The sporting week ahead (06/03/11)

Today

Liverpool versus Manchester United, Ferguson versus Dalglish, Gary Neville versus 45,000 baying Scousers. It should be fun. In Chennai, a crucial Cricket World Cup game for England against South Africa.

Tomorrow

The wait's over. It's the announcement of – and weigh-in for – the Boat Race crews. In Manchester, they are staging the British Tennis Championships, which I believe may be an oxymoron. In Blackpool, Ian Holloway's magnificent Tangerines try to upset Chelsea without their two best players – Charlie Adam and DJ Campbell (both suspended). In Delhi, the two worst teams in the cricket world meet – Canada and Kenya. They are so bad that they could both lose.

Tuesday

The House of Commons culture committee takes evidence from Man United chief executive David Gill in the inquiry on football governance. He is so tall and scary that they will just nod and agree with everything he says. On the pitch, a Champions' League belter which even Ben Foster might watch – Barcelona v Arsenal.

Wednesday

Another European Cup cracker as Tottenham Hotspur try to see off Milan. At the cricket, those crazy Dutch take on co-hosts India.

Thursday

After 38 weeks and 1,012 games, the Europa League reaches a semi-interesting stage. Dynamo Kiev play host to Man City while Liverpool go to Braga and Glasgow Rangers head for PSV Eindhoven. Expect the Dutch to try to wind up that nice Mr Diouf... and the equally reticent Ally McCoist.

Friday

A must-win cricket game for England but it won't be easy – Bangladesh in their own back yard. The marvellous Irish look to claim another scalp – they meet West Indies in Mohali. In Super League, high-flying Harlequins could get a reality check at St Helens.

Saturday

FA Cup quarter-finals day, with a lunchtime snooze – Birmingham v Bolton – followed by a tea-time pick-me-up – Man Utd v Arsenal. The Scottish Cup quarter-final (Brechin v St Johnstone) makes Brum-Bolton look like Brazil-Barça. In the Six Nations, the French go to Rome while Wales and Ireland meet in Cardiff. The Calcutta Cup is decided 24 hours later.