World Cup TV Preview: 10-11 July

Saturday 10th July

19:30 Uruguay v Germany, FIFA World Cup 3rd/4th Place Play-Off, ITV1/HD
The penultimate match of the 2010 World Cup sees two purveyors of positive football playing in the one game no team really wants to be in.

Four years ago, Germany were here, as now, playing out a 3-1 win over Portugal in front of a grateful home crowd. It was a chance for Joachim Löw – then assistant coach to Jürgen Klinsmann – and his team to bid a fond farewell to their supporters after an excellent but ultimately fruitless campaign.

Four years on, support for the Germans will be much smaller in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – come to think of it, support in general will probably by much smaller In that stadium – but at least there'll be one last chance for the lesser used members of both squads to have one final run out in pursuit of a FIFA bronze medal.

Sunday 11th July

19:30 Netherlands v Spain, FIFA World Cup Final, BBC1/HD and ITV1/HD
How strange does that last line look, eh? Two strangers to the World Cup Final go head-to-head in Johannesburg for the right to become the eighth country to lift that gold (but not solid gold, you understand) trophy.

And what a World Cup it's been. A slow start for many, except England who, it could be argued, didn't start at all, but one which gradually built to a fascinating and exciting conclusion. Strange to think that both of the finalists from 2006 were eliminated in the First Round this year, but that only helped the Dutch and Spanish to pace out their route to the Final with absolute perfection.

So many bits of trivia surround this Final that we could be here forever relaying them to you. Perhaps the two that will make your mind boggle most are that the Netherlands could become only the second team after Brazil in 1970 to win all of their qualifying and finals matches in one campaign, and that Spain have lost only twice in their last 54 international matches.

Though both teams have toned down their gung-ho, super-slick, fast passing game in this competition, they still have plenty to offer in the way of world-class players and tactical capability. If your appetite hasn’t already been whetted for this match, frankly you shouldn't even be reading this TV Preview. This is what we've all been waiting for – the biggest event in football, bar none.

Enjoy…



denotes match to be covered by The Sound of Football Podcast.

World Cup TV Preview: 2 - 3 July

Friday 2 July

15.00 Netherlands v Brazil, Quarter Final, ITV1/ITVHD
I have an uneasy feeling about this one; I reckon this could turn really ugly. What on paper should be an amazing game will be broken up in moments of handbags and simulation. Annoying and frustrating but if it's only slightly peppered with moments of absolute genius, we might just forgive it. We don't need to tell you to try and sneak out of work early for this, do we.

19.30 Uruguay v Ghana, Quarter Final, ITV1/ITVHD
Plain fact: one of these teams will be in a World Cup semi-final - and this isn't down to luck of the draw, it's down to them going out and performing well against strong teams and getting the result. I had serious misgivings about Ghana before the tournament: their best players either unfit or out of form and despite getting to the final of the African Cup of Nations not really convincing along the way. For Uruguay, the Diego Forlan fairytale goes on. Should provide good entertainment; we have thrown around ideas of doing a Sound of Football podcast about this live from Socrates 5 - but don't be surprised if it doesn't surface.

Saturday 3 July

15.00 Argentina v Germany, Quarter Final, BBC1/BBCHD
This is going to be superb. Trust me. If both teams are on their game this could be one of those all-time World Cup classics. No goals, penalties and three sending offs it is then.

19.30 Paraguay v Spain, Quarter Final, BBC1/BBCHD
Earlier this week, I was tempted by a 73/4 bet on it being all-South American semi-finals - the only thing that stopped me was this one. That said, Paraguay have been extremly well organised defensively and haven't conceded since Daniele De Rossi's goal in the opening game. Like Portugal though they could find any cracks will be exposed by a Spanish team growing in confidence. A good footballing game but maybe not the most entertaining.

World Cup TV Preview: 28 - 29 June 2010

Monday 28th June

15:00 Netherlands v Slovakia, FIFA World Cup Last 16, BBC1/BBCHD
Slovakia were mighty impressive in dumping Italy out of the competition so conclusively last Thursday, but that aside, one has to wonder whether they're really that good *all* the time. A 1-1 draw against New Zealand and a 2-0 defeat against the Paraguayans suggests they were a little lucky to finish top, but this Second Round match against a decent Dutch side will be a true test of the Slovakians real quality. And the winner of this match will play...

19:30 Brazil v Chile, FIFA World Cup Last 16, ITV1/ITVHD
...the winner of this one in the quarter finals next Friday. A thumb through the history books suggests Chile might run out of luck against the Brazilians but they've been playing exciting, attacking football which might just catch Dunga's men out if they're not 100% focused. For the sake of the Seleção, one can only hope they're more motivated than in the tediumfest against Portugal the other day. The less of that kind of thing we see, the better.

Tuesday 29th June

15:00 Paraguay v Japan, FIFA World Cup Last 16, ITV1/ITVHD
On paper, not the most appealing of the Last 16 games but both teams have won the crowd over by playing a brand of football that's rather pleasing on the eye. Japan are transformed from the team that shot itself in the foot against England in a friendly just before the World Cup started while Paraguay are showing why they only finished one point behind Brazil in qualifying.  Should your boss be in a benevolent enough mood to let you go home early on Tuesday afternoon, you'll do much worse than to spend the time watching this.

19:30 Spain v Portugal, FIFA World Cup Last 16, BBC1/BBCHD
There's also the added incentive that whoever wins between Japan and Paraguay will play the winners of this match in the last eight. Portugal have it all to prove and won't have convinced anyone with their 7-0 demolition of the North Koreans. This clash of the Iberian heavyweights will, if nothing else, confirm Spain's credentials as potential tournament winners and Portugal's credentials as talented individuals that are ultimately destined to exit at a relatively early stage of the procedings. Unless Ronaldo can contrive to add to his one goal haul so far, that is...

denotes a match you may wish to leave work early to see.

denotes match to be covered by The Sound of Football Podcast.

World Cup TV Preview: 26 - 27 June

Saturday 26th June

15:00 Uruguay v South Korea, World Cup Last 16, ITV1/HD
Graham and I were having a conversation in the pub the other night about Diego Forlan. We reckoned that he has timed his career peak perfectly. A fantasic season for Atletico was topped off with a Europa League win. Now he is the focal point of an excellent Uruguay team. To an extent, by making it to the Second Round, the Korean's job is done. They can go home with their heads held high. This will make them dangerous opponents. Reeally looking forward to this one.

19:30 USA v Ghana, World Cup Last 16, ITV1/HD
If Ghana had some decent finishers they'd be playing England tomorrow. As it is, they have to find their way through Watford's Jay Demerit. Now you'd think that would be easy but England couldn't do it. The US is a football nation on the rise and are bound to win a World Cup one day. As for today, I fancy them to overcome the Ghanians but it will be veeery close.

