The week ahead: 16/08/09

Today

The wait is over. Who's in the England squad for the final Ashes Test? Will Mark Ramprakash rip off the sequins and pull on the whites? Will the selectors go the whole hog and call up Len Hutton or WG Grace?

Tomorrow

There could be fake blood on the carpet if Harlequins are kicked out of Europe. The catchily titled European Rugby Cup Ltd decide in Glasgow.

Tuesday

The latest "battle of Britain". (Incidentally, where does that term end? Does East Fife v Blackpool in a friendly count?). Tonight, Arsène Wenger takes his troops north of the border to fight the auld enemy – in this case, Celtic.

Wednesday

Burnley's first home game in the Premier League is a humdinger – against Manchester United – while Liverpool host Stoke.

Thursday

Here it is, winner takes all, the Ashes on the line. Maybe tradition will be turned on its head and England will stand up and be counted while the Aussies choke. We can but dream.

Friday

Those Formula One fans with tickets for practice in Valencia are not doing cartwheels now that the no-hoper Luca Badoer is driving for Ferrari, rather than the slightly more glamourous Michael Schumacher.

Saturday

Penultimate day of the world athletics championships, and Lance Armstrong gets back on his bike for the Tour of Ireland. Britain's basketballers used to be hoopless but they've improved out of sight and they tip off against Spain in Seville.