The sporting week ahead (27/03/11)

Today

Rouse yourself at 7am for the first Grand Prix of the season in Australia. Then it's over to the Emirates, where the crowd is used to seeing a team that play with wonderful flair but defend comically. So Brazil versus Scotland should suit just fine. Rather incredibly, the county cricket season is upon us. The traditional curtain-raiser is between champs Nottinghamshire and MCC. To offset the fact that it's March, it's being played in Abu Dhabi.

Tomorrow

If you want a glimpse of the future, England Under-21s are playing Iceland, If you want a glimpse of the past, it's being played in Preston.

Tuesday

You have to marvel at the fans of the England football team as they fill Wembley for a friendly with Ghana, who admittedly have received a record 20,000 tickets. In proper Euro 2012 qualifiers, Northern Ireland have a crucial tie at home to Slovenia.

Wednesday

The best on offer is a Scottish Cup quarter-final replay between Stuart McCall's Motherwell and Dundee Utd.

Thursday

The Rugby League announce which of three Championship clubs – Widnes, Barrow or Halifax – can be promoted to Super League next season. The smart money is on the Vikings...

Friday

A low-key War of the Roses as Yorkshire and Lancashire cricket clubs hold their press days at the same time. On the pitch, to continue the theme, Leeds and Wigan clash in Super League.

Saturday

Great day of footy with Manchester United at West Ham, Chelsea travelling to Stoke and Roy Hodgson up against old club Liverpool with new charges West Bromwich Albion. In Mumbai, 342 days after the tournament started, it's the Cricket World Cup final.