This weekend promises an exhilarating array of sporting action, with the Guardian providing unparalleled live coverage and expert analysis. From the climactic finals of the Australian Open to pivotal Premier League clashes and a thrilling T20 cricket series, fans are in for a treat. Here is your detailed guide to following all the events.
Saturday's Sporting Highlights
Football: Matchday Live
Kick off your Saturday at 8am with Stuart Goodwin and Emillia Hawkins hosting the unmissable Matchday Live blog. This rolling coverage delivers breaking news and vibrant updates from grounds across the UK and Europe. The buildup includes five Premier League fixtures, a full Championship schedule, and lower-division games, alongside highlights from the Bundesliga and La Liga, featuring Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Engage with the community by sharing your insights via email.
Australian Open: Women's Singles Final
At 8.30am, tune in for the women's singles final live from Melbourne Park. World number one Aryna Sabalenka, despite a consistent run in 2025 with nine finals out of sixteen events, has faced narrow defeats, including in Melbourne and at the French Open. She clinched her fourth grand slam at the US Open and now rematches Elena Rybakina, her opponent in the 2023 Australian Open final. Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 8-6, but Rybakina won their most recent encounter at the WTA Finals. Katy Murrells will provide live updates, supported by Tumaini Carayol and Jack Snape on-site.
Premier League: Afternoon Fixtures
Emillia Hawkins takes over at 3pm for Clockwatch, covering the day's kick-offs. Key matches include Brighton versus Everton and Wolves against Bournemouth, but the standout is Leeds hosting leaders Arsenal. Arsenal's title charge stumbled with a home loss to Manchester United, reducing their lead to four points. Despite a midweek Champions League sweep, they have not won in three league games. Leeds, positioned 16th, boast a strong home record with only two defeats and an unbeaten streak of five matches. Aaron Bower will report from Elland Road.
Premier League: Evening Clash
At 5.30pm, Chelsea face West Ham at Stamford Bridge. West Ham's recent win over Sunderland briefly narrowed the gap to safety, but Nottingham Forest's victory extended it to five points. Chelsea, under Liam Rosenior, are on a four-match winning streak, including a Champions League triumph at Napoli. Key players to watch are Enzo Fernández, with five goals in nine games, and Crysencio Summerville, who has scored first in West Ham's last three matches. Billy Munday will host the blog, with Jacob Steinberg reporting.
Premier League: Nightcap
Conclude Saturday at 8pm with Liverpool versus Newcastle at Anfield. Liverpool, sixth after a loss to Bournemouth, aim to rebound after a 6-0 Champions League win over Qarabag. Manager Arne Slot emphasised the need for consistency. Newcastle, ninth and winless in two league games, have failed to score in their last two outings. Rob Smyth will provide minute-by-minute coverage, with Andy Hunter as match reporter.
Sunday's Sporting Spectacle
Football: Matchday Live Returns
Start Sunday at 8am with Tom Bassam and Emillia Hawkins hosting the live football blog. The day features four Premier League games, transfer deadline day buzz, and women's football highlights, including Manchester City versus Chelsea at 2.30pm and the Women's Champions Cup final between Arsenal and Corinthians. In Scotland, Rangers and Celtic are in action, while Real Madrid host Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, following a turbulent season and a recent Champions League defeat.
Australian Open: Men's Singles Final
At 8.30am, witness the men's singles final as Carlos Alcaraz takes on Novak Djokovic. Alcaraz, the top seed, battled through physical issues to defeat Alexander Zverev in a gruelling semi-final and seeks his first Australian Open title. Djokovic, a ten-time champion, aims for a record 25th grand slam. Daniel Harris will deliver game-by-game live coverage.
Cricket: T20 International
At 1.30pm, follow the second T20 between Sri Lanka and England in Kandy. Jofra Archer's surprise return from injury headlines the series, after England secured the ODI series. Tanya Aldred will host over-by-over updates, with Taha Hashim reporting from the ground.
Premier League: Afternoon Battles
At 2pm, Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford. Under interim coach Michael Carrick, United are unbeaten in six league games, with recent wins over Manchester City and Arsenal. Fulham, seventh and in strong form, have lost only once in eight matches. Luke McLaughlin will host the blog, with Jamie Jackson reporting.
Women's Super League: Top-Two Clash
At 2.30pm, Manchester City face Chelsea in a crucial WSL match. Chelsea, nine points behind leaders City after a loss to Arsenal, need a win to stay in the title race. City, on a 12-match winning streak, average nearly three goals per game and have a knack for late scores. Emillia Hawkins will host the liveblog, with Tom Garry at the Etihad Stadium.
Premier League: Evening Showdown
At 4.30pm, Tottenham take on Manchester City. City, second and level on points with Aston Villa, have bolstered their squad with January signings and seen Erling Haaland end his goal drought. Tottenham, 14th and winless in the league since December, drew encouragement from a midweek Champions League victory. Dominic Booth will host the live blog, with David Hytner and Jonathan Wilson providing analysis.
Stay tuned to the Guardian for comprehensive coverage, ensuring you don't miss a moment of this action-packed weekend.
