Weekend TV Previews: 2 - 4 October 2009

(All times - UK)

Friday 2 October

19.30 Schalke 04 v Eintracht Frankfurt, Bundesliga, ESPN
An intriguing one this. While Schalke lie fourth, they desperately need to improve matters at home having lost five of their last six matches at the Veltins-Arena. United, meanwhile, are unbeaten on their travels, picking up seven points from a possible nine so far this season.

Saturday 3 October

04.00 LA Galaxy v Chicago Fire, MLS, ESPN
The business end of the regular season brings two sides sitting second in their respective conferences and both stumbling towards a play-off spot. A draw will pretty much end either side's (albeit faint anyway) Supporters' Shield ambitions.

12.45 Preston North End v West Brom, Championship, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Third place hosts second but both teams suffered surprise defeats midweek (as much as any result in the Championship can be deemed a surprise). For Di Matteo's men it was their second loss on the spin after going down 1-0 at home to Palace - they need to bounce back and anything other than a win for the Baggies could see Newcastle open a five point lead at the top.

17.30 Manchester Utd v Sunderland, Barclays Premier League, ESPN/HD
Steve Bruce faces Sir Alex for the 13th time as a manager. All he has to show for it so far is a couple of home draws while at Birmingham. Don't expect that to improve here.

19.00 Barcelona v Almeria, La Liga, Sky Sports Xtra/HD3
100% Barca shouldn't have any problems here. They scored five in the opening 37 minutes in this tie last campaign.

19.45 Inter Milan v Udinese, Serie A, ESPN
Udinese have hit a run of form after a shaky start to the season thanks almost entirely to the goals of Antonio Di Natale. His eight goals match Eto'o and Milito's combined tally, and they haven't exactly had slouchy starts. Pick of the Italian offerings this weekend.

21.00 Atletico Madrid v Zaragoza, La Liga, Sky Sports Xtra/HD3
Five games into the season and Atletico are still looking for their first win but will have to do it with an 18-year-old in goal with their first choice keeper at the World Under-20s Championship (coverage of which continues on Eurosport) and his replacement currently injured.

Sunday 4 October

11.00 Lokomotiv Moscow v Rubin Kazan, Russian Premier Liga, ESPN
A few weeks ago Rubin looked like they'd slipped into cruise control and were going to romp away with the title, but along came the Champions League and since then it's all gone a bit pear-shaped. Pressure is coming from Zenit, who were for so long languishing mid-table but are now putting together a late challenge. Lokomotiv are unbeaten at home, Rubin are unbeaten away - should be a good one.

12.30 Rangers v Celtic, Scottish Premier League, Sky Sports 3/HD3
Rangers, without a win in three, could slip seven points behind their bitter rivals if they lose this one. Both come into this on the back of another round of disappointing European ties. According to figures from Strathcylde police this week, Glasgow now has more sectarian parades than Belfast. Twats.

13.30 Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers, Barclays Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Both of Arsenal's home fixtures this season have seen them net four goals. That, and the fact they've won this fixture on the last six occasions should give them plenty of confidence going into this.

14.00 AS Roma v Napoli, Serie A, ESPN
Roma, still unbeaten under Claudio Ranieri, play a Napoli team desperate to find some form. They've lost all three of their away games so far this season and will do well to get anything out of this one.

16.00 Chelsea v Liverpool, Barclays Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Last time these two met was the amazing 4-4 Champions League quarter final last season. Probably won't get the same high jinks here, but Liverpool will certainly be looking to repeat their win here in the league last season that brought an end to Chelsea's 86 game unbeaten home record.

16.30 Hertha Berlin v Hamburg, Bundesliga, ESPN
More woes for Hertha. The Berliners have lost their last six games, conceded more goals than anyone else and are currently managerless. Hamburg are top and have scored more than anyone else. You can see where this is going, can't you...?

19.45 Palermo v Juventus, Serie A, ESPN
Juve will be hoping that Diego is fit for this one because without him they really aren't as dangerous as their early season results suggest. Although failing to add to their opening day win, Palermo are still unbeaten at home.

20.00 Sevilla v Real Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to play despite limping off midweek in Real's Champions League match against Marseille. Both teams go into the game in terrific form with Real still 100% and Sevilla having won their last six in all competions. Well worth watching.