Football: Premier League

There’s a huge Premier League weekend on Sky Sports on 19-20 October, when all the top four are in action. Champions Man City visit Wolves while Arsenal are away at Bournemouth, but the most intriguing game is at Anfield, where Liverpool face Chelsea. New Reds coach Arne Slot has got off to a terrific start but this match represents arguably his toughest domestic test yet, and that’s because – despite preseason forecasts of confusion, acrimony and chaos at Stamford Bridge – Chelsea have looked impressive so far under Enzo Maresca.

In Cole Palmer they have England’s in-form player, and Nicolas Jackson is finally looking like he may be the prolific striker the Blues have lacked. Virgil van Dijk and the Liverpool defence (the meanest in the league so far this season) will have their work cut out stopping the Chelsea forwards, but of course the Reds have plenty of firepower too, in what’s sure to be a cracking game.

Both teams also face Arsenal in more eye-catching fixtures this month, plus there’s a big East Midlands derby as Nottingham Forest visit Leicester under the Friday night lights.

Bournemouth v Arsenal

Saturday 19 October, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City

Sunday 20 October, 1pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Liverpool v Chelsea

Sunday 20 October, 4pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace

Monday 21 October, 7pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Leicester City v Nottingham Forest

Friday 25 October, 7pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Everton v Fulham

Saturday 26 October, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Chelsea v Newcastle United

Sunday 27 October, 1pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Arsenal v Liverpool

Sunday 27 October, 4pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Crystal Palace

Saturday 2 November, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa

Sunday 3 November, 1pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Manchester United v Chelsea

Sunday 3 November, 4pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Fulham v Brentford

Monday 4 November, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester City

Saturday 9 November, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Nottingham Forest v Newcastle United

Sunday 10 November, 1pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Chelsea v Arsenal

Sunday 10 November, 4pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Football: Scottish Premiership

No doubt about the big game in Scotland this month – that’s on 30 October when Aberdeen, who have a 100% record at the time of writing, host Rangers, who are already staring down the barrel of a significant gap to the Premiership leaders. If Jimmy Thelin’s Dons can continue their fantastic form and see off the Glasgow giants, we’ll know they’re genuine title contenders. If Rangers can score an away win, it’ll make the top of the table even more intriguing.

Of course, the result may just hand the momentum to Celtic, whose away games at Motherwell and Kilmarnock are live on Sky Sports this month. You can also see the Edinburgh derby from Easter Road on 27 October.

Kilmarnock v Rangers

Sunday 20 October, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Hibernian v Heart Of Midlothian

Sunday 27 October, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Motherwell v Celtic

Sunday 27 October, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Aberdeen v Rangers

Wednesday 30 October, 7pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Kilmarnock v Celtic

Sunday 10 November, 2pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Football: Women’s Super League

In their five years in the WSL, Tottenham have finished in every position between fifth and ninth. Last season, their first under coach Robert Vilahamn, they showed signs of threatening the top teams but were undone by a habit of dropping points to the sides around them in the table. This month, they’ve got a chance to disrupt the title race with away games against Man Utd, Man City and champions Chelsea, all live on Sky Sports. Taking anything from these matches would be impressive for Spurs and with prolific striker Bethany England leading their line, there’s always a chance. But can their defence hold firm under pressure? Find out this month.

Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur

Sunday 13 October, 11.30am, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Liverpool v Manchester City

Sunday 13 October, 2pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur

Sunday 20 October, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur

Friday 8 November, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Manchester United v Aston Villa

Sunday 10 November, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Football: Scottish Women’s Premier League

Celtic finally won their first SWPL title last season and made it to the Champions League – but perhaps their European campaign has been affecting domestic form, because they’ve already lost ground in the league to their main rivals Glasgow City and Rangers. The top two meet at Ibrox in a potentially significant clash on 12 October, when Rangers will be hoping for a big – possibly record – crowd to cheer them on. Their striker Katie Wilkinson has been in red-hot form, grabbing hat-tricks against Aberdeen, Partick and Dundee United.

