Darts: PDC World Darts Championship

This time last year few people outside the darts world had heard of Luke Littler – but he shot into the national spotlight in the space of a couple of weeks with his incredible performances, aged just 16, at the World Darts Championship. And it was no flash in the pan, as he went on to win various 2024 titles including the Premier League and the Grand Slam of Darts, taking second place on the PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit. He’s now ranked fifth in the world.

But Alexandra Palace, as Littler himself proved, is a great leveller, and this tournament is never predictable. Could Luke Humphries defend the title he took in style last January? Could we see a resurgence from former champs Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen? Or could a less fancied but in-form player like Dave Chisnall, Ross Smith or Gian van Veen make an impact? And can Fallon Sherrock, who’s qualified again this year, build on her groundbreaking achievements? We’ll find out when the thrilling action begins on 15 December.

Day 1: Rounds 1 + 2

Sunday 15 December, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 2: Rounds 1 + 2

Monday 16 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 3: Rounds 1 + 2

Tuesday 17 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 4: Rounds 1 + 2

Wednesday 18 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 5: Rounds 1 + 2

Thursday 19 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 6: Rounds 1 + 2

Friday 20 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 7: Rounds 1 + 2

Saturday 21 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 8: Round 2

Sunday 22 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 9: Round 2

Monday 23 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 10: Round 3

Friday 27 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 11: Round 3

Saturday 28 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 12: Rounds 3 + 4

Sunday 29 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 13: Round 4

Monday 30 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 14: Quarter-finals

New Year’s Day, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 15: Semi-finals

Thursday 2 January, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 16: Final

Friday 3 January, 8pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Football: Premier League

The last competitive meeting between the Manchester clubs was a rare example of coach Erik ten Hag getting his tactics right, as United overcame the odds to beat City 2-1 at Wembley and claim a memorable FA Cup win. Ten Hag has now gone, though, and it’s Rúben Amorim who must figure out how to beat Guardiola’s side. Although, in fairness, that’s proved easier than usual this season… The meeting at the Etihad on 15 December could be the most unpredictable Manchester derby in years.

Elsewhere this month, another fierce rivalry is reignited when Brighton face Crystal Palace at the Amex, while new Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has a daunting task against the champions. Leaders Liverpool are in London to face West Ham and Spurs before hosting Man Utd in January, and there are plenty more Premier League games to keep you entertained over the festive period.

Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa

Saturday 14 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Brighton & Hove Albion v Crystal Palace

Sunday 15 December, 1pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Manchester City v Manchester United

Sunday 15 December, 4pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Bournemouth v West Ham United

Monday 16 December, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Crystal Palace v Arsenal

Saturday 21 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Fulham v Southampton

Sunday 22 December, 1pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool

Sunday 22 December, 4pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Leicester City v Manchester City

Sunday 29 December, 1.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

West Ham United v Liverpool

Sunday 29 December, 4.45pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Manchester United v Newcastle United

Monday 30 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Brighton & Hove Albion v Arsenal

Saturday 4 January, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Fulham v Ipswich Town

Sunday 5 January, 1pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Liverpool v Manchester United

Sunday 5 January, 4pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Nottingham Forest

Monday 6 January, 7pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Football: Scottish Premiership

There’s no winter break in the Premiership this year, which is good news for fans who watch the action on Sky Sports from their lovely warm living rooms. Aberdeen couldn’t manage to maintain their early form, and defeats to Celtic and St Mirren saw them slip behind leaders Celtic. They’ve stayed ahead of Rangers, though, and the Dons’ trip to Ibrox in January could be vital in determining whether they continue to do so.

The new year also brings the second Old Firm league clash of the season on 2 January; Celtic won the first one 3-0, and Rangers will know another defeat will surely leave them too far behind their rivals to have any impact on the title race. There’s also an Edinburgh derby on Boxing Day and lots more Premiership action this month.

