Midweek TV Preview: 18 - 21 January 2010

Monday 18 January

16.00 Angola v Algeria, Africa Cup of Nations Group A, British Eurosport/HD
It's wide open in Group A with all teams still in with a shout. Angola sit top of the group, unbeaten, and just need a draw to progess. Algeria must win to avoid an early exit - a result that would see the hosts sweating the result of...

16.00 Mali v Malawi, Africa Cup of Nations Group A, British Eurosport 2
Apart from the amazing last 20 minutes against Angola, Mali have disappointed. A win here should see them through though. For Malawi, a win will make sure they get to the next stage though a draw could be enough. In this competition, results between teams are taken into account before goal difference to settle group placings.

19.45 Newcastle v West Brom, Championship, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Newcastle's lead has been cut to two points as Forest's great run continues. The Baggies last three defeats have been in games against their serious promotion rivals (four if you include Palace!) Another loss here will see them drift nine points from the top.

Tuesday 19 January

15.45 Ghana v Burkina Faso, Africa Cup of Nations Group B, British Eurosport
If Burkina Faso manage to repeat their heroics from the first game in this group (0-0 with Ivory Coast) they'll go through to the quarter-finals. Having lost to Ivory Coast on Friday, Ghana have to win to progress.

19.45 Cardiff City v Bristol City, FA Cup 3rd Round Replay, S4C
A very tasty all Championship cup tie. The first game finished 1-1 after Gavin Williams got a last minute equaliser to cancel out Michael Chopra's opener for Cardiff. A cracking atmosphere from the two sets of fans should make the Welsh commentary easier to live with.

19.45 Rangers v Hamilton, Scottish Cup 4th Round Replay, Sky Sports 2/HD2
It's unlikely we'll see the same thrills and spills we saw in the 3-3 at Hamilton. There may well be six goals - maybe not so evenly shared though.

20.00 Manchester United v Manchester City, Carling Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg, Sky Sports 1/HD1
United have bigger fish but the mixture of youth and experience they once reserved for this competition is now their regular selection. City want this, but their defeat at Everton showed a side that looked unwilling or unable to dig in when they need to - not a good thing when you go to Old Trafford whatever United side you're facing.

Wednesday 20 January

16.00 Egypt v Benin, Africa Cup of Nations Group C, British Eurosport/HD
They may not be in the World Cup but Egypt don't look in the mood to let their grip on this competition loose any time soon. They're already through to the next stage and guaranteed top spot following their win over Nigeria.

16.00 Nigeria v Mozambique, Africa Cup of Nations Group C, British Eurosport 2
A draw will be enough for the Super Eagles, but their one goal win over Benin hasn't really convinced anyone they'll get much further than the quarter finals.

19.00 Milton Keynes Dons v Southampton, Johnstone's Paint Trophy Southern Final 1st Leg, Sky Sports 3
MK Dons look to regain the trophy they won back in 2008. On league form, there's nothing to separate these two - they've both earned 39 points so far in League 1, but of course the Saints started on -10 points. The second leg is on 16 February (ooh, that's Pancake Day!)

19.30 Aston Villa v Blackburn, Carling Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg (1-0), BBC1
James Milner's first half goal gives Villa the advantage. Blackburn had a great result at the weekend whereas Villa did not, so this tie certainly isn't over yet. Just so you know, the away goals rule only comes into effect AFTER extra time - as Burnley found out last season.

19.45 Fiorentina v Lazio, Coppa Italia Quarter Final, ESPN
Lazio, the Cup holders, won 2-1 here at this stage of the competition two years ago. Back then the quarter finals (and the final) were two legged affairs - now only the semis are played over two legs.

20.00 Liverpool v Tottenham, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Will the real Tottenham please stand up... One of the biggest criticisms levelled at Tottenham and their Champions League aspirations has been their inability to go away to the Big Four clubs and win. The last time they managed a victory was against today's opponents back in the 93/94 season. Since then it's been no wins in 65 (SIXTY FIVE) attempts! Today, they not only have the opportunity to put that record behind them, they also have the chance to do the double over Liverpool for the first time in 23 years. Yes, this is exactly what I wrote a week and a half ago.

Thursday 21 January

16.00 Cameroon v Tunisia, Africa Cup of Nations, British Eurosport/HD
A very close group with everything still to play for. Despite losing to Gabon, a draw will be enough for Cameroon. Tunisia need the win.

16.00 Gabon v Zambia, Africa Cup of Nations, British Eurosport 2
As above, Gabon need only a draw to go through, but they'll want the win to finish top and avoid Egypt in their next game. Zambia can still go through with a win.