Well, as it turned out, the international break wasn't as dull as usual. A convincing win over arch rivals Scotland last Friday and then an entertaining 2-2 draw with Spain on Tuesday. Having said that, it's nice to have the Premier League back this weekend isn't it?
Not just that, there is plenty of other sporting action to get stuck into over the weekend. Here, we give you the lowdown on what's going on.
Premier League Returns
The Premier League is back this weekend; and with a bang! With eight of the ten fixtures being played on Saturday this weekend, it's set to be a busy day.
First up is a Premier League classic as Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford. Arguably the greatest fixture of the Premier League era following the sides' rivalry in the nineties and noughties. Arsenal come into the game in far better form and know a win would put them top of the Premier League until 3pm, at least. United had a comfortable win away at Swansea before the international break, but need a performance tomorrow, after taking hammerings from Chelsea and Manchester City already this season.
Current league leaders Liverpool travel to the south coast to take on Southampton. Jurgen Klopp's side have been in scintillating form thus far, scoring 30 goals in 11 games. They come up against one of the toughest backline's to breach in the Premier League, so it will be interesting to see if Philippe Coutinho and co can work their magic.
Second placed Chelsea aren't in action until Sunday when they travel to Middlesbrough, and third placed Man City head to Selhurst Park tomorrow afternoon to play Crystal Palace. Another exciting weekend at the top of the Premier League!
Bleak Outlook
England face one hell of a battle if they are to salvage anything from the second Test against India over the weekend. India put on a score of 455 in their first innings; Virat Kohli top scored with an impressive 167.
England struggled in reply and at the close of day two were 103-5. Alastair Cook and Haseeb Hameed struggled, with both dismissed early on. Joe Root steadied the ship for a while with a half-century, but then gave his wicket away cheaply off the bowling of Ravi Ashwin.
Ben Duckett and Moeen Ali both fell quickly, and Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow were at the crease for England at the close of play. The pair will need to put on a long stand if they are to have any chance of clawing their way back into the Test!
England Expect
England host Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon in the second of their autumn internationals. Following their impressive win over South Africa last weekend, Eddie Jones' side will be expected to win by an even bigger margin over lower ranked opposition.
Semesa Rokoduguni, Alex Goode and Teimana Harrison all come into the England side as Jones looks for a more complete performance from his side.
One Set Needed
Andy Murray faces Stan Wawrinka in the ATP World Tour Finals this afternoon knowing he just needs to take a set to ensure his place in the semi-finals.
Murray came through a gruelling match with Kei Nishikori on Wednesday. It was a tournament record three hours and 20 minutes, with Murray eventually winning 6-7 (9-11) 6-4 6-4.
If Murray is to replace Novak Djokovic as world number one in the rankings, it is essential that he qualifies for the semi-finals this weekend!
Date Posted: Friday 18th November 2016
Author: George Crewe
