This Week in Sport: 30th September – 6th October 2019
The start of October comes with some unmissable sporting action. Manchester United and Arsenal go head-to-head in a vital Premier League fixture. The World Athletics Championships continue throughout the week, with plenty of medals up for grabs. Barcelona and Inter Milan fight for control of their incredibly competitive Champions League group. The Seattle Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams for a thrilling NFL rivalry match. Tennis’ best compete for one of the sport’s top titles at the China Open. England and Argentina clash in a highly-anticipated Rugby World Cup match.
Monday 30th September 7:00PM GMT – Football: Manchester United v Arsenal
Manchester United and Arsenal face off for a crucial Premier League fixture at Old Trafford.
Manchester United will play host to Arsenal with both sides desperate for a result as they look to keep tabs on the top four. Ole Gunnar Solskjær has suffered an indifferent start at the helm this term, winning just two of his six league outings. His injury-stricken squad have struggled for goals thus far, and the continued absence of Anthony Martial will only hamper their goal scoring threat. Meanwhile, for free-scoring Arsenal, their problems lie at the back, with Unai Emery’s men having conceded ten times already. However, the timely return to fitness of full-backs Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin will provide Emery with a much-needed boost as Arsenal go in search of back to back league wins.
Tuesday 1st October 1:30PM GMT – Athletics: World Athletics Championship Day 5
World Athletics Championships continue at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.
Though there are plenty of field events on Tuesday’s schedule, the day’s action is headlined by the track disciplines, with the men’s 800m and 200m finals taking place. 200m runner Noah Lyles has been impeccable this year, and he will be the one to watch going into Tuesday’s final. Elsewhere, the men’s Pole Vault final is also scheduled to take place on Day 5, where 12 athlete’s will battle it out for a coveted podium spot. America will be hoping for success in this discipline too, with Sam Kendricks one of the favourites to win gold.
Wednesday 2nd October 7:00PM GMT – Football: Barcelona v Inter Milan
Barcelona and Inter Milan clash in the Champions League at Camp Nou.
Two European heavyweights will do battle at Camp Nou in matchweek 2 of this year’s Champions League campaign. Both sides could only muster a draw last time out in this competition, making this game even more crucial as they both strive for control of Group F. Though Lionel Messi’s season has been hampered by injury so far, the Barcelona faithful will be hopeful of seeing their star man in action on Wednesday as he faces a race against time to be fit.
Thursday 3rd October 12:20AM GMT (Friday 4th) – American Football: Seattle Seahawks v Los Angeles Rams
In the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams at CenturyLink Field.
The NFC West has been one of the more hotly contested divisions in the early weeks of this NFL season. Now Russell Wilson and the Seahawks will have to contend with Jared Goff and the Rams - the teams having matching 3-1 records going into this game. The Rams, will be a strong contender to return to the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, a young Seahawks team led by veteran Wilson will look to prove themselves as the season progresses. With LA’s stalwart defence and Seattle’s improved offense, who will win?
Friday 4th October 4:30AM GMT – Tennis: China Open Day 7
The Quarterfinals of the China Open continue at the National Tennis Center in Beijing.
The Quarterfinals of the China Open conclude with some surely thrilling matches. An always unpredictable tournament, things are wide open in both draws. Faced with a tough draw, can Andy Murray find a way through to the Quarterfinals? Despite entering as the sixteenth seed, can Caroline Wozniacki defend her title? Similarly, despite starting unseeded, can Nikoloz Basilashvili retain his title? Bianca Andreescu has had an amazing 2019, can she continue it here in China? It’s all to play for so be sure not to miss it.
Saturday 5th October 8:00AM GMT – Rugby Union: England v Argentina
England and Argentina continue their Rugby World Cup campaigns in a match at Tokyo Stadium in Chōfu.
Having brushed aside Tonga and USA, England will be given a sterner examination on Saturday as they take on Argentina. So far, they have outscored their opponents 80-10 thanks to a fluid attack and a stubborn defensive unit. Amongst others, Manu Tuilagi has impressed thus far, notching two tries already. However, Argentina have a try-threat of their own in the shape of Julian Montoya, who already has four tries to his name. Don’t miss this one as two top teams go head to head.
Sunday 6th October 2:30PM GMT – Athletics: World Athletics Championships Day 10
The World Athletics Championships come to an end at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.
The final day of the World Athletics Championships sees plenty of thrilling medal events to enjoy. The Men’s 1500m Final is wide open after the withdrawal of 2017 champion Elijah Manangoi. Could Jakob Ingebrigtsen continue his excellent season? Or will George Manangoi win in his brother’s place? In the women’s long jump, Malaika Mihambo will look to be a serious contender. However, she will face a stiff challenge from the US’ Brittney Reese. The 4 x 400 metre relays are always a highlight of the event too. This is a day you won’t want to miss.
Other sports highlights from around the globe
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the NFL as the Dallas Cowboys entertain Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. Other mentions go to the NRL, with the 2019 Grand Final set to be contested on Sunday between the Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders. Gennadiy Golovkin will return to the ring for an unmissable IBF and IBO title fight with Sergiy Derevyanchenko at Madison Square Garden. The electrifying Formula 1 Thai GP also gets underway on Sunday at Chang International Circuit. The Preliminary final in Super League will be contested on Friday between Wigan and Salford with the winner going on to face St Helens next week in the Grand Final. There will be action all week long coming from the Khalifa International Stadium as the IAAF World Athletics Championships continue. Wednesday night sees the highly anticipated return of the NHL, with the new season starting in Toronto as the Maple Leafs face the Ottawa Senators. In the cricket, Pakistan take on Sri Lanka firstly in an ODI series, and then a T20 clash too. The 1st Test between India and South Africa will begin on Wednesday at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. There are plenty of games to watch out for at the Rugby World Cup this week, including South Africa versus Italy and Australia versus Uruguay. The China Open continues as the week starts off with the women’s round of 64 games and men’s last 32 match-ups. There is more action on the ATP Tour as the Rakuten Open begins on Monday. In the MLB, there are two match-ups in the Wild Card round to watch out for before the Division Series’ can begin in earnest. Washington Mystics meet Connecticut Sun in the WNBA Finals this week with the sides taking to the court on Wednesday and Sunday. There are plenty more big clashes in the Champions League with Tottenham hosting Bayern Munich and Galatasaray entertaining PSG. There is action coming from the European Tour as the Open de Espana begins on Thursday. Finally, the USA Women’s Sevens tournament will begin on Saturday in Glendale, Colorado.
A week of world class sport awaits. Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
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Photos by Arsenal, IAAF, FC Barcelona, China Open, NFL, Rugby World Cup
Written and information correct on 29th September at 10pm GMT