The sporting week ahead (14/11/10)

Today

And rejoice, the Formula One season is definitely all over. However, the 2011 season starts next Tuesday with the first-ever Antarctica Grand Prix. I'm joking, of course!

Tomorrow

The First Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Dubai. Cricket-lovers (of which I am a fervent one) will pray that the game is remembered for fine sporting deeds on the pitch, but don't bet on it – pardon the pun.

Tuesday

Here's a rugby union Limerick for tonight's game in the Emerald Isle:

The Aussies are coming to town,

If they beat you, don't get down.

The Munster will munch,

They're a fine, hardy bunch

So please, put away your frown.

Wednesday

Oh good, it's international football friendly time again. The two most underperforming teams from the World Cup meet at Wembley as Laurent Blanc brings the Frenchies over the Channel. In cricket, the ECB should finally decide on the domestic schedule for 2011. My solution, you ask? Cut the Twenty20 in half and play it in July, make the Pro40 into a proper Sunday league and play County Championship matches during the week. Simples!

Thursday

If AFC Wimbledon beat Ebbsfleet in their FA Cup replay tonight, they will have the sweetest of second-round ties against the MK Dons... as long as the Dons have seen off Stevenage. Sporting match-ups between Britain and Argentina are rarely for the fainthearted, but this is hockey, at Lilleshall.

Friday

Those dastardly Aussies have tried to upset England's Ashes preparations by sending our brave boys to bowl on a pudding of a pitch in Hobart, which will be light years away from the First Test pitch in Brisbane. Solution? England's bowlers will miss this tour match against Australia A in Tasmania and will instead be practising on the rock-hard, bouncy Gabba wickets. So it's one-nil to England already!

Saturday

Another cracking day, whether you like association or rugby football. It's the north London derby at the Emirates (a bit of rough and tumble to get Arsène Wenger excited) while Chelsea go to Birmingham. In the egg-chasing world, England have their "easy" game against Samoa while Ireland have the dubious pleasure of tackling the All Blacks.