Sunday 27th June

15:00 Germany v England, World Cup Last 16, BBC1/HD
Assuming England build upon their performance they should be able to exploit the spaces left by Germany's perpetual motion attack led by the irrepressible Mesut Özil. I defy any neutral to predict the winner of this game. However, as somone who has watched a lot of Bundesliga and Premier League, I believe that England will win... or possibly Germany.

19:30 Argentina v Mexico, World Cup Last 16, BBC1/HD
The Big One. A replay of that magnificent game in 2006. To be frank, I've only seen Mexico once so am not in a position to judge their prospects, but in Cuauhtémoc Blanco they have a History Man in the making. Mind you, Argentina have Martin Palermo who very much fills that role of unlikely veteran hero. Plus all those other players that are pretty tasty.

denotes match to be covered by The Sound of Football Podcast.

World Cup TV Preview: 24 - 25 June

Thursday 24 June

15.00 Paraguay v New Zealand, Group F, ITV4
Do the All Whites have anything left in the tank for this final group game? Irrespective of the result, New Zealand can leave this tournament with their heads high after battling performances against Slovakia and the holders Italy. A point is enough for Paraguay; three points for underdogs would provide one of the greatest World Cup fairy tales ever. Pop quiz: One of only two all-southern hemisphere ties in the group stage. Can you name the other?

15.00 Slovakia v Italy, Group F, ITV1/ITVHD
Both sides need the win. A draw favours Italy but sees them vulnerable if New Zealand get anything out of their game with Paraguay. Abacuses at the ready folks - this group could come down to drawing lots.

19.30 Cameroon v Netherlands, Group E, BBC1/BBCHD
"I know, let's put the dead rubber on HD, and consign the important game to BBC3." Thank you, Public Service Broadcaster. Gah!

19.30 Denmark v Japan, Group E, BBC3
World player of the Year 2013 Nicklas Bendter is a doubt in this winner takes all encounter with a groin strain. Probably been watching too many repeats of his goal against Cameroon. A draw and it's Japan that goes through. I'm still waiting for Keisuke Honda to live up to his family name and give someone a hundred hand slap (press any punch repeatedly).

Friday 25 June

15.00 North Korea v Ivory Coast, Group G, BBC Interactive
With every goal Portugal scored against North Korea on Monday, Ivory Coast's chances of staying in the tournament diminished. The only scenario that sees them through is a win here and a win for Brazil against Portugal with a combined goal margin of 10 (DIX). That's not going to happen but could see some incredible attacking play if the Portugese go a couple of goals down in Durban.

15.00 Portugal v Brazil, Group G, BBC1/BBCHD
This plum tie (on paper at least) sadly looks like seeing this group out with a whimper rather than a bang as all Portugal really need to do is avoid a big defeat. With Brazil already through though, it's unlikely that Dunga's pragmatic side will bust a gut for the win.

19.30 Chile v Spain, Group H, ITV1/ITVHD
Simple equation for Spain: win and they're through which will be harsh on the Chileans who have provided some great entertainment in this tournament and could fail to qualify despite winning both their openers. Tournament football can be a cruel mistress.

19.30 Switzerland v Honduras, Group H, ITV4
Any win will do (mostly speaking) for the Swiss. There's still a tiny hope for Honduras, but it requires Spain to lose to Chile. Try not to worry who's going through and who isn't during the game - it'll only confuse you.

denotes a match you may wish to leave work early to see.

World Cup TV Preview: 21 - 23 June

Monday 21st June

12:30 Portugal v North Korea, FIFA World Cup Group G, BBC1/BBC HD
44 years on and the acheivements of Pak Doo-Ik rightly remain undiminished. The question is, can they do it again? A repeat of their performance against the Brazilians suggests they can, even if it means they have to park the battleship again. Sorry - 'bus'.

15:00 Chile v Switzerland, FIFA World Cup Group H, BBC1/BBC HD
Well who'd have thought this would be a key fixture in the group? Both teams won their opening matches, the Swiss doing so by getting their first ever win over Spain last week while Chile played some good football in beating Honduras. Should be a fascinating contrast in football styles.

19:30 Spain v Honduras, FIFA World Cup Group H, ITV1/ITV HD
Meanwhile at the bottom of the group (WTF?) Del Bosque's men will be looking to bounce back by handing out a sound thrashing to the minnows from CONCACAF. Then again, the way this World Cup's panning out for the big European nations, we wouldn't bet on it.

Tuesday 22nd June

15:00 France v South Africa, FIFA World Cup Group A, ITV1/ITV HD
We know the French are always going on strike, but this is ridiculous... A lack of admiration for the coach is one thing, but surely Ribery & Co. have to do their best for the sake of their country and fans? What do the hosts care - this could be a great chance for them to grab three points and potentially go through...

15:00 Mexico v Uruguay, FIFA World Cup Group A, ITV4
...although a draw here will stop any such ambitions on the part of the South Africans. It'll be a shame for the competition if it is, but sadly these two have just shaded it in terms of quality football where Group A's concerned.

19:30 Greece v Argentina, FIFA World Cup Group B, BBC1/BBC HD
Full credit to Greece. Everyone thought they were reverting to type after going 1-0 down to Nigeria in their second match, but with the aid of Sani Kaita's sending off they managed to come out of it with all three points in the bag. The best they can hope for in this match, however, is a repeat performance of Maradona's eyeball-popping goal celebration against the Greeks in World Cup '94. Come on Diego - do it one more time for us, just for old time's sake...

19:30 Nigeria v South Korea, FIFA World Cup Group B, BBC3
A draw might be just about good enough for the South Koreans, but they'll be taking nothing for granted. They'll be playing for the win, as will Nigeria who could (technically) make the knockout stages as long as they can win this one by a big margin. Unlikely in all probability given the Korean's impressive organisation and tenaciousness.

Wednesday 23rd June

15:00 Slovenia v England, FIFA World Cup Group C, BBC1/BBC HD
Once again an England World Cup campaign dissolves into farce and abject disappointment. There are so many issues hanging over Capello and his squad, it's ridiculous. We may never know how a once settled and increasingly impressive team have been reduced to the shambling mess we're now seeing, and as such we reserve the right to expect the worst against a team that, frighteningly, are better than the Algerians. You may wish to think twice about booking the day off work, if you haven't already.

15:00 USA v Algeria, FIFA World Cup Group C, BBC Interactive
By pressing the red button, however, you can escape the tension/misery/frustration* (*delete as appropriate) and watch two other countries going through the emotional wringer in an equally important Group C decider.

19:30 Australia v Serbia, FIFA World Cup Group D, ITV4
The Aussies have had a man sent off in both their previous matches so far and will be hoping at the very least to finish this one with all eleven on the pitch. Serbia, meanwhile, are a bit of a mystery having beaten Germany 1-0 and lost by the same score to Ghana. Should be an open game and one that neither side will want to draw. If they do, they could both be on the plane home pronto.

