London’s sporting weekend

While the England cricket team is getting well and truly caned by Australia in the First Test in Brisbane, back at home the English rugby squad have a second game against South Africa at Twickenham tomorrow afternoon.
The two teams played last Saturday and England won 23-21 but to be honest the Springboks blew the game, they had the chances to put England away but just couldn’t take them, it might be a different result tomorrow, kickoff is 2.30pm. Prediction 29-19 to South Africa. The other two major southern hemisphere teams are also in action Saturday, New Zealand in Wales and Australia against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Four London football teams have home games tomorrow. Charlton who are rock bottom of the Premiership are desperate for a win and host Everton tomorrow, I don’t think they did themselves any favours by firing their manager after 12 games in charge but that seems like the way football clubs operate. Tickets are still available for this one, check the Charlton website and remember its a 12.45 kickoff. Prediction on this game 2-1 Everton.

Fulham play Reading at Craven Cottage and these two are pretty evenly matched in terms of size of club, potential, results and players. Reading have done really well since getting promoted last season and look sure to stay in the Premiership, while Fulham consistently finish mid-table every year. Fulham’s website says you can pay on the gate, tickets from £30, and kickoff is at 3pm. Both like to attack and my prediction is a 2-2 draw.

West Ham are out to impress their new Icelandic billionaire owners and will be expecting a win against third from bottom Sheffield United. Not sure if Tevez and Mascherano will play, personally I think they’ll be out the door by January, they haven’t improved the team and the weather’s starting to turn here in London so I think those boys will be seeking somewhere a bit warmer. Kickoff’s at 3pm, all official tickets have gone(there are always the touts) and I’m predicting the Hammers to be blowing bubbles after a 3-1 win.

In the Championship Queens Park Rangers are at home to Coventry, both in mid-table and looking for a win to get into a playoff spot. Loftus Road is a handy little ground to get to in west London if you just want to see a game and tickets are on general sale and available for this match, kickoff 3pm. QPR have a patchy home record while Coventry have won 3 and lost 6 away this season, so it all pointing to a draw, 2-2 is the prediction.

If you fancy a little horseracing action tomorrow afternoon Kempton Park (not that far from Twickenham) has a twilight meeting on its new all weather track, the first race is at 3.50pm, last race at 6.20pm, entrance is between £10-40. If you’re betting pick something that likes running into a head wind because the turbulent weather is meant to be arriving this weekend.