MEN’S FOOTBALL: Aston Villa will be making their first appearance in a major European competition semi-final since April 1982 when they face Olympiacos in Birmingham tomorrow evening.

Piraeus-based Olympiacos have never reached a European semi-final before but are currently third in the Greek Super League, three points behind leaders PAOK Thessaloniki.

Tonight’s other semi-final sees last year’s runners-up Fiorentina take on Club Bruges.

CYCLING: Tadej Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates squad lead the current world rankings with almost double the points of second-placed Lidl-Trek ahead of this weekend’s start at the Giro D’Italia.

The lowest-ranked World Tour team are Mark Cavendish’s misfiring Astana Kazakhstan outfit who sit in 21^st place.

Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale are third with Alpecin-Deceuninck fourth and injury hit Team Visma/Lease a Bike in fifth.

WOMEN’S BOXING: Former light-welterweight world champion Amy Broadhurst has switched allegiance from Ireland to Britain to compete at the upcoming Olympic qualifying tournament in Thailand.

Broadhurst, who holds both Irish and British passports, won the European and Commonwealth titles in 2022 when representing Northern Ireland.

She was left out of the Irish squad which already includes Tokyo gold medallist Kellie Harrington in the lightweight category.

MEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE: Just four points separate the top eight in the Super League and its third against second tomorrow evening when Wigan host the Catalans Dragons.

Reigning champions Wigan are currently two points behind the Dragons but have a game in hand.

The Catalans suffered a shock 30-2 loss at struggling Leigh on their last outing.

Table-toppers St Helens are not in action until Saturday afternoon when they travel to Hull KR.