19:30 Ghana v Germany, FIFA World Cup Group D, ITV1/ITV HD
Germany's defeat to Serbia was their first in a World Cup group stage since 1986, and if this turns out to be their second it could unthinkably mean Germany are out of the competition before the knockout phase. They'll be without Miroslav Klose which won't help, so expect a nervy 90 minutes in which the Africans will undoubtedly be giving it their best shot.

denotes a match you may wish to leave work early to see.

World Cup TV Preview: 19 - 20 June

Saturday 19th June

12:30 Netherlands v Japan, FIFA World Cup Group E, ITV1/HD
A pre-tournament turkey shoot has now become a dangerous encounter with a dark horse for the Dutch. Having said that, the Netherlands were pretty average against Denmark and still contrived a result. Reasons for orange confidence then, although the Japanese will be walking on air after their unexpected win against Cameroon. Unfortunately for them, Football is played on grass.

15:00 Ghana v Australia, FIFA World Cup Group D, BBC1/HD
It is almost impossible to imagine how Australia can improve themselves sufficiently to be able to compete with a young and effervescent Ghana side. Their offside trap requires a serious dollop of 3-In-1 oil and the absence of Tim Cahill is going to smart. Harry Kewell could be back though...

19:30 Cameroon v Denmark, FIFA World Cup Group E, ITV1/HD
Back to Group E, then, and the door to the Last Chance Saloon has swung open early for these two teams. Defeat for either and they'll be told to finish their drinks and sling their hook. Victory means they can stay but they'd better pay up next time. A draw totally ruins my metaphor so let's not dwell on that shall we?

Sunday 20th June

12:30 Slovakia v Paraguay, FIFA World Cup Group F, BBC1/HD
There is a certain degree of unrealised expectations between these two teams. Paraguay enter the fray with greater confidence after a 1-1 draw with the world champions while Slovakia have more than a point against New Zealand to prove. This should be the play-off for second...

15:00 Italy v New Zealand, FIFA World Cup Group F, ITV1/HD
... unless the All Whites pull off the biggest shock in World Cup history and can get something against an unconvincing Italian side. Surely not.

19:30 Brazil v Ivory Coast, FIFA World Cup Group G, BBC1/HD
What to make of the Brazilian performance against the Dear Leader's XI. Were the champions elect suffering from first game malaise with normal service resuming against the Ivorians or can the African team go one better than the Koreans and stop Dunga's team in their tracks. Can't wait to find out!

World Cup TV Preview: 17 - 18 June

Thursday 17 June

12.30 Argentina v South Korea, Group B, ITV1/ITVHD
South Korea's display against Greece was one of the best from the first round of fixtures. However that was at sea level and this one is almost 6,000 feet higher. The Argentinians have already played at Jo'burg's other venue, Ellis Park, beating an obviously ill-prepared Nigeria but respecting the conditions (no doubt mindful of recent altitude defeats to Ecuador and of course the 6-1 drubbing lowly Bolivia gave them). Should provide an entertaining encounter, well worth taking an extended lunch break for.

15.00 Greece v Nigeria, Group B, BBC1/BBCHD
While both teams lost their opening fixtures they'll enter this in polar opposite states of mind. Nigeria can only benefit from getting their toughest game over with first and meeting the seemingly clueless Greeks could kick-start their campaign. Greece offered little in their defeat to South Korea and it's hard to see how the the introduction of Liverpool's Sotiris Kyrgiakos in defence will greatly improve them. A result either way could see the first team eliminated from the competition.

19.30 France v Mexico, Group A, BBC1/BBCHD
If I could find it in me to care, I'd be worried for France. Their body language and play says to me they hate each other and their manager - it's like watching a 1990's Dutch side. Mexico did better than they've got credit for against an under-rated host, a vociferous home crowd and the sheer weight of history in their opening draw and could take advantage of the French. But the Mexicans still look shaky at the back and players of huge individual attacking skill like a lively looking Franck Ribery could make them pay.


Friday 18 June

12.30 Germany v Serbia, Group D, BBC1/BBCHD
Critics of the controversial Jabulani ball will see Germany's 4-0 demolition of Australia as evidence of the ball's eccentricities. Played at sea-level with a ball that many Bundesliga clubs have used in the second half of the season, Germany seemed the most calm and assured side during the first round of fixtures - and the result stands out. It mustn't be forgotten, however, that Germany start World Cups well - scoring four or more in four of the their last six openers. Serbia will provide a sterner test as they look to recover from their defeat to Ghana.

15.00 Slovenia v USA, Group C, BBC1/BBCHD
Both teams will be happy with their starts to their World Cup but both will need to improve if they are to progress. Slovenia huffed and puffed their way to a narrow win over an unconvincing 10-man Algeria, while USA of course capitalised on a goalkeeping error to snatch a point against a one-dimensional England side. A draw here wouldn't be the end of the world for either side and is, in my opinion, the likeliest outcome.

19.30 England v Algeria, Group C, ITV1/ITVHD
They won't screw this one up, will they?




denotes match to be covered by The Sound of Football Podcast.

denotes match we recommend you take a long liquid lunch break for. 


(All times - UK.)

World Cup TV Preview: 11 - 13 June

Friday 11th June

15:00 South Africa v Mexico, FIFA World Cup Group A, ITV1/HD
Hallo everyone and welcome back to the famous Some People Are On The Pitch TV Previews. Well, here it is - the World Cup. At bloody last! Kicking off proceedings are the hosts who need every ounce of support behind them from their adoring public. ITV are your hosts for this tournament opener as we prepare ourselves for that constant droning buzzing noise that will become synonymous with South Africa 2010. At first, you'll find the din irritating but give it time and soon you'll get used to Clive Tyldesley. Boom boom!

19:30 Uruguay v France, FIFA World Cup Group A, BBC1/HD
Auntie Beeb kicks off her coverage with the grandfather of the World Cup, Uruguay. The two times world champions just scraped into the Finals in a play-off and outside Montevideo, little is expected of them. However, in Diego Forlan they have one of La Liga's finest (assuming he is fit to play) and will be tough hombres. France, as we all would have read in the tabloids, are ball-handling, surrender eating cheese monkeys with a comical manager and a divided squad. That's as maybe but it's not going to stop them from winning the group.

Saturday 12th June

12:30 South Korea v Greece, FIFA World Cup Group B, ITV1/HD
An intriguing if not uber-glamorous encounter between two teams with their eyes on second spot. It's maybe a cliche but there are no easy games in this group and no obvious runner-up to Argentina. In our Sound of Football World Cup Preview Podcast we predicted that Greece would finish second and I fancy Bundesbag favorite 'Fanis Geikas to shock the world of football with a brace.

15:00 Argentina v Nigeria, FIFA World Cup Group B, BBC1/HD
The west Africans will have a lot of support for in South Africa and they may well need it. Argentina may have more question marks around them than the Riddler's wardrobe but few are expecting them to make a hash of the group stage. The big question for us outsiders is 'will he play Higuain or Milito'?

