It’s that time of the week again when sports fever rises to extreme levels – you’re dreaming about the weekend and wondering what sport you absolutely have to squeeze into your busy weekend schedule. I know trying to do as little as possible is a very precise and intricate process, so here is your guide to the sporting events for which you need to ensure you occupy the tv remote (please ladies??).
FRIDAY
WSB Cape Cobras vs Multiply Titans (from 13:30)
Some local cricket gets the weekend started as the Cobras host the Titans in Cape Town. The Warriors and Dolphins are starting to distance themselves from the pack and both will be keen to get themselves up to the sharp end of the table. With the Proteas likely to miss out the Titans will go into this one without the services of Shamsi and Ngidi in the bowling department but welcome back Markram and Elgar. Everyone waits with baited breath to see whether JP Duminy will finally make his long-awaited return.
SATURDAY
India vs Australia – Cricket (10:00)
Virat Kohli has emphasised how important this series is as a last opportunity to get their tactics right before the World Cup. Many in the know believe that this could very likely be a preview of a possible final or semi-final in a few months time. Glen Maxwell was at his spectacular best in the T20 but the rest of the Aussie batters will have to show they can cope with the twin-spin of Kuldeep Yadav and Chahal. The Indians for their part will have to contend with the fire and brimstone of Pat Cummins.
Emirates Lions vs Vodacom Bulls – Rugby (15:05)
Derbies are often not-to-be-missed encounters. We have come a long way from the old Transvaal vs Northern Transvaal Jukskei derby days but in its nature these two neighbours still enjoy few things more than beating the team 50km’s up (or down) the highway. Both sides suffered setbacks last week and will be keen on getting their Vodacom Super Rugby ambitions back on track at Ellis Park.
SUNDAY
South Africa vs Sri Lanka – Cricket (10:00)
The Proteas suffered a humiliating defeat to the Sri Lankans in the test series and now we move on to the shorter format. Faf and his chargers might try and use a focus on the Cricket World Cup as excuse for their failures in the longest format but that means that no hiccups will be tolerated in this final tune up before the big event. The time for experiments are over and these five matches need to be used to fine tune a few of the smaller moving parts before boarding the plane to England.
A strong start at the Wanderers on Sunday is non-negotiable. R&R (Rassie and Reeza) are in great touch and I expect them to try and cement their World Cup spot.
Everton vs Liverpool (18:00)
The Merseyside derby has been on the go since 1962. Everton might be having a mid-table kind of season but one can be sure they will lift themselves for this clash against the old foe. Liverpool fans are getting more and more excited by the day as their Red Men approach the first League Title in nearly 30 years. One would think that the Evertonians would take almost as much joy out of tripping up their old rivals as they would be winning some silverware of their own. This is a game not to be missed.
ADD SOME BETTING SPICE
If the action itself doesn’t quite raise your excitement levels enough then it means you are in need of having a punt to raise the stakes! If you’re feeling Olympic then here are a few bets of the weekend that could catch your eye, offered by my friends at BETOLIMP:
- Cobras to beat the Titans @ 2.31
- India vs Australia – Maxwell top Away batsman @ 6.5
- SA vs Sri Lanka – Rassie vd Dussen top Home batsman @ 7.0
- Liverpool to lead at half time and full time (HT/FT) @ 2.41
Enjoy all the sporting action my fellow feverish fans and let’s have a chat on Twitter using #WLF and add me @HDiemont
