Weekend TV Preview: 11 - 13 November

Friday 11 November

18:00 Cyprus v Scotland, International Friendly, BBC2 Scotland

With the rise of APOEL in the Champions League, things are going great for Cypriot football at club level. However, a quick look at the form guide of the national team and it's terribly easy to see why they're playing Scotland in a friendly rather than duking it out for a play off spot for the Big Show in the Summer.Only one win in their last 13 games. If Scotland lose to this lot then there will be trouble.

19:00 Turkey v Croatia UEFA Euro 2012 Play Off 1st Leg, ESPN / ESPN HD

Nuri Sahin is back from injury but not named in the Turkey squad. Nevertheless, Turkey finished second in a tough qualifying group. Croatia were disappointing and disappointed to finish runners up to Greece.

19:45 Estonia v Republic of Ireland, UEFA Euro 2012 Play Off 1st Leg, Sky Sports 1 / HD1

No one knows anything about Estonia (with the possible exception of Jonathan Wilson) so everyone is frightened that they'll catch Ireland out. For the Republic, Robbie Keane interrupts his preparations for the  MLS Cup Final appearance with the Galaxy.

19:45 Cambridge United v Wrexham, FA Cup 1st Round, S4C

A non league FA Cup encounter at the Abbey for those of you who prefer to keep it real. At the time of writing, Wrexham are still minus an owner but top of the Conference National. The neutral romantics will hope the Welsh club can make it to the third round, possibly to play Arsenal.

Saturday 12 November

12:30 Newport County v Shrewsbury Town, FA Cup 1st Round, ESPN / ESPN HD

More Welsh action, this time at Newport County, once of the Football League. They face a much sterner test against a Shrews side as they are in fourth place in League 2. Still, the magic of the Cup and all that.

15:00 Wales v Norway, International Friendly, Sky Sports 2 / HD2

A chance for Gary Speed's improving side to pit their skills against a Poland/Ukraine bound Norway. One of the reasons behind the visitor's resurgence was the fact that they started to take their friendlies very seriously and thereby accumulating FIFA ranking points. Hopefully, Speed can impress the importance of the Rankings on his players.

17:15 England v Spain, International Friendly, ITV1 / ITV1 HD

A game designed to lower the expectations of an entire nation. Go get 'em boys!

Sunday 13 November

12:30 FC Halifax Town v Charlton Athletic, FA Cup 1st Round, ITV1 / ITV1 HD

Now this is what I call a Super Sunday. Ex-League, phoenix club Halifax take on League One giants, Charlton at home. Just what the Cup is all about. Come on The Shayman! Send those Clowns packing.

15:15 Morecambe v Sheffield Wednesday, FA Cup 1st Round, ESPN / ESPN HD

Another great occasion for one of the smallest clubs in the League. Wednesday are in reduced circumstances but the name exudes history and they'll bring a stack load of supporters. A replay is not completely out of the question. After anything can happen in the FA ... oh you know the rest.

Terry