What Sri Lankans can watch this weekend

Havelocks centre Dilshan Kodagoda attempts to break through the Air Force SC defence (Pictures by Kushan Pathiraja)

Sri Lankan sports fans have a busy few days ahead, with Premier League football spread across the weekend and important cricket matches reaching key stages, including the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai and ongoing Test series in Australia and New Zealand.

Premier League Fixtures
The English Premier League returns with several high-profile matches beginning on Saturday, December 20.

Newcastle United host Chelsea at 6.00 pm, with both teams looking to strengthen their position as the season approaches its midpoint. Later in the evening, Manchester City take on West Ham at 8.30 pm, a fixture that sees City aiming to maintain pressure near the top of the table.

Saturday’s action concludes with a late kick-off at 11.00 pm, when Tottenham Hotspur face Liverpool.

The football continues into the early hours of Sunday, with Everton meeting Arsenal at 1.30 am. Arsenal will be keen to collect maximum points. On Sunday night, Aston Villa host Manchester United at 10.00 pm, closing out the round with a fixture that could have implications for the race for European places.

Cricket: Under-19 Asia Cup Final
The Under-19 Asia Cup final will be played on Sunday, December 21, at 10.30 am in Dubai. The finalists will emerge from the semi-finals involving Sri Lanka vs India and Pakistan vs Bangladesh. While the final line-up is yet to be confirmed, many observers are predicting a possible India vs Pakistan final. 

The Ashes – Third Test, Adelaide
The third Ashes Test between Australia and England continues in Adelaide this week. Heading into Day 3, Australia hold a commanding 356-run lead, placing them firmly in control of the match. Australia currently lead the five-match Test series 2–0

New Zealand vs West Indies – Third Test
The third Test between New Zealand and West Indies is being played at Mount Maunganui, with Day 3 and Day 4 falling on Saturday and Sunday.