Five live sporting events to watch on TV this weekend
Friday, March 17, 2023 1:00 p.m
The sporting world sees the conclusion of the Six Nations this week, a national rugby final and the return of the FA Cup and Formula 1. Here’s what to put on your diary ahead of the weekend.
The Premier League returns tonight with a tough battle between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.
Newcastle looked solid for a third-place finish this year but have since suffered a dip in form. They are now fifth and need to win to close the four-point gap on Tottenham Hotspur over them in fourth place.
Nottingham Forest are one of nine teams within five points at the bottom of the Premier League table. Steve Cooper’s men are currently two points clear of the relegation zone in 14th but have been without a win since February 5th.
This should be quite the duel on the City Ground so expect fireworks tonight (8pm, Sky Sports Premier League).
Rugby: Six Nations Super Saturday – Saturday
Tomorrow marks the conclusion of the Six Nations with three straight matches across Europe in one of the biggest competitions in sport.
Scotland host Italy in Edinburgh and are hoping for their best Six Nations result so far (runners-up), while Italy will look to avoid the wooden spoon – which will be handed to the team finishing last.
France then meet Wales with Les Bleus in the mix in Paris to win a second straight championship. They’ll need to bet a lot of points on Wales – who themselves will try to dodge the wooden spoon – to even stand a chance at the title.
Ireland then host England in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day to secure the Grand Slam. If England somehow manage to bounce back from their 53-10 humiliation against France last week, Ireland could lose the title to France. (From 12pm, BBC1 then ITV1).
Football: Man City v Burnley – Saturday
Yes, Burnley manager Vincent Kompany returning to Manchester City is a great storyline for this FA Cup quarter-finals, but so are the expectations off the field.
Following the BBC row over Gary Lineker and his Twitter account, the gamer-turned-expert is set to return to our screens.
Will he comment on strikes, will he attack his bosses? Or is it just about the sport? Tune in to see!
Manchester City are overwhelming favorites for this game but Burnley are a tenacious side and won’t roll over (5:45 p.m., BBC1).
Rugby: Premiership Rugby Cup – Sunday
The first domestic trophy of the English rugby season is up for grabs on Sunday when the London Irish and Exeter Chiefs compete for the Premiership Rugby Cup.
Normally a sporting competition reserved for young guns and promising talent, both sides have consistently produced strong teams.
The London Irish are looking for their first high-profile trophy in over 20 years, while Exeter tries to save silverware before some of their stars head off to new pastures.
It’s also an exciting duel when the Irish’ fluid rugby meets the brutality of the Chiefs’ pack – it should be a smash (2pm, BT Sport1).
Formula 1: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Sunday
The Formula 1 calendar moves on to Saudi Arabia this weekend, where a number of teams are expected to make changes to the cars that started the season in Bahrain.
Max Verstappen is looking to continue his strong start to the season while Fernando Alonso is hoping to get onto his podium two weeks ago.
The Saudi circuit is famous for its speed – some have described it as dangerous in the past – but it is well set for another brilliant race weekend (5 p.m., Sky Sports Formula 1).