MiD DAY Weekend cracker of a Diwali

From football, tennis, cricket to Formula One, you won't be short of sporting action this weekend

MiD DAY Weekend cracker of a Diwali

From football, tennis, cricket to Formula One, you won't be short of sporting action this weekend

No Rooney, but Van Der Sar's back for Man U

Conceding silly goals has cost Manchester United points in the English Premier League with Edwin van der Sar's replacement, Ben Foster, the guilty party against Arsenal, Manchester City and Sunderland.
But manager Alex Ferguson can now heave a sigh of relief as his first choice goalkeeper, van der Sar will be back for tonight's clash against Bolton Wanderers.
Wayne Rooney, however, will miss out after sustaining an injury during England's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
"Edwin plays tomorrow," Ferguson said yesterday. "He had a reserve game 10 days ago and has come through that fine. He has been training for quite a spell now but with a hand injury you don't take any chances and that game has given him a good confidence boost."
Ferguson's decision to recall Van der Sar brings to an end an eight-game Premier League run for Ben Foster in which his questionable form earned public criticism from the Scot.
"If Edwin comes through tomorrow, he has two important games away from home at CSKA Moscow and at Liverpoolu00a0- so his return couldn't come at a better time with the experience he's got," Ferguson said.
Manchester Utd vs Bolton Wanderers, Live on Star Sports, Saturday, 19:25

CHampions League Twenty20
BANGALORE: Champions League T20 reaches the crucial stage withu00a0 double headers on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, Cape Cobras take on the Victoria Bushrangers and if the South African T20 champs have to give themselves a chance in a must-win game against the best team in the tournament so far, Andrew Puttick and Jean-Paul Duminy MUST fire. Else, Cameron White and Co will be all over them. The second game between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Daredevils is certain to be a full house and Virender Sehwag could well brighten up the Diwali further with his strokeplay.
Cape Cobras vs Victoria Bushrangers, Live on Star Cricket, Saturday, 15:45
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Delhi Daredevils, Live on Star Cricket, Saturday, 19:45
Somerset Sabres vs New South Wales Blues, Live on Star Cricket, Sunday, 15:45
Trinidad and Tobago vs Diamond Eagles, Live on Star Cricket, Sunday. 19:45

Can Chelsea improve their away form?
LONDON: For all the progress Chelsea have made under Carlo Ancelotti, doubts over their away form continue to hang over them ahead of a difficult trip to Aston Villa.
A 2-0 success over title rivals Liverpool before the international break helped them remain ahead of Manchester United at the summit of the Premier League.
Yet the trip to the Midlands poses the latest question over this side's character. Chelsea's last domestic away fixture resulted in a 1-3 defeat at Wigan. The scoreline led to captain John Terry (left) calling on his teammates to show a better work ethic.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea, Live on Star Sports, Saturday, 17:10

Liverpool without gerrard, torres
LONDON: Liverpool take on Sunderland today without skipper Steven Gerrard and ace striker Fernando Torres (pictured below). Both are suffering from groin injuries. Gerrard picked up his during England's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine while Spaniard Torres was injured while travelling with the national team for the World Cup qualifiers. The match is important for Liverpool considering that they must return to winning ways ahead of important back-to-back matches at home. They are already six points adrift of the summit after losing three of their opening eight league games, and entertain reigning champions Manchester United next weekend.
Sunderland vs Liverpool, Live on ESPN, Saturday, 17:10
Other Live action:
Saturday: Portsmouth vs Tottenham, Live on ESPN, 22:00
Sunday: Blackburn Rovers vs Burnley, Live on ESPN, 17:25, Wigan vs Man City, Live on ESPN, 20:25

The best clash against the rest
THE top tennis stars battle it out in the Shanghai Masters with an aim to book a place in the year-ending tennis extravaganza to be held in London. Watch Roger Federer (below), Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and others battle it out over the weekend.
Shanghai Masters, Live on ESPN, Saturday, 14:00 and 17:30. Final on Sunday, 14:00