Rangers v Glasgow City

Saturday 12 October, 2.45pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Football: EFL Championship

Sky Sports has dozens of live Championship games again this month, so you can keep a close eye on the action in – and this is a fact – one of the most exciting and unpredictable leagues in the world. Luton won a lot of people over with their wholehearted attempts to survive in the Premier League and although they were ultimately unsuccessful, they seemed well equipped to do well in the second tier. But as always, this is a division that defies the forecasts. Rob Edwards’ side have struggled in the early stages and sit just above the relegation zone.

It’s a tough month for them, with away games against form teams such as Sunderland, West Brom and local rivals Watford – and if they can get some good results, their confidence will be seriously boosted. Other big games include a Yorkshire derby between Leeds and Sheffield United, and what already looks like a relegation six-pointer between Cardiff and Portsmouth.

Leeds United v Sheffield United

Friday 18 October, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Oxford United v West Bromwich Albion

Saturday 19 October, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Cardiff City v Plymouth Argyle

Saturday 19 October, 12.25am, Sky Sports +/HD (CH 518/508)

Luton Town v Watford

Saturday 19 October, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Preston North End v Coventry City

Saturday 19 October, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Hull City v Sunderland

Sunday 20 October, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Queens Park Rangers v Coventry City

Tuesday 22 October, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Leeds United v Watford

Tuesday 22 October, 7.35pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Cardiff City v Portsmouth

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Oxford United v Derby County

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Preston North End v Norwich City

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Sheffield Wednesday v Swansea City

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Stoke City v Bristol City

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Middlesbrough v Sheffield United

Wednesday 23 October, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Luton Town v Sunderland

Wednesday 23 October, 7.35pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Blackburn Rovers v West Bromwich Albion

Wednesday 23 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Hull City v Burnley

Wednesday 23 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Millwall v Plymouth Argyle

Wednesday 23 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Portsmouth v Sheffield Wednesday

Friday 25 October, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Coventry City v Luton Town

Saturday 26 October, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Bristol City v Leeds United

Saturday 26 October, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Watford v Blackburn Rovers

Saturday 26 October, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Norwich City v Middlesbrough

Sunday 27 October, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Luton Town v West Bromwich Albion

Friday 1 November, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Stoke City v Derby County

Saturday 2 November, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Blackburn Rovers v Sheffield United

Saturday 2 November, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Oxford United v Swansea City

Saturday 2 November, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Millwall v Burnley

Sunday 3 November, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Plymouth Argyle v Portsmouth

Tuesday 5 November, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Swansea City v Watford

Tuesday 5 November, 7.30pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Preston North End v Sunderland

Wednesday 6 November, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Luton Town v Cardiff City

Wednesday 6 November, 7.30pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

West Bromwich Albion v Burnley

Thursday 7 November, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Watford v Oxford United

Friday 8 November, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Cardiff City v Blackburn Rovers

Saturday 9 November, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Middlesbrough v Luton Town

Saturday 9 November, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Stoke City v Millwall

Saturday 9 November, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Sheffield United v Sheffield Wednesday

Sunday 10 November, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Football: EFL League One

With the club finances in dire straits, you’d hesitate to call Reading a success – but on the pitch they’re displaying impressive tenacity. Under former Southampton boss Rubén Sellés, they’ve stayed well away from the dreaded bottom three, with home form worthy of play-off challengers and Charlie Savage (son of Robbie) getting among the goals. They’ll be aiming for six more points from the visits of Crawley and Bristol Rovers this month, and will travel to Exeter with hope. There’s optimism, too, that the ownership issues will soon be resolved and the future secured. Fingers crossed for the Royals and their long-suffering fans and staff.

Shrewsbury Town v Exeter City

Thursday 17 October, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Reading v Crawley Town

Saturday 19 October, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Wycombe Wanderers v Peterborough United

Saturday 19 October, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Barnsley v Charlton Athletic

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Birmingham City v Bolton Wanderers

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Bristol Rovers v Shrewsbury Town

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Burton Albion v Wycombe Wanderers

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Crawley Town v Lincoln City

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Exeter City v Reading

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Leyton Orient v Rotherham United

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Peterborough United v Blackpool

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Stevenage v Cambridge United

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Stockport County v Northampton Town

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Wigan Athletic v Mansfield Town

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Wrexham v Huddersfield Town

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Mansfield Town v Birmingham City

Saturday 26 October, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Reading v Bristol Rovers

Saturday 26 October, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Blackpool v Wigan Athletic

