By Dylan Bettencourt
Sports Editor
PICK OF THE SPORT: For several years, Manchester City vs Liverpool was one of the biggest games in world football; but that is no longer the case.
➤ For four or five seasons, the Premier League was dominated by both Manchester City and Liverpool as the two clubs exchanged titles back and forth.
But a massive slump in form has hit the Reds, who are struggling this season, lying in the sixth spot in the standings.
Manchester City has not been at their best this season either, with Pep Guardiola chasing his prodigy Mikel Arteta, and Arsenal at the summit.
Nevertheless, City goes into Saturday’s fixture at 1.30 pm as the favourites to claim all three points.
And as they are sitting eight points behind Arsenal, Manchester City desperately needs the three points.
Liverpool, however, will be determined to hinder City’s title charge after they robbed Liverpool of the league on the final day of last season.
Regardless of form, a game between these two sides always entertains and provides non-stop attacking action.
Arsenal will follow the blockbuster fixture with a match against Leeds United at 4 pm in a bid to tighten their grip on the Premier League trophy.
Sunday will see Chelsea host Aston Villa at 4.30 pm, with Manchester travelling to face Newcastle United at 6.30 pm.
All the Premier League action will be live on DStv channel 203.
➤ If you’ve ever felt like watching rugby around the clock for three days — here’s your chance.
Sevens kicks off tomorrow morning at 6.16 am in Hong Kong, the city considered by many to be the spiritual home of sevens. The women’s teams of France and Japan play in the opening match.
In the men’s section, the Blitzboks are right in at the deep end, facing Ireland (Friday, 9.04 am), New Zealand (Saturday, 5.04 am) and Kenya (9.25 am). The finals start at 2.30 am on Sunday. All the action will be live on DStv channel 211.
➤ The first Heineken Cup match is at 9 pm on Friday, with seven matches throughout the weekend in what might well be the toughest league in Europe.
On Saturday, the Sharks are in the deep end against Ulster (at 1.30 pm). Hopefully, they will improve on their pathetic performance of last week and successfully defend their third-place position on the log.
The Stormers, third in their group, face Harlequins at 4 pm. Expect fireworks.
On Sunday the Bulls play Toulouse at 4 pm. If you want to, after this match – which finishes at about 6 pm – you could switch off your TV, make peace with your wife and spend what’s left of the weekend with your family.
All the Heineken Cup action will be live on DStv channels 201 and 211.
➤ On Saturday at 1.30 pm the Cheetahs play Toulonnais in France in the EPCR Challenge Cup that is now in the last eight knock-out stage. The Lions have a mountain to climb when they face Racing 92 at Emirates Ellis Park at 6.30 pm on the same evening.
The EPCR action will be live on DStv channels 201 and 211.
➤ It will be a couple of early mornings for Formula 1 fans as the sport heads down under for the Australian Grand Prix.
What used to be the traditional opener now finds itself third on the calendar with the second edition of the new track layout.
Both the qualifying part on Saturday and the race on Sunday will start at 7 am, so set those alarms to avoid missing out!
Max Verstappen in the Red Bull car has never won the race in Melbourne, and a stubborn stomach bug could prevent the making of a small slice of history.
The race will be live on DStv channel 215.
Pictured above: Manchester City take on Liverpool
Image source: Liverpool
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