was their first in the league since mid-January. Hibs, meanwhile have only one win in seven. Edinburgh Derby or not, this might not be a classic - consider yourself warned.

13.30 Wolves v Man Utd, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Wolves managed to beat United 2-1 last season at Molineux but they're currently on a run of 204 consecutive minutes without scoring. Perfect preparation for a new era under Steve Bruce's management.

14.05 Chelsea v Leicester City, FA Cup Quarter Final, ESPN/ESPN HD

New hope for Chelsea fans given the gutsy (and if we were to be needlessly snide, lucky) win against Napoli midweek. Given that most of their key (and aging) players played two hours on Wednesday and with the massive home game against Machester City coming up in a few days, John Terry might be forgiven for making a few changes... did I say John Terry? I meant Roberto Di Matteo, obviously.

15.00 Celtic v Kilmarnock, Scottish League Cup Final, BBC1 Scotland

Earlier on this season Killie blew a 3-0 half time lead against Celtic who clawed it back to draw. Such is the task facing the side who have lost all five of their League Cup Finals. This match is a repeat of the 2001 final which Celtic won with a Larrson hat-trick. The match referee, William Collum, dished out nine yellows and a straight red in the Europa League game he officiated midweek between PSV and Valencia, let's hope he doesn't have so much work here.

16.00 Liverpool v Stoke City, FA Cup Quarter Final, ITV1/ITV1 HD

Liverpool's fourth home game in this year's competition and Stoke's fourth away. History stands against the Potters who haven't won at Anfield for over fifty years. I think this will provide some entertainment, and not just the schadenfreude variety.

16.00 Newcastle United v Norwich City, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Newcastle can still have a say in matters in the League but sixth place is looking increasingly likely along with the possibility that their hard work won't be rewarded with Europa League football next campaign. While both sides are definitely worth watching, I can't imagine it will put too much of a dent into the Cup's viewing figures.

16.30 Hannover 96 v Cologne, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Two teams that have found league wins hard to come by of late. On the off-chance Cologne stumble on another one here, they could rise several places in the table, depending on other results.

19.45 Udinese v Napoli, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Napoli need to shake off their defeat at Stamford Bridge and remember that they are on a run of six straight wins in Serie A. Udinese's form is all over the place, having been imperious at home all season, they've failed to win their last three there, and haven't scored there in over four hours of play.

20.30 Real Madrid v Malaga, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Malaga's win over Levante last week saw them leap-frog the side from Valencia into the Champions League places. They could swap back again here with Levante taking on struggling Villareal in the midday kick off.

Weekend TV Preview 9 - 11 March 2012

Friday 9 March

19.30 Kidderminster Harriers v Luton Town, Blue Square Premier League, Premier Sports

The Harriers are four points away from a play off zone that is occupied only by former Football League clubs, one of which is Luton. The Hatters have no chance of winning the title so must experience the purgatory of staying where they are and keeping sharp until the post-season.

19.45 Napoli v Cagliari, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Cagliari's two-game losing streak may well be extended against a Napoli side who have won their last four Serie A matches. Presumably the Naples club have had their game moved to Friday evening to give them more preparation for the Chelsea game. They will need to win if they want to stay in with a chance of a return to the Champions League next season.

Saturday 10 March

12.30 Hearts v St Mirren, Scottish Cup Quarter Final, BBC1 Scotland

Not difficult to figure out which of the two Scottish Cup broadcasters gets first pick. This is not an ideal start to a weekend of Cup action in what is turning into an intriguing Scottish season. Hearts victory at Rangers last week, doesn't have the same meaning at present and prior to that the Edinburgh club had lost four from their last five. St Mirren are, if anything, even more dull. Keep your powder dry for some tastier Scottish Cup fixtures later in the weekend.

12.45 Bolton Wanderers v QPR, Premier League, Sky Sports 2/HD2

One goal in five versus the west London freak show. Avoid.

17.20 Bristol City v Cardiff City, Championship, Sky Sports 2/HD2

Cardiff's season is in danger of ending in April unless they get over their post-League Cup funk. Bristol City are pretty awful but did manage a rare win against Leicester City last week.

17.30 Everton v Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD

Everton are one of the few teams in the Premier League I enjoy watching. Good footballers who are well coached and not a hint of financial doping. Tottenham need to regain some confidence after two wins that have damaged their championship chances and their manager's credibility.

19.00 Sporting Gijon v Sevilla, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

It's tenth versus nineteenth is the La Liga clash. Try to contain your excitement.

19.45 Palermo v Roma, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Having recovered from an unpleasant start to the season, Roma have had three players sent off in the last two matches and lost them both. The latter was to the hated Lazio. Ouch! Palermo are not in very good shape themselves and have conceded ten goals in the last three away games.

21.00 Real Betis v Real Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

I won't be watching this as I will be standing outside East Croydon Station in case Jose Mourinho phones this game in so he can go house hunting in the cheery London suburb. It's the last thing anyone will expect.

Sunday 11 March

11.30 Novara v Udinese, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Udinese are contributing to the slightly unfamiliar look to the top five places in the Serie A table and should find few worries at the bottom club Novara.

12.15 Middlesbrough v Leeds United, Championship, BBC 1/BBC HD

Nelly Warnock has unpack his trunk at Cuddly Ken's fun-house just as the Chairman/owner/whatever is attempting a purge of those supporters who have the nerve to criticise him. But the Leeds United Supporters Trust are made of strong stuff and there is talk of boycotting matches. Middlesbrough look to be bedding down a play-off spot and have won four from their last five games.

13.15 Dundee United v Celtic, Scottish Cup Quarter Final, Sky Sports 1/HD1

United manager, Peter Houston has put together an impressive young side by all accounts and the Arabs are said to be good value for their fourth place in the SPL. A pity, then, that they should encounter a Celtic side, in the Cup, that is easily the best team in the League. Neil Lennon's players failed to win a League match for the first time since November last week against Aberdeen, so there is a little hope for a Cup upset but the odds will be long.

14.00 Genoa v Juventus, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Juve don't lose much but only have one win from their last six games. Consequently they have lost top spot to Milan. Genoa are looking for their first win since their narrow victory against Lazio one month ago.

15.45 Motherwell v Aberdeen, Scottish Cup Quarter Final, Sky Sports TBC

Stiflers of Celtic, last week, Aberdeen travel to Motherwell who are chasing down the vulnerable Rangers in the League. While Rangers' demise is no cause for celebration it does give the other teams near the top the chance to grab the spotlight.

