The last two weekends we've had Halloween and Bonfire Night. There are no significant dates over this coming weekend, but what's at stake this weekend is international pride!
An international break can be upsetting for football fans, but we're in for a treat on Friday night. Not only that, we have the climax of the Formula One season and a gripping Test match to consider. Let us take you through it all in more detail.
Fierce Rivals
Here's a game that needs no introduction. Friday night sees England take on Scotland at Wembley! This won't be your usual international fixture that sends you to sleep; this will be passionate and intense.
There have been some classic encounters between the two neighbouring nations over the years. Who can forget the classic match at Euro 96 when Gazza scored one of the most memorable goals by an England player and then did the'dentist chair' celebration?
Fast forward 20 years, and although this may only be a World Cup qualifier, there is still plenty riding on it. Interim England Manager Gareth Southgate needs a positive result if he is to get the position on a permanent basis. Southgate is sweating on the fitness of Harry Kane and has a big decision to make as to whether he starts the Spurs striker, who has only just returned from injury.
The pressure is also on Scotland Manager Gordon Strachan after two disappointing results in the last round of international fixtures. It is thought that defeat will spell the end for Strachan, which would make victory that little bit sweeter for England!
Other Internationals
There are crucial matches for the other home internationals over the weekend as the race to get to Russia 2018 heats up. Northern Ireland host Azerbaijan on Friday night in what they will hope is a straight forward win. Having said that, European minnows Azerbaijan are unbeaten in the first three games of qualifying so should provide a stern test.
Wales have a difficult game against Group D leaders Serbia. After dropping points against Georgia in the last round of matches, it's important that Wales get a positive result on Saturday or they could already have a lot of ground to make up.
Can England Push On?
At the end of day two of the first Test against India, England are in a dominant position with a commanding lead.
Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali both made impressive centuries on the way to England posting a first innings score of 537 all out. Along with Joe Root, that meant England had three players make centuries in their first innings!
India did put on 63 without loss at the end of the day, but with a lead of 474, England are still well in control. A good bowling display tomorrow should put England in a position to go and win the match on day four.
Crunch Time
We are now very much into the business end of the Formula One season, and Lewis Hamilton has his work cut out if he is going to win a fourth world drivers' title.
There are two races remaining in the season beginning with Brazil this weekend. Hamilton trails Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg by 19 points, with a maximum of 50 available in the remaining two races.
Rosberg could even clinch the title this weekend. Can Hamilton come from behind to pip the German or will Rosberg be celebrating his first title?
South Africa Visit
In rugby union, England host South Africa in the first of their Autumn Internationals at Twickenham this weekend.
It could be a great time to play South Africa. The Springboks are looking the weakest they have done in years, having lost five of their last nine internationals; including a record thumping at home to New Zealand.
Eddie Jones will be looking for his side to go unbeaten over the four Autumn Internationals. After Saturday, England face Fiji, Argentina and Australia over the next few weekends at Twickenham.
Image credits: Soccer AM, UEFA Euro, Sky Sports Cricket, Renault Sport, England Rugby
Date Posted: Thursday 10th November 2016
Author: George Crewe