Monday 28 October, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Burton Albion v Shrewsbury Town

Saturday 9 November, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Wrexham v Mansfield Town

Saturday 9 November, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Barnsley v Rotherham United

Monday 11 November, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Football: EFL League Two

After 10 games, just a single point covered the top six in League Two, suggesting that it’s going to be a seriously exciting campaign in the fourth tier. Gillingham and Notts County (pictured) are among the English teams benefiting from overseas investment – the Gills have American owners, while County’s are Danish – and they’ve both made good starts to the season. It’s Walsall, though, who lead the way at the time of writing thanks to a healthy goal difference (despite a bizarre 6-2 home defeat to Fleetwood, after going ahead twice). You can see all the contenders on Sky Sports this month.

Chesterfield v Notts County

Saturday 12 October, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

AFC Wimbledon v Carlisle United

Saturday 12 October, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Barrow v Morecambe

Saturday 12 October, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Cheltenham Town v Swindon Town

Saturday 12 October, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Doncaster Rovers v Crewe Alexandra

Saturday 12 October, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Fleetwood Town v Colchester United

Saturday 12 October, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Gillingham v Accrington Stanley

Saturday 12 October, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Harrogate Town v Newport County

Saturday 12 October, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Milton Keynes Dons v Port Vale

Saturday 12 October, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Salford City v Grimsby Town

Saturday 12 October, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Tranmere Rovers v Bradford City

Saturday 12 October, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Newport County v Chesterfield

Friday 18 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Accrington Stanley v Barrow

Saturday 19 October, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

AFC Wimbledon v Morecambe

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Barrow v Notts County

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Cheltenham Town v Bradford City

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Chesterfield v Colchester United

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Doncaster Rovers v Bromley

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Fleetwood Town v Crewe Alexandra

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Gillingham v Newport County

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Harrogate Town v Port Vale

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Milton Keynes Dons v Accrington Stanley

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Salford City v Swindon Town

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Tranmere Rovers v Grimsby Town

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Walsall v Carlisle United

Tuesday 22 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Colchester United v Salford City

Saturday 26 October, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Morecambe v Chesterfield

Saturday 26 October, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Harrogate Town v Morecambe

Saturday 9 November, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Salford City v Carlisle United

Saturday 9 November, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Football: EFL Cup – 4th Round

It’s down to 16 teams in the Carabao, and the odd quirk is that Premier League teams are at home in seven of the eight fourth-round ties. In the other match, Arsenal travel to Preston of the Championship, and with the Gunners’ league title challenge and Champions League campaigns well under way, it’ll be interesting to see what lineup they put out on a Wednesday night in Lancashire. Preston will undoubtedly smell an upset here.

Elsewhere, all-Prem clashes include Tottenham v Man City and Brighton v Liverpool, and all the games are available to watch across Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+.

Brentford v Sheffield Wednesday

Tuesday 29 October, 7pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Southampton v Stoke City

Tuesday 29 October, 7.30pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City

Wednesday 30 October, 7pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Brighton & Hove Albion v Liverpool

Wednesday 30 October, 7pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Manchester United v Leicester City

Wednesday 30 October, 7.30pm, Sky Sports+

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace

Wednesday 30 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Newcastle United v Chelsea

Wednesday 30 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Preston North End v Arsenal

Wednesday 30 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Football: EFL Trophy

The group stage of the EFL Trophy – currently known as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy – for League One and Two teams, plus Under-21 sides from the higher divisions, continues on Sky Sports this month. Only three of those under Under-21 teams have reached the quarter-finals in the past five seasons (Leicester, Arsenal and Brighton), which shows the strength of the EFL. There are some appealing match-ups here.

