Football's calm before the storm

Right now, for many of the world's sportsmen and women it's a case of the calm before the storm.

Europe's footballers are easing themselves back into action, readying themselves for the long season to come with plenty of friendlies and kick-abouts.

The regular Premiership season, which starts on 11 August, will run right up to the early part of next summer. Once that's done, there's the small matter of the Euro 2008 Championships in June. Before then, of course, there are all the Euro 2008 qualifiers to fit in too. It's shaping up to be quite a season.

Setanta Sports will be screening live Premiership football matches for the first time from August, and perhaps with that in mind, they're paying extra attention to the upcoming matches involving Premiership clubs.

Reading and Bolton Wanderers are both scheduled to take part in this summer's Peace Cup out in South Korea. Eight club teams from around the world are set to compete in two groups. The group winners will then play each other in the final.

Full live coverage of the games is scheduled on Setanta Sports 1 for either 11am or 12noon kick-offs, and there are plenty of repeat showings too to suit your customers.

Over in Venezuala, the Copa America comes to a climax with Sunday's final. Favourites Brazil and arch-rivals Argentina will always be a threat but you shouldn't ignore Mexico who are looking strong. The Latin Americans beat Brazil's Samba boys 2-0 earlier in the tournament, and the teams could meet again in the final.

Tune in to SS1 from 9.30pm for the 10.00pm kick-off.

In boxing, Amir Khan takes on what looks to be the greatest challenge he's faced to date. Bolton's Khan will fight Glaswegian Willie Limond for the Commonwealth lightweight belt. Tune in to ITV1 from 9.10pm on Saturday for full coverage.