Internationals

Ireland v Wales

Tight contest likely as Ireland aim to snuff out weakened Wales

Gareth Bale's absence is a big blow for the visitors

Nations League

France should be too sharp for Germany's unconvincing defence

Brazil v Argentina

Absence of Lionel Messi points to an interest in Brazil

Basketball

NBA season preview

Philadelphia 76ers may have the number of Eastern Conference rivals

Houston Rockets should rack up plenty of wins this season

Snooker

English Open

Jak Jones could push Lee Walker at English Open

Jimmy White and Lu Ning worth considering

Sport Columnists

Bruce Millington

Scoop6 slump stresses perils and potential of pool betting

The Thursday Column

Team in focus

Wigan

Wigan dominated by visitors in Swansea stalemate

Paul Cook's men are starting to slow down

Fleetwood Town

Fleetwood fail to impress on turbulent trip to Southend

Macclesfield Town

Slow-starting Macclesfield's wait for first league win under Mark Yates goes on

West Ham

Hammers show steel but remain pointless in Premier League

Derby County

Frank Lampard finding life difficult early in his Derby career

MK Dons

Work to do for Paul Tisdale as MK Dons look to bounce back

Plymouth Argyle

Poor Plymouth disappoint in opening League One loss