Northern Group A: Accrington Stanley vs Everton Under-21

Tuesday 29 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Northern Group D: Barrow vs Aston Villa Under-21

Tuesday 29 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Northern Group H: Mansfield Town v Newcastle United Under-21

Tuesday 29 October, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Group A: Birmingham City vs Fulham Under-21

Tuesday 29 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Group B: AFC Wimbledon vs Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21

Tuesday 29 October, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Group C: Charlton Athletic vs Chelsea Under-21

Tuesday 29 October, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Group G: Bristol Rovers vs Exeter City

Tuesday 29 October, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Group H: Cheltenham Town vs West Ham United Under-21

Tuesday 29 October, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Group C: Cambridge United vs Chelsea Under-21

Tuesday 5 November, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Group D: Peterborough United vs Crystal Palace Under-21

Tuesday 5 November, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Group F: Northampton Town vs Leicester City Under-21

Tuesday 5 November, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Group G: Swindon Town vs Tottenham Hotspur Under-21

Tuesday 5 November, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Football: Bundesliga

There’s a temptation to say it’s normal service resumed in the Bundesliga, with Bayern taking up their customary top spot in the early stages – but their rivals are clearly stronger than they have been in the past, which should make for a fascinating season. RB Leipzig in particular are keeping Bayern honest thanks to an ultra-parsimonious defence that kept five clean sheets in the first six games. If they can just crack scoring consistently at the other end, they could be dangerous this season. They’re in action at Dortmund at the start of November live on Sky Sports, while you can see Bayern at home to Stuttgart and away to Bochum before that.

Borussia Dortmund v St Pauli

Friday 18 October, 7.20pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Bayern Munich v Stuttgart

Saturday 19 October, 5.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Holstein Kiel v Union Berlin

Sunday 20 October, 2.20pm, Sky Sports+

Wolfsburg v Werder Bremen

Sunday 20 October, 4.20pm, Sky Sports+

Mainz v Borussia Mönchengladbach

Friday 25 October, 7.20pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen

Saturday 26 October, 5.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Bochum v Bayern Munich

Sunday 27 October, 2.20pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Union Berlin v Eintracht Frankfurt

Sunday 27 October, 4.20pm, Sky Sports+

Heidenheim v Hoffenheim

Sunday 27 October, 6.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Bayer Leverkusen v Stuttgart

Friday 1 November, 7.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Borussia Dortmund v RB Leipzig

Saturday 2 November, 5.20pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Freiburg v Mainz

Sunday 3 November, 2.20pm, Sky Sports+

Borussia Mönchengladbach v Werder Bremen

Sunday 3 November, 4.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Rugby League: Super League

This season’s surprise package Hull KR reached the Grand Final, their first in the Super League era, after a gritty semi-final performance: they took a 10-0 half-time lead and hung on against a spirited Warrington fightback to win by two points. No such jeopardy for Wigan Warriors, who took a step closer to defending their 2023 title by cruising past Leigh 38-0 to secure their place in the Old Trafford showpiece game. In fact they’re on for a historic quadruple, as they aim to add the Super League trophy to the World Club Championship, the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders’ Shield.

There’s no doubt which side are the favourites. But don’t count out the team from the East Riding yet – after all, they’ve already beaten the Warriors twice this season. The day after the two meet, you can also watch the Super League Wheelchair Grand Final between Leeds and Halifax on Sky Sports.

Super League Grand Final: Hull Kingston Rovers v Wigan Warriors

Saturday 12 October, 5pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Super League Wheelchair Grand Final: Leeds Rhinos v Halifax Panthers

Sunday 13 October, 5pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Cricket: ICC T20 Women’s World Cup

Smooth sailing for England in the early stages of this tournament, as they eased to comfortable victories over Bangladesh and South Africa, with batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge scoring 84 across the two games. It’s been a different story for Scotland, though, as they suffered defeat against Bangladesh – officially still hosts, although the matches are taking place in the UAE – and West Indies. The group games run until Tuesday 15 October, with the final on the following Sunday, and as always the question remains: can anyone stop Australia?

Group B: South Africa v Scotland

Wednesday 9 October, 10.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Group A: India v Sri Lanka

Wednesday 9 October, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Group B: Bangladesh v West Indies

Thursday 10 October, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Group A: Australia v Pakistan

Friday 11 October, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Group A: New Zealand v Sri Lanka

Saturday 12 October, 10.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Group B: Bangladesh v South Africa

Saturday 12 October, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Group B: England v Scotland

Sunday 13 October, 10.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Group A: India v Australia

Sunday 13 October, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Group A: Pakistan v New Zealand

Monday 14 October, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Group B: England v West Indies

Tuesday 15 October, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Semi-final: Group A Winners v Group B Runners-up

Thursday 17 October, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Semi-final: Group B Winners v Group A Runners-up

Friday 18 October, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Final

Sunday 20 October, 10.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Cricket: Men’s Tests

Pakistan got this series under way by posting a huge first-innings total of 556, with Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha all scoring centuries in Multan. But Joe Root and Harry Brook hit straight back with tons of their own, while Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley bagged fifties. And in the process, Root became England’s all-time leading Test run scorer. Which was nice.

