This Week in Sport: 25th November – 1st December 2019
November ends with some fantastic sport. England look to rally in the final day of their Test with New Zealand. Juventus and Atletico Madrid face off in the Champions League in a match with major implications. In the same competition, Valencia and Chelsea fight for control of their group. In Thanksgiving NFL action, the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills look to advance their respective playoff aspirations. Pakistan look to bounce back as they begin their second Test match against Australia. Michigan and Ohio State face off in a heated college football rivalry match. The F1 season ends in Abu Dhabi.
Monday 25th November 10:00PM GMT (Sunday 24th) – Cricket: New Zealand v England Day 5 (1st Test)
The First Test will draw to a close on Monday as England look to salvage a result at the Bay Oval.
England have it all to do on Day 5 of the 1st Test against New Zealand as they look to overcome the 207 run deficit set by the Black Caps. The hosts have been in the driving seat for much of the test, declaring on an immense score of 615 after England posted just 353 in their first innings. New Zealand wicket keeper BJ Watling hit an extraordinary double century to propel his side into a dominant position heading into Day 5, where England will hope to bat out the day to salvage a draw from a difficult opening test.
Tuesday 26th November 8:00PM GMT – Football: Juventus v Atlético Madrid
Two European giants face off in the Champions League as Juventus host Atletico Madrid at Juventus Stadium.
Juventus will welcome Atletico Madrid to Allianz Stadium on Tuesday night where the hosts will look to extend their unbeaten record in the competition this term. Having accumulated 10 points from their opening four outings, Juventus have safely booked their spot in the last 16. Meanwhile, Atletico will hope to follow suit on Tuesday night by matching Lokomotiv Moscow’s result to ensure they join Juve in the knockout stages. Make sure you don’t miss this pivotal clash between two of Europe’s finest.
Wednesday 27th November 5:55PM GMT – Football: Valencia v Chelsea
In the Champions League, Valencia and Chelsea play a crucial match at the Mestalla in Valencia.
Valencia and Chelsea headline Wednesday’s action from Europe’s top table as the two sides meet at the Mestalla with Group H still very much in the balance. With both clubs currently sitting on seven points after four games, tonight’s clash could prove pivotal in determining which club progresses to the last 16. Though Chelsea are one of the most in-form teams on the continent right now, Valencia have already overcome Frank Lampard’s men this term, and another win over the Blues on Wednesday will all but guarantee ‘Los Ches’ their first last 16 appearance in this competition since 2013.
Thursday 28th November 9:30PM GMT – American Football: Dallas Cowboys v Buffalo Bills
In the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills meet at AT&T Stadium for a vital game for both sides.
Both the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills are in the hunt for the playoffs this season. Today, the Cowboys look to take control of the NFC East. Meanwhile, the Bills look to stay competitive. Dak Prescott has led a fierce Cowboys offence while the Bills have proven themselves to be a contender. The Bills’ defence will have to find a way to contain Cowboy stars like Ezekiel Elliot and Amari Cooper. This is a matchup you won’t want to miss.
Friday 29th November 3:30AM GMT - Cricket: Australia v Pakistan Day 1 (2nd Test)
Pakistan’s tour of Australia continues with the Second Test, played at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.
Australia dealt with the visiting Pakistani side handily in the first Test. The hosts won by an innings and five runs in a dominant performance. They will look for a repeat performance as they continue to endeavour to end the year strong. Pakistan will look to bounce back from the bruising loss as they continue to try and mount an end-of-year rally. Shaheen Afridi bowled relatively well against Australia and the Pakistani team will look for another strong performance from the 19-year-old.
Saturday 30th November 5:00PM GMT – American Football: Michigan v Ohio State
In College Football, a vital match takes place between Michigan and Ohio State at Michigan Stadium.
Ohio State will look to secure a place in the National Championship play-offs conversation and complete an undefeated season. The chance to do this comes against their greatest rival - Michigan. Ohio State have dominated ‘The Game’ in recent years, winning the last seven meetings between the two teams. Meanwhile, Michigan will look to finish strong and secure a good bowl game. Of course defeating the rival that has been so good against them would be a perfect end to their season. Don’t miss this game.
Sunday 1st December 1:10PM GMT – Formula 1: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The 2019 F1 season comes to an end at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island.
A thrilling F1 season comes to an end in Abu Dhabi. Lewis Hamilton has already secured the championship but will be eager to end the season with his 11th race win. Elsewhere, Ferrari will look to rally after a disastrous outing in Brazil, which saw their drivers crash into one another. Max Verstappen will look for his fourth win of the season as he continues to challenge the racing status quo. Get ready for this season-ending race.
Other sports highlights from around the globe
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the snooker as the 2019 UK Championship begins on Tuesday and plays out all week long. There is also plenty more cricket to enjoy this week with Afghanistan taking on the West Indies in a one-off Test, New Zealand and England will take to the field once more on Friday and do it all over again for the 2nd Test of the series, and the second Test between Australia and Pakistan continues throughout the week. The Champions League will bring us plenty of heavyweight clashes this week, including Real Madrid versus PSG, Liverpool versus Napoli and Barcelona versus Borussia Dortmund. The midweek European action is bookended by two crucial Premier League clashes, as Aston Villa host Newcastle on Monday night, whilst West Ham make the short trip across London to take on Chelsea on Saturday afternoon. Premiership Rugby will return on Friday night, as Bath Rugby entertain Saracens. Thanksgiving is always a special day in the NFL calendar and this year is set to be no different, as the Atlanta Falcons welcome the New Orleans Saints to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and, as per tradition, the Detroit Lions will be on home turf as they take on the Chicago Bears. Before that unmissable triple-header, Monday sees the LA Rams take to the field with the in-form Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore will return to action on Sunday evening as they face the 49ers back on home turf, whilst the Houston Texans will be tested against the New England Patriots. The NBA will bring us plenty of entertainment all week long, but the headline clash sees the Toronto Raptors take on the Philadelphia 76ers in an Eastern Conference bout at the Scotiabank Arena. After their midweek excursion to Turin, Atletico Madrid will return to home soil on Sunday to take on La Liga leaders Barcelona. Finally, Auburn Tigers welcome fifth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide to Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday night for an unmissable clash in the NCA College Football.
A week of world class sport awaits. Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by ICC Cricket, UEFA, Chelsea FC, NFL, College Football, Formula 1
Written and information correct on 24th November at 10pm GMT