19:30 England v USA, FIFA World Cup Group C, ITV1/HD
If England lose this game I can see them salvaging the group with wins against Algeria and Slovenia. If USA lose I can see them dropping points against Slovenia before facing Algeria in a fight for their lives. In my book there's more pressure on the States. Not that that will stop me from drinking large amounts of alchohol while watching the game through a pillow.

Sunday 13th June

12:30 Algeria v Slovenia, FIFA World Cup Group C, BBC1/HD
These lunchtime slots seem to be reserved for the more defensive minded fixtures don't they? Algeria are bus-parkers while Slovenia have only a little more about them. A second half Milivoje Novakovic goal could be enough to settle this one.

15:00 Serbia v Ghana, FIFA World Cup Group D, ITV1/HD
Here we go then - our first chance to see Serbia's Milos Krasic in full flight. If all goes according to plan the CSKA Mocow player will be hot-footing it to Spain after a successful World Cup. Ghana are shorn of Essien and are relying on the young squad that got them to the Africa Cup Of Nations Final earlier in the year.

19:30 Germany v Australia, FIFA World Cup Group D, ITV1/HD
Much like the arrival of Krasic on the world stage, Bundesliga fans can't wait to see what Germany's Mesut Osil can do. We'll get a better indication of whether the Bremen midfielder has the stuff to reach the top after he pits his skill against a resilient, if creaky, Australia side.

denotes match to be covered by The Sound of Football Podcast.

Midweek TV Preview: 24 - 26 May 2010

Monday 24th May

20:00 England v Mexico, International Friendly, ITV1/ITV HD
Every time England qualifies for a major tournament, a nation expects - expects most of its players to pick up metatarsal injuries beforehand, that is. Who'd have thought our very own Wembley Stadium pitch would ensure that'll probably be the case ahead of World Cup 2010? Tune in tonight to find out which players have their hopes of boarding the plane to South Africa go up in smoke.

22:00 Argentina v Canada, International Friendly, ESPN
Maradona didn't want to play this match so close to the World Cup as he felt the opposition weren't relevant or of sufficient enough standard. As it turned out, the AFA overruled him as they needed an excuse to celebrate Argentina's 200th anniversary of independence from Spain. Bad luck Diego... now just win the match for your sake and that of all your countrymen.

Tuesday 25th May

19:45 Republic of Ireland v Paraguay, International Friendly, Sky Sports 1
Paraguay aim to get a flavour of what it's like to play against tricky European opposition. Italy awaits in the World Cup, so what better than to get the next best thing - a national team with an Italian head coach.

01:00 (Wednesday) USA v Czech Republic, International Friendly, ESPN
The USMNT, meanwhile, test their mettle against a team of Slovenia doppelgangers in Connecticut. Bob Bradley has many an injury worry amongst his defence so by default this might be a good time for him to try out an attacking formation. Neither team has won many games of any sort for a long time, so there's much potential here for one of the parties to be cheered up by a win.

Wednesday 26th May

11:00 TBC, J League Cup, British Eurosport 2
At time of going to press, we're not aware of which game will be shown and that, we think, is because British Eurosport 2 are still trying to pick the best match from an uninspiring bunch. Needless to say that FC Tokyo are leading Group A and Urawa Reds are at the top of Group B. Consider yourselves informed.

Weekend TV Preview: 22 - 23 May 2010

Saturday 22nd May

15:00 Blackpool v Cardiff City, Championship Play-Off Final, Sky Sports 1 / HD1
OK, I admit - I did rather jump the gun when I said these TV Previews had effectively reached an end two weeks ago, but it didn't look like there was much live football left on telly between then and the World Cup. Just goes to show how wrong you can be. Anyway, here's one of only three live games this weekend and we're betting each of the other 19 Premier League managers are keeping their fingers crossed that they get a day out at the seaside next year. Not that there's anything wrong with Cardiff, mind you. It's just... well, you know.

19:45 Bayern Munich v Inter Milan, UEFA Champions League Final, ITV1/ITV HD/Sky Sports 1/HD1
On a Saturday night! Yes, all the little kiddy-winkies across UK will finally get the chance to see a Champions League Final because unlike those midweek Finals, they'll now be able to stay up beyond 8pm. Yeah right...

And here this! Graham and I will be recording a special Sound of Football podcast before, during and after the Champions League Final using a special technique known as 'recording three smaller podcasts and joining them together to make one big one'. It'll be available via the SOF blogsite and on iTunes shortly after the final whistle's blown, so don't forget to look out for it and enjoy the fruits of our labour.

Sunday 23rd May

18:00 Croatia v Wales, International Friendly, S4C
Finally, it's off to Osijek for a friendly featuring a Welsh side missing 15 first-choice players including Simon Davies, James Collins, Craig Bellamy and many more. John Toshack will take a squad of only 17 with him to Croatia which, if nothing else, means a bit more space to spread out on the team bus.

Midweek TV Preview: 17 - 20 May 2010

Monday 17th May

19:45 Charlton Athletic v Swindon Town, League One Play-Off Semi-Final 2nd leg, Sky Sports 1/HD1 (2-1 to Swindon in the 1st leg)
That sound you hear is the last knockings of the domestic football season coming to an end around Europe. That doesn't make the remaining games any less important, mind - quite the contrary. A cavalcade of drama and excitement awaits those wise enough to tune into the League 1 and 2 Play Off Semi-Finals, starting at the Valley. But for a ricket by Swindon 'keeper David Lucas, The Robins would have travelled to the Addicks with a two goal advantage and one foot on the not-so-hallowed Wembley turf.

Tuesday 18th May

19:45 Millwall v Huddersfield Town, League One Play-Off Semi-Final 2nd leg, Sky Sports 1/HD1 (0-0 in the 1st leg)
A full house at The Den with the whole season hanging on the right result. Should be a colourful occasion to say the least.

Wednesday 19th May

19:45 Rotherham United v Aldershot Town, League Two Play-Off Semi-Final 2nd leg, Sky Sports 1/HD1 (1-0 to Rotherham in the 1st leg)
Two former crisis clubs meet with the tie on a knife edge. Millers fans will know that a one goal lead means nothing. Promises to be a moderately less than awful atmosphere at the Don Valley Stadium.

20:30 Sevilla v Atletico Madrid, Copa Del Rey Final, Sky Sports 3/HD3
Atleti seek to turn a dreadful season on its head with a cup double. Sevilla may prove slightly tougher opposition than a Fulham side which was dead on its feet.

