The sporting week ahead (12/12/10)

Today

Solid Sunday with local rivalry at stake for Spurs-Chelsea, Bolton-Blackburn and Wolves-Birmingham.

Tomorrow

Festive cracker as Arsenal go to Old Trafford. Whatever the French is for "handbags", it has been stoked by Patrice Evra saying: "You're rubbish," and Samir Nasri arguing: "No, you are!"

Tuesday

It's not often we take a sip from the Irn-Bru Scottish First Division, but raise a glass for all (three) Morton fans going to Ross County tonight, still in celebratory mood after playing their first home game in two months on Saturday after typically apocalyptic Greenock weather.

Wednesday

It will be absolutely freezing, Liverpool are already through to the group stages, the Europa League is officially pants, and we're in the festive season. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out that the Anfield stands won't be packed for the visit of Utrecht.

Thursday

Alarm clocks out again as England's all-conquering cricketers begin the Third Test in Perth with a chance to retain the Ashes. Pity those long-suffering Aussies who have ignored Warne and turned to Beer, as usual. The Europa League is woeful but Man City fans will expect to meet a few young ladies as Roberto Mancini's men battle with the Old Lady, Juventus of Turin.

Friday

The draw for the Champions' League and Europa League (which is still only at the last-32 stage!). In another tournament that never seems to end, Saracens go to Racing Metro in the Heineken Cup.

Saturday

Chants of "Pardew out" if Newcastle stumble to defeat at Birmingham. In an otherwise dull start to the weekend footy, Arsenal are at home to Stoke while Mark Hughes takes struggling Fulham to Anfield.