Midweek TV Preview: 16 - 19 February

Monday 16 February

19:45 Arsenal v Cardiff City, FA Cup 4th Round Replay, Setanta Sports 1
The big question being asked around the Emirates (apart from 'where is the falafel stand'?) is 'when will Eduardo return'? He's played for his country already. Surely the time has come to make his triumphant return to the first team fold. Perhaps a cup tie at home to Championship opposition provides just such a moment for the Croatian.

Tuesday 17 February

19:45 Kidderminster v Cambridge United, Blue Square Premier, Setanta Sports 1
Like students outside a Test match venue, both teams are ligging outside the play-offs hoping they can bum a ticket off anyone leaving. Harriers have got games in hand so three points will give them an excellent platform for a promotion push.

19:45 Luton Town v Brighton & Hove Albion, Johnstone's Paint Trophy Area Final 2nd Leg, Sky Sports 1 & HD1
It's all square after the first leg at the Withdean and assuming Kenilworth Road has thawed out from the cold snap, the Hatters must be hopeful of a trip to Wembley before they drop down to the BSP next season.

Wednesday 18 February

19:00 Aston Villa v CSKA Moscow, UEFA Cup Round of 32, Five
You must wonder how the Russian teams keep it together during their close season. Things don't get back under way in Russia until mid-March with only European fixtures to keep the cold at bay. Villa have just been knocked out of the FA Cup and face a possible season breaker against Chelsea on Saturday. Ever the optimist, Martin O'Neill will figure this is an opportunity to shake off those Everton blues rather than an unwelcome distraction.

19:45 Forfar v Rangers, Scottish Cup 5th Round, Sky Sports 1 & HD1
More David v Goliath shenanigans in glorious HD. Station Park will never look better I'm sure. It's tough to see anything other than an away win.


Thursday 19 February

00:50 Sao Paulo v Independiente Medellin, Copa Libertadores, Setanta Sports 2
I love this competition. I love the football, the atmosphere, the South American city skylines, the fact that it takes them half an hour to kick off because they're too busy faffing around. I haven't got a clue who anyone is most of the time, but it's fair to say that the Colombians face a daunting trip to Sao Paulo.

18:45 Shakhtar Donetsk v Tottenham Hotspur, UEFA Cup Round of 32, Five
Shaktar were on a hot streak prior to their winter break having won their last 7 (????) matches. Tottenham will need their newly acquired grit from their big derby game to escape unscathed.

19:05 FC Copenhagen v Manchester City, UEFA Cup Round of 32 1st Leg, BBC3
Both City and Spurs can feel they've drawn the short ones with February midweek trips to Denmark and Ukraine respectively. By rights, City have the players to sweep aside FCK. However, I think we all know what's coming don't we?

19:45 St Mirren v Motherwell, Scottish Cup 5th Round Replay, Sky Sports 2 & HD2
Motherwell are in slightly better form going into this all SPL replay. The Saints moved to their new stadium recently and have yet to win. What better way to break their duck than on the telly.