Thursday 20th May

19:45 Morecambe v Dagenham & Redbridge, League Two Play-Off Semi-Final 2nd leg, Sky Sports 1/HD1 (6 (SIX) - 0 to Dagenham & Redbridge in the 1st leg)
"Morecambe need to pull off the greatest comeback since me." - Lazarus

Weekend TV Preview: 14 - 16 May 2010

Friday 14 May

19.45 Swindon Town v Charlton Athletic, League One Play Off Semi Final 1st Leg, Sky Sports 2/HD2
Well contrary to what Chris O said in the last preview there's still plenty of football left in this season and nearly all of it is on the box. First off is this tasty offering with two teams that both spent a few minutes in the automatic promotion spot during the last round of matches in the regular season. As we've seen this week, end of season form and final league placing count for very little in the play-offs. The two league meetings between the clubs ended in draws, the unlikeliest of which happened on Boxing Day where Charlton played the second half with nine men but still managed to get a last minute equaliser. Second Leg is on Monday.

Saturday 15 May

06.00 FC Tokyo v Shimizu S Pulse, J League, British Eurosport 2
S-pulse hold top spot,
But lost their first game last week.
Too early for me

12.15 Huddersfield Town v Millwall, League One Play Off Semi Final 1st Leg, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Millwall came closest to snatching Leeds' automatic spot. How close? Well if they'd managed to get a goal against today's opponents in their fixture last month, they would have finished with an identical record to Leeds - even down to goals scored. I fancy The Terriers for this one. Second Leg is on Tuesday.

15.00 Chelsea v Portsmouth, FA Cup Final, ITV1/ITV HD
Of course, in all this football there's the matter of the FA Cup Final that needs to be resolved. More opportunity for Didier Drogba to comically flounce around the pitch like an idiot - only this time with Jim Beglin commentating. I might give it a miss to be honest.

15.00 Ross County v Dundee United, Scottish Cup Final, Sky Sports 1/HD1/BBC1 Scotland
You know what? I might watch this instead. Then again the weather forecast is good - maybe I'll go to the seaside.

18.00 Aldershot v Rotherham, League Two Play Off Semi Final 1st Leg, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Just one point separated the four teams in the play-off places, so to use a much-quoted saying from the past week, none of them can claim a clear mandate for promotion. Second Leg is Wednesday.

19.45 AC Milan v Juventus, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD
Not being played with the rest of the final round of fixtures but there's nothing to play for here. Milan are almost certainly guaranteed third while Juve can't do any better or worse than seventh. Officially Leonardo's last game in charge. Both teams will certainly be looking for better things next season.

21.00 Almeria v Sevilla, La Liga, Sky Sports 3/HD3
Sevilla need to win to hold on to fourth place, Mallorca kick off their match at home to Espanyol at the same time. The islanders are a point behind, and their head to head (the system La Liga use if teams are level on points) is one win each, with an aggregate of 3-3. I have to be honest - my knowledge doesn't stretch to know if away goals count in that. I'm sure the good people at Sky will keep us all apprised.

Sunday 16 May

13.30 Siena v Inter Milan, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD
Only relegated Siena stand in the way of yet another Scudetto for Mourinho and Inter. Roma live in hope of a miracle as they travel to Verona to play mid-table Chievo. Hopefully ESPN will be cutting across the games as the goals go in as they did for the last day of the Bundesliga. Look out for updates from Palermo - if they win and Samp fail to beat Napoli, they'll steal the fourth Champions League spot.

13.30 Dagenham & Redbridge v Morecambe, League Two Play Off Semi Final 1st Leg, Sky Sports 1/HD1
These sides came up from the Conference together in 2007 and there's very little to separate them on results since their promotion. Second Leg is on Thursday.

15.00 Brechin City v Cowdenbeath, Scottish First Division Play Off Final 2nd Leg (0-0), BBC ALBA
Unlike the naming convention south of the border, this is to see who will play in the First Division next season rather than where they play at the moment. As is the way of play-offs in both countries these two were the lowest placed of the four teams that went into them. Commentary, of course, is in Scottish Gaelic.

17.00 Augsburg v Nurnburg, Bundesliga Promotion/Relegation Play Off 2nd Leg (0-1), ESPN
Second part of an all-Bavarian affair with a late Christian Eigler goal separating the two sides. Augsburg are looking to get into the top flight for the first time while Nurnburg are looking to hold on to the place they only won back last season.

17.00 Oxford United v York City, Blue Square Play Off Final, Sky Sports 2/HD2
Putting the post-match shenanigans at Luton behind them, York will be looking to improve on their last trip to the new Wembley - their 2-0 defeat to Stevenage in last year's FA Trophy. Both sides went out at this stage the last time they were in the play-offs in 2007, so at least one of them will do better here.

18.00 Barcelona v Valladolid, La Liga, Sky Sports 3/HD3
Much like in Serie A the chasing team (this time Real Madrid) are praying for a miracle. At least this time around Valladolid have something to fight for being amongst four teams on 36 points - two of which will go down ...

18.00 Malaga v Real Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 3/HD3 (via Red Button)
... Malaga being one of the others. Tense but ultimately futile stuff.

Midweek TV Preview: 11 - 12 May 2010

Tuesday 11th May

15:15 Spartak Nalchik v Lokomotiv Moscow, Russian Premier League, ESPN
A bit of a sad occasion, this. What you're reading is probably our last TV Preview of the season (at least one of any real substance) now that all the cups and medals have been handed out. There will, of course, be the odd Cup Final and Japanese A-League curio cropping up on the box from time to time, but until the World Cup rolls around, this is it for now. We begin with a mid-afternoon kick-off between the teams currently 2nd and 9th in the RPL, both of whom are looking to bounce back from midweek defeats.

19:45 Nottingham Forest v Blackpool, Championship Play-off Semi Final 2nd Leg, Sky Sports 2/HD2
Blackpool visit the City Ground with a 2-1 lead from the first leg and what a hum-dinger it was. Ian Holloway's side had to come back from 1-0 behind, but come back they did leaving everyone totally confused as to who will reach the play-off final. Holloway was asked if Blackpool were ready to take their place in the Premier League, his answer being "I've got to get there and I don't care if we take a thumping week in, week out, I don't care". You say that now, Ian...

Wednesday 12th May

10:30 Last 16 match, AFC Champions League, British Eurosport 2
No specifics on who we'll see but out of the last 16, Australia and Japan only have one representative remaining (Adelaide United and Kashima Antlers respectively). Our money's on the Final being between an Iranian team and a South Korean one... just don't ask us which ones.

19:45 Atletico Madrid v Fulham, UEFA Europa League Final, Five
The moment of truth has arrived for Roy Hodgson and his band of merry men and only a volcanic ash cloud can delay the inevitable humiliation Atletico Madrid will receive at Fulham's hands. Bullish talk, we know, but surely justified on the basis of The Cottagers' achievements this season. Good luck, Fulham, but we've a feeling you won't need it.

19:45 Cardiff City v Leicester City, Championship Play-off Semi Final 2nd Leg, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Leicester suffered the ignominy of a late-conceded Peter Whittingham goal in the first leg, leaving Nigel Pearson to rue a series of missed chances and Alan Wiley's notably iffy refereeing. Advantage Cardiff, then, as the Bluebirds attempt to end the tie as a contest in front of a home crowd.

