ON THE armchair this festive period? Have enough of Christmas movies and gameshows? Here is some sporting events you will not want to miss. And if you are local to some of the action why not go along and enjoy the action in the flesh.
FOOTBALL
There are no less than four Barclays Premier League rounds and a round of FA Cup action, where the Premier League sides join in, taking place between now and January 9th.
It will be Match of the Day, Final Score and Gillete Soccer Saturday and other highlights programmes a-go-go as I like to keep up with all the action in a convenient package. There is plenty of live action to be had over the next few weeks.
The pick of the clashes over the busy Christmas schedule are:
It will be Match of the Day, Final Score and Gillete Soccer Saturday and other highlights programmes a-go-go as I like to keep up with all the action in a convenient package. There is plenty of live action to be had over the next few weeks.
The pick of the clashes over the busy Christmas schedule are:
Premier League
- Lennon beats Lampard in last seasons meeting. Pic: Google Images
Tottenham V Chelsea. Thursday 22nd December 20:00. Sky Sports 1
Both sides are vying for the champions league places and come the end of the season this “six pointer” could be pivotal. This London derby is always entertaining and has served up some memorable games in recent years.
Manchester City V Liverpool. Tuesday 3rd January 20:00. Sky Sports 1
This is their second league meeting in five weeks and City have had their flood of goals halted slightly with only one game of their last four producing more than one goal in their favour and up against the league’s tightest defence so far this season an interesting match is in store.
Newcastle V Manchester United. Wednesday 4th January 20:00. Sky Sports 1
The Magpies held the champions to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season and this is an important game for the Red Devils to win because the likelihood is that their Manchester rivals will win the rest of their Christmas fixtures and if they are to slip up at Liverpool this is their opportunity to pull ever closer.
Manchester City V Manchester United. Sunday 8th January 13:00. ITV1
The FA Cup has lost its allure in recent years but monstrous clashes like these have a place and significance no matter what is on the line. United will not want to lose to their cross town rivals who would be keen to hand out another drubbing after their 6-1 win in October. Both sides are expected to take the competition seriously as they have been eliminated from the Champions League.
Two interprovincial derbies take place in quick succession during the holidays. They often look less competitive on paper than they turn out to be in reality. With all four provinces now in the Heiniken Cup, three on top of their respective groups, the competition is expected to be as great as ever.
Coverage of the matches comes from RTÈ, BBC and TG4.
Leinster V Ulster. Monday 26th December 17:30 RTÈ/BBC
Both sides come into the game after wide margin victories in the Heiniken Cup last week. One would expect the home side to win, they are currently at the head of affairs in the table and perhaps have more to play for. However Ulster will want to move nearer the summit of the table and will attempt to make it difficult for the home side.
Munster V Connacht. Monday 26th December 19:45 TG4
The history of these clashes often goes as follows, game is slow into life, low scoring for a long period with Munster eventually grinding out a victory or running in few late tries. Nothing in the recent form of the two teams would suggest a much different outcome.
A number of years ago a game between these two finished 3-0 to Munster with an O’Gara penalty after a long and gruelling 67 minutes the difference between the sides.
In Thomond Park one cannot see anything else but a victory for the reds. I think we can expect it to be higher scoring than that 2004 tie!
Ulster V Munster. Friday 30th December 19:05 RTÈ/BBC
At Ravenhill this is a potential stumbling block for Munster. The away side won this fixture last year for the first time since the 2006-07 season.
Ulster would catch up on Munster in the Rabo standings with a win, if both sides play to European form it will be a tight and entertaining match and gets my pick as the Rugby highlight of the Christmas period.
Connacht V Leinster. Sunday 1st January 17:00 TG4
Connacht let a big lead slip in the reverse fixture in October against an under strength Leinster. Both sides have improved since that meeting but with all their internationals returned Leinster will not want to slip up and give the Ospreys an opportunity to take top spot.
Connacht’s mixture of youth and experience will be sure to give a mighty effort to humble the European champions and a bit more luck for the western side could see them run them close.
