This Week in Sport: 9th – 15th September 2019
Get ready for a thrilling week of sport. The Saints and Texans get their NFL seasons underway in New Orleans. Meanwhile, England and Kosovo fight for control of their Euro 2020 qualifying group. The riders settle in for the final week of the Vuelta a España, fighting to claim the red jersey. England look to salvage a draw in the Ashes with the final Test taking place at the Oval. On the other side of the world, Geelong and West Coast compete to stay in the AFL playoffs. And the top talent in women’s golf meet for the Solheim Cup between Europe and America.
Monday 9th September 11:10PM GMT – American Football: New Orleans Saints v Houston Texans
In the NFL, the New Orleans Saints host the Houston Texas at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
In the penultimate game of the NFL’s opening week, the Saints welcome the Texans to New Orleans. After a heart-breaking NFC Championship game loss last season, the Saints will look to repeat their dominant 2018. Having gone 13-3, they are one of the biggest threats in the league. The Texans are also looking to return to the postseason, hoping to improve on their Wild Card loss last season. Behind reinvigorated offensive lines, which quarterback will win out - legend Drew Brees or the exciting DeShaun Watson?
Tuesday 10th September 6:45PM GMT – Football: England v Kosovo
England and Kosovo battle for control of Euro 2020 qualifying group A at St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.
Gareth Southgate’s England side is a force re-imagined - fourth in the World Cup, third in the Nations League. And coming into today, top of their qualifying group for Euro 2020. However, they face a challenge in Kosovo. Despite only becoming a FIFA member in 2016, they are unbeaten in their last fifteen matches. They are second in the Euro 2020 qualifying group, only a point behind England. Will they be able to pull off the biggest upset in their history?
Wednesday 11th September 9:49AM GMT – Cycling: Vuelta a España
A gruelling ride faces the riders as the Vuelta a España enters its final week.
As the Vuelta a España enters its final week, the fifth from last stage will prove challenging for the riders. While the route between Aranda de Duero and Guadalajara is largely flat, it is the longest of the entire race. The 219.6km course will test the sheer endurance of the competing riders. Will Primož Roglič be able to hold his slowly-growing lead in these final stages? The Slovenian has cycled excellently, but the recent Tour de France showed just how much every stage counts.
Thursday 12th September 10:00AM GMT – Cricket: England v Australia Day 1 (5th Test)
The final Test of the Ashes begins at the Oval
While Australia will officially retain the Ashes, England still can come away with a tied series. Despite a valiant effort in the fourth Test, England enter the final match down 2-1 in the series. However, they will be determined to give the loyal fans something to cheer about. Jofra Archer already has 16 wickets across the series and will be eager to take a few more. Meanwhile, Australia’s Steve Smith will be looking to continue his phenomenal performance. Will he add another century or two to his tally?
Friday 13th September 9:30AM GMT – Australian Rules Football: Geelong v West Coast Eagles
The AFL Semifinals begin with Geelong facing West Coast at the MCG
The playoffs of the AFL continue as number one seed Geelong face fifth seed West Coast at the MCG. Geelong, who dominated the regular season, will look to bounce back from a shock first round loss to Collingwood. Meanwhile, West Coast dominated Essendon in the first round and will look to continue their playoff run. Geelong veteran Tom Hawkins and captain Joel Selwood will look to stop West Coast’s title defence. Will they succeed? Or will it be West Coast playing Richmond for a place in the final?
Saturday 14th September 7:10AM GMT – Golf: The Solheim Cup Day 2
The top talent in European and American women’s golf face off at Gleneagles in Scotland for the Solheim Cup.
The biennial tournament between teams of women golfers representing Europe and America continues today. Leading team Europe is Catriona Matthews, a Scottish golfing veteran and a former British Open winner. She goes up against Hall of Famer Juli Inkster, who leads Team America for the third time. Both teams have chosen young talent over established veterans. There are eight rookies who showcase some of the brightest young talent in women’s golf. Don’t miss this exciting tournament.
Sunday 15th September 10:00AM GMT – Cricket: England v Australia Day 4 (5th Test)
It’s the fourth day of the final Test of the Ashes at the Oval
England’s quest to tie the Ashes at 2-2 continues as the Test enters its fourth day. If England can beat Australia, it would result in the first drawn Ashes series since 1972. However, the task will not be easy. Australia have momentum and will be eager to make it count. Steve Smith has shone as one of the best players ever in the history of the Ashes. He will be eager to show just what he can do again against the English bowlers. Can Joe Root lead his men to victory?
Other sports highlights from around the globe
Honourable mentions around the globe to go the FIBA World Cup in China. The tournament enters the knockout stages this week, culminating in the Final in Beijing on Sunday. Elsewhere, the Vuelta a España also ends on Sunday, with riders racing to the finish in Madrid. The Tour of Britain takes place throughout the week, finishing in Manchester on Saturday. County Championship cricket returns with a number of key matches across the week. South Africa face India for a T20 fixture in Dharamshala on Sunday. The final Test of the Ashes also runs throughout the latter half of the week. In tennis, the Zhengzhou Women’s Tennis Open begins on Monday. There is plenty of international football to enjoy. Along with a number of friendlies, there are qualifying matches for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. In horse racing, the St Leger Festival begins in Doncaster on Wednesday. The Premiership Rugby 7s kicks off on Friday. The Premier League returns after the international break. Golf’s KLM Open begins in Amsterdam on Thursday. The AFL playoffs and the NRL knockouts take place throughout the week. Saturday sees Tyson Fury look to defend his WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight title against Otto Wallin at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Super Netball season concludes on Sunday while MotoGP travels to San Marino.
A week of world class sport awaits. Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
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Photos by NFL, England Football, La Vuelta, ICC Cricket, Geelong Cats, Solheim Cup
Written and information correct on 8th September at 10pm GMT