The sporting week ahead (28/08/11)

Today

Arsène Wenger may feel a little better about life after reaching the Champions' League group phase but he probably didn't then need a visit to Old Trafford with half his team missing and the Reds on fire. In another North London v Manchester rivalry, Spurs entertain Manchester City, while Stoke travel to West Brom and Fulham head for Newcastle. Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button will look to keep up their form for McLaren at the Belgian Grand Prix after a four-week break. And in Daegu, Usain Bolt hopes to stay ahead of the chasing pack in the world 100m final. Can you keep up with all that?

Tomorrow

The last Grand Slam of the year, the US Open, begins at Flushing Meadow. It may be a bank holiday here but you wouldn't bank on Andy Murray in spite of his win in Cincinnati. What you can probably rely on is a fashion parade from the females, with crowd favourite Maria Sharapova strutting her stuff.

Tuesday

Sri Lanka welcome Australia to Galle for the First Test. The Aussies are bidding to overtake their hosts and be recognised as the world's fourth best Test team. How good does that sound?

Wednesday

Yes, India are still here. They may even manage not to lose a Twenty20 match at Old Trafford by an innings. Strange to say but the County Championship is more interesting as all four title rivals are in action. Team GB's lofty basketball ambitions are put to the test against the hosts at the Eurobasket in Lithuania.

Thursday

It's time for another Olympic test event, and this one's canoeing at Eton, no less. No doubt there will be plenty of boaters tossed in the air; let's hope it's not the competitors themselves.

Friday

England try to get their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign back on track in Bulgaria after a draw with Switzerland at Wembley. But Montenegro, breathing down their necks, travel to non-fire-breathing Wales. Optimistic Northern Ireland entertain Serbia and the well-placed Republic welcome Slovakia, who top the group with them and Russia.

Saturday

To round it all off, Scotland will look to make up ground at home to the Czech Republic. A strange day with no Premier League or Championship, but rugby union's Premiership kicks off and the one-day internationals begin.