Weekend TV Preview: 8 - 9 May 2010

Saturday 8th May

12:30 Kilmarnock v Falkirk, Scottish Premier League, Sky Sports 3/HD3
Blimus! It turns out that this is a relegation shoot-out. Falkirk are bottom and need to beat Killie to overhaul their opponents in their stead. Just like Wednesday v Palace last week. Should be a nerve shredder.

12:45 Blackpool v Nottingham Forest, Championship Play-Off Semi-Final 1st leg, Sky Sports 1/HD1
The play-off, post-season bonanza gets underway with a trip to the seaside. The Tangerines are late entrants into the play-off picture which makes them a good outside bet spend next season getting mercilessly shoed in the Premier League. Having said that, Forest boss Billy Davies' is experienced in these matters and will be setting his team up for a solid 1-0 win.

14:30 Hertha Berlin v Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, ESPN
Yes indeed folks, live league football on a Saturday afternoon. Now we get to know how international fans feel. The action will be focused on the crowning of Champions elect Bayern Munich in the capital. However, ESPN have promised to keep us informed with all the doings up and down the league. Look out for Bremen v Hamburg, 'Gladbach v Leverkusen and Freiburg v Dortmund where the European places will be decided. At the bottom, Bochum v Hannover promises to be the six pointer (sechs punkter) to end them all.

15:00 Barrow AFC v Stevenage Borough, FA Trophy Final, ITV4
ITV4 is an odd channel. They seem to be hell bent on picking up random sporting events to slot in between repeats of The Sweeney and World's Funniest Drunk Drivers. Like the IPL, for instance. I mean cricket, on ITV, quite absurd! And now they've picked up a non league match, no doubt for an absolute song. Mind you, if the coverage is fronted by Mandira Bedi, the Bollywood actress with the big eyes who anchored the IPL then it may be worth tuning in to. Am I right fellas? Woof!

20:00 Sevilla v Barcelona, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4
The penultimate round of the Lager Liga season. Barca need to keep winning in order to fend off Real Madrid, while Sevilla need to do like wise to maintain their Champions League spot.

Sunday 9th May

13:15 Leicester City v Cardiff City, Championship Play-Off, Semi-Final 1st Leg, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Cardiff launch their bid to become the first Welsh team to play in the Premier League against a handy Leicester team who, themselves, were playing in League 1 last season.

13:30 Rangers v Motherwell, Scottish Premier League, Sky Sports 3/HD3
The Rangers players are measuring up their Hawaiian shirts, their manager is using his office waste paper bin for a basketball hoop and Motherwell are on a mission to qualify for the Europa League. Despite this, I wouldn't bet against a home win.

13:30 Hearts v Celtic, Scottish Premier League, ESPN/HD
Neither team are going anywhere. Nothing to see here.

16:00 Chelsea v Wigan Athletic, Barclays Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1
It's time! The wait is over! Judgement Day is upon us! Can the Blues of London fight of the Devil's breath and clinch the coveted Premier League Trophy. Or will the brave underdogs of Wigan overcome the odds to wrestle away the baton of fate and hand it to the men from Manchester?

16:00 Manchester United v Stoke City, Barclays Premier League, Sky Sports 3/HD3
No.

16:00 Burnley v Tottenham Hotspur, Barclays Premier League, ESPN/HD
Meanwhile, the Mouse is stuck with this zombiefied rubber. An away win may put Spurs in third if Arsenal lose. But that would require the Tottenham players bringing themselves back to Earth for 90 minutes following their ludicrous, league winning style, celebrations after finishing fourth and winning the right to get knocked out by Lyon in a Champions League qualifier this August.

18:55 Benfica v Rio Ave, Portuguese League, ESPN
With no Lager Liga to see out the weekend, relax instead by watching Benfica win the title. They only need a point.

All Serie A matches are scheduled for 2pm on Sunday. At the time of writing, ESPN had not announced their broadcasting plans.

Midweek TV Preview: 4 - 6 May 2010

(All times - UK)

Tuesday 4 May

19.00 Barcelona v Tenerife, La Liga, Sky Sports 2/HD2
Three wins in the last four have given Tenerife real hope of staying up - defeat here won't be the end of the world but they'll need to put in a good performance to maintain momentum.

19.45 Celtic v Rangers, SPL, Sky Sports 3/HD3
A chance for Celtic to salvage some pride or a chance for the champions to really rub it in.

21.00 Valencia v Xerez, La Liga, Sky Sports 2/HD2
The teams in the bottom three have turned things around a bit recently making the bottom half of the table incredibly tight. Xerez are bottom, though, and unlikely to escape.

Wednesday 5 May

19.30 Hamilton v St Mirren, SPL, ESPN/ESPN HD
St Mirren could use an extra point or two to put distance between them and the bottom two but haven't managed a goal against Academicals in their three games this season.

19.45 Motherwell v Hibernian, SPL, Sky Sports 3/HD3
Why is this on telly? Who cares?

20.00 Man City v Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Sky Sports 2/HD2
The last truly competitive match of the Premier League season is the fourth place play-off. City need to win to stand a chance of reaching the Champions League; a win for Spurs secures it for them. Probably the best match between now and the World Cup.

21.00 Real Mallorca v Real Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4
A tough trip for Madrid - they need maximum points here but Mallorca are fighting to keep hold of fourth place. Madrid need maximum points from their last three games to hope to take the title - even then they'll be hoping Sevilla do them a favour next weekend.

Thursday 6 May

11.15 Rubin Kazan v Sibir Novosibirsk, Russian Premier League, ESPN
After eight games the Russian League is already a quarter of the way through. The champions have struggled in front of goal but are still unbeaten. Sibir managed just their first win of the season last time out and are rooted to the bottom.

15.45 Zenit St Peterburg v Spartak Nalchik, Russian Premier League, ESPN
Only goal difference separates these two at the top of the table with Spartak just edging it. Both sides are very tight in defence so don't expect a lot of goals. After this there'll be just two games until the mid-season break.

Weekend TV Preview: 1 - 3 May 2010

Saturday 1st May

07:00 Vegalta Sendai v Cerezo Osaka , J League, British Eurosport 2
A clash between two J-League mid-tablers to start off with. This one’s worth getting up early for, if only in the hope of hearing ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ – Vegalta’s theme song as belted out by their fans before every home game. Honestly, this stuff just writes itself sometimes.

12:30 Hibernian v Hearts, SPL, ESPN/ESPN HD
The laughably titled ‘Championship Group’ has opened with both these teams losing both of their opening two games. A win for Hibs in this Edinburgh Derby, however, will keep their hopes of a Europa League place well and truly alive.

