The week ahead

A guide to some of the highlights of London's sporting week...

Tuesday

Watford v Wigan, Vicarage Road Championship, 7.45pm

At the start of the season, there was little optimism around Vicarage Road. Even manager Ray Lewington admitted his aim was mid-table security and an improvement on last season's 57 points. But, galvanised by the goals of Danny Webber and the midfield tenacity of summer signing Brynjar Gunnarsson, the Hornets have emerged as the surprise package of the Championship. So much so, that the words 'play' and 'off' are now being mentioned in the same sentence as Watford. The fans will have an idea of how realistic that is when they host high-fliers Wigan.

Wednesday

Chelsea v Porto, Stamford Bridge Champions League, 7.45pm (Sky Sports 2)

All eyes will be on Jose Mourinho as the Chelsea boss takes on the club he led to Champions League glory just four months ago. The 'special one' has already made his mark on the Premiership, as much with his entertaining post-match comments as the undoubted efficiency of his expensively assembled team. Will Porto dare come to the Bridge and risk incurring the wrath of their former manager by putting 10 men behind the ball and attempt to snatch a draw? Perish the thought.

Friday

London Racers v Sheffield Steelers, Lee Valley Stadium, Elite League 8pm

For those who like their sport fast and furious, with a bit of fighting thrown in for good measure, then it might be worth a visit to watch the capital's only professional ice hockey team in the UK's top-flight league. It's the third weekend of the new season and the Racers are aiming to improve on last season's eighth-placed finish. All their home games will be played at the Lee Valley Stadium in the East End, which is a centrepiece of London's 2012 Olympic bid.

Other fixture highlights

Monday: racing, Windsor (Flat meeting) 2.00pm first race
Tuesday: football, Queens Park Rangers v Coventry, Loftus Road (Championship), 7.45pm Saturday: football, Arsenal v Charlton, Highbury (Premiership), 3pm
Sunday: rugby union, London Irish v Saracens, Madejski Stadium, Reading (Zurich Premiership), 3pm

Bet of the week

6-1 Jose Mourinho to accuse Porto of being divers in post-match interview following Wednesday's Champions League tie (Paddy Power)