A-League
Round 9 of the 2025/26 A-League commences with a Friday night double-header where in-form title contenders Brisbane Roar and Auckland FC will look to continue their strong starts against two of the season's strugglers.
Brisbane have won only one of their four away games this season so they're no sure things against the tenth-placed Bulls, whilst the Wanderers themselves could spring an upset as they are on a four-game unbeaten run at home.
The second Melbourne derby of the season just became a little more fascinating after Melbourne Victory knocked off Adelaide United last weekend with their best performance to date and City will be hoping that the burdens of a busy period that includes Champions League football doesn't set them back here.
City are looking to win three consecutive Melbourne men's derbies for the first time in their history with the annual Christmas match, which the Victory have not won since 2019 (D3, L1).
But in terms of the round, our pick of the bunch doesn't come until 9:45pm eastern time on Saturday night when Adam Griffiths takes control of his first match as permanent Perth Glory manager, with his side now back in the top-six after winning three of their last four matches.
One to follow: Perth Glory v Adelaide United
English Premier League
There's a full weekend of EPL from 11:30pm AEDT on Saturday night through to Tuesday morning and the first of the lot could be one of the most closely contested with Chelsea six points ahead of Newcastle on the table.
The Maggies have been a formidable side at St James Park, winning eight of their last nine home games across all competitions, including against Manchester City, so they're sure to provide a stern challenge for Enzo Maresca's European contenders.
One to follow: Newcastle United v Chelsea
Ashes
We're actually going to get an Ashes Test going into the weekend - huzzah!
Australia were firmly in control of the third Test in Adelaide, three down with a lead of 232 after Usman Khawaja was caught behind for 40, setting up the match for a potential Saturday victory.
Cricket Australia will be desperately hoping the Test can go into a fifth day after more than 100,000 spectators passed through the gates in the first two days alone, with the potential for this to be the first ever Adelaide Test to attract an aggregate crowd of more than 200,000.
One to follow: Australia v England 3rd Test
Big Bash League
As always at this time of year, the BBL ensures that the cricket entertainment stretches long into the evening and we're halfway through a stretch of ten consecutive 7:15pm AEDT matches to open the season.
We're especially excited for the Sydney Smash on Saturday night after both Sydney franchises made the finals last season and come into the game off the back of losses in which they were forced to bat first.
Only the Renegades have so far won a match when batting first, so the 6:30pm bat flip could prove pivotal. Thunder captain David Warner is expected to return for this marquee matchup after missing the season opener with a mild side strain.
The Renegades themselves look like a strong, well-balanced squad this season and have a fascinating home game against defending champions Hobart Hurricanes on Sunday night in Geelong, particularly as Hobart were nowhere near their best with bat or ball against Melbourne Stars on Thursday.
One to follow: Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers
NBL
The holiday season is the NBL's busiest and most exciting time of year with a hardly believable 20 consecutive matchdays that began on Wednesday with Sydney's thrilling overtime Ignite Cup win over the 36ers and goes all the way through to the Kings hosting the South East Melbourne Phoenix on January 5 - yes, including a Christmas Day game for the first time!
That will be the first professional sporting event to be played on December 25, but before then, we can look forward to the Bullets playing their first game under interim head coach Darryl McDonald and a very important fifth v sixth game down south between the JackJumpers and Wildcats in the early Sunday afternoon slot.
One to follow: Tasmania JackJumpers v Perth Wildcats
Darts World Championship
The 'Ally Pally' is in full voice with the biggest PDC World Championship ever seen as an expanded 128-player field is whittled down to two by the final night on January 3.
We've already seen Damon Heta and Joe Comito advance to the second round, whilst Simon Whitlock was eliminated 3-2 on Tuesday morning.
There are two Australian players due to be on the oche this weekend, with local qualifier Tim Pusey to play in Saturday morning's final match (about 9am AEDT), whilst on Sunday morning Heta is expected to defeat Switzerland's Stefan Bellmont (world number 111) in the second round.