There’s a long way to go in the series, but it’s clear that in these conditions England’s bowlers have it all to do if they’re going to win. They’ll be hoping injured captain Ben Stokes will be able to return for the remaining matches.

Pakistan v England: 1st Test

Monday 7 to Friday 11 October, from 5.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Pakistan v England: 2nd Test

Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 October, from 5.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Pakistan v England: 3rd Test

Thursday 24 to Monday 28 October, from 5.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Cricket: Women’s Big Bash League

Many of the world’s elite female cricketers will be going straight from the T20 World Cup to the Big Bash, which starts just a week after the World Cup final when defending champs Adelaide Strikers host Brisbane Heat at the city’s famous Oval ground. If you want to see England players in action, look out for the Sydney teams: Heather Knight and Georgia Adams will be turning out for the Thunder, while Sophie Ecclestone and Hollie Armitage are in the Sixers squad. The tournament runs until 1 December.

Adelaide Strikers v Brisbane Heat

Sunday 27 October, 2.35am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Renegades v Sydney Sixers

Sunday 27 October, 6.05am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Thunder v Hobart Hurricanes

Thursday 31 October, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder

Friday 1 November, 4.45am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars

Friday 1 November, 8.15am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes

Saturday 2 November, 11.10pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat

Thursday 7 November, 6.05am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Renegades

Thursday 7 November, 9.35am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Hobart Hurricanes v Perth Scorchers

Saturday 9 November, 11.10pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Motorsport: Formula One

After a few weeks off, the teams and drivers head into an intensive period, with races on three consecutive weekends. First up it’s the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, before the action moves south to Mexico City and then to São Paulo. And the big story is that Max Verstappen, after winning seven of the season’s first 10 races to take a seemingly unassailable lead, is looking vulnerable: he’s scored just two podium finishes in the seven races since he won in Spain in June.

Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri and Britain’s Lando Norris are tucked in behind him in the drivers’ championship standings and all will be desperate to gather momentum over this month in the Americas. Just three more races to go after this.  

United States Grand Prix: Practice 1

Friday 18 October, 6pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

United States Grand Prix: Sprint Qualifying

Friday 18 October, 9.30pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

United States Grand Prix: Sprint

Saturday 19 October, 6pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

United States Grand Prix: Qualifying

Saturday 19 October, 10pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

United States Grand Prix: Race

Sunday 20 October, 6.30pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

Mexico City Grand Prix: Practice 1

Friday 25 October, 7pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

Mexico City Grand Prix: Practice 2

Friday 25 October, 10.45pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

Mexico City Grand Prix: Practice 3

Saturday 26 October, 6.30pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

Mexico City Grand Prix: Qualifying

Saturday 26 October, 10pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

Mexico City Grand Prix: Race

Sunday 27 October, 7pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

São Paulo Grand Prix: Practice 1

Friday 1 November, 2.30pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

São Paulo Grand Prix: Sprint Qualifying

Friday 1 November, 10.45pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

São Paulo Grand Prix: Sprint

Saturday 2 November, 1pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

São Paulo Grand Prix: Qualifying

Saturday 2 November, 6pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

São Paulo Grand Prix: Race

Sunday 3 November, 4pm, Sky Sports F1^®/HD (CH 516/506)

NFL

Brock “Mr Relevant” Purdy’s San Francisco 49ers were a hot tip before the start of the season but surprised everyone by stumbling to a 2-3 record. Their defeats – to the Vikings, Rams and Cardinals – have all been by fewer than six points, but their highly rated offense isn’t quite clicking. Next up for them it’s a trip to Seattle to face their NFC West division rivals the Seahawks, who also wrongfooted the pundits by winning their first three games in 2024 after a decidedly mediocre 2023.

This month also brings action from the NFL’s London series as Jacksonville take on Chicago at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Kansas City Chiefs have set the pace again, winning their first five games, and they host Tampa Bay live on Sky Sports on 5 November as part of the extensive NFL coverage.

