This Week in Sport: 16th – 22nd September 2019
Are you ready for another thrilling week of sport? The Rugby World Cup gets underway, and there is a particularly must-see match between New Zealand and South Africa. The group stage of the Champions League begins with marquee matches as Dortmund host Barcelona while Atlético Madrid face Juventus. In the NFL, the Jets and Browns both look for their first win of the season in a clash in New York. Things heat up on the European Tour as the BMW PGA Championship gets underway. To end the week, the unforgettable F1 season continues with the always-exciting Singapore Grand Prix.
Monday 16th September 12:15AM GMT (Tuesday 17th) - American Football: New York Jets v Cleveland Browns
The New York Jets host the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium for a week 2 NFL showdown.
The Browns travel to the Jets as both teams hunt for their first win of the season. Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield will look to do better than the three interceptions he threw in the loss to the Tennessee Titans. Meanwhile, the Jets will have to contend with numerous injuries to vital players. Most notably, with quarterback Sam Darnold out with mononucleosis, Trevor Siemian will lead the offense. Siemian played well in the preseason but can he lead the Jets to victory? Tune in to find out.
Tuesday 17th September 7:00PM GMT – Football: Borussia Dortmund v Barcelona
Borussia Dortmund begin their Champions League campaign against Barcelona at Westfalenstadion.
Group F of the Champions League is one of the most exciting groups in the competition. In the opening fixtures, Borussia Dortmund face Spanish giants Barcelona. Both teams have added talent over the past summer. Dortmund now boast Mats Hummels, Julian Brandt, and Thorgan Hazard. Barcelona have added Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann. These sides are not only gunning for domestic dominance, but also European success. This will be a fixture with nothing held back as both sides fight to take early control of the group.
Wednesday 18th September 7:00PM GMT – Football: Atlético Madrid v Juventus
Atlético Madrid and Juventus go head-to-head in the Champions League at the Wanda Metropolitano.
As Champions League group play continues, two old rivals face off in group D. Atlético Madrid will once more have to contend with Cristiano Ronaldo as they host Juventus. It was a Ronaldo hat-trick that eliminated Atlético from last year’s competition. Since then, Atlético has added a wealth of talent including João Félix, Marcos Llorente, and Kieran Trippier. Currently leading La Liga, Atlético are a better, stronger side than in previous seasons. Can they overcome Ronaldo and the team he leads?
Thursday 19th September 6:00AM GMT – Golf: BWM PGA Championship Day 1
On the European Tour, the BMW PGA Championship begins at the Wentworth Club in Surrey.
The European Tour continues with a highly-anticipated edition of the BMW PGA Championship. With a field considered one of the best in tournament history, things are sure to be unmissable. The event serves as the flagship of the Rolex Series and the first qualifying event for the 2020 Ryder Cup. Current Race to Dubai leader Shane Lowry will look to add more points to his tally. Meanwhile, other big names will fight to improve their standing amid the beautiful Surrey scenery.
Friday 20th September 10:45AM GMT – Rugby Union: Japan v Russia
The 2019 Rugby World Cup gets underway in Japan.
As is customary at the World Cup, the host nation will get proceedings underway as Japan face Russia at Ajinomoto Stadium. This clash will signify the start of the 2019 World Cup, which will see the greatest nations in the sport battle it out for the most coveted title in rugby union. Only four nations have ever won the Rugby World Cup, with New Zealand winning three of the eight editions. They will be the team to beat once again this year, but will anyone stop the All Blacks on their march to glory?
Saturday 21st September 9:45AM GMT – Rugby Union: New Zealand v South Africa
New Zealand and South Africa face off in the Rugby World Cup at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama.
Such has been the supremacy of these two nations in recent years, five of the eight World Cup titles have gone the way of either New Zealand or South Africa. These titans of the sport will meet once again on the grandest stage as they look to sustain their dominance at this competition. In the last 20 meetings between these sides, South Africa have won just three games, meaning New Zealand will fancy their chances heading into their World Cup opener.
Sunday 22nd September 12:10PM GMT – Formula One: Singapore Grand Prix
The scintillating F1 season continues at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore.
Charles Leclerc and his Ferrari team will travel to Singapore with sights set on a third straight Grand Prix win. However, Lewis Hamilton has been impressive on the track in recent outings, and his Mercedes team will fancy their chances once again having won this race last year. He remains top of the 2019 standings with 284 points, having recorded eight wins and 12 podiums so far this campaign. Singapore normally provides a thrilling race
Other sports highlights from around the globe
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the three day Laver Cup which begins on Friday when Team Europe will battle it out with the rest of the world in Geneva. There is also action on the WTA Tour as the Pan Pacific Open gets underway in Osaka. Four fixtures take place in County Championship Division One this week with Somerset’s trip to Hampshire headlining the action. The Premier League continues with a thrilling round of fixtures which will see Chelsea entertain Liverpool and Leicester City host Spurs. The current holders will start their bid to re-claim the Champions League title as Liverpool travel to face Napoli on Tuesday, along with the rest of the Champions League opening games the Europa League get underway this week too. After the first game was abandoned, India will be hoping for more agreeable conditions as they go up against South Africa in the T20 format on Wednesday and Sunday. Saturday sees the Finals of the t20 Blast competition. Nottinghamshire Outlaws play Worcestershire Rapids in the first Semi-final before Derbyshire Falcons take on Essex Eagles for a place in the evening's Final. The NFL enters its third week - don’t miss the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. The final event of the inaugural Sail GP season takes place in Marseille between Friday and Sunday. There are plenty of first round clashes to look forward to at the Rugby World Cup, including Ireland versus Scotland and France versus Argentina. The MotoGP season takes to Spain this week as the Aragon Grand Prix gets underway on Sunday. There are two games in the NRL this week as the playoffs get underway, with South Sydney Rabbitohs facing the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, whilst Melbourne Storm entertain Parramatta Eels. The playoffs of the Super League get underway on Thursday and Friday. There is also playoff action in the AFL with the Preliminary Finals taking place on Friday and Saturday. Finally, the Semifinals of the WNBA get underway, with the first three games of the five-game series played across the week. Saturday sees the Finals of the t20 Blast competition. Nottinghamshire Outlaws play Worcestershire Rapids in the first Semi-final before Derbyshire Falcons take on Essex Eagles for a place in the evening's Final.
A week of world class sport awaits. Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
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Photos by NFL, FC Barcelona, Juventus, Wentworth Golf Club, Japan Rugby, All Blacks, Formula 1
Written and information correct on 15th September at 10pm GMT