Football: Premier League

Aston Villa have been seriously impressive ever since appointing Unai Emery as coach, from their phenomenal home record to the sparkling form of players like Ollie Watkins and John McGinn. They’re reliably entertaining to watch, too – and this may be the month when we find out whether they’re credible challengers for a Champions League spot. Just three days after hosting Man City, they face Arsenal in a fascinating contest that’s live on Sky Sports. You can also see them against strugglers Sheffield United just before Christmas.

Other eye-catching games this month include a clash of cultures as ultra-rich champions Man City travel to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town, who were in non-league as recently as 2014. At Anfield, where Liverpool have been seeing off all comers, Jürgen Klopp and his team welcome Manchester United (expect many, many mentions of last season’s 7-0 result), Arsenal and Newcastle over the festive period.

Perhaps the most crucial fixture will be at Turf Moor. Burnley were tipped to carry their excellent Championship-winning form into the Premier League this year, but it’s not happened for Vincent Kompany’s men. Everton appeared to be pulling themselves out of the mire at the bottom until a 10-point penalty for financial infractions dropped them right back in it. A win in their clash on 16 December would be hugely significant for either side. 

Aston Villa v Arsenal

Saturday 9 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Luton Town v Manchester City

Sunday 10 December, 1pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United

Sunday 10 December, 4pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Nottingham Forest v Tottenham Hotspur

Friday 15 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Burnley v Everton

Saturday 16 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

West Ham United v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sunday 17 December, 1pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Liverpool v Manchester United

Sunday 17 December, 4pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion

Thursday 21 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Aston Villa v Sheffield United

Friday 22 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Liverpool v Arsenal

Saturday 23 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Chelsea v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Christmas Eve, 12pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Nottingham Forest v Manchester United

Saturday 30 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Fulham v Arsenal

New Year’s Eve, 1pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Liverpool v Newcastle United

New Year’s Day, 7pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion

Tuesday 2 January, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Football: Scottish Premiership

Throughout autumn, Rangers have managed to stay in touch with Celtic at the top of the Premiership and if they can get a result in the Old Firm game at Parkhead on 30 December, we could have a title race on our hands. Rangers have lost their last two matches at Celtic, but they won’t forget that they drew the two before that.

Then Gers fans will be hoping St Mirren – leading the “best of the rest” competition behind the Glasgow clubs this season – can do them a favour at the SMISA Stadium in the final live Sky Sports game before Scotland’s winter break. But with Celtic comfortably out-scoring every other team in the league, the champions won’t be easy to catch.

Heart Of Midlothian v Rangers

Wednesday 6 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Kilmarnock v Celtic

Sunday 10 December, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Motherwell v Rangers

Christmas Eve, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Dundee v Celtic

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

Hibernian v Heart Of Midlothian

Wednesday 27 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Celtic v Rangers

Saturday 30 December, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

St Mirren v Celtic

Tuesday 2 January, 4pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Football: Women’s Super League

After defeat to Chelsea on the opening day, Tottenham went on a slightly odd unbeaten run, which included impressive wins at Brighton and Aston Villa but disappointing home draws with Everton and Liverpool. Still, things are looking up after they finished last season just seven points off relegation, and for the final match ahead of the WSL’s winter break they’re at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face local rivals Arsenal, live on Sky Sports.

You can also see Spurs the against Man Utd on 10 December, the day after title contenders Man City are on Sky Sports against surprise strugglers Aston Villa – a game that gives you the chance to see England stars such as Chloe Kelly, Rachel Daly and Lauren Hemp.

Manchester City v Aston Villa

Saturday 9 December, 11.30am, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United

Sunday 10 December, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal

Saturday 16 December, 11.30am, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 502/512)

Football: EFL Championship

At the start of this campaign, West Brom fans feared their club was headed in the wrong direction with two wins from their first eight Championship games. But starting with a 4-0 win over Preston at the end of September, the Baggies put together a run that took them into the play-off places. Under Carlos Corberán, they’re playing attacking, effective football, especially at home – and they underlined this with a comprehensive 2-0 win over high-flying Ipswich in November.

