Weekend TV Preview: August 15-17

Friday

19:30 Bayern Munich v Hamburger SV, Bundesliga, Setanta Sports 1
If Bild were English they'd no doubt have used the headline "HAMBURGLED" after Real Madrid made their last minute raid on Hamburg's Rafael van der Vaart. Nevertheless, despite the Dutchman's absence this is a cracking game to kick-off the Bundesliga season and Klinsie's reign at Bayern.

Saturday

12:45 Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion, Premier League, Sky Sports 1 & HD1
The Gunners kick off the Premier League with this lunchtime kick-off. They entertain The Baggies, who have a better a squad and better manager than they did last time they were up.

17:20 Bristol City v Derby County, Championship, Sky Sports 1 & HD1
Last week Derby proved they're rubbish in whatever division they play in. A hammering on TV could see them early favourites to go down again.

17:30 Sunderland v Liverpool, Premier League, Setanta Sports 1
Having shown themselves up midweek against Standard Liege, this season's "Emperor's New Clothes" get a chance to show themselves up against a nicely settled Sunderland.

There's also an unconfirmed Brazilian Campeonatos match, at 22:20 on SportsXchange.

Sunday

13:30 Chelsea v Portsmouth, Premier League, Sky Sports 1 & HD1
Portsmouth have picked up a knack of starting campaigns well, so this should add some spice to this fixture. A not-so-gentle introduction for Luis Filipe Scolari to the Premier League.

14:00 Dundee Utd v Celtic, Scottish Premier League, Setanta Sports 1
Having been spanked last week by the new boys you really want to knuckle down and give it a go in your next home game. Who's it against...? Oh!

16:00 Manchester Utd v Newcastle Utd, Premier League, Sky Sports 1 & HD1
I have a feeling this is the season you see the return of "Knockabout-Fun" Newcastle. Strap yourselves in Toon fans - the rollercoaster starts with this cracker.

There's also an unconfirmed Brazilian Campeonatos match, at 20:00 on SportsXchange.

20:00 Marseille v Auxerre, Ligue 1, Setanta Sports 2
Marseille started appallingly bad last season, but became unstoppable after. They started this season with a stomping 4-4 with Stade Rennes last week, while Auxerre got a decent 2-1 against Nantes. Should provide good entertainment.