The sporting week ahead (27/10/13)

Today

After an extra hour in bed, it's shaping up for a nice, quiet Sunday lunch in the North-east as Gus Poyet makes his home debut as manager of Sunderland with a derby against Newcastle. At least Paolo Di Canio isn't around so it will be a little bit quieter. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho will not be silenced after he avoided a touchline ban for his outburst against Cardiff, so he will be in full voice for a pivotal encounter with Manchester City at the Bridge. The rugby league World Cup holders New Zealand take their bow against Samoa in Warrington. The England women's cricket team's one-day final against West Indies finished in the early hours. And Sebastian Vettel should finally seal his fourth Formula One title in a row in India, if he comes in the top five. Just get on with it, you're really spinning this one out.

Tomorrow

Talking of peace and quiet... Sir Alex Ferguson begins a five-date speaking (or shouting) tour of the UK and Ireland at the Lowry Centre in Salford. Roy Keane may be in the audience as a heckler of the "savage" variety.

Tuesday

The fourth round of the Capital One Cup has thrown up a corker, with Arsenal entertaining Chelsea. David Moyes might have his eye on silverware of some description as Manchester United take on Norwich.

Wednesday

Tottenham play host to Hull City for the second time in four days – not quite a case of "to Hull and back" but it will do. Having unloaded two of their best prospects to Steve Bruce's side over the summer, Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore might be forgiven for forgetting to get on the coach home.

Thursday

England find themselves taking on the Aussies again as the return Ashes tour begins with a warm-up match in Western Australia – just 44 days since the summer tour on these shores ended. In Hallowe'en terms, Michael Clarke will be hoping his pumpkin of a team turns into a gleaming chariot. The England women's football team look to keep up a successful World Cup qualifying campaign with a trip to Turkey.

Friday

Track cycling's World Cup comes home at Manchester's Velodrome, where Sir Dave Brailsford hatched his plans for world domination.

Saturday

The England rugby union team begin their autumn campaign hoping to take advantage of a struggling Wallaby side still smarting from defeat by the Lions. The only problem is Chris Robshaw can't have any Welsh, Irish or Scottish players in his team. In the round-ball game, Arsenal take on Liverpool in another summit meeting.