This weekend promises a feast of sporting action across football, cricket, and American football, with comprehensive live coverage from The Guardian bringing you every pivotal moment.
Saturday's Sporting Spectacle
The action kicks off early on Saturday with football taking centre stage. David Tindall will helm the Matchday Live rolling blog from 8am BST, setting the scene for a day featuring seven Premier League fixtures and six Scottish Premiership games, including fallout from Friday night's Manchester United versus Newcastle clash.
At 12:30pm, the focus shifts to the City Ground where Nottingham Forest host Manchester City. City, with five consecutive wins, aim to go top temporarily, while Forest seek to bounce back from a Monday defeat. The match holds added poignancy following the death of Forest legend John Robertson at 72 on Christmas Day.
Later, at 3pm, Arsenal welcome Brighton to the Emirates. The Gunners are formidable at home, boasting five straight wins there. Brighton, winless in their last four against Arsenal, face a side potentially boosted by the return of Kai Havertz from knee surgery.
Saturday's Premier League finale at 5:30pm sees Chelsea face Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. Villa arrive on a superb run of seven league wins, their best top-flight streak since 1910. Unpredictable Chelsea remain unbeaten this season against teams starting the day above them.
Racing fans are catered for from 11:30am with a live blog covering meetings at Kempton, Aintree, and Chepstow, where Haiti Couleurs aims to rediscover his form.
Sunday's Drama and Global Action
Sunday's football coverage begins at 8am with the Matchday Live blog, previewing a day featuring Premier League, Serie A, and Africa Cup of Nations action.
The Premier League provides a 2pm clash between high-flying Sunderland and Leeds United at the Stadium of Light. Leeds have taken eight points from four games to ease relegation fears, while Sunderland, despite impressive displays, have scored just once in December. Their top scorer, Wilson Isidor with four goals, will be key.
At 4:30pm, a London derby ensues as Crystal Palace host Tottenham at Selhurst Park. Both sides suffered damaging defeats last weekend, adding spice to a fixture Palace dominated last season. Tottenham's injury and suspension woes mount, with Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons suspended, joining a lengthy absentee list.
Stateside, the NFL live blog kicks off at 6pm BST, covering nine clashes. Key games include the Carolina Panthers' playoff push against Seattle and a contender clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills.
In the Africa Cup of Nations at 8pm, holders Côte d'Ivoire face Cameroon in a crucial Group F match. The Elephants rely on Manchester United's Amad Diallo, while a recently coachless Cameroon campaign without goalkeeper André Onana.
Ashes Battle Reaches Melbourne Climax
The sporting marathon concludes with the Ashes, as Australia and England resume their battle at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Over-by-over coverage begins at 11:30pm BST on Saturday for day three, with further coverage on Sunday if the match enters a fourth day. All eyes will be on how the MCG pitch holds up during a packed weekend of cricket.
From the Premier League's unpredictability to Ashes intensity and NFL playoff races, The Guardian's live blogs, reports, and expert analysis ensure you won't miss a beat.
