The sporting week ahead (08/09/13)

Today

Given that so many mind-numbingly tedious sports (we're talking sailing, taekwondo and dressage here) get such a good run at the Olympics, why can't squash have a go? That very question will be debated today in Buenos Aires when the IOC decides whether to give it a go in place of wrestling. Baseball is also in the mix, but the feeling is that the grapple merchants may win the day. In rugby union, champions Leicester enter the fray on the season's first weekend with a winnable home game against Worcester, while England's cricketers hope the Old Trafford weather at least allows the second one-day international against Australia. Meanwhile, the Formula One circus rolls on to Monza, the fastest circuit with an average lap speed of 147mph. That should blow out a few tyres.

Tomorrow

With a second game in four days, England's new under-21 manager, Gareth Southgate, will really be getting into the swing of it, this time in Finland. All he needs now is for his former television sparring mate Roy Keane to tell him where he's going wrong.

Tuesday

RICKKKY! Roy Hodgson will be permitted an Eastenders moment as he barks direction from the bench to his only available striker in Kiev. England need at least a draw while Scotland and Wales, away to Macedonia and home to Serbia respectively, need something stronger.

Wednesday

Assuming the weather holds, and that is a big assumption, Durham can take another big step towards securing the County Championship by seeing off Derbyshire, who have been everybody's cannon fodder this season.

Thursday

It's not just any old final but the World Triathlon grand final, which will see 5,000 competitors take on last year's Olympic course.

Friday

Andy Murray and Dan Evans leave New York behind and wrap themselves up in Union Flags for the crucial Davis Cup play-off against Croatia, a match which sees Britain hoping to regain its top-tier status for the first time in five years.

Saturday

Welcome to the Light, Mesut Ozil. Arsenal's marquee signing is expected to make his debut against Paulo di Canio's bunch of scramblers in Sunderland, a game which will provide an appropriate introduction to what English football is all about. For real showbiz, though, you need to be in Las Vegas for boxing's fight of the year, Floyd Mayweather against Saul Alvarez.