Midweek TV Preview: 5 - 8 January

(All times UK)

Monday 5 January

20:00 Blyth Spartans v Blackburn Rovers, FA Cup 3rd Round, Setanta Sports 1
Setanta have developed a habit of hiring actors to deliver corny monologues prior to some of their bigger live games, Danny Dyer's cringe-worthy effort before the Belarus v England game being a hideous example. Given the inherent romance of this quintessential 'David meets Goliath' Cup tie, it hardly seems necessary to add further layers of cheese. However, given the unbridled northern-ness of the encounter, I predict an out-of work ex-Corrie actor reciting some loathsome Alan Bennett durge just before the final ad break. That and a score draw.

Tuesday 6 January

19:45 Weymouth v York City, Blue Square Premier, Setanta Sports 1
Lower mid-table clash between two sides with only one win in the last five between them. The form book just tips York as does the head-to-head. Weymouth have never beaten City in the League.

20:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley, Carling Cup Semi-final 1st Leg Sky Sports 1/HD1
Spurs have kept their 'Cup Specialist' tag. Still going in all competitions, Harry's team will feel in good shape to take on Burnley over two legs. Owen Coyle's men have had a rough Christmas and will hope to keep Tottenham's score down so they can have a crack at them at Turf Moor.

Wednesday 7 January

19:45 Derby County v Manchester United, Carling Cup Semi-final 1st Leg, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Will Nigel Clough be the manager of The Rams by Wednesday? If so, will he appoint Peter Taylor as his assistant? One thing is certain. Derby's League Cup dream ends at Old Trafford.

Thursday 8 January

19:45 Woking v Northwich, Blue Square Premier, Setanta Sports 1
Woking are unbeaten in five but all those pesky draws means they're languishing near the foot of the table. Three points against bottom club Victoria should move them up the table, for the time being.