16.00 Norwich City v Wigan Athletic, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

The Canaries should be more than happy with a mid-table moniker but need to arrest their slide after losing two games in a row. Despite their awfulness, Wigan are only two point away from safety.

16.15 FC Schalke V Hamburg, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Two successive defeats have pretty much derailed Schalke's title hopes. They will tell you that this season is all about qualifying for the Champions League and they would be right. Hamburg have steadily improved under coach Torsten Fink who replaced Michael Oenning after a disastrous start to the season. However, they have have some serious defensive issues in the last few games and last their last home game 5-0 to Stuttgart.

19.45 Lazio v Bologna, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Champions League football is the target for Lazio and they took a big stride towards that after beating hated rivals, Roma. Thirty-three year old Miroslav Klose is your main man for the home side. The German international is averaging a goal a game.

20.30 Osasuna v Athletic Club, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

A tough encounter for Bilbao given that they had to go to Old Trafford last Thursday. Osasuna are two points off a Europa League spot and may hinder the visitors realistic ambitions for Champions League football next season.

Weekend TV Preview: 2 - 4 March 2012

Friday 2 March

19.00 Drogheda v Shamrock Rovers, Airtricity League. Premier Sports

A new season begins in Irleand and Shamrock begin the defence of their 2011 title with a trip to the team that finished 9th out of 10 last time around. Drogheda haven't beaten Rovers in their last 17 attempts so don't get your hopes up too high for an upset.

19.45 Blackpool v Hull City. Championship, Sky Sports 2/HD2

Nick Barmby's Hull have gone 584 minutes without letting in a goal and another clean sheet here would make it seven-in-a-row, thereby breaking the club's 104-year record. Further proof of the excellent work being done by the former England midfielder.

Saturday 3 March

12.00 Aberdeen v Celtic, SPL, ESPN/ESPN HD

The Dons remain unbeaten in 2012. A terrific run under all-round-nice-guy Craig Brown, but they're up against a Celtic team for whom losses mean absolutely nothing (unlike their bitterest rivals).

12.45 Liverpool v Arsenal, Premier League, Sky Sports 2/HD2/3D

Arsenal are finally stringing together a few league victories to widen the gap between themselves and Liverpool, but they've got numerous players sidelined for the trip to Anfield including Diaby, Mertesacker and Wilshere. A decent starter before the main course against Milan on Tuesday.

15.45 Bangor City v Neath, Welsh Premier League, S4C

Both teams have won all their first three matches in the Welsh Clausura. Bangor are top, seven points ahead of Neath.

17.00 Palermo v Milan, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Milan haven't won at Palermo since the 2005-06 season and with their hosts winning 10 out of 12 at home so far this campaign, it'd be a brave fan that decided to bet on that run ending here.

17.20 Leeds United v Southampton, Championship, Sky Sports 2/HD2

The Saints are back on top of the table, albeit having played a game more than West Ham in second. Ordinarily this would be a virtually automatic three points for the visitors, but under Neil Warnock, a magical revival is never very far away.

19.00 Barcelona v Sporting Gijon, La Liga. Sky Sports 4/HD4

Second-from-top plays second-from-bottom. As easy a three points as Barca are ever likely to get.

19.45 Juventus v Chievo, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

An ideal opportunity for The Old Lady to go back on top - if they can get one over the Flying Donkeys. Milan could struggle against Palermo and a chance will surely go begging here.

21.00 Sevilla v Atletico Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

Both teams are locked on 32 points in mid-table and played out a 0-0 draw in October. A similar outcome shouldn't be disregarded.

Sunday 4 March

12.00 Newcastle United v Sunderland, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD

Martin O'Neill's first Tyne Tees Derby and a chance to lead Sunderland into a rare victory over their rivals. Just the two wins against Newcastle since the turn of the Millennium, so a third is likely to get O'Neill an instant place in the Mackems Hall of Fame.

12.45 Cardiff City v West Ham, Championship, BBC 1/BBC HD

Last weekend, The Hammers made the fatal mistake of finishing their match against Crystal Palace with 11 men, hence their disappointing 0-0 draw. Meanwhile, Malky Mackay assures us that his Cardiff team aren't shagged out after their gruelling Carling Cup Final defeat to Liverpool, but time will tell. Cardiff won 1-0 at Upton Park earlier in the season, fact fans.

14.00 Roma v Lazio, Serie A, ESPN Classic

The Rome Derby and one in which Roma find themselves in the middle of a real rollercoaster of a campaign. One minute up, the next minute down, lots of people screaming while others try not to vomit. We may not have completely thought through that analogy, but stay with us...

14.05 Fulham v Wolves, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

While Mick McCarthy waits to hear that special ringtone set up for when The FA call, Wolves continue to go about the job of getting out of the bottom five. A seven-point gap has emerged between them and Aston Villa, but this is the sort of fixture that could shrink that margin with a little application from the men in old gold.

14.30 Nürnberg v Borussia Monchengladbach, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Shame for Nürnberg. Their unbeaten run of three may come to an end against a Borussia side still reluctant to give up the title chase behind Bayern and BVB.

16.10 Tottenham Hotpants v Man Utd, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD

England prospect Scott Parker is absent through suspension for this one. Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, returns to domestic action following the throat infection that nearly ended his international career midweek.

19.45 Inter Milan v Catania, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Just one draw from the last eight games for Inter. Making matters worse, Catania could overtake them in the table if they win at the San Siro.

20.30 Real Madrid v Espanyol, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Seriously, would it really matter if we just wrapped up La Liga now? Please? Mr Platini? Hello...?

Weekend TV Preview: 25 - 26 February 2012

Saturday 25 February

12.00 St Mirren v Aberdeen, SPL, ESPN/ESPN HD

It's perhaps still too soon to say if Craig Brown has turned things around at Aberdeen, but there does seem to be some stability though. They haven't lost a game in two months and, along with today's opponents, have a good chance of sneaking into the top half before the League splits in March.

12.45 West Ham v Crystal Palace, Championship, Sky Sports 2/HD2

It used to be true that if you put a good run together in the Championshsip around now-ish you have a fair chance of making it into the play-offs. Palace, while hard to beat, have been drawing too many games of late and will probably find that gap of ten points between them and sixth too much. This season anyway.

17.30 Man City v Blackburn Rovers, Premier League, Sky Sports 2/HD2

United fans will be hoping to see Blackburn put on a similar display to the one they put on at Old Trafford. However, it's more likely here they'll put on a similar display to the one they put on at the Emirates.

