The sporting week ahead (27/02/11)

Today

The first English silverware of the domestic football season is up for grabs as Arsenal and Birmingham meet in the Carling Cup final. Elsewhere, the Six Nations rolls into Edinburgh as the Irish come calling. Wigan and St George (Australian version) do battle in rugby league's World Club Challenge, and expect the ever-contrary England cricket team to roll India in Bangalore.

Tomorrow

A "make or break" day for Lancashire County Cricket Club as the High Court hears a challenge to their £32 million redevelopment plans for Old Trafford.

Tuesday

God knows what round it is in the FA Cup, but Everton are playing Reading at home. The fixtures computer has snuck in a little cracker too – Chelsea versus Manchester United in the League.

Wednesday

More FA Cup action as Manchester City host Aston Villa while Arsenal play Orient in a replay (I think). Another two teams who may be quite familiar with each other by this stage, Celtic and Rangers, meet again in a Scottish Cup replay. Why don't they just go the whole hog and form this much-hyped breakaway league... of two teams? After giving Holland such a pasting, England take on Ireland in the cricket.

Thursday

More cricket as the Dutch take on South Africa – expect a Boer draw.

Friday

The big one. Eight magic words. Great Britain versus Tunisia in the Davis Cup. Andy Murray can't be arsed so there is a recall for Alex Bogdanovic (combined record in Davis Cup and ATP Tour events – titles, 0; losses, many). If you think our chances in the singles aren't great, just wait until tomorrow – it's me and you in the doubles.

Saturday

Arsenal v Sunderland and Manchester City v Wigan is the pick of the footy while Sri Lanka and Australia do battle in the cricket. There's a West Country rugby derby as Gloucester host Bath in the Premiership, while the NBA comes to town – Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets tip off at the O2.