German Grand Prix, Hockenheim, ITV1, 12.05pm
And to think that the Germans have the cheek to criticise Silverstone. At least you will see the odd overtaking manoeuvre at the British Grand Prix! Okay, so the chances of seeing a loony-tunes running down the home straight are slim to non-existent, but it’s depressing to know that whoever gets away first is likely to stay there, barring breakdowns or disasters in the pitlane
Amsterdam Tournament, Liverpool v Galatasaray, Sky Sports 1, 5pm
Advertisement
If ever there was a contradiction in terms then it must be using the words ‘friendly’ and ‘Galatasaray’ in the same sentence. If Gerard Houllier’s team are looking to ease their way into the season, they could have picked an easier way to do it. But victory over the Turkish side will do wonders for confidence. With the spotlight on Chelsea in recent weeks, Liverpool have been able to prepare quietly — they haven’t been mentioned as possible champions, but this just might be the year they deliver
MONDAY
World badminton championships, Birmingham, BBC2, 12.50pm
Advertisement
The championships were originally postponed because of the Sars virus, which gave the organisers the chance to regroup and go for broke — the event finished yesterday, and the Beeb’s idea of going for broke is a highlights programme shown at a time when next to nobody will be watching
TUESDAY
Track Wars, BBC4, 10.30pm
Advertisement
An examination of the rivalry between the distance runners of Kenya and Ethiopia features the likes of Haile Gebrselassie, who is a living legend in his homeland. The east African nations have a never- ending production line of world-class runners; it is part of the national psyche, in much the same way as youngsters in this country want to kick a ball
National League, Division One, Surrey v Gloucestershire, The Oval, Sky Sports 1, 3pm; Sky Sports 2, 6pm
Surrey’s one-day wonders face a tricky assignment, but with the likes of Mark Ramprakash, Mark Butcher and Alex Stewart in their line-up they will expect to score enough runs to consolidate their position at the top of the table
Advertisement
WEDNESDAY
Sporting Lisbon v Manchester United, British Eurosport, 9.15pm
United continue their pre-season build-up against the highly-rated Portuguese side. Ruud van Nistelrooy has already demonstrated his intention to continue where he left off last term, knocking in goals at will. Much has been made of Sir Alex Ferguson’s failure to land a big-name player during the summer, but don’t underestimate the strength of his squad
Advertisement
THURSDAY
C&G Trophy, semi-final, Gloucestershire v Derbyshire, C4, 10am
Mark Alleyne’s charges dominated one-day cricket in 1999 and 2000, sweeping all before them with a side that lacked individual stars but developed a team ethic that was the envy of every other club in England. They have gone off the boil in recent times and will be desperate to reach another final today
FRIDAY
Super Grand Prix, Crystal Palace, British Eurosport, 7.30pm
Free from the pressure of qualifying for the world championships, Britain’s athletes can concentrate on showing they are ready to mix it with the best. Dwain Chambers will be keen to win the 100m, and with America’s sprinters failing to shine this year, there is a chance for both Chambers and the sprint relay squad to win gold