Dundee United v Celtic

Saturday 22 December, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Heart Of Midlothian v Hibernian

Boxing Day, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Motherwell v Rangers

Sunday 29 December, 2.45pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Rangers v Celtic

Thursday 2 January, 2pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Dundee v Dundee United

Thursday 2 January, 5.15pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Hibernian v Rangers

Saturday 4 January, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Dundee v Rangers

Thursday 9 January, 7.15pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Ross County v Celtic

Saturday 11 January, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Hibernian v Motherwell

Saturday 11 January, 2.45pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Aberdeen v Heart Of Midlothian

Sunday 12 January, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Dundee v Celtic

Tuesday 14 January, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Rangers v Aberdeen

Wednesday 15 January, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Football: Women’s Super League

Just the one WSL match this month as the league heads into its winter break, but it should be a good ’un. Arsenal were hoping to re-establish their credentials as title contenders this season, but it’s not worked out that way, and coach Jonas Eidevall departed in October. Since then their results have improved, including big wins over Brighton and local rival Spurs, but is it too late for them to catch the top two? Liverpool under Matt Beard have made themselves difficult to beat, and won at the Emirates last season, so this is a crucial test for the Gunners.

Liverpool v Arsenal

Sunday 15 December, 2pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Football: EFL Championship

There are plenty of fascinating stories in this always-entertaining division, including at the top where the lead seems to be changing hands constantly, but one of the most high-profile is further down the league. Despite Coventry’s inconsistent form, there was general shock in the game when long-serving and popular manager Mark Robins was sacked, and nearly as much surprise when Frank Lampard was announced as his replacement.

Will the former Chelsea and England star, and not-spectacularly-successful Derby, Chelsea and Everton coach, be able to turn the Sky Blues’ fortunes around? Find out this month, when you can see them face – deep breath – West Brom, Hull, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Cardiff. As you can tell from that list, there’s an abundance of live Championship matches this month – notably on Boxing Day, when the entire Football League programme is showing on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports+. If you love watching the Championship, Christmas is a real treat.

Leeds United v Middlesbrough

Tuesday 10 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Sunderland v Bristol City

Tuesday 10 December, 7.35pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Burnley v Derby County

Tuesday 10 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Luton Town v Stoke City

Tuesday 10 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Plymouth Argyle v Swansea City

Tuesday 10 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Portsmouth v Norwich City

Tuesday 10 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Sheffield Wednesday v Blackburn Rovers

Tuesday 10 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

West Bromwich Albion v Coventry City

Wednesday 11 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Hull City v Watford

Wednesday 11 December, 7.35pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Cardiff City v Preston North End

Wednesday 11 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Millwall v Sheffield United

Wednesday 11 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Queens Park Rangers v Oxford United

Wednesday 11 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Derby County v Portsmouth

Friday 13 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Preston North End v Leeds United

Saturday 14 December, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Bristol City v Queens Park Rangers

Saturday 14 December, 12.25pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Coventry City v Hull City

Saturday 14 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Norwich City v Burnley

Sunday 15 December, 2.50pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Luton Town v Derby County

Friday 20 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Portsmouth v Coventry City

Saturday 21 December, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Hull City v Swansea City

Saturday 21 December, 12.25pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Sheffield Wednesday v Stoke City

Saturday 21 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

West Bromwich Albion v Bristol City

Sunday 22 December, 2.50pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Blackburn Rovers v Sunderland

Boxing Day, 2.55pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Bristol City v Luton Town

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Coventry City v Plymouth Argyle

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Middlesbrough v Sheffield Wednesday

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Norwich City v Millwall

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Oxford United v Cardiff City

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Preston North End v Hull City

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Sheffield United v Burnley

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Swansea City v Queens Park Rangers

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Watford v Portsmouth

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Derby County v West Bromwich Albion

Boxing Day, 5.15pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Stoke City v Leeds United

Boxing Day, 7.45pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Sheffield United v West Bromwich Albion

Sunday 29 December, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Preston North End v Sheffield Wednesday

Sunday 29 December, 12.25pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Norwich City v Queens Park Rangers

Sunday 29 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Derby County v Leeds United

Sunday 29 December, 5.15pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Middlesbrough v Burnley

Sunday 29 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Queens Park Rangers v Watford

New Year’s Day, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Plymouth Argyle v Bristol City

New Year’s Day, 12.25pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Millwall v Oxford United

New Year’s Day, 1pm, Sky Sports+

Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers

New Year’s Day, 2.50pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Burnley v Stoke City

