The sporting week ahead (14/10/12)

Today

Surely the most interesting aspect of Preston v MK Dons is that Peter Ridsdale will be there. Last week he was disqualified from being a company director, but that doesn't mean the Preston chairman, and public face of the Fish Tank Association (yes really), can't remain a major player in football. In fact, you can put your Wonga shirt on it. Rugby union's Heineken Cup throws up a couple of heavyweight clashes, with Toulouse facing Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks against Cardiff Blues. Northampton Saints should have enough tournament nous to see off Glasgow Warriors.

Tomorrow

It's that sort of day: Canada Under-21s v Scotland Under-21s.

Tuesday

Given that England spent much of the early summer in Krakow, they should know their zlotys from their pierogis. Today they return to Poland for a key World Cup qualifier, this time in Warsaw. Despite all the guff about Jan Tomaszewski and 1973, England's record against the Poles is surprisingly good and Roy Hodgson will view this as a winnable game. Whether anyone cares any more is another question altogether. Meanwhile, Scotland have a much tougher game away to Belgium, and Northern Ireland (in Portugal) and Wales (in Croatia) are also facing difficult evenings.

Wednesday

Back to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Section second round. Zzzz.

Thursday

Things are looking up: Gloucester v Bordeaux in the Amlin Challenge Cup.

Friday

Now you're talking: Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds. Six Yorkshire sides are in the Championship this season so hardly a week goes by without a titanic Tykes clash; this one looks muscular, with Leeds on a roll and Wednesday stumbling badly.

Saturday

And so normal life resumes with a full round of games in the Premier League. Tottenham v Chelsea sees Andre Villas-Boas up against his former team. Expect fireworks.