Albion’s clash with Leeds (where Corberán was formerly under-23s coach) at the Hawthorns between Christmas and New Year should be a cracker, and this month you can also see them on Sky Sports at Sunderland and Rotherham, and home to Stoke. Among the coverage this month there’s a full Championship programme on 12-13 December as well as three games on Boxing Day, including a hotly anticipated clash between the two promotion favourites at Portman Road.

Coventry City v Birmingham City

Friday 8 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion

Saturday 9 December, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Sunderland v Leeds United

Tuesday 12 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Watford v Ipswich Town

Tuesday 12 December, 7.40pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Blackburn Rovers v Bristol City

Tuesday 12 December, 7.40pm, Sky Sports Red Button

Huddersfield Town v Preston North End

Tuesday 12 December, 7.40pm, Sky Sports Red Button

Rotherham United v West Bromwich Albion

Tuesday 12 December, 7.40pm, Sky Sports Red Button

Stoke City v Swansea City

Tuesday 12 December, 7.40pm, Sky Sports Red Button

Middlesbrough v Hull City

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

Cardiff City v Birmingham City

Wednesday 13 December, 7.40pm, Sky Sports Red Button

Coventry City v Southampton

Wednesday 13 December, 7.40pm, Sky Sports Red Button

Leicester City v Millwall

Wednesday 13 December, 7.40pm, Sky Sports Red Button

Norwich City v Sheffield Wednesday

Wednesday 13 December, 7.40pm, Sky Sports Red Button

Queens Park Rangers v Plymouth Argyle

Wednesday 13 December, 7.40pm, Sky Sports Red Button

Ipswich Town v Norwich City

Saturday 16 December, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City

Sunday 17 December, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Birmingham City v Leicester City

Monday 18 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Leeds United v Ipswich Town

Saturday 23 December, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Preston North End v Leeds United

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

Birmingham City v Stoke City

Boxing Day, 5pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Ipswich Town v Leicester City

Boxing Day, 7.15pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Southampton v Plymouth Argyle

Friday 29 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United

Friday 29 December, 8pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Sunderland v Preston North End

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

Sheffield Wednesday v Hull City

New Year’s Day, 5pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Football: EFL Cup Quarter-finals

Newcastle came close to their first major trophy since 1955 when they reached the EFL Cup final last season, but lost out to Man Utd. This season, with the holders and Man City (who have won six of the past 10 EFL Cups) already eliminated, they’ll be keen to turn that around. They’ve got a tough draw away at Chelsea, but they’ll take confidence from their recent 4-1 Premier League win over the west Londoners.

You can also see the quarter-final between Liverpool and West Ham live on Sky Sports. The teams that progress will no doubt be hoping to draw the winner of Port Vale v Middlesbrough in the semis.

Chelsea v Newcastle United

Tuesday 19 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Liverpool v West Ham United

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

Football: EFL League One

Portsmouth and Bolton were many people’s picks as the League One teams to watch this season and they have duly obliged, sitting in the top two places as December began. Ian Evatt’s Bolton have the attacking flair, with plenty of goals from Dion Charles and Victor Adeboyajo; Portsmouth under John Mousinho have defended superbly and went unbeaten in the league until an inexplicable 4-0 home defeat to Blackpool on 25 November.

The two meet at Fratton Park on 11 December, live on Sky Sports. And then on the first day of 2024, you can check out two play-off contenders when Derby host Peterborough.

Portsmouth v Bolton Wanderers

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

Derby County v Peterborough United

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

Football: Bundesliga

Mo Salah? Kylian Mbappé? Erling Haaland? Pah! If you want to see a true world-class all-time goalscorer at the top of his game, you need to tune in to the Bundesliga on Sky Sports. Bayern may not be forging ahead at the top as they usually do, thanks to the impressive form of Bayer Leverkusen, but they’re scoring for fun – and England captain Harry Kane has been helping himself enthusiastically, with an almost unbelievable 18 in his first 12 league matches.