This is their second league meeting in five weeks and City have had their flood of goals halted slightly with only one game of their last four producing more than one goal in their favour and up against the league’s tightest defence so far this season an interesting match is in store.
Newcastle V Manchester United. Wednesday 4th January 20:00. Sky Sports 1
The Magpies held the champions to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season and this is an important game for the Red Devils to win because the likelihood is that their Manchester rivals will win the rest of their Christmas fixtures and if they are to slip up at Liverpool this is their opportunity to pull ever closer.
FA Cup
Manchester City V Manchester United. Sunday 8th January 13:00. ITV1
The FA Cup has lost its allure in recent years but monstrous clashes like these have a place and significance no matter what is on the line. United will not want to lose to their cross town rivals who would be keen to hand out another drubbing after their 6-1 win in October. Both sides are expected to take the competition seriously as they have been eliminated from the Champions League.
RUGBY
Rabo Direct Pro 12
Two interprovincial derbies take place in quick succession during the holidays. They often look less competitive on paper than they turn out to be in reality. With all four provinces now in the Heiniken Cup, three on top of their respective groups, the competition is expected to be as great as ever.
Coverage of the matches comes from RTÈ, BBC and TG4.
Leinster V Ulster. Monday 26th December 17:30 RTÈ/BBC
Both sides come into the game after wide margin victories in the Heiniken Cup last week. One would expect the home side to win, they are currently at the head of affairs in the table and perhaps have more to play for. However Ulster will want to move nearer the summit of the table and will attempt to make it difficult for the home side.
Munster V Connacht. Monday 26th December 19:45 TG4
The history of these clashes often goes as follows, game is slow into life, low scoring for a long period with Munster eventually grinding out a victory or running in few late tries. Nothing in the recent form of the two teams would suggest a much different outcome.
A number of years ago a game between these two finished 3-0 to Munster with an O’Gara penalty after a long and gruelling 67 minutes the difference between the sides.
In Thomond Park one cannot see anything else but a victory for the reds. I think we can expect it to be higher scoring than that 2004 tie!
- Good game in store at Ravenhill. Pic: munsterrugby.ie
At Ravenhill this is a potential stumbling block for Munster. The away side won this fixture last year for the first time since the 2006-07 season.
Ulster would catch up on Munster in the Rabo standings with a win, if both sides play to European form it will be a tight and entertaining match and gets my pick as the Rugby highlight of the Christmas period.
Connacht V Leinster. Sunday 1st January 17:00 TG4
Connacht let a big lead slip in the reverse fixture in October against an under strength Leinster. Both sides have improved since that meeting but with all their internationals returned Leinster will not want to slip up and give the Ospreys an opportunity to take top spot.
Connacht’s mixture of youth and experience will be sure to give a mighty effort to humble the European champions and a bit more luck for the western side could see them run them close.
HORSE RACING
- Too old for a fifth King George? Pic:Racing Post
KEMPTON 26th & 27th December. Coverage Channel4/Racing UK
The King George was rearranged last season from its Boxing Day slot due to snow. Long Run took the spoils in January with Kauto Star well adrift in third. Kauto reversed the result at Haydock and along with stablemate Master Minded attempt to dethrone their Nicky Henderson trained rival.
This years renewal has more genuine contenders than in recent years with Kauto Star having dominated the race since 2005 until last January. Captain Chris, the Arkle winner last March and who unseated on his seasonal reappearance would be a clear danger to all if staying the new trip.
There is also a question whether or not Master Minded will see out the three mile trip but he has won a plethora of Grade 1 prizes, some in spectacular fashion so cannot be written off despite the perception that he will not appreciate the longer trip.
LEOPARDSTOWN 26th-29th December. RTÈ/At The Races
No weather problems are expected this year and with plenty of stars on show it will make good viewing.
It kicks off on St Stephen’s Day with the Racing Post Novice Chase the feature on day one. Bog Warrior who was an easy winner last time looks the one to beat with the likely competition coming from the Willie Mullins stable.
The Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase looks to lie in the lap of last year’s winner Big Zeb, he is odds on in ante post markets for the event which he has won twice in the past.
