The sporting week ahead (11/11/12)

Today

Well, all you can say is that at least it won't get any worse. Scotland begin their November round of internationals against the all-conquering All Blacks, who last lost to them in 1872 ...or thereabouts. For the record, in 107 years of trying – always heroically – Scotland have never won and only twice managed a draw, including 0-0 in 1964. That is a scoreline Liverpool would probably settle for against Chelsea today. Spurs might be aiming higher against Manchester City, having already seen off United on their travels this season. Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan and Sam Allardyce return to Newcastle with West Ham. Expect plenty of cheers for the first two.

Tomorrow

Unprecedented crowds flocked to the ATP Tour Finals last week in London so today will be an obvious sellout. It's the Finals final. Then the players take a couple of weeks off before starting all over again. In football, AFC Wimbledon may be struggling in League Two but they scent an FA Cup run if they see off York in tonight's first-round replay.

Tuesday

And the winners of that will play the winners of this: MK Dons v Cambridge City. In rugby the All Black dirt-trackers roll up at Leicester for what looks a bruising encounter.

Wednesday

Sweden v England will go down as one of those gratuitous friendlies which few people realise is coming and even fewer take much interest in as it passes. But this is a bigger deal for the Swedes as it marks the opening of Scandinavia's ''first premium stadium''. It features a retractable roof – let's hope they use it if they have to!

Thursday

In warmer climes the First Test between England and India begins in Ahmedabad. It marks the official start of Alastair Cook's reign as captain of the Test side. Er, don't expect too much here...

Friday

Friday night rugby makes a return with Wales v Samoa, a blood and thunder clash to set off another big weekend for rugby fans.

Saturday

There's no let-up in the rugby union programme today as England face Australia and Scotland take on South Africa. But football might well steal the headlines with Arsenal hosting their neighbours Tottenham at the Emirates. If the game is ever to get serious about making the fans clean up their chants, this might be the place to start. Meanwhile, the motor racing Grand Prix season edges – or perhaps that should be roars – to its conclusion in the Americas. Today it's final practice at the United States Grand Prix.