19.00 Malaga v Real Zaragoza, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

As with other uncompetitive leagues, you have to scratch around for the battle for the last Champions League slot to find the excitement in La Liga. Seven teams are scraping for it in Spain, with only two points separating them all. Malaga are one of those teams in the mix but are slipping down thanks to a woeful run away from home. A nice home tie against the bottom club should give them a morale boost.

21.00 Espanyol v Levante, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

Two other teams in the battle for fourth spot, but Levante could be the first to drop from the chase. It looks like they've been completely found out after their early season surprises - which included a 3-1 over Espanyol, a game which saw the side from Barcelona finish with nine men. Might get a bit niggly this one.

Sunday 26 February

11.30 Excelsior v Ajax, Dutch Eredivisie, ESPN/ESPN HD

Ajax this week became the fourth team to beat Manchester United at home this season joining Man City, Blackburn and Palace. Of course being in such good company you'd think they were running away with the Dutch title - they're not. They're sixth but only a handful of points off the pace. A win here against the team second from bottom will keep them in the running.

12.45 Inverness CT v Rangers, Sky Sports 4/HD4

I was reading in the Wall Street Journal, of all places, how Rangers situation might be a good thing for Scottish football in general. They're certainly a moving target now, one even a team as lowly as ICT might hope to score points off.

13.30 Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1/3D

Fourth plays third in a tense local derby.

14.00 Bayern Munich v FC Schalke, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Every time Bayern draw, Dortmund pull two points away. As the run-in approaches, anything short of a win against the fourth placed side could signal the end of their title chances.

16.00 Liverpool v Cardiff City, Carling Cup Final, Sky Sports 1/HD1/3D/BBC1/BBC1 HD

Hopefully Craig Bellamy will be the centre of attention here rather than one of the other Liverpool strikers. Do Cardiff have a chance? Well if any team can stuff it up like Arsenal did last year, it's Liverpool.

16.30 Borussia Dortmund v Hannover 96, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Three points clear at the top, BVB look in devastating form but come up against a Hannover side well placed for a Europa League spot and unbeaten since November.

19.45 Napoli v Inter Milan, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Edinson Cavani not only showed the British public exactly what all the fuss is about on Wednesday, if you looked closely he also showed why the Chelsea boss was right to start with Ashley Cole on the bench. Expect more misery to be heaped on a previous recipient of the Abramovitch axe here.

20.30 Atletico Madrid v Barcelona, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

I don't usually quote the odds on games, but you can get 13/2 on Atletico getting a win here. Seeing as Barcelona haven't won any of their last three away games domestically, it might be worth a sniff at.

Weekend TV Preview: 17 - 19 February 2012

Friday 17 February

19.30 Southport v Grimsby Town, Blue Square Bet Premier, Premier Sports

Southport took full advantage of ailing Darlington on Tuesday night, riding goals from Karl Ledsham and Shaun Whalley to a 2-0 victory. The result saw them climb into fourth place, while Grimsby are four points behind them with a game in hand.

19.45 Fiorentina v Napoli, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Walter Mazzarri's Vesuviani look to give Edinson Cavani a belated birthday present by re-establishing themselves in the battle for a Europa League spot in Serie A. They face mid-table Fiorentina, whose form has improved of late thanks to two wins on the bounce.

20.00 Reading v Burnley, Championship, Sky Sports 2/HD2

Three consecutive league wins have put Reading into the playoff positions and just six points behind leaders West Ham United. Tenth-placed Burnley need a win to avoid being cut adrift of the playoff race, at least temporarily.

Saturday 18 February

12.30 Chelsea v Birmingham City, FA Cup Fifth Round, ESPN/ESPN HD

It's FA Cup weekend, and the fifth round action gets underway at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea defeated local rivals Fulham in the previous round, and Birmingham demolished Sheffield United with curiously spaced goals in the 18th, 38th, 58th and 78th minute. The Blades will have been glad to avoid eight minutes of stoppage time.

17.15 Sunderland v Arsenal, FA Cup Fifth Round, ITV1/ITV1 HD

Arsenal came from 2-0 down to secure their place in the fifth round by blowing away Aston Villa at the Emirates, eventually winning out 3-2 after the visitors were shell-shocked beyond repair. Sunderland needed two bites of the cherry against Middlesbrough and are rewarded with another crack at Arsenal, who defeated them in this fixture in the league last weekend.

19.00 Real Madrid v Racing, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Racing are in the bottom three but have stemmed the flow somewhat with three draws on the bounce; they're closer to the team above them than the team below them, which spells trouble for Sporting and Real Zaragoza, especially if Racing should achieve the unachievable here.

19.45 Juventus v Catania, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

The Old Lady of Turin has relinquished her grip on the top of Serie A, but the opportunity to head back to the summit rolls around with the visit of mid-table Catania. The Elephants haven't lost in three and now sit in 13th.

21.00 Sevilla v Osasuna, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Mid-table is as mid-table does, and it doesn't get much more mid-table than this. A home win for Sevilla would squeeze the middle of the division still further, but it won't be easy - they've lost their last three La Liga games.

Sunday 19 February

12.00 Crawley Town v Stoke City, FA Cup Fifth Round, ESPN/ESPN HD

Crawley, eh? Still going in the FA Cup, still utterly deplorable and still a jewel in the eyes of incurious journalists. They defeated Hull City in the last round but the goal was scored by Matt Tubbs, who signed for AFC Bournemouth to give Project Promotion: The Sequel a hefty taste of its own medicine.

12.45 Aberdeen v St Johnstone, Scottish Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

The Saints could do with putting their form back together after two consecutive defeats that have brought them dangerously close to the mid-table cut-off. Aberdeen are one of the clubs looking to take advantage and are now five points behind the Perth club having not lost in six.

14.00 Stevenage v Tottenham Hotspur, FA Cup Fifth Round, ITV1/ITV1 HD

Stevenage edged past Notts County in round four, winning 1-0 courtesy of Damion Stewart's own goal. They host high-flying Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, who defeated Watford to reach the last 16. Gary Smith's men can look forward to making life difficult for Spurs in front of a hostile and noisy crowd.

15.00 Hibernian v Celtic, Scottish Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Celtic are going to win the league. Far more significant is the fate of Hibernian, who have been utterly abject this season and are just one point ahead of Dunfermline Athletic at the bottom.

