Best Sports on TV and Stream this Weekend (December 15-18)

With some sports taking a break over the Christmas period, such as tennis, cricket, and Formula 1, you would be forgiven for thinking the next few weeks would be much calmer. Think again. This weekend offers up a feast of great sport to watch, including one of the biggest UFC cards of the year. Let’s have a look at what we have in store for us.

NHL: Buffalo Sabres at Vegas Golden Knights (December 15th)

This Friday’s hockey match between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Buffalo Sabres should be a far better game than their records suggest.

The Golden Knights, coming off a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames, are riding a wave of momentum. In their recent game, they showcased resilience, overcoming three deficits and eventually sealing the win with a Mark Stone goal in overtime. This victory improved their record to 20-5-5, placing them at the top of the Pacific Division with 45 points.

On the other side, the Buffalo Sabres are finding their rhythm offensively. Their recent 5-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes marked a significant improvement in their offensive consistency. The Sabres, who have been working on getting more shots on goal, managed 38 shots in this game.

This performance is part of a trend where they are averaging 38.25 shots per game since their game against the Detroit Red Wings. With players like JJ Peterka and Jeff Skinner each on track for 34 goals this season, the Sabres are slowly rediscovering their high-octane game from the previous season.

As of today, the Sabres are seventh in the Atlantic Division with a 12-14-3 record, totaling 27 points. This game presents an opportunity for the Sabres to climb up the standings and for the Golden Knights to maintain their dominant position.

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs (December 15th)

The Spurs are currently on a franchise record 17-game losing streak, and with a tough run of games coming up, are desperate for a win. They've experienced a range of losses, from blowouts to close games, and are looking to turn their fortunes around. However, they face a challenge against the Lakers, who recently won the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament.

The Lakers, led by veteran stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, are also dealing with injury concerns. James is questionable due to a calf issue, while Davis is questionable with a hip injury. Additionally, the Lakers are coming off a back-to-back game, which might influence their performance and player availability.

The Spurs have shown some defensive prowess in recent games but have struggled to translate that into offensive success. Conversely, when their offense clicks, especially from their new superstar Victor Wembanyama, their defense tends to falter. This inconsistency has been a significant factor in their losing streak. The Spurs need to find a balance and play a complete game on both ends of the court to have a chance against the Lakers.

For the Lakers, the game against the Spurs might not be nationally televised, suggesting some key players might rest. However, their depth and experience could still pose a significant challenge for the Spurs. The Spurs must avoid their habitual third-quarter meltdowns and play a full 48 minutes of competitive basketball to end their losing streak. This game could be a turning point for the Spurs or another addition to their string of defeats.

UFC 296 (December 16th)

This weekend's UFC 296 is set to be a blockbuster event, headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight title bout between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Edwards, the current champion, is entering the fight with an impressive record, having secured the title with a stunning head-kick against Kamaru Usman in August 2022 and successfully defended it at UFC 286. He's on a 12-fight unbeaten streak, showcasing his prowess with seven TKO/KO victories, three submissions, and the rest via judges' decisions. Ranked No. 4 in the UFC's Pound-For-Pound fighter list, Edwards has both a height and reach advantage over Covington.

Covington, known for his incredible cardio and power, has a professional MMA record of 17-3, with his last fight being a KO victory against Jorge Masvidal in March 2022. Despite his less frequent appearances in the octagon since 2020, Covington's aggressive style and 70% strike rate to the head make him a formidable opponent.

The event also features a lightweight bout between British star Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett and veteran Tony Ferguson. Pimblett, returning after a contentious win in December 2022, faces Ferguson, who is on a six-fight losing streak. This matchup is expected to be a striking affair, with both fighters known for their head-targeting strikes.

Premier League: Manchester United at Liverpool (December 17th)

Sunday’s Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield is poised to be a tense and nervy game for both sides.

Liverpool, currently leading the league, is coming off a dramatic 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Their recent form has been formidable, winning all seven league matches at Anfield this season. Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliott, who scored late goals in their last match, will be key players for the Reds.

Manchester United, however, faces challenges heading into this crucial match. They suffered a 3-0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth in their last league game, a setback that adds to their inconsistent season. They were also unceremoniously dumped out of Europe, losing 1-0 at home to Bayern Munich to finish bottom of their Champions League group.

Adding to United's woes, key player Bruno Fernandes will miss the match due to suspension, and injuries to Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw further complicate manager Erik ten Hag's plans.

Historically, Liverpool has had the upper hand in recent encounters, including a 7-0 demolition of United at Anfield last March. United's last league win at Anfield dates back to 2016, highlighting the challenge they face in this fixture.

Both teams have much at stake, with Liverpool aiming to solidify their league lead and United seeking to overcome recent setbacks and climb the table.

Author: Dan Anderson