The sporting week ahead (08/08/10)

Today

The Charity Shield used to be a big deal – one of the few games on telly, real excitement at the start of a new season, etc. This is no longer the case.

Tomorrow

They may have been saved, but Portsmouth need a Carling Cup first-round trip to Stevenage like a hole in the head.

Tuesday

Mighty Uzbekistan come to Bristol for a meeting with England's Under-21s.

Wednesday

There will be "only" 65,000 at Wembley for the England clash with Hungary. The other home nations also play, but the best game could be Ireland versus Argentina, sadly now without Diego Maradona. Expect a laugh-a-minute press conference as England rugby union coach Martin Johnson addresses the media.

Thursday

Lee Westwood is injured and Tiger Woods is about as accurate as Emile Heskey, so, Mr Phil Mickelson, here's your big chance to win the USPGA.

Friday

Friday the 13th, and Orient will hope to avoid a horror show at home to their deadly rivals Charlton. In rugby league, the once-mighty Bradford Bulls can expect to be put out of their misery by St Helens.

Saturday

The big kick-off. Champions Chelsea should start with a win over West Bromwich Albion, Spurs host Man City in potentially the match of the day, and the neutrals' favourites – Blackpool – kick off their rollercoaster season with a trip to Wigan. Meanwhile, cricket shoots itself in the foot again by hosting its showpiece Twenty20 finals day on the same day as the Premier League goes bananas.