16.30 Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion, FA Cup Fifth Round, ESPN/ESPN HD

Liverpool's reward for defeating Manchester United at Anfield in the previous round is another home tie, this time against Brighton & Hove Albion. The Seagulls already have a Premier League scalp to their name having seen off Newcastle United at home last time out.

19.45 Palermo v Lazio, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

A second consecutive defeat for Palermo could well put paid to their hopes of climbing into a European spot, while Lazio are looking to consolidate in the last Champions League place ahead of Udinese and faltering Inter.

20.00 Barcelona v Valencia, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

It's very likely that Barcelona will be 13 points adrift of Real Madrid by the time they face a potentially tricky visit from third-placed Valencia. Think about that. Barcelona could be 13 points adrift. Current Barcelona. Insane.

22.00 Godoy Cruz v Racing, Argentinian Clausura, Premier Sports

Both of these sides drew their opening matches in the Clausura championship. Racing's score against Tigre was 0-0, while a goal from Facundo Castillon secured a point for Apertura runners-up Godoy Cruz at Velez Sarsfield.

Weekend TV Preview: 10 - 12 February

Friday 10 February

19:45 Vfl Wolfsburg v SC Freiburg, Bundesliga, ESPN / ESPN HD

Vfl coach, Felix Magath, rang the changes in the January transfer window bring in a stack of new players to refresh a squad that has failed to live up to that great title winning side of 2009. The team is none too exciting to watch but Wolfsburg are finding some consistency. Freiburg were not able to replace Papiss Demba Cisse in January but did replace their coach. The bottom club are not goal shy, however so this match could prove to be entertaining.

Saturday 11 February

12:00 Dunfermline v Rangers, SPL, ESPN / ESPN HD

These are grim times for Rangers. Their top scorer left in January for Everton, the club are borrowing money against future ticket sales and they were knocked out of the Cup by Dundee United last weekend. Even so, three points against bottom club Dunfermline shouldn't be beyond them, should it?

12:45 Man Utd v Liverpool, Premier League, Sky Sports 2 / HD2 / 3D

This game should be the great Derby Of England. Instead it exudes a poisonous atmosphere and provides oxygen, only to racists and other meatheads. What's more, if the recent FA Cup game is anything to go by, it will be a shit game to boot. I'm not going to say you shouldn't watch it but like any other car crash, please try to avoid further accidents by slowing down to gawp at the carnage.

15:45 Aberystwyth Town v Carmarthen Town, Welsh Premier League, S4C

Huge six pointer at the foot of the Relegation Group of the League Of Wales.Aber are one place and five points away from second bottom Carmarthen.

17:20 Blackpool v Portsmouth, Championship, Sky Sports 2 / HD2

I'm sure Pompey fans are delighted that 'Arry is odds on for the England gig. Things have gone a little south for them since he left. Only two wins in five and without a pot to piss in. Blackpool haven't lost in eight games but do have an average away record which may explain their league position.

17:30 Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United, Premier League, ESPN / ESPN HD

Two high flying English club both managed by English managers and with a vacancy at Wembley both men can be relied upon to do an awful lot of ruling themselves out while practising their best England Manager Standing On The Touchline Pose. Joking aside this will be a good game with lots of goals. Lovely.

19:00 Ghana v Mali, 2012 African Cup of Nations 3rd Place Play Off, British Eurosport / British Eurosport HD

A chance for both teams to show what everyone is missing? No, a run out for the reserves and a hasty exit from the stadium at the final whistle. Both teams had realistic expectations, particularly Ghana but in this most entertaining African Cup of Nations in a while, these two must settle for being bridesmaids.

19:00 Osasuna v Barcelona, La Liga, Sky Sports 4 / HD4

The home side are without a win in five matches. Barca are losing ground on League leaders, Real Madrid who play fourth placed Levante so there is a slight chance they'll make up some ground.

21:00 Real Betis v Athletic Bilbao, La Liga, Sky Sports 4 / HD4

Athletic guaranteed a Europa League Play Off spot, next season, by virtue of their progression to the Cup Final. They play an interesting brand of football particularly when you consider that they have, traditionally, been a long ball team. Their opponents are feeling the icy finger of relegation on their shoulders.

Sunday 12 February

13:30 Wolves v West Brom, Premier League, Sky Sports 1 / HD1

Big Black Country derby and a six pointer to boot. It won't be pretty but it sure will be fun.

16:00 Aston Villa v Man City, Premier League, Sky Sports 1 / HD1

Six goals conceded in the last three league games by Villa and only three wins at home. If City don't win then it's crisis time.

16:30 FC Cologne v SV Hamburg, Bundesliga, ESPN / ESPN HD

Hamburg's shocking start to the season is a relatively distant memory thanks to the sensible management of new coach Torsten Fink. I have them as outsiders for Europe, despite spending all of the season so far in the bottom half of the table. At Cologne, an opportunity is there for three away points which could nudge them into the top half against a home side missing Lucas Podolski.

19:00 Zambia v Ivory Coast, 2012 African Cup of Nations Final, ITV4 / ITV4 HD / British Eurosport / British Eurosport HD

Just short of twenty years after the tragic plane crash that killed their golden generation, Zambia are in the Final of the Africa Cup of Nations. They face the Ivory Coast's own golden generation who finally have a chance to achieve something. An emotional final is in store.

19:00 Villarreal v Granada, La Liga, Sky Sports 1 / HD1

Bit of a basement battle this one. Villareal have only lost one in six so will see themselves is in a false position... except they're not.

19:45 Bologna v Juventus, Serie A, ESPN / ESPN HD

No away defeats on the road for Juve and bubbling after their Coppa Italia win at Milan which featured a sensational strike by the Uruguayan Jose Martin Caceras. Should be a formality against fifth bottom Bologna.

21:00 Real Madrid v Levante, La Liga, Sky Sports 1 / HD1

Levante are fourth in the LagerLiga table but have not won a match since 10th December. Home win I think.

Weekend TV Preview: 3 - 5 February 2012

Friday 3 February

19.45 Nürnberg v Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

BVB managed to get through another transfer window safe in the knowledge that Lucas Barrios isn't going anywhere. Good news for Dortmund as they attempt to break free of the three-way tie for top spot in the Bundesliga - bad news for Nürnberg as they try desperately to scramble clear of the relegation zone.