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Cardiff City v Coventry City

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Luton Town v Norwich City

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Portsmouth v Swansea City

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Sheffield Wednesday v Derby County

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

West Bromwich Albion v Preston North End

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Hull City v Middlesbrough

New Year’s Day, 5.15pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Sunderland v Sheffield United

New Year’s Day, 7.45pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Blackburn Rovers v Burnley

Saturday 4 January, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Stoke City v Plymouth Argyle

Saturday 4 January, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion

Saturday 4 January, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Sunderland v Portsmouth

Sunday 5 January, 2.30pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Queens Park Rangers v Luton Town

Monday 6 January, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Football: EFL League One

It’s looking like a genuine three-way title race in League One this year, with Wrexham, Birmingham and Wycombe all impressive in the first half of the season. But don’t rule out Stockport, who’ve had some bizarre results (including a 5-0 home defeat to Wycombe) but some excellent ones too. They thrashed Bolton, many people’s tip for promotion ahead of the season, and achieved a hard-fought 1-0 win over in-form Wrexham. The winner in that game came from Louie Barry, a young forward on loan from Aston Villa who spent time in Barcelona’s La Masia academy. He’s surged to the top of the League One scoring chart and looks a real prospect. Can he fire County to success in this campaign?

Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic

Saturday 14 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Leyton Orient v Burton Albion

Saturday 14 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Bristol Rovers v Wrexham

Saturday 21 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Lincoln City v Reading

Saturday 21 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Crawley Town v Birmingham City

Monday 23 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Leyton Orient v Crawley Town

Boxing Day, 1pm, Sky Sports+

Charlton Athletic v Cambridge United

Boxing Day, 2.45pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Birmingham City v Burton Albion

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Bolton Wanderers v Barnsley

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Exeter City v Bristol Rovers

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Huddersfield Town v Stockport County

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Peterborough United v Mansfield Town

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Reading v Northampton Town

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Rotherham United v Wigan Athletic

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Shrewsbury Town v Lincoln City

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Stevenage v Wycombe Wanderers

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Wrexham v Blackpool

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Charlton Athletic v Wycombe Wanderers

Sunday 29 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Rotherham United v Stockport County

Sunday 29 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Barnsley v Wrexham

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Blackpool v Shrewsbury Town

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Bristol Rovers v Leyton Orient

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Burton Albion v Peterborough United

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Cambridge United v Reading

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Crawley Town v Charlton Athletic

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Lincoln City v Rotherham United

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Mansfield Town v Bolton Wanderers

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Northampton Town v Stevenage

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Stockport County v Birmingham City

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Wigan Athletic v Huddersfield Town

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Wycombe Wanderers v Exeter City

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Burton Albion v Northampton Town

Saturday 4 January, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Cambridge United v Bristol Rovers

Saturday 4 January, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Wycombe Wanderers v Huddersfield Town

Tuesday 7 January, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Football: EFL League Two

Fans of a certain vintage will remember Swindon Town in the Premier League and Colchester United in the Championship, so it’s a shock to see these sides battling against relegation from the Football League. Having just escaped demotion last season, Colchester are making a better fist of things this year, but Danny Cowley’s side are still too close to the bottom for comfort. Swindon, with financial tumult behind the scenes, are struggling to pick up any points, and the appointment of experienced and ever-genial coach Ian Holloway hasn’t brought about a notable improvement. The two meet on New Year’s Day for what, even at this stage of the campaign, could be a crucial clash.

Salford City v Notts County

Saturday 14 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Tranmere Rovers v Harrogate Town

Saturday 14 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Fleetwood Town v Accrington Stanley

Monday 16 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports+

Barrow v Fleetwood Town

Saturday 21 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Doncaster Rovers v Tranmere Rovers

Saturday 21 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

AFC Wimbledon v Swindon Town

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Bradford City v Port Vale

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Bromley v Newport County

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Carlisle United v Morecambe

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Cheltenham Town v Crewe Alexandra

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Colchester United v Gillingham

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Fleetwood Town v Chesterfield

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Grimsby Town v Harrogate Town

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Milton Keynes Dons v Notts County