Now, some may carp that this is because defending in the Bundesliga errs towards the slapstick. To which we retort: who cares?! It’s terrific entertainment, and that’s what football is meant to be about. You can see Kane and Bayern in action twice in a few days in the build-up to Christmas. Stuttgart, having a decent season themselves, are the visitors to the Allianz Arena on 17 December, and on the previous Sunday you can also see them hosting leaders Leverkusen.

Borussia Dortmund v RB Leipzig

Saturday 9 December, 5.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Stuttgart v Bayer Leverkusen

Sunday 10 December, 2.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Köln v Mainz

Sunday 10 December, 4.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Borussia Mönchengladbach v Werder Bremen

Friday 15 December, 7.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

RB Leipzig v Hoffenheim

Saturday 16 December, 5.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Freiburg v Köln

Sunday 17 December, 2.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Bayer Leverkusen v Eintracht Frankfurt

Sunday 17 December, 4.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Bayern Munich v Stuttgart

Sunday 17 December, 6.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 503/513)

Werder Bremen v RB Leipzig

Tuesday 19 December, 5.20pm, Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Borussia Dortmund v Mainz

Tuesday 19 December, 7.20pm, Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Union Berlin v Köln

Wednesday 20 December, 5.20pm, Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Wolfsburg v Bayern Munich

Wednesday 20 December, 7.20pm, Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Darts: PDC World Championship

The World Championship could not have come at a better time for Luke Humphries. The Berkshire thrower is in the form of his life, having won the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam of Darts and the Players Championship Finals in quick succession, defeating heavy hitters like Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price along the way. A three-time quarter-finalist at the Worlds, Humphries is poised to make his best showing yet in this year’s contest.

But world No1 Michael Smith won’t be giving up his title without a fight, and there are plenty of other experienced, tough contenders standing between “Cool Hand” Luke and the Sid Waddell Trophy. Over 16 days of intense competition at the absolute highest level, we’ll find out if Humphries has what it takes. And no matter who triumphs, we’ll sing “Chase The Sun” 400 times.

Day 1: 1st + 2nd Rounds

Friday 15 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 2: 1st + 2nd Rounds

Saturday 16 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 3: 1st + 2nd Rounds

Sunday 17 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 4: 1st + 2nd Rounds

Monday 18 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 5: 1st + 2nd Rounds

Tuesday 19 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 6: 1st + 2nd Rounds

Wednesday 20 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 7: 1st + 2nd Rounds

Thursday 21 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 8: 2nd Round

Friday 22 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 9: 2nd Round

Saturday 23 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 10: 3rd Round

Wednesday 27 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 11: 3rd Round

Thursday 28 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 12: 3rd + 4th Rounds

Friday 29 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 13: 4th Round

Saturday 30 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 14: Quarter-finals

New Year’s Day, 12.30pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 15: Semi-finals

Tuesday 2 January, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 16: Final

Wednesday 3 January, 8pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

American Football: NFL

The countdown to the Super Bowl is on, with just a few more weeks till the end of the regular season, and one thing that looks odds-on is that this year’s champions will come from the NFC. The Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles have been the most impressive teams: the Eagles were leading the way with a run of close but deserved victories until they were brought crashing to Earth by the 49ers, who crushed them 42-19 at the start of December.  

In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs are the best of the bunch – but they were made to suffer by Philadelphia in November, losing 21-17 after being well ahead at halftime, in a reverse of the events of Super Bowl LVII in February. Everything could change in the final weeks, though, so don’t miss any of the action including Christmas Day games featuring the Chiefs, 49ers and Eagles.

