Weekend TV Preview: 1 - 3 October

Friday 1 October

19.30 Hannover 96 v St Pauli, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD
After only just escaping the drop last season Hannover have made a strong start this time around and after six games sit in third. Top flight new boys St Pauli are still finding their feet but both their wins so far have come away from home

Saturday 2 October

12.00 Hearts v Rangers, SPL, ESPN/ESPN HD
Hearts have yet to win at home in three attempts, so not a good time to welcome a Rangers side 100% after six.

12.45 Wigan Athletic v Wolves, Premier League, Sky Sports 2/HD2
Wigan have provided plenty of entertainment this season, one way of another, though Wolves will certainly have it in them to turn this one into an ugly hack-fest.

19.00 Real Sociedad v Espanyol, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4
Sociedad have been playing better than their league position suggests, they could pick up their first win since the opening day against an Espanyol side that are poor away from home.

19.45 Parma v AC Milan, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD
Milan still haven't got into their stride yet but with Ibra already scoring every time he plays it looks like they could mount a serious challenge. Parma won on the first day but since then it's been a struggle. Can only see this going one way.

21.00 Valencia v Athletic Bilbao, La Liga, Sky Sports 4/HD4
Top of the table Valencia will probably think they should got something out of the match against United midweek. They've yet to have a real test (or should that be Real test) so far this season - and they won't get it here.

00.30 New York Red Bulls v Kansas City Wizards, MLS, ESPN/ESPN HD
New York can seal a place in the play offs with a win against their nearest rivals, sealing up the Eastern Conference with three games to go.

Sunday 3 October
13.30 Man City v Newcastle United, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD
If City had followed last week's win against Chelsea with a good performance against Juve it might have convinced a few people as to what they can do this season. As it is, you can still see them failing to take all three points here.

16.00 Chelsea v Arsenal, Premier League, Sky Sports 2/HD2
Fabregas has failed in his bid to be fit for this one and with Arsenal looking shaky at the back a perfect opportunity to get some confidence back after their defeat at City. If Drogba is back on form it could be a long afternoon for Arsenal's back four.

18.00 Barcelona v Real Mallorca, La Liga, Sky Sports 2/HD2 (1st Half Red Button)
Barca can put the disappointment of failing yet again to beat Rubin Kazan with a comfortable win against Mallorca. The Islanders have yet to score on their travels so far this season.

19.45 Inter Milan v Juventus, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD
The Derby D'Italia probably couldn't come at a worse time time for the Old Lady as they  struggle to find consistent form. Good news is that no one in Serie A has scored more than them - bad news is no one's conceded more than them. Inter are top but you just can't get rid of those doubts about Rafa.

20.00 Real Madrid v Deportivo, La Liga, Sky Sports 2/HD2
Deportivo have had a rotten start and are still looking for their first win - it won't happen here.

01.00 Chivas USA v LA Galaxy, MLS, ESPN/ESPN HD
The LA derby sees two sides at opposite ends of the Western Conference. While top Galaxy still need a few points to guarantee their place in playoffs. Chivas are in their fit-flops.

Graham