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks

Friday 11 October, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Chicago Bears

Sunday 13 October, 1.30pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 13 October, 6pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 13 October, 9pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets

Tuesday 15 October, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Denver Broncos @ New Orleans Saints

Friday 18 October, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 20 October, 5.30pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 20 October, 9pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Monday 21 October, 12.10am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Los Angeles Rams @ Arizona Cardinals

Tuesday 22 October, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 27 October, 5.30pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 27 October, 9pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Dallas Cowboys @ San Francisco 49ers

Monday 28 October, 12.10am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

New York Giants @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Tuesday 29 October, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Houston Texans @ New York Jets

Friday 1 November, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 3 November, 5pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 3 November, 9pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Philadelphia Eagles

Monday 4 November, 1.20am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Tuesday 5 November, 1am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens

Friday 8 November, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 10 November, 5pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 10 November, 9pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Detroit Lions @ Houston Texans

Monday 11 November, 1.20am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Miami Dolphins @ Los Angeles Rams

Tuesday 12 November, 1am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Darts

Luke Littler may be the new darling of darts after his World Championship heroics aged just 16, but it’s his namesake Luke Humphries who has dominated the sport over the past year – and it all began at the 2023 World Grand Prix. The double-in, double-out tournament was Humphries’ first big title and to say he used it as a springboard would be an understatement. After that triumph, he proceeded to win the Grand Slam of Darts, the Players Championship, the World Championship and the World Matchplay, claiming the World Cup for England (with Michael Smith) along the way.

The World Grand Prix is a notoriously difficult title to defend – since 2009, only Michael van Gerwen has managed it – and “Cool Hand” came close to going out in the first round, fighting back from a set and two legs down to defeat Stephen Bunting. Can he snatch the title again? Or could someone else take their chance and go on a similar winning run? If they do, it won’t be Littler, who’s been knocked out by Rob Cross. The final is on Sunday 13 October. 

World Grand Prix Day 3: Round 2

Wednesday 9 October, 7pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

World Grand Prix Day 4: Round 2

Thursday 10 October, 7pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

World Grand Prix Day 5: Quarter-finals

Friday 11 October, 7pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

World Grand Prix Day 6: Semi-finals

Saturday 12 October, 8.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501) + 9pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

World Grand Prix Day 7: Final

Sunday 13 October, 8pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Grand Slam Of Darts

From Monday 9 November, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Rugby Union: NZ NPC

The knockout phase of New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship begins on 11 October when Wellington, who topped the regular-season table, face Counties Manukau. The team from the capital were remarkably consistent this year with Tjay Clarke running in seven tries, and having won their first championship in 2022 they’ll be keen to reclaim the trophy. Taranaki and Tasman are their main challengers, all three having achieved eight wins from their 10 matches in the season. The final is on 26 October, live on Sky Sports.

Quarter-final: Wellington v Counties Manukau

Friday 11 October, 7am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Quarter-final: Bay Of Plenty v Hawke’s Bay

Saturday 12 October, 2am, Sky Sports+

Quarter-final: Taranaki v Waikato

Saturday 12 October, 7am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Quarter-final: Tasman v Canterbury

Sunday 13 October, 2am, Sky Sports+

Semi-final

Friday 18 October, 7am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Semi-final

Saturday 19 October, 7am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Final

Saturday 26 October, Sky Sports

Golf

Asia’s the focus for the leading tours this month. The PGA Tour makes its only stop on the continent with the ZOZO Championship, taking place at the Narashino club in Japan, while the LPGA Tour has tournaments in China, Korea and Malaysia. After the Open de France at Le Golf National near Paris – where the 2024 Olympic tournament was played – and the Andalusia Masters in Sotogrande, the European Tour heads for Incheon and the Korea Championship, where Pablo Larrazábal is the defending champion.

