The sporting week ahead (19/12/10)

Today

Blackpool have been busy with the hairdryers to try to thaw Bloomfield Road ahead of this afternoon's scheduled visit of Spurs - but to no avail. That game is off, as is Manchester United's trip to Chelsea. The other top flight match – West Bromwich and Wolves in the Black Country derby at the Hawthorns – is also off. And expect AP McCoy to ride off with the Sports Personality of the Year crown.

Tomorrow

Hopefully Carlos Tevez will have stopped spitting the dummy and deign to turn up for the Premier League clash at home to struggling Everton.

Tuesday

Pity the poor SPL, desperately trying to drum up interest the night – or three – before Christmas. Tonight the Old Firm are in action (Celtic v Kilmarnock and Dundee Utd v Rangers). Perhaps you could liven things up by betting large on a late red card?

Wednesday

More festive fireworks (or not) for Scottish footy fans as Hamilton and Hibs do battle. In Madrid, two sporting greats, Federer and Nadal, are playing each other, but it's only a friendly.

Thursday

A big guy in Lapland does a strenuous warm-up routine in preparation for a mammoth sleigh ride but, other than that, there's nowt to report.

Friday

In their wisdom, the Magners League have scheduled this real Christmas cracker – Benetton Treviso v Aironi, which is a 2.30pm kick-off. Given your average Italian's love of fine wine, beautiful food and la dolce vita, expect the attendance to be in the teens.

Saturday

It just about counts as Christmas Day, with an 11.30pm start (UK time), as the traditional Boxing Day Test gets under way in Melbourne, and it's an Ashes Test to boot. After the fluctuating events in Perth, it is likely to be squeaky-bum time for England cricket fans. But I say loosen that belt another notch, tuck into the Quality Street, have another mulled wine and watch the Aussies get a stuffing!