Weekend TV Preview: 19 - 21 August

Friday 19 August

19.30 Borussia Monchengladbach v Wolfsburg, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

A wrongly disallowed Patrick Helmes goal had Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath hopping mad on the touchline, last weekend in the game against Bayern. He was positively green with rage when the Bavarians popped up at the death to sink the winner. ‘Gladbach are already in the We Beat Bayern Club, already after an outstanding holding performance at the Allianz, on Matchday 1. Lucien Favre’s team may be dark horses this season.

19.45 Lincoln City v Wrexham, Blue Square Premier League, Premier Sports

A draw and a defeat for Lincoln, demonstrate that things have changed in the Conference since last they were there. Wrexham, on the other hand were supposed to be out of business by now but are still stumbling along. In any other business, they would be toast but football, thank goodness, is not like any other business.

01.10 (Saturday) Arsenal v Velez, Argentinean Apertura, Premier Sports

The first of two appearances on TV this weekend for Arsenal (aha-ha). Both teams have won one of their first two games so an evenly-matched affair should be on the cards.

Saturday 20 August

12.45 Arsenal v Liverpool, Premier League, Sky Sports 2/HD2/3D

Liverpool haven’t won any of the last seven meetings between these two teams. Liverpool’s last win *at* Arsenal? February 12th 2000. Not that we wish to affect the way you put your bet on or anything.

15.45 Bala Town v Carmarthen Town, Welsh Premier League, S4C

Both teams finished in the bottom three of the WPL last season. Bala (who finished 11th of 12) would have been relegated were it not for the fact that Connah’s Quay Nomads (Tier 2 champions) were denied a licence to play in Tier 1. Neither team will be hoping for that kind of excuse to stay up this season.

17.20 Peterborough United v Ipswich Town, Championship, Sky Sports 2/HD2

That impressive win at Asthon Gate seems a distant memory for Ipswich, especially after getting honked at home by Southampton. Much more is expected from Paul Jewell’s team this season. The bad news for them is that Posh have a solid home record.

17.30 Chelsea v West Brom, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD

After a decent performance against one title contender in the first weekend of the Premier League season, Albion face a daunting visit to another. Chelsea’s competitive start under Andre Villas-Boas was less than exemplary, but his introduction at Stamford Bridge should see his side victorious this weekend.

22.00 Corinthians v Figueirense, Brazilian Serie A, Premier Sports

Corinthians lead the table by three points ahead of Flamengo and have lost only two of their last 17 matches. Plenty good enough form to beat the mid-table Fig Tree.

Sunday 21 August

13.15 West Ham v Leeds United, Championship, Sky Sports 1/HD1

Probably the last thing the Metropolitan Police need after the recent riots in London. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed that we get to focus totally on the terrific football match these two teams are capable of producing.

14.15 Motherwell v Rangers, SPL, ESPN/ESPN HD

It’s first v third in the Scottish Premier League, with the Gers heading for Fir Park hoping - expecting? - to restore order to the top of the division. Leaders Motherwell are unbeaten so far, but if you think the top two is going to be anything but Glaswegian come Christmas, I want some of what you’re smoking.

16.00 Bolton v Man City, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1

One of the Premier League’s most exciting players made his mark with a characteristically brilliant goal on the first weekend of the season, helping his team defeat a promoted team 4-0. Yes, Gary Cahill will be on TV, folks! Whether it’s in this game, though, remains to be seen.

16.30 Hannover 96 v Hertha BSC Berlin, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD

Thanks to a brace of delightfully deft finishes by Jan Schlaudraff, Hannover pinched a 2-1 win over Sevilla in their Europa League qualifier on Thursday. Their next league foes are Hertha, looking for their first win of the season after a defeat and a draw so far.

22.05 Newells Old Boys v Boca Juniors, Argentinean Apertura, Premier Sports

Worthy of inclusion in this weekend’s TV Guide purely because of the home team’s badge.

Terry