Midweek TV Preview: 28 November - 1 December

Monday 28 November

19:45 Charlton Athletic v Huddersfield, League One, Sky Sports 1 / HD1

Huddersfield take their 43 (forty three) game unbeaten run to the Valley. Charlton have not lost at home in the league since last April and have only dropped points on three occasions this season. This could be the moment where the Terriers magnificent run is halted. Something else to consider, however. The team that beat the Addicks back in April was... Huddersfield Town.

20:00 Malaga v Villarreal, La Liga, Sky Sports 4

Santi Cazorola may not be one of the more celebrated signings for Malaga this season but he represents the measured approach to transfers that the recently enriched club have taken under coach Manuela Pellegrini. Cazorola has score four goals this season from midfield and tonight welcomes his old club, Villareal, who are languishing in mid table.

Tuesday 29 November

20:00 Arsenal v Man City, Carling Cup 5th Round, Sky Sports 2 / HD2 / 3D

A chance to measure the relative depth of each club's squad as one assumes that both managers have bigger fish to fry. Despite its profile the Carling Cup is providing a valuable platform for all clubs to test their fringe players. As such, it is a competition worthy of interest.

20:15 Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano, La Liga, Sky Sports 2 / HD2

These two have not played each other since 2003. Vallecano, are having a solid mid table season put should not present too stiff a challenge for the home side.

20:15 Catania v Novara, Coppa Italia, ESPN / ESPN HD

One for the Italian football purists this. Two reserve teams playing in front of three blokes and a dog. Again, these game provide useful data and a good run out for the understudies.

Wednesday 30 November 

18:00 Braga v Birmingham City, UEFA Europa League Group Stage, ITV4 / ITV4 HD

Braga must fancy their chances against second division opposition even if the English second tier is better than many European firsts. Birmingham's run in this competition has been most revealing. If only Championship clubs could play in Europe every year...

18:00 Celtic v Atletico Madrid, UEFA Europa League Group Stage, ESPN / ESPN HD

Celtic should be congratulated for their efforts in what has been a very tough group. If they can take advantage of an Atleti side who have just been horsed by neighbours, Real Madrid at the weekend then they are in with a shout of qualifying for the next round.

19:45 Man Utd v Crystal Palace, Carling Cup 5th Round, Sky Sports 1 / HD1

Palace enter this match in the middle of a dismal run of form which has seen them fail to produce a goal in six matches. Presumably, Sir Alex will field an understrength team which should still be a match for the south Londoners. The game will still prove to be a banker for Palace, however. The ticket prices for the considerable away support has been set at £42 (forty two) of which CPFC will be entitled to a sizable chunk. Good work boys.

19:45 Wrexham v Darlington, Blue Square Premier League, Premier Sports

Darlo have three straight wins behind them as they travel to the Racecourse Ground. But Wrexham seem to be keeping it together, despite losing their coach, Dean Saunders to Willie McKay's Doncaster. The Red Dragons have not lost at home since September.

20:05 Standard Liege v Hannover 96, UEFA Europa League Group Stage, ESPN / ESPN HD

Hannover's form has dipped in recent weeks, domestically. Coach Mirko Slomka will probably settle for a point against the group leaders. This will put them in the box seat for their final group game at home to Vorskla.Liege will have to go to Copenhagen in the final round so will feel they need all three points.

20:05 Tottenham Hotspur v PAOK, UEFA Europa League Group Stage, Channel 5 / Channel 5 HD

Despite being in third place in Group A and facing the leaders, PAOK, Tottenham should still be favorites to triumph at the Lane. A win pretty much settles matters as Spurs travel to Dublin on the final day.

23:45 Univ. Chile v Vasco da Gama, Copa Sudamericana Semi Final 2nd Leg, Premier Sports

1-1 from the first leg. The winner will probably play Quito in the final.

Thursday 1 December

18:00 FC Twente v Fulham, UEFA Europa League Group Stage, ESPN / ESPN HD

Twente are through to the second round and have the luxury of playing to avoid a relegated Champions League team. Fulham are almost there but a win would make things comfortable.

20:05 Red Bull Salzburg v Paris St Germain, UEFA Europa League Group Stage, ESPN / ESPN HD

The rich kids of their respective leagues. This is the energy drink concerns best chance of finishing in the top two. If they can beat a PSG side who may be more focused on matters, domestic then they travel to Bratislava in the box seat.

20:05 Stoke City v Dynamo Kiev, UEFA Europa League Group Stage, ITV4 / ITV4 HD

It's been great to see most of the English sides enjoy their European adventure. Stoke have struggled, domestically and will be grateful for the Winter break. Not before they make sure that they will be back in the New Year though. A win now makes takes the pressure off what will be a tough trip to Beziktas.

Terry