Saturday 4 February

12.30 West Ham v Millwall, Championship, Sky Sports 2/HD2

The Hammers' 5-1 spanking at Portman Road this week will come as a stern wake-up call if they thought they could simply coast back to the Premier League. A home tie against the team on the worst form of any in the Championship could be just the tonic to maintain their place at the top of the table.

12.45 Inverness CT v Celtic, Scottish Cup 5th Round, Sky Sports 3/HD3

ICT's current unbeaten run of seven games would ordinarily be good enough to unnerve most opponents but Celtic are bulldozing their way through all comers at the moment and have the scent of a treble in their nostrils. It's a shame to say it, but Terry Butcher's men will almost certainly see their Cup run end here. Should be a good match, though.

15.45 Bangor City v Prestatyn Town, Welsh Premier League, S4C

If you've not yet checked out S4C's Saturday afternoon live match coverage, you really should. Not only do you get to see some cracking football but you're also gifted with the added bonus of a live videprinter showing all the latest scores in-vision from across the UK. 'Ardderchog,' as they say over the Severn Bridge.

16.00 Zambia v Sudan, 2012 African Cup of Nations Quarter Final, British Eurosport/British Eurosport HD

Sudan have done remarkably well to reach the last eight, but they only got here on goal difference and will almost certainly find a super Zambia team too much to get the better of.

17.20 Birmingham City v Southampton, Championship, Sky Sports 2/HD2

Twenty goals scored and only two conceded - that's the sparkling record Chris Hughton's Birmingham have earned over the last six games. Southampton, meanwhile, could be down to third in the table by the end of the day. Only one league win in the last five shows an urgent and dire need to return to their pre-Christmas form.

17.30 Man City v Fulham, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD

Fulham were the last team to deny a Premier League win at home thanks to a 1-1 draw almost a year ago to the day. A repeat performance might be unlikely as Fulham have won only one of their last eleven away games in the league although they can at least take heart from the absence of Balotelli due to *that* red card.

19.00 Ivory Coast v Equatorial Guinea, 2012 African Cup of Nations Quarter Final, ITV4/ITV4 HD/British Eurosport/British Eurosport HD

With a forward line consisting of Drogba, Kalou and Gervinho, it won't come as any surprise to learn that Ivory Coast reached the knockout stages with consummate ease. As predicted in a previous TV Preview, co-hosts Equatorial Guinea qualified for the quarter finals - largely on the back of an impressive win over Senegal - but they'll be without captain Bodipo through injury just when they need him most.

19.00 Getafe v Real Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

If Real's squad is currently divided in its loyalties towards Jose Mourinho, it's hardly showing. Seven points clear of Barcelona, they hardly need rush to boot out the manager as their closest rivals might be doing if things carry on the way they are.

19.45 Roma v Inter Milan, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Despite scoring all four of his side's goals on Wednesday, Inter still only managed to draw 4-4 at home to Palermo. Roma also conceded four, this time losing 4-2 at Cagliari. A case of 'could do better' for both sides here.

21.00 Barcelona v Real Sociedad, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

What's there to see? The title's all wrapped up. Nothing to see here.

Sunday 5 February

11.30 Genoa v Lazio, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Genoa earned a rare win over Lazio last time they played in September. Another three points would come in handy for a campaign that's rather lost its way of late for I Rossoblu.

12.15 Rangers v Dundee United, Scottish Cup 5th Round, BBC1 Scotland

A 6-2 win for United over Airdrie in the last round will provide a feint glimmer of optimism but there won't be many people betting on Peter Houston's men to do a job on Rangers. The Terrors have won only two of their last 20 games against The Gers.

12.15 Derby County v Nottingham Forest, Championship, BBC1/BBC1 HD

As long as I don't mention it, no-one will know I tipped Forest to win the Championship title this season. Mum's the word, etc...

13.30 Newcastle United v Aston Villa, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Few of you will be shocked to hear the Scotsman in charge of Villa failed to get his wallet out during the transfer window, but if Villa are to replicate The Magpies' success so far this season, perhaps he should have done. Villa could be down to 15th by the end of the day if results conspire against them.

14.00 Fiorentina v Udinese, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

The Little Zebras kept up the pressure on the top two midweek with a 2-1 win over relegation strugglers Lecce while La Viola had to sit out their match in Bologna due to snow. Providing the awful weather conditions across Europe don't scupper this match too, Udinese look a decent bet to edge the win here.

14.15 Hearts v St Johnstone, Scottish Cup 5th Round, Sky Sports 3/HD3

Both teams were relieved to see their squads left virtually intact after the shutting of the transfer window but of more concern to Hearts will be the fact that St. Johnstone have won three of the last four meetings between the two. Form-wise, there's little to chose between the two and both teams are level on points in the SPL.

16.00 Chelsea v Man Utd, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1/3D

Will Rio Ferdinand shake hands with John Terry? Will the two men ever play side-by-side in a future England side? Will either side stop insulting our intelligence and actually play like a genuine title-winning side? Some or none of these questions will be answered today...

16.00 Gabon v Mali, 2012 African Cup of Nations Quarter Final, British Eurosport/British Eurosport HD

Mali's place in the last eight looked in doubt early in the second half of their final group game against Botswana. A goal down, they eventually came back to win 2-1, but they'll have to up the ante by quite a margin if they're to knock out a Gabon team that beat Morocco and Tunisia in their group games.

16.30 Kaiserslautern v Cologne, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Frankly it's a toss-up as to whether ESPN bother to show any given live Bundesliga fixture these days, but if this one's on, expect to see one team currently in the bottom three and another that could be in it by the end of the weekend.

19.00 Ghana v Tunisia, 2012 African Cup of Nations Quarter Final, British Eurosport/British Eurosport HD

Arguably the pick of the quarter-finals. Remarkably, it's been 30 years since The Black Stars last won this competition and they'll have their work cut out against the 2004 champions who should be back to full strength after various players were rested or suspended for their last match.

19.00 Real Zaragoza v Rayo Vallecano, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Zaragoza have notched up the princely total of 12 points from a possible 60 so far. They're bottom of the table and aren't going anywhere for the foreseeable future, even if they win this one.

19.45 Milan v Napoli, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

One league win in the last eight tells you that Napoli are sliding down the table in no uncertain terms. Milan's midweek defeat to Lazio means they failed to return to the top spot and with Juve's game postponed, it means The Old Lady now has the advantage going into this weekend's games.