12:45 Birmingham City v Burnley, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1
One of the few remaining chances to see Burnley in those shirts with the special Premier League logo on the sleeve. And to think Burnley were 9th in the table when these two last met in October…

16:30 Bangor City v Port Talbot Town, Welsh Cup Final, S4C
“I took my wife to North Wales last week.”
“Bangor?”
“Mind your own business…”

19:45 AC Milan v Fiorentina, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD
Who do you believe… Silvio Berlusconi, who says that Leonardo’s days as Milan coach are numbered, or vice-president Adriano Galliani, who says this is not the case? Such distractions won’t help Milan as they try to nail that last Champions League spot for next season, but Fiorentina look unlikely to take advantage of the situation.

21:00 Villarreal v Barcelona , La Liga, Sky Sports 3 / HD3
It seems the world has now finally reached a consensus on Barca’s purchase of Ibrahimovic: it was a bad move. Him aside, Guardiola’s team should be a full-strength one (or as near as dammit) as they attempt to step up a gear in their title challenge and derail Villarreal’s Champions League aspirations in one fell swoop.

Sunday 2nd May

13:00 Sheffield Wednesday v Crystal Palace, Championship, BBC1/BBC HD
It has come to this. The final day of the Championship season (play-offs notwithstanding) and both these teams are separated by just two points – Wednesday currently one place inside the relegation zone, Palace one place above it. Alan Irvine’s side have to win if they’re to stay up, and for that reason he’ll be playing four men up front (so a Wednesday-supporting friend of mine tells me). Palace, however, will escape the drop if it finishes a draw – not that they’ll be playing for one, we suspect. A large capacity crowd will make this a tremendous occasion for all concerned… but spare a thought for our Terry who’s nerves may be torn to shreds by three o’clock on Sunday afternoon.

13:00 Blackpool v Bristol City, Championship, Sky Sports 2/HD2
Meanwhile at the other end of the table, Blackpool have the chance to reach the promotion play-offs by beating The Robins. A draw will only be good enough if Swansea, one place below Blackpool in the table, lose at home to Doncaster. Could happen…

13:30 NAC Breda v FC Twente, Eredivisie, ESPN/ESPN HD
A last-minute switch by ESPN to focus on the game that could see Steve McLaren elevated to sainthood by a large section of the Dutch football fraternity. His FC Twente side must beat NAC to win the Eredivisie title – a draw could let in Ajax if they themselves beat NEC Nijmegen. So many permutations to tell you about here, so check out the table, sit back and watch the drama unfold. Go Schteve!

13:30 Liverpool v Chelsea, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1/3D
If the Championship or Eredivisie isn’t your bag, the Premier League will be where it’s at on TV this Sunday. A win for Chelsea at Anfield will mean they can go into their last match at Wigan knowing a draw will be good enough to win back the title. But wait a minute – Chelsea have only won three of their last ten games at Anfield. Crikey… isn’t it exciting?

16:00 Sunderland v Man Utd, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Not that this game will be, by all accounts. The last time Sunderland beat Man United in the league Wayne Rooney was only eleven years old. Still, at least it keeps the title race on a rolling boil until next week…

19:45 Lazio v Inter Milan, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD
Was it such a crime that Inter adopted the ultra-defensive approach in order to beat Barcelona? Methinks not. Inter used their technical and tactical superiority to its greatest effect, and if they can’t show such dominance against lowly Lazio then frankly we’ve all been duped.

19:00 Real Madrid v Osasuna (Second Half), La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1
If you haven’t placed your bet on Real to win the league, now might be a good time to do so. They’re just a point behind Barca with four games to go and their run-in suggests a points tally better than their rivals is quite likely come the end of the season. You heard it here first (possibly.)

20:00 Athletic Bilbao v Real Mallorca, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1
On paper, an anti-climactic way to bring your weekend to a close, but in reality these are two sides that play good football and are hoping to play in Europe next season. Expect an above-average match at La Catedral.


Monday 3 May

13.30 Wigan Athletic v Hull City, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD
Wigan get to laugh down their sleeves having escaped relegation against a team that needs to win 17-0 to have a chance of staying up.

15.00 Arsenal v Everton Women's FA Cup Final, Sky Sports 2
Arsenal go for their fifth consecutive cup win - this is their 11th final, they haven't lost one yet.

17.00 Blackburn Rovers v Arsenal, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD
Dead rubber of interest to fans alone.

Midweek TV Preview: 26 - 29 April 2010

(All times UK)

Monday 26th April

20:00 Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion, Championship, Sky Sports 1/HD1
OK so here's the situation: Palace are fourth from bottom, one point above Sheffield Wednesday. If they can beat promoted West Brom they will stay in the league and relegate Wednesday. Any other result means that Palace will have to at least draw their last game at the weekend which happens to be against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. Squeak!

Tuesday 27th April

19:45 Lyon v Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League, Semi-Final 2nd leg (0-1), Sky Sports 2/HD2
Question marks surround the fitness of Bayern's centre back partnership and Ribery is out of sorts. A recipe for a Lyon comeback? I reckon the French team will win on the day but that itself may not be enough to make it to the Final.

Wednesday 28th April

17:00 CSKA Moscow v Zenit, Russian Premier League, ESPN
A nice little taster for those of you who are home by 5pm ahead of the main event tonight. A win for CSKA will put them on top of the table above Spartak Nalchik.

19:45 Barcelona v Inter, UEFA Champions League, Semi Final 2nd leg (1-3). ITV1/HD
One for the chalkboards this. Particularly: number of minutes in which the ball travelled in the direction of the Inter goal and number of complaints from Barca forwards about rough treatment from Inter defenders. Expect Barca to attack attack attack from the start. Can't wait.

Thursday 29th April

20:05 Fulham v Hamburg, UEFA Europa League, Semi-Final 2nd leg (0-0), ITV4
This could be Hamburg coach Bruno Labbadia's final game if he loses this one. Tonked 5-1 by Hoffenheim at the weekend, the Europa League Final hosts travel to west London needing to produce a heroic performance if they're to beat an excellent Fulham side.

20:05 Liverpool v Atletico Madrid, UEFA Europa League, Semi-Final 2nd leg (0-1), Five
Hard to see Liverpool not scoring at Anfield. Alas, I've not seen a single minute of Liverpool in this competition. However, something tells me that this one could go to extra time so here's hoping for a timely resolution at the Cottage.

Weekend TV Preview: 23 - 25 April 2010

Friday 23 April

19.30 VFL Bochum v VFB Stuttgart, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD
Bochum sit with Nurnberg just above the bottom three on goal difference alone. Stuttgart have won five on the spin and are closing down fast on the European spots - a Champions League place is still possible but with just three games to go, unlikely.

Saturday 24 April

12.00 St Johnstone v Aberdeen, SPL, ESPN/ESPN HD
Dead rubber from the SPL post-season. St Mirren v Kilmarnock was the game to cover here.

12.45 Man Utd v Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Spurs have beaten Arsenal and Chelsea so why not lay this old record to bed too? This would be a bigger achievement than both of those results for them.