LPGA Tour: Buick LPGA Shanghai

From Thursday 10 October, 6am, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

European Tour: Open De France

From Thursday 10 October, 12.30pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

PGA Tour: Black Desert Championship

From Thursday 10 October, 5.30pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

LPGA Tour: BMW Championship

From Thursday 17 October, 6am, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

European Tour: Andalusia Masters

From Thursday 17 October, 1pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

PGA Tour: Shriners Children’s Open

From Thursday 17 October, 6pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

PGA Tour: ZOZO Championship

From Thursday 24 October, 6am, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

European Tour: Korea Championship

From Thursday 24 October, 10am, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

LPGA Tour: Maybank Championship

From Thursday 24 October, 7pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

Tennis

Thanks to the innovation of Sky Sports+, you can follow multiple tournaments around the world on Sky Sports, starting in China with the Shanghai Masters and the Wuhan Open – both 1000-ranked events with big names and big prize money. Hubert Hurkacz was the 2023 winner in Shanghai but wasn’t fit to take part this year, handing an opportunity to the fit-again world number one Jannik Sinner and four-time champ Novak Djokovic.

Aryna Sabalenka won the last staging of the Wuhan Open, all the way back in 2019, and she’s gunning to reclaim the trophy. There’s plenty more action from both Asia and Europe throughout the coming month on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+.

ATP Shanghai Masters

Until Saturday 12 October, from 4am, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

WTA Wuhan Open

Until Saturday 12 October, from 4am, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

WTA Japan Open

Monday 14 to Sunday 20 October, from 2.30am, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

ATP Almaty Open

Monday 14 to Sunday 20 October, from 6am, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

ATP European Open – Antwerp

Monday 14 to Sunday 20 October, from 6am, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

ATP Stockholm Open

Monday 14 to Sunday 20 October, from 6am, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

WTA Ningbo Open

Monday 14 to Sunday 20 October, from 6am, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

ATP Swiss Indoor

Monday 21 to Sunday 27 October, from 6am, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

ATP Vienna Open

Monday 21 to Sunday 27 October, from 6am, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

ATP Pan Pacific Open – Tokyo

Monday 21 to Sunday 27 October, from 6am, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

ATP Guangzhou Open

Monday 21 to Sunday 27 October, from 6am, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

Boxing

There are several world title fights this month, including a double-header on 13 October as Takuma Inoue defends his bantamweight belt against Seiya Tsustumi in Tokyo, with a WBC flyweight title fight between Kenshire Teraji and Cristofer Rosales also on the bill.

But perhaps the most interesting match-up for British fans comes when fast-rising lightweight star Adam Azim takes to the ring at the Copper Box in London, where he’ll put his undefeated record on the line against former British champion Ohara Davies. An explosive contest is anticipated. Other British favourites on the night’s card include Dan Azeez, Anthony Yarde and Shannon Courtenay. Don’t miss it.

WBA Bantamweight Title: Inoue v Tsutsumi

WBC Flyweight Title: Teraji v Rosales

Sunday 13 October, 9am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

WBC Bantamweight Title: Nakatani v Chitpattana

Monday 14 October, 9am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Azim v Davies

Saturday 19 October, 7pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

WBC Super Featherweight Title: Foster v Conceicao

Sunday 3 November, 12am, Sky Sports

WBO Welterweight Title: Norman Jr v Cuevas

Davis v Lemos

Saturday 9 November, 1am, Sky Sports

Pool

Scotland’s Jayson Shaw won the inaugural Hanoi Open last year and returns to defend his crown but the competition will be fierce, with the World Nineball Tour’s top 128 ranked players all signed up to take part and another 128 qualifiers including some local favourites. They love their pool in Vietnam, and the electric atmosphere has been dubbed the “Hanoi Hype”. With $200,000 and a place in the Mosconi Cup up for grabs, it’s seriously competitive, and you can enjoy the latter stages live on Sky Sports Mix.

Hanoi Open: Day 5

Saturday 12 October, 6am + 12.30pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Hanoi Open: Day 6 – Final

Sunday 13 October, 6am + 12.30pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Watch on the go

Virgin TV customers who subscribe to Sky Sports can watch on the go with the Sky Sports app. Not only will you be able to take your Sky packages with you, but you get in-depth sports coverage, as well as exclusive videos and interviews. On iPad and Android tablets you can also access Sky Sports’ cutting-edge second-screen functions. Download from the Apple app store for iPad or iPhone, or from Google Play.

Upgrade to Sky Sports now

Don’t have Sky Sports? You can find out about our Sky Sports package and upgrade here.