The absence of Denman due to injury and retirement has put a slight dampener on the Lexus Chase but the line up is strong even without his presence. Quito de la Roque, Rubi Light, Joncol and Bostons Angel are just a quartet in a 17 strong entry.
The final day will (hopefully) see the reappearance of the mighty Hurrricane Fly in the Istabraq Festival Hurdle. He missed his earlier engagement in the Morgiana Hurdle because his trainer Willie Mullins was not happy with his well being.
The winner of that race Thousand Stars, his stablemate, is the most noteworthy rival. But if Hurricane Fly shows up in good heart then there will be no stopping him. He is possibly the best two mile hurdler since Istabraq whom the race is now named after and will be parading at Leopardstown on the day.
OTHER RACING
The Welsh National at Chepstow on the 27th is the other race of note, last season’s winner Synchronized will be attempting to win it again. Cheltenham will take place on New Year’s Day and for any of you major racing fans out there your appetite will need to be big to handle all the action.
There will be a host of meetings throughout the UK and Ireland over the festive season with a dozen on December 26th alone.
The PDC tournament is currently in progress at the Alexandra Palace in London and concludes on January 2nd. You can see the action live on Sky Sports.
The BDO World Darts Championship begins on January 7th and takes place at the Lakeside Country Club in Surrey, UK. The live and highlights coverage can be seen on BBC television.
Whatever your sporting dish this Christmas season enjoy the action and have a Happy Christmas.
The King George was rearranged last season from its Boxing Day slot due to snow. Long Run took the spoils in January with Kauto Star well adrift in third. Kauto reversed the result at Haydock and along with stablemate Master Minded attempt to dethrone their Nicky Henderson trained rival.
This years renewal has more genuine contenders than in recent years with Kauto Star having dominated the race since 2005 until last January. Captain Chris, the Arkle winner last March and who unseated on his seasonal reappearance would be a clear danger to all if staying the new trip.
There is also a question whether or not Master Minded will see out the three mile trip but he has won a plethora of Grade 1 prizes, some in spectacular fashion so cannot be written off despite the perception that he will not appreciate the longer trip.
LEOPARDSTOWN 26th-29th December. RTÈ/At The Races
No weather problems are expected this year and with plenty of stars on show it will make good viewing.
It kicks off on St Stephen’s Day with the Racing Post Novice Chase the feature on day one. Bog Warrior who was an easy winner last time looks the one to beat with the likely competition coming from the Willie Mullins stable.
The Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase looks to lie in the lap of last year’s winner Big Zeb, he is odds on in ante post markets for the event which he has won twice in the past.
The absence of Denman due to injury and retirement has put a slight dampener on the Lexus Chase but the line up is strong even without his presence. Quito de la Roque, Rubi Light, Joncol and Bostons Angel are just a quartet in a 17 strong entry.
The final day will (hopefully) see the reappearance of the mighty Hurrricane Fly in the Istabraq Festival Hurdle. He missed his earlier engagement in the Morgiana Hurdle because his trainer Willie Mullins was not happy with his well being.
The winner of that race Thousand Stars, his stablemate, is the most noteworthy rival. But if Hurricane Fly shows up in good heart then there will be no stopping him. He is possibly the best two mile hurdler since Istabraq whom the race is now named after and will be parading at Leopardstown on the day.
OTHER RACING
The Welsh National at Chepstow on the 27th is the other race of note, last season’s winner Synchronized will be attempting to win it again. Cheltenham will take place on New Year’s Day and for any of you major racing fans out there your appetite will need to be big to handle all the action.
There will be a host of meetings throughout the UK and Ireland over the festive season with a dozen on December 26th alone.
DARTS
If you simply cannot get enough then enjoy the two World Darts Championships. It is not a sport I would follow all year through myself but I do enjoy it for these two/three weeks every year.The PDC tournament is currently in progress at the Alexandra Palace in London and concludes on January 2nd. You can see the action live on Sky Sports.
The BDO World Darts Championship begins on January 7th and takes place at the Lakeside Country Club in Surrey, UK. The live and highlights coverage can be seen on BBC television.
Whatever your sporting dish this Christmas season enjoy the action and have a Happy Christmas.
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