17.00 Barcelona v Xerez, La Liga, Sky Sports 3/HD3
Another 5 (CINCO) Lager Liga matches this weekend - better get in some extra San Miguel. Barcelona's draw in their local derby last week gave Real a glimmer of hope, but anything less than a comfortable win here would be a real shock.

17.30 Arsenal v Man City, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD
Probably the sort of fixture Arsenal need to fire themselves up instead of just relaxing and settling for third. Do yourself a favour and avoid the yawn-inspiring argle-bargle that will surround this fixture.

19.00 Real Zaragoza v Real Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 3/HD3
Still a bit of a way to go in Spain. Madrid are still playing catch up and will need maximum points - something they haven't achieved on their last three visits here. Zaragoza are being sucked slowly back into the relegation mire.

19.45 Palermo v AC Milan, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD
Two poor results have seen Milan's unlikely title hopes fizzle away. Palermo are still in the hunt for the fourth Champions League spot and with current occupiers Sampdoria away to league leaders Roma tomorrow, this could be the best opportunity to snatch it back. It's all very exciting.

21.00 Valencia v Deportivo La Coruna, La Liga, Sky Sports 3/HD3
The wheels fell off Depor's season so long ago that young people don't even remember that it ever had any. Valencia should just about manage to see the season out and hold on to third spot.

Sunday 25 April

12.00 Aston Villa v Birmingham City, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Not as much knockabout fun as this fixture used to be and with the season winding down, little but local pride on offer too. For Villa, there's a number of players in a tricky situation: they still want to impress Fabio but they don't want to knacker themselves in the process.

12.15 Dundee United v Celtic, SPL, Sky Sports 3/HD3
Champions League football is still not an impossible dream for United. Beating Celtic would leave them four points behind with three games to go. They probably won't make that up but it's enough to give the game an edge, especially with Celtic knowing that anything less than a win gives the title to Rangers...

14.30 Hibernian v Rangers SPL, Sky Sports 3/HD3
... which means this could be a title-winning party for Rangers or the match that seals it. A win here is good enough no matter what Celtic do.

16.00 Chelsea v Stoke City, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1/3D
I watched my first 3D match last week - the Manchester derby. In the bar I was watching you could see the 3D coverage next to the regular coverage, and it was interesting to compare the difference. The main camera for the 3D is much closer to pitch level than the usual position and you get a different commentary team. The 3D is noticeable but not exactly spectacular - until that is, you go pitchside and a corner flag or official moves across the shot - WOAH! By watching it, Sky have probably fed me a load of subliminal messages to vote Tory. Well you can't argue with them YouGov polls, can you.

16.30 SC Freiburg v VFL Wolfsburg, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD
Freiburg's win against Nurnberg last week has given them real hope of escaping the drop - a similar result against a Wolves team in their flip-flops could see them leave the bottom three.

19.00 Atletico Madrid v Tenerife, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1 (2nd Half Only)
Things looked grim for Tenerife a couple of weeks back but two consecutive wins have given them a shot at a second season in the top flight. Despite a run of poor results in the league and the distraction of the Europa League, Atletico are tough to beat at home - though if they want to qualify for Europe it'll have to be in the Copa del Rey, which they'll contest with Sevilla next month.

19.45 AS Roma v Sampdoria, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD
Table leaders versus the current holders of the fourth Champs League spot. Roma's run in is tougher than Inter's and they will need a win here against a strong, in-form Samp side. You can't see Inter not taking maximum points from the last four games, but hey, it is ora di fondo stridulo so anything could happen.

20.00 Getafe v Sevilla, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1
The race for fourth is between Sevilla and Mallorca, with the islanders holding the spot by one point. Getafe still have a good chance of getting a Europa spot.

Midweek TV Preview: 19 - 22 April 2010

Monday 19th April

19:45 Plymouth Argyle v Newcastle United, Championship, Sky Sports 1/HD1
With promotion back to the Premier League already sown up, Newcastle can claim the Championship title outright with at least a point against The Pilgrims in this match. Sadly Chris Hughton's side can no longer beat Reading's record 106-point total from the 2005-06 season, but they can still notch up 104 if they win their three remaining games which will certainly be a great achievement in its own right. Plymouth, meanwhile, are realistically looking at winning all their three remaining games just to stay up. Not sure whether to commiserate with you now or later, to be honest...

20:00 Liverpool v West Ham, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD
Both teams are without key players for this one. Liverpool's Fernando Torres has had surgery on his knee and will be absent for the rest of the season while West Ham have to do without Scott Parker who yet again is suspended. Strangely enough The Hammers have a fair chance of picking up three points at Anfield - so long as they can maintain the spirited approach they've offered up in their last couple of games. Wouldn't bank on it though.

Tuesday 20th April

19:45 Queen of the South v Ross County, Scottish First Division, BBC ALBA
Fourth v fifth in the Scottish First. Both teams have lost just one game in their last seven in the league and a win for either will see them rise to third in the table. Warning: Not for the feint-hearted or non-Gaelic speakers, or both depending on your outlook.

19:45 Inter Milan v Barcelona, Champions League Semi Final 1st Leg, Sky Sports 2/HD2
Former Barca starlet Samuel Eto'o has gone on record as saying his old team are beatable in this tie, and heaven knows the distinctly average Espanyol came close to proving it on Sunday in La Liga. Inter got a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Juventus on Friday, so perhaps Jose Mourinho will fancy his chances of getting an honourable first leg win here.

Wednesday 21st April

17:00 Udinese v Roma, Coppa Italia Semi Final 2nd Leg, ESPN/ESPN HD
Roma are already two goals up from the first leg so an way goal in this match (presuming the Away Goals Rule counts in the Coppa Italia) would kill off any Final ambitions plucky Udinese might have. The Bianconeri did beat Milan 1-0 in the previous round, but on paper at least this looks like one-way traffic for the Claudio Ranieri juggernaut.

19:45 Bayern Munich v Lyon, Champions League Semi Final 1st Leg, ITV1/ITV HD
What better way to keep your treble-winning hopes alive than by beating Hanover 7-0 at the weekend? Bayern were on blistering form on Saturday with Robben getting a hat-trick and Olic and Muller getting two each. Lyon, conversely, became the first team since March 21st to not beat Bordeaux in the league. Given Bordeaux's recent cataclysmic implosion, they should hang their heads in shame.

Thursday 22nd April

20:05 Atletico Madrid v Liverpool, UEFA Europa League Semi Final 1st Leg, Five
As mentioned earlier, Fernando Torres will not be facing his old side having just gone under the knife. That said, it's debatable whether any of the Liverpool players will be travelling to Spain given the ubiquitous threat of volcanic ash affecting air travel. Don't be surprised if this gets replaced in the schedules with an episode of 'Cowboy Builders' or some such nonsense.

20:05 SV Hamburg v Fulham, UEFA Europa League Semi Final 1st Leg, ESPN/ESPN HD
Likewise, Fulham may be heading over to the continent on the Eurostar even as we speak in order to ensure their participation in this intriguing semi-finaarl.