In this segment, we take a look at the upcoming weekend’s biggest sporting contests.
This weekend holds big sporting events around the world, keeping sport fans entertained over the first weekend of 2019.
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Sevilla vs Atletico
A battle between the chasing pack in La Liga this weekend will have football fans excited, with Sevilla hosting Atletico Madrid.
It’s a game of third versus second, with both teams needing the win to keep pace with Barcelona who are on top of the league with 37 points.
Barcelona are expected to get the three points in their match this week against Getafe, so a win will be of high importance for either Atletico or Sevilla.
Atletico currently sit three points behind the leaders on 34, with Sevilla on 32.
Close on their heels are Real Madrid on 30 points.
Both Sevilla and Atletico have won nine games this season, and match-ups between the two typically produce a few goals.
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Cricket
The final test between India and Australia will continue over the weekend.
India, as they were in the last test match, are in a commanding position over the hosts.
Pujara had a magnificent first innings, but fell short of a double century with 193 runs.
After losing the last test, Australia are feeling the pressure, and a once-again changed lineup will have to perform when it comes time to bat.
Opener Aaron Finch and Mitch Marsh were dropped for Peter Handscomb and Marnus Labuschagne.
Handscomb returns after being dropped for the third test, following poor performances in the first two tests, where his technique was criticised.
Labuschagne was a surprise call-up for the Aussies, and will have all eyes on him when he bats at third, with Usman Khawaja now opening.
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NFL Wildcard Round
The NFL has reached the sudden death stage, with wildcard round starting this week.
Houston Texans take on Indianapolis Colts for the third time this season.
Baltimore Ravens will see the Los Angeles Chargers, while the Chicago Bears play the Philadelphia Eagles.
Also coming up, is the clash between the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks.
For a full preview of the round you can click here.
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Dakar Rally
The famously intense and difficult Dakar Rally begins on the 6th of January.
The race goes until the 17th, and includes motorbikes, quads, cars and trucks.
Competitors will race thousands of kilometres in 10 stages throughout Peru, overcoming the desert and challenging landscapes.
The rally is the most famous extreme racing event of its kind, pushing riders and racers to the limit, with many unable to finish the race.
This year sees changes to the competition as well as a new vehicle category, and will keep fans entertained for much of January.
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By Brandon Clark
