A glorious weekend for sport
It's a glorious time for sports lovers, no matter what game they follow most avidly. The return of Premiership football to our screens this weekend is certain to be the hot topic with a lot of your customers, but there's also test cricket and international rugby union as the build-up to the World Cup gathers momentum.
Last weekend, Manchester United and Chelsea picked up where they left off at the end of last season, with a return visit to Wembley to contest the FA Community Shield. This Sun-day, both sides are in action again. They both have home games in the first round of this season's league fixtures.
Blues captain John Terry was a notable absentee from the team beaten on penalties at Wembley. He could be out for up to a month, while striker Didier Drogba is also a serious doubt. Hardly the start to the season manager Jose Mour-inho would have hoped for. Chelsea's visitors on Sunday, Birmingham, may fancy their chances. The game kicks off at 1.30pm on SS1.
Straight after that, it's Man U's turn. They face a promising Reading side that exceeded expectations in their first season in the Premier League last year. The Royals finished in eighth position, just missing out on UEFA Cup qualification. Man U won last year's entertaining home match 3-2. Here's hoping for something similar this time. Kick-off at 4.00pm on SS1.
In cricket, England and India meet for the final match of the three-Test series. England trail India 1-0 and need a win to tie the series. Michael Vaughan's team must be cursing the bad light that cost them the first Test. Full coverage starts on SS1 on Thursday at 10.30am, with highlights every evening on five and Sky Sports.
In rugby union, England and France meet for the first of their two matches ahead of the World Cup. England were com-fortable winners against Wales last weekend but they will al-most certainly have to lift their game against the cup hosts. Tune in to SS3 from 4.30pm.