New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Friday 8 December, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Sunday Games TBC

Sunday 10 December, from 5pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys

Monday 11 December, 1.15am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Green Bay Packers @ New York Giants

Tuesday 12 December, 1am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Los Angeles Chargers @ Las Vegas Raiders

Friday 15 December, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Sunday Games TBC

Sunday 17 December, from 5pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Baltimore Ravens @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Monday 18 December, 1.15am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Kansas City Chiefs @ New England Patriots

Tuesday 19 December, 1am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

New Orleans Saints @ Los Angeles Rams

Friday 22 December, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Saturday 23 December, 9pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Chargers

Christmas Eve, 1.15am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Sunday Games TBC

Christmas Eve, from 5pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos

Christmas Day, 1.15am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Las Vegas Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs

Christmas Day, 5.30pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles

Christmas Day, 9.15pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Baltimore Ravens @ San Francisco 49ers

Boxing Day, 1am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns

Friday 29 December, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys

New Year’s Eve, 1.15am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Sunday Games TBC

New Year’s Eve, from 5pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings

New Year’s Day, 1.20am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Golf

Two intriguing tournaments stand out in this month’s golf schedule. The inaugural World Champions Cup is a team competition that will attempt to harness the excitement and edge of the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup with a three-way battle between Team USA, Team Europe and Team International (the rest of the world). Legends Jim Furyk, Darren Clarke and Ernie Els will be the 2023 captains, and the teams in Florida will include the hugely experienced likes of Retief Goosen, Colin Montgomerie, KJ Choi and Steve Stricker.

The Grant Thornton Invitational, meanwhile, brings together the best of the PGA and LPGA Tours for a rare mixed-sex event. The pairs include the all-English duo Charley Hull and Justin Rose, while the field also features every winner of the 2023 women’s majors, including world No1 Lilia Vu. Entertainment guaranteed.

DP European Tour: Alfred Dunhill Championship

From Thursday 7 December, 10am, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

PGA Tour: World Champions Cup

From Thursday 7 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

PGA Tour/LPGA Tour: Grant Thornton Invitational

From Friday 8 December, 9pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

DP European Tour: Mauritius Open

From Thursday 14 December, 8.30am, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

Boxing

Chris Billam-Smith has risen almost without trace. Look for a list of British boxing prospects and you’ll struggle to find his name. But the Surrey-born cruiserweight known as “The Gentleman” has lost just one fight in an increasingly impressive pro career, and in May his prowess took him to a world title when he defeated Lawrence Okolie to claim the WBO belt. This month he makes his first defence with a bout against Poland’s Mateusz Masternak in Bournemouth.

Ahead of that, you can see Robeisy Ramirez defend his WBO featherweight title against Rafael Espinoza. Then on Boxing Day there’s live action from Tokyo as Naoya Inoue puts his WBC and WBO belts on the line against WBA and IBF champ Marlon Tapales in a unification bout.

Robeisy Ramirez v Rafael Espinoza

Sunday 10 December, 1am, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Chris Billam-Smith v Mateusz Masternak

Sunday 10 December, 6pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Naoya Inoue v Marlon Tapales

Boxing Day, 8am, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Cricket: Big Bash League

Perth Scorchers have been champions five times in the 12 seasons of Big Bash League cricket, and after two triumphs in the past two years few would bet against them completing a hat-trick. Last season their three international draft picks (Laurie Evans, Phil Salt and Tymal Mills) all dropped out and they still crushed the competition, winning all but three matches and thumping Brisbane Heat by five wickets in the final.

With a team featuring Australia’s World Cup-winning heroes Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis, Perth will start as favourites and rightly so. The regular season runs until 31 December, with the play-offs beginning on 19 January and the final on 24 January.

Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars

Thursday 7 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades

Friday 8 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Adelaide Strikers v Brisbane Heat

Saturday 9 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Renegades v Perth Scorchers

Sunday 10 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Sixers

Monday 11 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat

Tuesday 12 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Stars v Perth Scorchers

Wednesday 13 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder

Tuesday 19 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504) + Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510) 

Perth Scorchers v Hobart Hurricanes

Wednesday 20 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Renegades v Brisbane Heat

Thursday 21 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504) + Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Sydney Sixers v Adelaide Strikers

Friday 22 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades

Saturday 23 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder

Saturday 23 December, 11.45am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars

Boxing Day, 7am, Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Renegades

Boxing Day, 10am, Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder

Wednesday 27 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Stars

Thursday 28 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Melbourne Renegades v Adelaide Strikers

Friday 29 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers

Saturday 30 December, 7.45am, Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars

New Year’s Eve, 7.45am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Cricket: Men’s Internationals

Both South Africa and India reached the latter stages of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup but will consider their campaigns ultimately disappointing: South Africa because they failed to get past the semis yet again, India because they couldn’t achieve glory in front of their fervent home fans. So they’ll be looking for a pick-me-up in their forthcoming series, which includes T20s, ODIs and two Tests. It may not be the World Cup, but when two of the sport’s giants meet, every win is vital.

South Africa v India: 1st T20

Sunday 10 December, 1.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

South Africa v India: 2nd T20

Tuesday 12 December, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

South Africa v India: 3rd T20

Thursday 14 December, 2.30pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

South Africa v India: 1st ODI

Sunday 17 December, 7.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

South Africa v India: 2nd ODI

Tuesday 19 December, 10.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

South Africa v India: 3rd ODI

Thursday 21 December, 10.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

South Africa v India: 1st Test

From Boxing Day, 7.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

South Africa v India: 2nd Test

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

Netball: Internationals

The England squad for this three-match contest against South Africa features five of the players who brought home silver medals from the summer’s World Cup, including Imogen Allison, Eleanor Cardwell and Fran Williams, who’s been named captain for the series. After the first match at the AO Arena in Manchester on 5 December, Jess Thirlby’s team head for Nottingham for two weekend games against the Proteas at the Motorpoint Arena – and the Roses will be looking to assert their status as one of the world’s top teams with a resounding victory.

England v South Africa: Game 2

Saturday 9 December, 4.45pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508) + Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

England v South Africa: Game 3

Sunday 10 December, 1.45pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508) + Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Basketball: BBL

The British Basketball League’s sole Scottish representatives, Caledonia Gladiators – formerly known as Edinburgh Rocks, Glasgow Rocks and, er, Scottish Rocks – won the BBL Trophy last season, knocking out eventual league champs London Lions on their way to a memorable victory over Cheshire Phoenix in March’s final. They’ve scored some notable successes already this season too, winning away games at Cheshire, Manchester and Plymouth (the latter involving a whopping 950-mile round trip from East Kilbride).

The Gladiators are definitely among the play-off contenders and you can see them live on Sky Sports this month: after an away game at Leicester, they face their biggest test yet as the increasingly dominant Lions pay them a visit.

Newcastle Eagles v Bristol Flyers

Friday 8 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Leicester Riders v Caledonia Gladiators

Friday 15 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Sheffield Sharks v Bristol Flyers

Friday 22 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Caledonia Gladiators v London Lions

Friday 29 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Mix/HD (CH 520/510)

Pool: Mosconi Cup

The World Darts Championship isn’t the only big international showpiece at Alexandra Palace this month. Ahead of the arrows, it’s the annual Mosconi Cup, in which the top players from Europe and the US compete in nine-ball pool. Europe have enjoyed recent success, winning the last three tournaments and 13 of the last 16. Scotland’s Jayson Shaw and Germany’s Joshua Filler are the team’s current stars, while the US’s Skyler Woodward – named MVP in the American victories in 2018 and 2019 – is still a threat. It’s a fast-paced and often thrilling contest that provides plenty of highlights.

Day 1

Wednesday 6 December, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 2

Thursday 7 December, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 3

Friday 8 December, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Day 4

Saturday 9 December, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Arena/HD (CH 518/508)

Watch on the go

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