This weekend serves up a feast of sporting action across football and American football, with the FA Cup third round taking centre stage alongside the return of the Women's Super League and the beginning of the NFL playoffs.
Saturday's Football Feast: FA Cup Drama and WSL Comeback
The action kicks off early on Saturday with the Guardian's rolling Matchday Live blog from 8am GMT, providing breaking news and insights as Premier League sides enter the famous competition. The day is packed with potential giant-killings, including Macclesfield versus Crystal Palace at 12:15pm. This tie presents a classic David vs Goliath story, with National League North side Macclesfield, managed by John Rooney, hosting the top-flight Eagles just weeks after the tragic death of their player, Ethan McLeod.
Simultaneously, the Women's Super League resumes after its winter break. The standout fixture sees Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium from 12:30pm. The clubs are separated by just one point in the table, with United bolstered by new signings Hanna Lundkvist and Lea Schuller.
The traditional 3pm FA Cup kick-offs feature several all-Premier League clashes, including Newcastle v Bournemouth and Tottenham v Aston Villa. Later, at 5:45pm, the focus returns to north London where a struggling Spurs, with just two wins in their last twelve league games, host an in-form Aston Villa side sitting third in the Premier League. Saturday concludes with an 8pm London derby as Charlton Athletic welcome Chelsea to The Valley, with new Blues manager Liam Rosenior taking charge for the first time.
Sunday's Showdowns and Stateside Action
Sunday's FA Cup schedule is no less compelling, beginning with Derby County facing Leeds United at 12pm. Leeds manager Daniel Farke has indicated he will prioritise Premier League survival, suggesting a rotated side will travel to Pride Park.
At 2pm, Portsmouth host Premier League leaders Arsenal. The Gunners travel south following a contentious goalless draw with Liverpool, a match marred by Gabriel Martinelli's late altercation with Conor Bradley. The day's final cup tie sees Manchester United welcome Brighton to Old Trafford at 4:30pm, with under-18s coach Darren Fletcher again taking interim charge following Ruben Amorim's sacking.
In the Women's Super League, a London derby takes place as champions Chelsea host West Ham from 12pm. The Hammers, under new manager Rita Guarino, possess the division's leakiest defence and face a Chelsea side smarting from a recent home defeat that ended a 34-match unbeaten WSL run.
Beyond the Pitch: AFCON Quarters and NFL Playoffs Begin
The sporting weekend extends beyond British shores. On Saturday at 4pm, the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals feature a titanic clash between Algeria and Nigeria in Marrakech, pitching the tournament's best defence against its most potent attack.
Then, from 6pm on Sunday, attention shifts to the United States as the NFL playoffs commence. The action includes the Jacksonville Jaguars hosting the Buffalo Bills, with the Jaguars having won their final eight regular-season games. Later, the Philadelphia Eagles, with quarterback Jalen Hurts' perfect home playoff record on the line, face the San Francisco 49ers.
With live blogs, clockwatches, and expert reporting across all these events, it promises to be an unmissable weekend for sports fans.