21.00 Atletico Madrid v Valencia, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Former Argentinean captain Diego Simeone continues to work his magic at Atleti. Ten points from the last twelve and none conceded have seen his team rise to seventh in the table and a place in the top four is a distinct possibility if they can beat third-placed Valencia in this tough encounter.

Weekend TV Preview: 27 - 29 January 2012

Friday 27 January

16.00 Niger v Tunisia, 2012 African Cup of Nations Group C, EurosportUK/HD

The Tunisian's lived up to their billing as dark horses in this group with a good 2-1 win against fellow North Africans Morocco on Matchday 1. Their goals came from domestically based players, both of whom play for the African Champions League holders Esperance Tunis. Despite a fantastic qualifying campaign, Niger just look there to make up the numbers.

19.00 Gabon v Morocco, 2012 African Cup of Nations Group C, EurosportUK/HD

Following that defeat to Tunisia, the Atlas Lions have it all to do now against the co-hosts in their capital city. Gabon cruised to victory in their game against Niger scoring both their goals in the first half. The Panthers will be looking to continue their good start in a bid to top the group and avoid Ghana in the Quarter Finals.

19.45 Watford v Tottenham Hotspur, FA Cup 4th Round, ESPN/ESPN HD

Harry Redknapp's been busy in Southwark this week which can hardly be the best preparation for this tricky encounter. The Hornet's league form has been been awful lately - having lost their last three - while Tottenham have been busy closing down the gap with the top two. The Cup might need a bit more magic than usual for this one, unless 'Arry decides that the League is his focus.

Saturday 28 January

12.45 Liverpool v Manchester United, FA Cup 4th Round, ITV1/ITV1 HD

The home team already have a place booked at Wembley after seeing off the other Manchester club midweek in the League Cup. Of course all the focus will be on Patrice Evra. An opportunity for the majority of Liverpool fans to adopt a higher ground - let's hope they take it.

14.30 Bayern Munich v Wolfsburg, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Hang on! What's this? Live Bundesliga on a Saturday! You know what I think I just might. Let's have live updates too please, ESPN.

15.00 Rhyl v Llanelli, Welsh Cup, S4C

More embargo busting action from Wales. Rhyl sit third in the Cymru Alliance League while Llanelli finished the third in the (relatively) big league above them's Apertura.

16.00 Botswana v Guinea, 2012 African Cup of Nations Group D, EurosportUK/HD

Tipped by our good friends at www.just-football.com as a surprise package, Botswana pushed Ghana close in their first game though failed to capitalise on a numerical advantage for the last 25 minutes, losing 1-0. Guinea also lost by the same scoreline to Mali. This match is most likely to be the battle for third place in the group but whoever wins today will have the chance of causing an upset in the final round of fixtures.

17.15 Brighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle United, FA Cup 4th Round, ESPN/ESPN HD

Brighton needed a replay and penalties to get the better of Wrexham in the last round and face a Newcastle side that needs to bounce back after a 5-2 mauling against Fulham. Toon will be the third Premier League side to play at the Amex this season following Sunderland (who lost) and Liverpool (who won) in the League Cup.

19.00 Ghana v Mali, 2012 African Cup of Nations Group D, EurosportUK/HD

Almost certainly the key tie in this group, with both teams likely to advance. Ghana are missing a lot experience without the likes of Essien shoring up the midfield and Kingson in goal, they'll also be missing their captain John Mensah after he received a straight red against Botswana. Mali will probably start with more familiar names than the Black Stars, it could be just enough to tip it in their favour.

19.00 Real Madrid v Zaragoza, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

Trust Sky to stink up the schedule with a complete non-event from Spain. The team five points clear at the top is playing the team six points adrift at the bottom with predictable consequences. Lucky for us there's a decent match to be watched on ESPN...

19.45 Juventus v Udinese, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Juve sit just a point clear of Milan at the top of the table with the visitors just two more points behind. Expect a tight, fascinating match in a tense season in Serie A.

21.00 Villareal v Barcelona, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

The Yellow Submarine's home form is almost identical to Barcelona's away form (the only difference being Barcelona have scored one more goal). Form would suggest then that despite 15 places separating them the draw is the most likely outcome.

Sunday 29 January

11.30 Feyenoord v Ajax, Eredivisie, ESPN/ESPN HD

Probably the tastiest fixture on the Dutch calendar but this game finds both of them sitting outside the top three. Shared points will most likely further the gap between themselves and the current third places side Twente, who are once again back under Steve McClaren.

13.30 Sunderland v Middlesbrough, FA Cup 4th Round, ITV1/ITV1 HD

You'd have thought after the Birmingham/Wolves bore-fest in the last round ITV would have learnt that locals derbies do not make for good cup ties. That said, these two have produce entertaining performances of late so it might be worth not going out for that pub lunch.

16.00 Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish League Cup Semi Final, BBC1 Scotland

Late goals have been the story behind Falkirk's cup run - an injury winner against Rangers in the third Round and an equaliser two minutes from the end of extra time in their Quarter Final against Dundee United. They're second in the First Division but will need Ross County to suffer a dip in form if they are to play today's opponents in the League next season.

16.00 Arsenal v Aston Villa, FA Cup 4th Round, ESPN/ESPN HD

Apparently things have got so bad for Arsene Wenger the only team that wants him is Real Madrid. The call will be for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to start and finish the game, at least one of those will undoubtedly happen following his performance against the Champions last week. Villa will be far more content with a replay than the Gunners will and will no doubt play accordingly.

18.00 Equatorial Guinea v Zambia, 2012 African Cup of Nations Group A, EurosportUK/HD

Co-hosts Equatorial Guinea are already through to the next round and need just a point to guarantee top spot. A point will suit Zambia too but may want to push for the victory to avoid Ivory Coast in the Quarter Finals.

18.00 Libya v Senegal, 2012 African Cup of Nations Group A, EurosportUK2

Senegal are already out of the competition marking another disappointment for a side that was seen as one Africa's brightest prospects after they reached the World Cup Quarter Final ten years ago. Libya must win to stand any chance of going through, relying on the co-hosts to beat Zambia.

19.45 Milan v Cagliari, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Milan coach, Massimiliano Allegri, gets another chance to stick it to his formers employers. He has three wins from three against them so far and with Ibra in the form he's in at the moment, it should be four out of four.

20.00 Malaga v Sevilla, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Seriously? Sky, why don't you just take the weekend off?

