Weekend TV Preview: 27-29 November 2009

Friday 27th November

19:45 Sparta Rotterdam v PSV Eindhoven, Eredivisie, ESPN
You've got to go back eight long years to find Sparta's last win over PSV. Three years ago, PSV put seven (ZEVEN) past them. It shouldn't be quite so much of a massacre here, but, well, how can we put this... we don't fancy Sparta's chances much. PSV haven't lost a game in any competition since March 15th this year. Best of luck with that one, Sparta...

Saturday 28th November

11:00 Kashima Antlers v Gamba Osaka, J-League, British Eurosport 2
While someone here at SPAOTP goes off to find out what the Japanese phrase is for 'Squeaky Bum Time', we feel it's our duty to tell you about the thrilling climax to the J-League season. With only two weeks remaining, Kashima have only a two point lead over Kawasaki Frontale in second, and they in turn are only one point ahead of Gamba in third. It's any one from those three for the title and that list could be down to two if Kashima win here. On the other hand, if Gamba win it could well and truly put the 猫 amongst the ハト.

12:45 Northwich Victoria v Lincoln Town, FA Cup, ITV1/HD
As mentioned in our Sound of Football podcast this week, Northwich, conquerors of Charlton Athletic in the previous round, take on Lincoln knowing that they're only 90 minutes away from a glamorous Third Round tie against one of the big boys. For the sake of their worryingly dwindling finances, we hope they do.

12:45 Aberdeen v Rangers, Scottish Premier League, Sky Sports 3/HD3
Rangers are back on top of the SPL, a point clear of Celtic with a game in hand. Having suffered at the hands of Stuttgart in the Champions League this week, they'll be ready to bounce back against a side that rarely troubles them these days. That said, The Dons are well capable of putting a dent in Rangers' title charge, so don't write off the prospect of a draw in this one.

17:30 Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur, Barclays Premier League, ESPN/HD
Nine-bloody-one! Now that the dust has finally settled, Spurs have to convince everyone *outside* N17 that they're Top 4 material. Villa have been there before and know how difficult it is - a harsh lesson they'll attempt to teach Harry and Co. today.

19:00 Valencia v Mallorca, La Liga, Sky Sports 3/HD3
Fourth v Sixth. Mallorca continue to impress in this season's La Liga but they'll have a job on their hands trying to beat a Valencia side that are currently on a 12-game unbeaten run.

21:00 Sevilla v Malaga, La Liga, Sky Sports 3/HD3
Malaga, on the other hand, have got a job on their hands beating anyone at the moment. They're bottom of the table and haven't won a game since the end of August. The perfect time to be playing the team currently third in the table, then.

Sunday 29th November

11:00 Zenit St. Petersburg v Spartak Moscow, Russian Premier Liga, ESPN
The last week of the 2009 Russian Premier League season. Rubin Kazan are already confirmed as champions and Zenit are the runners-up, but if Spartak are to join them in the Champions League next season, they'll have to win here. A great note on which to end ESPN's Russian coverage.

13:30 Everton v Liverpool, Barclays Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1
No new stadium, a defeat to Hull during the week and now this - a game against one of the giants of European football. No wait... it's OK Everton fans, we got that wrong. You're playing Liverpool.

13:45 Kettering Town v Leeds United, FA Cup Second Round, ITV1 (excluding Scotland)/ITV HD
This time last year, Kettering were taking Fulham to a replay in the FA Cup Fourth round. A similar struggle looks likely against the League One leaders. Directly after this, it's the draw for the Third Round, so Kettering/Leeds fans - yours is ball number 49.

14:00 Inter Milan v Fiorentina, Serie A, ESPN
Inter's unbeaten home run in the league should be tested by Fiorentina today. Cesare Prandelli seems to have made the Champions League his main priority this season rather than Serie A. The opposite could be said of Jose Mourinho.

16:00 Arsenal v Chelsea, Barclays Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Chelsea inflicted a 4-1 defeat on The Gunners at The Emirates near the end of last season, but this will be an altogether different proposition we think. Both teams had good wins in Europe during the week and will be looking to push Man U further out of the title race.

16:30 Hannover 96 v Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, ESPN
With four draws in their last six matches, Bayern are the Man City of the Bundesliga. Kind of. A win for Hannover will see them draw level on points with Bayern - a sign of how far Van Gaal and Co. have slipped this season.

18:00 Barcelona v Real Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1 and BBC Red Button (from 18:00 First half)
Manuel Pellegrini's future as coach of Real Madrid could hinge on the outcome of this match. Averaging just over one goal scored in each of their last five matches and having struggled against village side Alcorcon in the Copa Del Rey recently, Barca will know that their rivals are their for the taking. A win for the home side will not only put them top of the table but also plunge their opponents into a major tailspin.

19:45 Catania v AC Milan, Serie A, ESPN
Catania don't often play in Serie A and with one win in thirteen so far this season, they'll soon be back in Serie B. Watch them in their ridiculously bright and colourful kits while you can.

20:00 Atletico Madrid v Espanyol, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Atletico Madrid are the Catania of La Liga. The pain goes on for Los Colchoneros as Quique Sánchez Flores tries everything to avoid relegation. Espanyol are long overdue a win, and they'll probably get it here.