Your Guardian Sport Weekend: Premier League, Australian Open & NFL Playoffs
Welcome to your definitive guide for a packed weekend of sporting action across the globe. From the Premier League's pivotal fixtures to the intense battles at the Australian Open and the high-stakes NFL playoff title games, our coverage ensures you won't miss a moment. Here's how to follow along with the finest writing and up-to-the-minute reports from our expert team.
Saturday's Sporting Highlights
Tennis: Australian Open Day Seven
The action kicks off at 8am GMT with day seven at the Australian Open in Melbourne, where some of the biggest names in tennis take to the court. In the men's draw, all eyes are on Jannick Sinner and Novak Djokovic as they continue their campaigns. A notable story unfolds with Stan Wawrinka, the former champion who has announced his retirement at the end of the season. The Swiss veteran has made history by becoming the first player past his 40th birthday to reach the third round at a grand slam since Ken Rosewall achieved the same feat at this tournament back in 1978. Wawrinka now faces a tough challenge against the ninth seed, Taylor Fritz.
In the women's draw, the standout matches feature Iga Swiatek and the fashion-forward Naomi Osaka, both aiming to advance in their quest for glory. Our liveblog is hosted by Luke McLaughlin, with on-the-ground reporting from Tumaini Carayol and Jack Snape providing in-depth analysis and updates.
Football: Matchday Live
At 8am GMT, Emillia Hawkins and Rob Smyth launch our unmissable rolling football blog, delivering all the breaking news and vibrant atmosphere from grounds across the country. The day's programme includes build-up to five Premier League fixtures, starting with the lunchtime clash at the London Stadium as West Ham host Sunderland. The action concludes with the 5.30pm fixture seeing Liverpool travel south to face Bournemouth.
Beyond the Premier League, there's a full schedule of Championship and EFL matches, plus a formidable London derby in the Women's Super League as Chelsea welcome Arsenal. Fans are encouraged to join the conversation by sending their thoughts to our dedicated email address.
Cricket: Sri Lanka v England Live
Cricket enthusiasts can tune in at 9am GMT for the second of three ODIs between Sri Lanka and England. After a disappointing first match on Friday, where England collapsed from a strong position of 129 for one to 165 for six despite half-centuries from Joe Root and Ben Duckett, the tourists are under pressure. Following a lamentable Ashes series, this ODI series is crucial not just for T20 World Cup preparation but also to improve England's current eighth-place ranking, which risks missing automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup. Tanya Aldred and James Wallace provide over-by-over commentary, with Taha Hashim reporting from Colombo.
Women's Football: Chelsea v Arsenal Live
At 12.30pm GMT, the spotlight turns to the Women's Super League as Chelsea host Arsenal in a highly anticipated London derby. Chelsea, under Sonia Bompastor, have had an uncharacteristically uneven start to the season, dropping points in four league games after being unbeaten at this stage last year. However, they are on a seven-match winning streak in all competitions. Arsenal, managed by Renee Slegers, remain unbeaten in the WSL but have drawn five games, leaving them off the pace. A loss here could end their slim title ambitions. Emillia Hawkins helms our match blog, with Suzanne Wrack reporting live from Stamford Bridge.
Premier League: West Ham v Sunderland Live
The Premier League lunchtime game at 12.30pm GMT sees Sunderland travel to Stratford to face West Ham. These sides last met on the opening day of the season, with Sunderland securing a 3-0 victory. Régis Le Bris's side aim to win consecutive league games for only the second time this season, despite being without a victory in six away matches. West Ham, under Nuno Espírito Santo, ended a 10-game winless streak with a late win over Tottenham, offering hope to their dispirited fans. Dominic Booth mans the liveblog, while Jacob Steinberg reports from the London Stadium.
Premier League: Clockwatch
At 3pm GMT, Rob Smyth takes charge of our clockwatch blog for three Premier League fixtures. Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, look shaky after a Champions League defeat and a derby loss, while Wolves are unbeaten in four but still face relegation fears. Tottenham travel to Burnley with manager Thomas Frank enjoying a boost from a midweek Champions League win, whereas Burnley are without a win in 13 league games. Fulham host Brighton in the other midafternoon match, promising plenty of lively plot lines.
Premier League: Bournemouth v Liverpool Live
The match of the day at 5.30pm GMT features Bournemouth hosting Liverpool. Billy Munday hosts the liveblog for this crucial encounter. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, are on a 10-game unbeaten run in the league but have drawn six of those, including their last four. Slot remains bullish about his team's progress. Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, are in a slump with just one win from their last 13 Premier League games. Ben Fisher provides on-the-ground reporting from the Vitality Stadium.
Sunday's Sporting Highlights
Tennis: Australian Open Day Eight
At 8am GMT, the Australian Open continues with fourth-round highlights in Melbourne. The world No 1, Aryna Sabalenka, and American No 3 Coco Gauff take to the court, while on the men's side, Carlos Alcaraz faces world No 19 Tommy Paul after a smooth progression so far. Katy Murrells keeps the updates flowing with comprehensive coverage.
Football: Matchday Live
Tom Bassam and Daniel Harris host our live football blog from 8am GMT for a Sunday packed with action. The fixture list includes a crackerjack meeting between Arsenal and Manchester United, along with Brentford v Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace v Chelsea, and Newcastle v Aston Villa. In the Championship, Portsmouth host south-coast rivals Southampton at Fratton Park for the first time in six years, while in Scotland, Hearts meet Celtic in a top-two clash, with Ewan Murray reporting.
Women's Football: WSL Clockwatch
At 11.55am GMT, John Brewin rings in a lively set of Women's Super League fixtures, including Aston Villa v Manchester United, Leicester v West Ham, Liverpool v Spurs, and London City v Manchester City. The standout match sees runaway leaders Manchester City travel to the capital, with London City manager Eder Maestre expecting a backlash after City's Women's League Cup semi-final loss. Tom Garry provides reporting from the grounds.
Premier League: Clockwatch
Daniel Harris returns at 2pm GMT with updates from three Premier League kickoffs. Newcastle take on Aston Villa, with Eddie Howe hoping Bruno Guimarães's injury is not serious after he limped off in a Champions League match. Villa, sitting third, booked a Europa League spot with Jadon Sancho's header securing a win over Fenerbahce. In the London derby, Crystal Palace welcome Chelsea amid a rocky spell for the Eagles, while Brentford v Nottingham Forest rounds out the matches.
Premier League: Arsenal v Manchester United Live
The weekend culminates at 4.30pm GMT with Arsenal hosting Manchester United in a classic Premier League clash. Arsenal are chasing a fifth straight home win against their old rivals, with Mikel Arteta wary of United's new-manager bounce under Michael Carrick. United's attacking numbers have improved since Ruben Amorim's sacking, but Arsenal have not conceded a shot on target in their last two league matches. Rob Smyth hosts the liveblog, with David Hytner and Jonathan Wilson filing from the Emirates Stadium.
American Football: NFL Playoffs Live
At 8pm and 11.30pm GMT, the NFL playoff title games take centre stage. In the AFC title game, the Denver Broncos face the New England Patriots without their injured quarterback, Bo Nix, replaced by Jarrett Stidham for his fifth career start. Stidham is familiar with the Patriots, having started his career there. Graham Searles provides minute-by-minute coverage. Later, Beau Dure takes over for the NFC decider between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams, with the Rams having won two straight playoff games on the road. Seattle beat the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the weekend's sports action.