Weekend TV Preview: 20 - 22 January 2012

Friday 20 January

19.30 Borussia Moenchengladbach v Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Gladbach have the opportunity to go within a point of Bayern at the top and go past Schalke and Dortmund in the process, but they won't have it all their own way in the Friday night Bundesliga match. Bayern have won three on the bounce and will be keen to pick up exactly where they left off as the league returns from its winter break.

Saturday 21 January

12.30 St Mirren v Celtic, Scottish Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD

Well, what to say about this one? Celtic's run of ten successive wins might say everything that needs to be said about Scottish football, but it has marked a very impressive charge to the top of the SPL. It's hard to imagine their run will end in Paisley on Saturday lunchtime against a Buddies side that hasn't won in three.

12.45 Norwich City v Chelsea, Premier League, Sky Sports 2/HD2

After four games without a win, Paul Lambert's Canaries have returned to winning ways with victories over Queens Park Rangers and West Bromwich Albion; with all due respect, those are exactly the teams they'll need to be beating this season. Steve Morison's winners have seen Norwich to away wins of late, but they'll need to exploit home advantage to defeat Chelsea.

17.20 Huddersfield Town v Brentford, League One, Sky Sports 2/HD2

Despite their phenomenal run of form that spanned the summer, Huddersfield are now seven points off the top, where Charlton are taking advantage of Lee Clark's team's worrying drawing habit. It's Jordan Rhodes that's hogging the Huddersfield headlines, scoring 25 league goals already this term.

17.30 Bolton Wanderers v Liverpool, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD

When these two met at Anfield it was a walk in Stanley Park for the Reds, who took a 3-0 lead into the final minute thanks to goals by Jordan Henderson, the piscine Martin Skrtel and Charlie Adam. Bolton grabbed a consolation but will have their work cut out to achieve a better result on Saturday evening.

18.30 Equatorial Guinea v Libya, Africa Cup of Nations Group A, British Eurosport/HD

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on Saturday with co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in action, but it's the opponents that catch the eye. Libya has undergone enormous change this year and to qualify for the competition in those circumstances was a remarkable achievement in itself. With Senegal and Zambia completing Group A, it's possible but certainly not easy for the Mediterranean Knights to progress still further.

19.00 Real Sociedad v Atletico Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

After a very indifferent start to the campaign, Sociedad are now unbeaten in seven league games. That run boasts wins over Betis, Malaga and Valencia, and Saturday's game is another challenging fixture. Atleti are looking to pick up three points in order to drag themselves back out of mid-table.

19.45 Atalanta v Juventus, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

The Tooting & Mitcham United of Turin are flying under Old Lady legend Antonio Conte, and sit proudly atop Serie A having not lost a league game in forever. Aiming to become the first team to beat them this term are Atalanta, for whom a third consecutive defeat would mean edging still closer to the drop zone.

21.00 Real Betis v Sevilla, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4

Having been punished by Alexis Sanchez and Leo Messi after Mario's dismissal last weekend, it's back to home soil for Betis in Saturday's late kick-off. Sevilla have now not won in four league matches and have dropped out of the European places as a result. With Jose Antonio Reyes back in the side, they'll be keen to kickstart their season.

21.00 Senegal v Zambia, Africa Cup of Nations Group A, British Eurosport/HD

While all eyes will be on Ivory Coast to finally establish themselves as Africa's leading side, Senegal have the firepower to hurt any opponent, African or otherwise. Demba Ba will be most familiar to English fans, but Moussa Sow is a favourite at Lille and Papiss Demba Cisse of Freiburg is a transfer target for many this month.

Sunday 18 December

11.30 Bologna v Parma, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

The first team to overtake Atalanta could be Bologna, who have climbed up slightly thanks to four points from the last possible six. Standing in their way are mid-table Parma and their top goalscorer, Sebastian Giovinco - the Atomic Ant. Remember him?

13.30 Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1/3D

It's first against third in the Premier League as Spurs look to continue a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions. Manchester City will want to open up a six-point gap over rivals United before their game later in the day, and have gradually been putting their form back together after a slight wobble of late.

14.00 Novara v AC Milan, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

This one's a rematch from a midweek cup clash between the same opponents. AC Milan lost top spot last weekend, with Juve drawing and the Rossoneri losing out to rivals Inter in the Milan derby. Novara have won just twice this season - against Parma and Inter(!) - and are going down. There, I said it.

16.00 Arsenal v Manchester United, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1/3D

Once upon a time, there was a great rivalry at the summit of English football. The mutual contempt lingered thick in the air, dripping with pizza cheese. There's still a certain amount riding on Arsenal v Manchester United these days, but it's not what it was. United may well need a victory to stay in touch at the top, while defeat for Arsenal could leave them well adrift of fourth.

16.00 Ivory Coast v Sudan, Africa Cup of Nations Group B, British Eurosport/HD

Tournament favourites Ivory Coast have all the pressure on them as they get Group B underway on Sunday. With a squad packed full of internationally known stars, the Elephants will be expected to take advantage of the absence of the ever successful Egyptians and take the African Nations by storm. It is, as they say, Cote d'Ivoire's to lose. There are one or two teams capable of pouncing if they do so.

19.00 Burkina Faso v Angola, Africa Cup of Nations Group B, British Eurosport/HD

Burkina Faso qualified by topping Group F with relative ease, and are rewarded with an opening match against Angola. A handful of Angola's players impressed in their last ACN outing, but 32-year-old Flavio will still bear the bulk of the responsibility for finding the net. Burkina Faso's squad includes 16-year-old Bertrand Traore, a former Chelsea trialist.

19.00 Real Madrid v Athletic Bilbao, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Real Madrid's rampage towards the title continues. Since defeat to Barcelona, Jose Mourinho's side have bounced back with three consecutive victories to open their lead back out to four points. Having met their arch-rivals in midweek, Real will need to have their wits about them against an Athletic side unbeaten in the league since November.

19.45 Inter Milan v Lazio, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

All hail the Tinkerman! The Nerazzurri might be back in fifth but they're tearing through opponents like nobody's business under Claudio Ranieri. Six wins from six is blistering form by any standards, and they've conceded just once in those matches. Could a title charge yet be on the cards?

Weekend TV Preview 14 - 15 January 2012

Saturday 14 January

12:30 St Johnstone v Rangers, Scottish Premier League, ESPN/HD

The title race between the Old Firm has contained a few twists this season. Ally McCoist’s men recovered from a two-game slump in the last round with 3-0 win against Motherwell. St Johnstone are in decent shape themselves so it’s set up nicely for a close encounter at McDiarmid Park.