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Salford City v Barrow

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Tranmere Rovers v Accrington Stanley

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Walsall v Doncaster Rovers

Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Bromley v Swindon Town

Sunday 29 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Carlisle United v Accrington Stanley

Sunday 29 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

AFC Wimbledon v Gillingham

Monday 30 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Swindon Town v Colchester United

New Year’s Day, 2.45pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Accrington Stanley v Grimsby Town

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Barrow v Bradford City

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Chesterfield v Milton Keynes Dons

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Crewe Alexandra v Carlisle United

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Doncaster Rovers v Fleetwood Town

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Harrogate Town v Salford City

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Morecambe v Tranmere Rovers

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Notts County v Walsall

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Port Vale v Cheltenham Town

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Notts County v Walsall

New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Gillingham v Bromley

Thursday 2 January, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Newport County v AFC Wimbledon

Thursday 2 January, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Cheltenham Town v Walsall

Saturday 4 January, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Notts County v Swindon Town

Saturday 4 January, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Grimsby Town v Notts County

Saturday 11 January, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Walsall v Tranmere Rovers

Saturday 11 January, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Football: EFL Cup – Quarter-finals

Newcastle United’s first season after their takeover saw an EFL Cup final appearance and Champions League qualification, but 2023/24 brought a slight downgrade, with a seventh-place finish in the league and quarter-final exits from both cups. With the wait for a major domestic trophy now stretching to seven decades, Eddie Howe and his team will see this competition as an excellent opportunity to end that unwanted sequence, especially with a home draw in the last eight.

They’ve been in somewhat erratic form, a win over Arsenal in November offset by a home defeat to West Ham, but they saw off Chelsea in the previous round and will be boosted by the return of England striker Callum Wilson. Brentford will no doubt be up for this too, as they get a chance to reach only their second ever semi-final in one of the two big English cups – and they’ll be boosted by their recent 4-2 Premier League win over Newcastle. It’s the most intriguing of the quarter-finals, all of which are live on Sky Sports a week before Christmas.

Arsenal v Crystal Palace

Wednesday 18 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Southampton v Liverpool

Wednesday 18 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Newcastle United v Brentford

Wednesday 18 December, 7pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United

Thursday 19 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Football: EFL Trophy – Round Of 32

Aston Villa are the only club from the top two divisions whose Under-21 team has made it through to the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy, and they face a trip to Blackpool. League One high flyers Wycombe will be delighted with a home draw against League Two strugglers Swindon as they look to progress, although of course strange things can happen in cup competitions… Wycombe’s fellow promotion candidates Wrexham and Birmingham are in action too, and every match of the round is live on Sky Sports+.

Northern Section: Bolton Wanderers v Huddersfield Town

Tuesday 10 December, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Northern Section: Chesterfield v Wigan Athletic

Tuesday 10 December, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Northern Section: Morecambe v Lincoln City

Tuesday 10 December, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Northern Section: Rotherham United v Tranmere Rovers

Tuesday 10 December, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Northern Section: Stockport County v Bradford City

Tuesday 10 December, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Section: Charlton Athletic v Leyton Orient

Tuesday 10 December, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Section: Cheltenham Town v Cambridge United

Tuesday 10 December, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Section: Colchester United v AFC Wimbledon

Tuesday 10 December, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Section: Walsall v Reading

Tuesday 10 December, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Section: Wycombe Wanderers v Swindon Town

Tuesday 10 December, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Northern Section: Wrexham v Crewe Alexandra

Tuesday 10 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Section: Exeter City v Birmingham City

Tuesday 10 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Northern Section: Blackpool v Aston Villa Under-21

Tuesday 17 December, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Southern Section: Peterborough United v Northampton Town

Tuesday 17 December, 7pm, Sky Sports+

Football: Bundesliga

St Pauli, with their famously socially conscious fanbase, are a cult club with keen supporters around the world. Those fans celebrated when the Hamburg side were promoted to the Bundesliga in May after more than a decade away – but they almost immediately lost their coach, Fabian Hürzeler, to Brighton. So how would they fare? Not great, at first, but they’ve seen an upturn in form recently with wins over fellow bottom-half clubs Hoffenheim and Holstein Kiel. This month you can see them in action at the Millerntor-Stadion against Werder Bremen.

