The week ahead
A guide to some of the highlights of London's sporting week...
WEDNESDAY
Chelsea v CSKA Moscow, Stamford Bridge, Champions League, Sky Sports 2, 7.45pm start
It's mid-October and the daily tabloid tales of the Chelsea superstars disillusioned with life on the bench have predictably begun in earnest. If it's Monday it must be Scott Parker, Tuesday Carlo Cudicini, Wednesday Glen Johnson ... and every day there are fireworks involving Adrian Mutu and head coach Jose Mourinho. All good copy and fun for football fans up and down the country who are happy to see the Good Yacht Abramovich come across some choppy waters. But on the pitch, Chelsea have made serene progress - at least until last Saturday.
If they win tonight, progress to the next round of the Champions League is all but complete.
SUNDAY
London Wasps v Biarritz Olympique, Causeway Stadium, Wycombe, Heineken Cup, Sky Sports 2, 3pm start
Matt Dawson's desire has come into question this season after opting to put that bland old TV favourite A Question Of Sport before playing for his country. Scrum-half Dawson has been out with a hamstring injury but is expected to recovered in time to tackle Biarritz as Wasps begin the defence of their Heineken Cup crown.
For Dawson, the questions from Biarritz will be more searching than the harmless half-volleys sent down by Sue Barker.
Other fixture highlights
Friday: ice hockey London Racers v Bracknell, Lee Valley Stadium (Cross League) 8pm
Saturday: football Crystal Palace v West Brom, Selhurst Park (Premiership) 3pm
Sunday: cycling Culmination of the Paris-London cycle race involving 300 British and French cyclists
