We love it when a great sporting week comes together.
Sometimes the sporting gods are good to us. Understanding that we lead busy lives, they sometimes conspire to give us something to look forward to. For regular visitors to this site, that means an almighty sporting binge.
We had one in December. On the 22nd and 23rd, we were treated to a glorious two-day extravaganza right before Christmas, with Arsenal v Liverpool, Real Madrid v Barcelona, Connacht v Ulster and the darts packed into a whirlwind 48 hours.
Well, we’re pleased to report that it’s happening again. Better still, it’s a whole week this time. The six days between Tuesday 30th January and Monday 5th February will bring forth plenty of sporting goodness. You have nearly three weeks to plan accordingly.
Tuesday 30th Jan
Swansea City v Arsenal, West Ham v Crystal Palace and Huddersfield v Liverpool
We’re not sure which of these will be on TV yet but they are three interesting Premier League fixtures regardless. The week is always easier to get through when there is football in the middle of it.
Wednesday 31st Jan
Tottenham v Manchester United, 8pm
Unquestionably the pick of the midweek games, this clash at Wembley Stadium will impact the race for the top-four. United edged Spurs at Old Trafford back in October so Mauricio Pochettino’s men will be keen for revenge here.
Thursday 1st Feb
Phoenix Open, Sky Sports Golf
Even if you’re not usually into golf, the Phoenix Open is good TV. Played at TPC Scottsdale, a venue renowned for its raucous party atmosphere – yes, at a golf tournament. The tournament regularly attracts over 200,000 people in a single day, which makes it the wildest scene on the circuit. There are thousands of beer-guzzling Americans to laugh at – it’s like Happy Gilmore, but without Adam Sandler.
Friday 2nd Feb
France U20 v Ireland U20, RTÉ, 8pm
Before the seniors take centre stage a day later, Peter Malone’s side take on France in the U20 Six Nations opener. Ireland edged a thrilling contest 27-22 when the nations met at Donnybrook last year, so this one is well worth tuning in for.
Saturday 3rd Feb
Wales v Scotland, TV3, 2.15pm
Now we’re talking. The Six Nations kicks off in Cardiff and this clash will be just enough to whet your appetite for what’s to come later in the day.
France v Ireland, TV3, 4.45pm
It’s set to be a cracker at the Stade de France. Joe Schmidt’s men beat Les Bleus 19-9 at the Aviva last year – a similar scoreline this time around would do nicely.
Tyrone v Dublin and Mayo v Kerry
National Football League, both 7pm
Cracking double-header here as the Red Hands host the All-Ireland champions at Healy Park, while Mayo take on NFL champions Kerry at MacHale Park in a mouthwatering one-two punch of inter-county action.
Tipperary v Waterford
National Hurling League, 7pm
Tipp take on Derek McGrath’s Déise at Semple Stadium in Division 1A.
Leopardstown racing
The first day of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown, featuring the Irish Champion Hurdle.
All-Ireland club IFC final
Michael Glavey’s (Roscommon) or Kilanerin (Wexford) v An Ghaeltacht (Kerry) or Moy (Tyrone)
This probably won’t be on TV but, like the one below, it was streamed live on YouTube last year so fingers crossed for a repeat.
All-Ireland club JFC final
Lahardane (Mayo) or Multyfarnham (Westmeath) v Knocknagree (Cork) or Naomh Colmcille (Donegal)
Sunday February 4th
Italy v England, TV3, 3pm
Eddie Jones’ reigning Six Nations champions face the Azzurri at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome to cap the first weekend’s action.
Liverpool v Spurs, Sky Sports, 4.30pm
Spurs give Liverpool an absolute pasting at Wembley earlier in the season so Jurgen Klopp’s side, now armed with the world’s most expensive defender in Virgil van Dijk of course, will be eager for revenge.
Super Bowl LII, BBC One, usually around midnight
If, like me, you didn’t jump on the bandwagon last year, you’ll know we missed one of the most spectacular Super Bowls in recent memory as a Tom Brady-led New England Patriots roared back to stun the Atlanta Falcons in one of the great sporting comebacks. It might be shite this year, but I’ll be watching it this time regardless.