Bayern are looking likely to claim the title of Herbstmeister (autumn champions), the team topping the table as the winter break begins. They’re in action on Sky Sports against RB Leipzig on the final weekend before the pause, and will hope to have top scorer Harry Kane back after his recent injury.

Freiburg v Wolfsburg

Friday 13 December, 7.20pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

St Pauli v Werder Bremen

Saturday 14 December, 5.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Football: Bundesliga – Heidenheim v Stuttgart

Sunday 15 December, 2.20pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Football: Bundesliga – Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim

Sunday 15 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Football: Bundesliga – RB Leipzig v Eintracht Frankfurt

Sunday 15 December, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Bayern Munich v RB Leipzig

Friday 20 December, 7.20pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Bayer Leverkusen v Freiburg

Saturday 21 December, 5.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Bochum v Heidenheim

Sunday 22 December, 7.20pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund

Sunday 22 December, 7.20pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Cricket: Internationals

For England’s women, the biggest series of them all is looming in the new year: the Ashes begin on 11 January, and Heather Knight’s team will be desperate to claim back the trophy England last won in 2014. It’s certainly not going to be easy, with Australia established as the world leaders in both white-ball forms of the game (and while there aren’t official women’s Test rankings, they’d no doubt top those too). But England have plenty of talent, and their Ashes-style three-format series against South Africa – live on Sky Sports this month – will have helped them prepare. They got off to the best possible start by winning all three T20s.

Also this month you can see the Pakistan men’s team in action on their tour of South Africa, where they’re playing T20s, ODIs and Tests: the first Test starts on the morning of Boxing Day.

South Africa v England: 3rd Women’s ODI

Wednesday 11 December, 9.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

South Africa v Pakistan: 2nd Men’s T20

Friday 13 December, 3.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

South Africa v Pakistan: 3rd Men’s T20

Saturday 14 December, 3.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

South Africa v England: Women’s Test

From Sunday 15 December, 7.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

South Africa v Pakistan: 1st Men’s ODI

Tuesday 17 December, 11.30am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

South Africa v Pakistan: 2nd Men’s ODI

Thursday 19 December, 11.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

South Africa v Pakistan: 3rd Men’s ODI

Sunday 22 December, 11.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

South Africa v Pakistan: 1st Men’s Test

From Boxing Day, 7am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

South Africa v Pakistan: 2nd Men’s Test

From Friday 3 January, 7.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Australia v England: 1st Women’s ODI

Saturday 11 January, 11pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Australia v England: 2nd Women’s ODI

Monday 13 January, 10.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Cricket: Men’s Big Bash League

Since it began in its current form in 2011, Australia’s Big Bash League has consistently been in the absolute top rank of T20 tournaments for quality and entertainment – and it’s back, with the 2024-25 season starting in Perth on Sunday 15 December. The league is packed with Aussie stars like Adam Zampa, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Nathan Lyon, and this year England’s Ollie Pope (Adelaide Strikers), Chris Jordan (Hobart Hurricanes), Jacob Bethell (Melbourne Renegades), Ben Duckett, Sam Curran (both Melbourne Stars) and Sam Billings (Sydney Thunder) have signed up too.

Last season, Brisbane Heat started as they clearly meant to go on with a 103-run thrashing of the Stars; six weeks later Josh Brown smashed 140 from 57 balls against Adelaide to put them in the final, where they saw off Sydney Sixers thanks to another 53 from Brown. The Heat recorded the two highest scores of the competition, hitting 214 twice, and they could be the team to beat again –although Brown is now with the Renegades. It’s all live on Sky Sports, with the final on 27 January.

Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars

Sunday 15 December, 8.15am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades

Monday 16 December, 8.15am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers

Tuesday 17 December, 8.15am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat

Wednesday 18 December, 8.15am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes

Thursday 19 December, 8.15am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars

Friday 20 December, 8.15am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Hobart Hurricanes v Perth Scorchers

Saturday 21 December, 6am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers

Saturday 21 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers

Sunday 22 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Renegades v Perth Scorchers

Monday 23 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars

Boxing Day, 7am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat

Boxing Day, 10.10am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Adelaide Strikers v Hobart Hurricanes

Friday 27 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder

Saturday 28 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Brisbane Heat v Sydney Sixers

Sunday 29 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades

Monday 30 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers

New Year’s Eve, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Sixers

New Year’s Day, 4.55am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars

New Year’s Day, 8.10pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Renegades v Adelaide Strikers

Thursday 2 January, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat

Friday 3 January, 7am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Perth Scorchers v Sydney Thunder

Friday 3 January, 10.10am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Melbourne Stars v Melbourne Renegades

Saturday 4 January, 8.15am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide Strikers

Sunday 5 January, 8.15am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder

Monday 6 January, 8.15am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Renegades

Tuesday 7 January, 8.15am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Sydney Thunder v Hobart Hurricanes

Wednesday 8 January, 8.15am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers

Thursday 9 January, 8.15am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Sydney Sixers v Perth Scorchers

Saturday 11 January, 9.15am, Sky Sports

Melbourne Renegades v Melbourne Stars

Sunday 12 January, 8.15am, Sky Sports

Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers

Monday 13 January, 8.15am, Sky Sports

Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades

Tuesday 14 January, 8.30am, Sky Sports

Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Sixers

Wednesday 15 January, 8.30am, Sky Sports

Cricket: SA20

The third season of South Africa’s T20 competition gets under way in January, with the six teams captained by Proteas stars including Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis and David Miller, as well as West Indies’ Kieron Pollard, who leads the MI Cape Town team. Other top players signed and ready to demonstrate their skills in the six-team tournament include former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi and Afghan all-rounder Rashid Khan, as well as England stars such as Chris Woakes, Zak Crawley, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes. Sunrisers Eastern Cape, based in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), are the defending champions and the tournament runs until 8 February, live on Sky Sports.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape v MI Cape Town

Thursday 9 January, 3.15pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Durban’s Super Giants v Pretoria Capitals

Friday 10 January, 3.15pm, Sky Sports

Paarl Royals v Sunrisers Eastern Cape

Saturday 11 January, 11am, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Joburg Super Kings v MI Cape Town

Saturday 11 January, 3am, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Pretoria Capitals v Durban’s Super Giants

Sunday 12 January, 1.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

MI Cape Town v Paarl Royals

Monday 13 January, 3.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Pretoria Capitals v Sunrisers Eastern Cape

Tuesday 14 January, 11am, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Durban’s Super Giants v Joburg Super Kings

Tuesday 14 January, 3.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Paarl Royals v MI Cape Town

Wednesday 15 January, 3.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

NFL

December is a busy time in the NFL as the league hurtles towards the end of the regular season, when the play-off places are decided. This means live games on both Saturdays and Sundays in the Christmas period, as well as the regular weekday fixtures. The Kansas City Chiefs are looking well placed for yet another Super Bowl appearance – which would be their fifth in six years – with the best record in the AFC, their solitary loss (at time of writing) coming against the Buffalo Bills.

In the NFC, it’s the Detroit Lions who lead the way as they aim to leave their dreadful play-off record in the past and progress to their first ever Super Bowl. You can see the Chiefs on Sky Sports when they host the Houston Texans on 21 December, and the Lions’ visit to San Francisco is also live, late on 30 December. Qualification will be settled on the first Sunday of 2025, and the play-offs start on the following weekend.

Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

Friday 13 December, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 15 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 15 December, 9pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Green Bay Packers @ Seattle Seahawks

Monday 16 December, 1.10am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings

Tuesday 17 December, 12.45am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Atlanta Falcons @ Las Vegas Raiders

Tuesday 17 December, 1am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Denver Broncos @ Los Angeles Chargers

Friday 20 December, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs

Saturday 21 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

Saturday 21 December, 9pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 22 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 22 December, 9pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys

Monday 23 December, 1.10am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

New Orleans Saints @ Green Bay Packers

Christmas Eve, 1am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears

Friday 27 December, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Saturday 28 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Saturday 28 December, 9pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 29 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 29 December, 9pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Miami Dolphins @ Cleveland Browns

Monday 30 December, 1.10am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Detroit Lions @ San Francisco 49ers

