Best Sports on TV and Stream this Weekend (June 30 - July 3, 2023)
After a relatively quiet couple of weeks in sport, we are back with a bang this weekend, as huge competitions and matchups take place in tennis, cricket, MMA, and soccer. The summer is heating up, and everywhere you look, big titles are on the line for everyone involved. With that said, let’s take a look at some of the biggest clashes taking place this weekend.
The Ashes: England vs. Australia - 2nd Test (June 28th - July 2nd)
As the iconic Ashes series moves into its 2nd Test at Lord’s, the cricketing fraternity is bracing for another enthralling showdown. Australia managed to scrape a win in the opening Test, courtesy of their resilient batting line-up and penetrative bowling attack, yet England showed promising signs that they won't be defeated easily.
The English side, playing on their home turf, will be hoping to level the series. Lord’s has traditionally favoured England, and the home side will look to use this advantage to their full potential. With speculations about potential changes in their squad, with spin bowler Moeen Ali being injured, it will be intriguing to see how England modifies their strategy. All eyes are on Ben Stokes and Joe Root to carry the batting, as usual.
Australia, on the other hand, enters the match with a boost of confidence, aiming to consolidate their lead. However, they cannot afford complacency against a potentially re-energised English side. Their bowling attack, which showed exemplary performance in the first Test, will be a key factor in the upcoming match, with Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins ready to cause England problems.
Expectations are sky high, and with both teams having so much to play for, the stage is set for another enthralling contest. The 2nd Test in Edgbaston promises to be a nail-biter, much like the first.
Grand Slam: Wimbledon (June 28th - July 16th)
As the prestigious Wimbledon 2023 championship is set to commence this weekend, the air of excitement and anticipation is almost tangible. With Rafael Nadal unfortunately sidelined due to injury, the focus shifts onto the French Open champion, Novak Djokovic, and the current world number 1, Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic, with his exceptional skill set and seasoned Wimbledon experience, heads into the tournament as a favourite. His spectacular performance at the French Open is a testament to his current form, and fans eagerly await his performance on the grass courts of Wimbledon.
Yet, the spotlight also shines on the young Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz. His meteoric rise to the top of world tennis has been nothing short of spectacular. As the current world number 1 and US Open Champion, Alcaraz will be aiming to solidify his standing by winning his first Wimbledon title. He lost against Djokovic in the semifinals of the French Open after suffering from cramp, so he will hope that he has no further injury problems if they meet again.
Further down the draw, Russian Daniil Medvedev will be third seed and his compatriot Andrey Rublev seventh, as both return to Wimbledon after being barred from playing last year. Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas will also be hoping to make a deep run, as will home favorite Andy Murray after winning two Challenger events on grass in recent weeks.
UFC on ESPN: Strickland vs. Magomedov (July 1st)
The UFC on ESPN card this weekend is topped by an enticing battle between middleweight forces Sean Strickland and Abus Magomedov. Strickland, a fighter who has shown great promise with his precision striking and resiliency, is entering the Octagon with an intention to carry on his return to form after winning his last bout against Nassourdine Imavov.
But Magomedov, a Dagestani powerhouse armed with a robust wrestling background and lethal strikes, won't be an easy task to conquer. Will Strickland be able to navigate through Magomedov's grinding style and assert his striking dominance?
The co-main event is no less intriguing, featuring lightweight gladiators Damir Ismagulov and Grant Dawson. Ismagulov, an adept fighter with a strong base in sambo, is known for his tactical striking and submission skills.
However, Dawson's relentless pace and wrestling proficiency pose a serious threat to Ismagulov's winning streak. It will be fascinating to see if Dawson's grappling prowess can overpower Ismagulov's balanced attack.
In a not-to-be-missed match, the welterweight contest between Max Griffin and Michael Morales promises to bring fireworks. Griffin's aggressive style combined with his knockout power is likely to challenge Morales, an undefeated fighter boasting a significant knockout rate. This bout could potentially steal the show, with both fighters looking to solidify their place in the welterweight rankings.
Gold Cup: USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago (July 2nd)
The anticipation is palpable as the USA is set to face Trinidad and Tobago in their final group stage match of the Gold Cup. The US Men’s National Team, after an electrifying 1-1 draw with Jamaica, is eager to clinch a victory that would bolster their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
The USA team showed promising offensive prowess against Jamaica, but will need to tighten their defensive line, which was exposed at times during their first match. Their midfield maestro Alan Soñora will undoubtedly be the key player, orchestrating the team's play and hopefully providing the decisive spark they need.
Trinidad and Tobago, known for their speed and physicality, present a formidable challenge. They beat Saint Kitts and Nevis (who the USA will play in their second group match) 3-0 in the first game, with Alvin Jones scoring a wonderful goal from right-back. Their counter-attacking strategy could put the USA's defensive resilience to the test.
With this being the last chance for both teams to secure points in the group stage, neither can afford to hold back. A tantalizing clash is expected, as both teams vie for supremacy and progression.
Author: Dan Anderson