Premier League returns this weekend

The Premier League is back this weekend, with Arsenal's visit to Manchester United the standout game, but there is also high-quality rugby and tennis action to show in the pub over the coming days.

Football: Manchester United v Arsenal (Saturday, 12.30pm) - Sky Sports 1

The Premier League may have been away for a fortnight, but it returns with a bang. This weekend's opening match sees José Mourinho take on the man he famously once branded a "specialist in failure", Arsène Wenger.

Rugby Union: Ireland v New Zealand (Saturday, 5.30pm) - Sky Sports 2

Following England's match against Fiji on the same channel comes the stand-out rugby match of the weekend. Ireland beat the All Blacks in stunning fashion two weeks ago in the USA and will now be looking to replicate that success in Dublin; the New Zealand players, meanwhile, will have revenge on their minds. Even if your pub does not have many Irish or Kiwi regulars, you can be sure that this game will still bring in the rugby fans.

Football: Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham (Saturday, 5.30pm) - BT Sport 1

At the same time as the international rugby is an intriguing London derby in the Premier League. There may well be customers that want to watch this match in the pub, so a judgment call will need to be made long before kick off on about what is being shown – is it the football football or the rugby? Hopefully, you can screen both!

Football: Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid (Saturday, 7.45pm) - Sky Sports 5

Saturday evening isn't always the time for a big sport event, but it is when the Madrid derby falls on a Saturday evening. Some 38% of people stay in the pub after a match has finished so this represents a great chance to get customers in early and become the venue of choice for the remainder of Saturday night after the match.

Tennis: ATP World Tour Final (Sunday, 6pm) - Sky Sports 5 & BBC2

This final may well be contested by Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic with the winner securing the number one ranking for the end of the year. If that is the case, an energetic fast-paced contest is guaranteed.