Midweek TV Preview 24 - 27 January

Monday 24th January

20:00 Bolton v Chelsea, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1/3D
The champions seem to have rediscovered themselves in time to travel to a Bolton side who have adjusted everyone's perception filter of them, under Owen Coyle.

Tuesday 25th January

13:25 Japan v South Korea, AFC Asian Cup Semi Final, British Eurosport 2/HD
Two sporting and political rivals clash in what sould be a nerve wracking and evenly balanced tie.

16:25 Uzbekistan v Australia, AFC Asian Cup Semi Final, British Eurosport 2
The Uzbeki's continuous improvement as a football nation results in a semi final place in the Asian Cup for the first time ever. As unknown quantities it is difficult to know if they have a enough for an experienced Aussie side. However, there are 82 places between the 25th placed Socceroos and their opponents so make of that what you will.

19:30 Blackpool v Man Utd, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD
As the football world waits with baited breath for Holloway's take on Keys/Graygate or whatever it's called, we have what promises to be an entertaining clash between a newly promoted team happy to have a go and an unbeaten Manchester United happy to tear teams apart, given the chance. We'll see.

19:45 Arsenal v Ipswich Town, Carling Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg BBC2/BBC HD
Meanwhile, Ipswich Town Rugby Club visit the North London Gymkhana Society. There's nothing like a war of words to liven up a midweek January League Cup game. Having said that, the Gunners need to get a wiggle on so attacking football is on the cards. And it's on terrestrial too which is nice.

19:45 Luton Town v Grimsby Town, Blue Square Premier League, Premier Sports
The Lutons are third, trying to chase down Crawley and Wimbledon. However, they've played more games than the Sussex boys so are at a disadvantage. Grimsby are mid table and still, no doubt, comings to terms with their reduced circumstances.

Wednesday 26th January
16:30 Sampdoria v AC Milan, Coppia Italia, ESPN
Quarter Final time at the Italian Cup and a chance for Samp fans to welcome back Antonio Cassano, assuming he plays.

19:00 Sevilla v Real Madrid, Copa Del Rey Semi Final 1st Leg, Sky Sports 3/HD3
More King's Cup action from Spain. Sevilla should provide a sterner test for Real than Athleti did in the Quarter Finals after having beat Villareal 6-3 on aggregate.

19:45 Birmingham City v West Ham, Carling Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Humped by United at the weekend, the Blues are looking to work out their frustrations on FC Stratford. The Olympiammers smashed new boundaries of hilarity with their treatment of the lame duck, Grant. Cows in an abattoir are treated with more dignity.

19:45 Hibernian v Rangers, SPL, ESPN/HD
There's a full fixture list in the SPL this week and the TV offering is the Hibernian club who are going through a slump from Hell against a second placed Rangers team who lost their last match to Hibs' rivals, Hearts.

21:00 Barcelona v Almeria, Copa Del Rey Semi Final 1st Leg, Sky Sports 3 / HD3
A Classico Cup final is on the cards if results go as expected. Hard to see Barca slipping up over two legs.

00:00(Thursday Morning) Corinthians v Deportes Tolima, Copa Libertadores, Premier Sports
Brazil meets Columbia. Good to see the Libertadores back on UK screens.

Terry