New Year’s Eve, 1am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Saturday 4 January, 5pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Saturday 4 January, 9pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 5 January, 1am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 5 January, 5pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Game TBC

Sunday 5 January, 9pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Play-offs

From Saturday 11 January, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Boxing

Liverpool’s Exhibition Centre is the venue for a huge welterweight unification clash between WBC champion Ivana Habazin and IBF champ Natasha Jonas, live on Sky Sports on 14 December. Fighting in her home town will give Jonas an advantage – but Croatia’s Habazin, who has won world titles at two weights, is a serious opponent. There’s another welterweight world title fight on the bill, as Wales’s WBA and IBO champ Lauren Price defends her belts against Colombia’s Bexcy Mateus.

On the morning of Christmas Eve you can see one of the world’s most impressive fighters, undisputed super bantamweight champ Naoya Inoue, defend his titles against Australia’s undefeated Sam Goodman. Then the first big fight of 2025 comes from Sheffield’s Canon Medical Arena, where super middleweights Callum Simpson and Steed Woodall face off for the British and Commonwealth titles, with hotly tipped British lightweight Caroline Dubois also on the night’s card – it’s all live on Sky Sports on 11 January.

IBF + WBC Welterweight Title: Jonas v Habazin

Saturday 14 December, 7pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Super Middleweight: Munguia v Surace

Sunday 15 December, 2am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Undisputed Super Bantamweight Title: Inoue v Goodman

Christmas Eve, 8am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

British + Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles: Simpson v Woodall

Saturday 11 January, 7pm, Sky Sports

Golf

The festive season brings with it some of the more unusual golf tournaments. The Grant Thornton Invitational is a rare mixed-sex tournament, with two-player teams featuring the stars of both the PGA and LPGA Tours. It was first staged in 2023, when the winners were New Zealand’s Lydia Ko and Jason Day of Australia. The pair will team up again to defend their title, and other notable duos at this year’s event include Tony Finau and Nelly Korda of the US, and France’s Céline Boutier and Matthieu Pavon.

Just before Christmas is the PNC Championship, held at the Ritz-Carlton club in Florida and previously known as the Father/Son Challenge – although now the rules allow a pro golfer to take part alongside any family member. Previous winners include Vijay Singh and son Cass, Bernhard Langer and sons Stefan and Jason on different occasions, and Justin Thomas and his father Mike. This year, Fred Couples (with stepson Hunter) and Trevor Immelman (with son Jacob) will make their tournament debuts.

European Tour: Alfred Dunhill Championship

From Thursday 12 December, 10am, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

PGA Tour/LPGA Tour: Grant Thornton Invitational

From Friday 13 December, 6pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

European Tour: Mauritius Open

From Thursday 19 December, 8.30am, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

PGA Tour: PNC Championship

From Saturday 21 December, 6pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

PGA Tour: The Sentry

From Thursday 2 January, 6pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

PGA Tour: Hawaii Open

From Thursday 9 January, 5pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

European Tour: Team Cup

From Friday 10 January, 7.30am, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

Tennis

Ahead of the first major of the year, January’s Australian Open, 18 countries take part in the United Cup – a mixed-gender tournament that offers ranking points for both the ATP and WTA Tours. Previously staged across Brisbane, Perth and Sydney, this year it’s being played in Brisbane, Auckland and Hong Kong. Germany, led by Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber, triumphed last January, and the USA and Poland are the top seeds for the upcoming event. Great Britain, reflecting a recent surge in tennis success, are seeded sixth.

Other events on Sky Sports this month include the Next Gen Finals, for the best young players on the ATP Tour, and tournaments from Adelaide, Tasmania and Auckland as the build-up to the Australian Open continues.

ATP Tour: Next Gen Finals

Wednesday 18 to Sunday 22 December, from 12pm, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

United Cup

Friday 27 December to Sunday 5 January, from 2am, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

ATP/WTA Tour: Adelaide International

Monday 6 to Saturday 11 January, from 12pm, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

ATP Tour: Auckland ASB Classic

Monday 6 to Saturday 11 January, from 2am, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

WTA Tour: Hobart International

Monday 6 to Saturday 11 January, from 2am, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

Watch on the go

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