17:00 Watford v Reading, npower Championship, Sky Sports 2/HD2

Their last round defeat to Cardiff interrupted an impressive run for Reading and bouncing back against a notoriously truculent Watford will present something of a challenge. Despite their low league position, The Hornets have lost only four times at Vicarage Road.

20:00 Mallorca v Real Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Honoured hero of the tactical revolution, Jonathan Wilson wrote an interesting piece on the rise and fall of football dynasties and speculated that Barcelona may be ever so slightly on the wane. If so then Real Madrid are capitalising and enjoy a five-point gap over their Catalan rivals. Mallorca are fourteenth.

21:00 Valencia v Real Sociedad, Spanish La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Sociedad are unbeaten in six league games yet sit two points above the relegation zone. Now they played third-place Valencia in a fixture that they have not exactly owned down the years.

Sunday 15 January

11:30 Lazio v Atalanta, Serie A, ESPN/HD

Lazio have a resurgent Inter breathing down their necks and are winless in three. Atalanta have only one win in five so a draw would make a reasonable coupon entry.

13:00 Newcastle v QPR, Barclays Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Shorn of Demba Ba, The Magpies welcome Mark Hughes for his first game as QPR coach. Not quite sure why Hughes is so disliked. While he may have been a bit previous with his departure from a club that erected a statue of Michael Jackson, the fact is he's done a good job at everywhere he's been with the possible exception of City and we all know what happened there.

14:00 Juventus v Cagliari, Serie A, ESPN/HD

There is a cracking title race on the cards in Italy this season, isn’t there? Milan have recovered the ground over the reborn Juve and who is to say that Inter can’t bridge the gap to the top three. This match is the second of a Serie A triple header ending in crucial derby to round off the weekend.

16:00 Swansea v Arsenal, Barclays Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Swansea’s decent home record and high possession tactics gets a big test against one of the nation’s top teams. One for the purists, yes, but this game may be a bit low on goalmouth action.

19:00 Sporting Gijon v Malaga, Spanish La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Malaga are in a bit of a slump but have an opportunity to regain some momentum against a poor Sporting side.

19:45 Milan v Inter, Serie A, ESPN/HD

The Big One. Locked in a Tevez tug of war off the field and with a little more than civic pride at stake this promises to be close contest and a must watch.

21:00 Barcelona v Real Betis, Spanish La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Home win and a more interesting game on the other side.

Weekend TV Preview: 6 - 8 January 2012

Friday 6 January

19.45 Wycombe Wanderers v Huddersfield, League One, Sky Sports 1/HD1

The Terriers are one of the top scoring teams away from home in the league this season and are stingy in defence too. A trip to Adams Park shouldn't hold any fear for them whatsoever.

Saturday 7 January

12.30 Dundee v Kilmarnock, Scottish FA Cup 4th Round, BBC1 Scotland

Dundee went down 4-0 to Motherwell at the same stage of the Cup last January. Hopefully the painful memory of conceding an early goal before the dam burst altogether will give them the necessary experience to hold out a bit longer this time.

12.30 Birmingham City v Wolverhampton Wanderers, FA Cup 3rd Round, ESPN/ESPN HD

Both teams have done far better at home than they have away this season. Coupled with the fact that Birmingham reached the quarter-finals last year, we wouldn't be surprised if one or two of you fancied a little flutter on The Blues to win.

17.30 Bristol Rovers v Aston Villa, FA Cup 3rd Round, ESPN/ESPN HD

A first meeting between these two since they met in the same round of the 1992/93 competition. Rovers took Villa to a replay that season but there shouldn't be any need for that kind of nonsense this time around, eh Villa fans?

19.00 Real Madrid v Granada, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Real looked far from convincing against Malaga in the Copa Del Rey last Tuesday but they won't mind a repeat of that against Granada as long as they can maintain or extend their three point lead at the top of the table.

21.00 Malaga v Atletico Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Malaga are said to ne considering a bid for Borussia Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios. They'll need him if they're serious about a shot at the title or even Europa League football next season.

Sunday 8 January

11.30 Udinese v Cesena, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

Draws against rivals Lazio and Juventus have kept Udinese within touching distance of the leaders. Now for an easy home tie against 19th-placed Cesena.

12.45 Arbroath v Rangers, Scottish FA Cup 4th Round, Sky Sports 1/HD1

A reward for gaining their first ever league title before the summer break, this tie against The Gers has thrilled the locals in Arbroath. Up to 6,000 are expected to pack into Gayfield Park and though the outcome is likely to be a win for Ally McCoist's men, the day will really be about The Maroons getting some deserved attention on live TV. We wish them all the best.

13.00 Man City v Man Utd, FA Cup 3rd Round, ITV1/ITV1 HD

The FA Cup is a cruel mistress, and City's first match in their attempt to retain the trophy proves it. Some people are naturally hoping City can repeat their 6-1 win over United, but we won't hear a word of it. We're hoping for seven.

14.00 Atalanta v AC Milan, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD

A potentially tricky tie for the league leaders. Atalanta have lost only once in their last 11 games and of those, seven have been draws. Wouldn't be surprised to see another one here.

15.00 Peterhead v Celtic, Scottish FA Cup 4th Round, Sky Sports 1/HD1

To say that Third Division Peterhead will be wary of Celtic's wonderful run of form recently is an understatement. That said, they'll be grateful for the TV money and the chance to show the world what they're really all about, i.e. not being made to feel inferior by their far stronger opponents. May the best team win.

15.30 Peterborough United v Sunderland (Followed by 4th Round Draw), FA Cup 3rd Round, ITV1/ITV1 HD

On paper at least, this has the makings of a cracking tie. Posh are unbeaten in the league since December 10th while Sunderland's new found form under Messiah O'Neill is well documented. One to watch

17.00 Villarreal v Valencia, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Having sunk alarmingly towards the bottom, the Yellow Submarine attempt to resurface rapidly under the new leadership of Francisco Molina. Defeat against Valencia could see them drop two places to second-bottom, so no pressure, Francisco.

18.45 Real Betis v Sporting, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Sporting Gijon look for their first win over Betis since 1997. Despite the difference of seven places in the table, there's an outside chance they may get it.

20.30 Espanyol v Barcelona, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1

The World Club champions return to league action with a derby match against an Espanyol side that were unbeaten in four just before Christmas. Since then, however, they've been beaten by Segunda Division Cordoba in the Cup which may give a more accurate insight into the outcome of this match.