Bernie’s Sports Focus - 19th October 2012

The premier league returns this weekend after a break for world cup qualifiers. Leaders Valletta face neighbours Floriana in a derby clash tomorrow. B’Kara in second place play Hamrun Spartans wt the Victor Tedesco Stadium tonight and Balzan face Sliema Wanderers.

There is another derby clash on Sunday as Tarxien Rainbows tackle Hibernian’s, Qormi face bottom club Melita and Mosta play Rabat Ajax tomorrow. Stephen Azzopardi has been named as Floriana’s new coach taking over from Mark Wright with former Valletta coach Jesmond Zerafa taking over from Azzopardi at Qormi.

Andre Villas-Boas takes on his former club as Tottenham tackle city rivals Chelsea at white Hart Lane tomorrow.
Manchester United entertain Stoke at Old Trafford, Manchester City could have a tricky visit to West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal should be too strong for bottom club Norwich. Everton will want their good start to continue as they visit Queens Park Rangers. There will be no prisoners as arch rivals Sunderland and Newcastle go head to head on Sunday.

There is a top of the table contest in Serie A as leaders Juventus take on Napoli. Lazio are home to out of form AC Milan and Inter could be tested by the visit of Catania.

La Liga leaders Barcelona travel to Deportivo tomorrow while arch rivals Real Madrid are home to Celta Viga.
In the Bundesliga  Bayern Munich travel to Dussledorf tomorrow. Sparks could fly for the derby meeting of Borussia Dortmund and Schalke.

A record number of yachts are expected for this year’s edition of the Rolex Middlesea Race.

Dani Pedrosa was quickest in practice for Sunday’s Malaysian Moto GP ahead of Honda team-mate Casey Stoner and championship leader Jorge Lorenzo.