SBS World News Radio: A-League fans are counting down the clock as ladder leaders Sydney FC prepare to take on Melbourne City, for the first time since the departure of coach John van't Schip.
Meanwhile, a big weekend in tennis is ahead with the Hopman Cup and Brisbane International finals.
And round 14 of the NBL promises more upsets, as Melbourne United look to dethrone the Adelaide 36ers from the top of the table.
Round 11 of the A-League will see Melbourne City attempt to overcome their shock loss of coach John van 't Schip, as they take on Western Sydney Friday night.
But their new boss says they're up to it.
Michael Valkanis has been handed the reins while the A-League club undergoes a global search for van't Schip's long-term replacement.
Valkanis says while the team is upset, they want to send off JVS with a win this weekend.
"He is a special kind of guy. We all loved him a lot around here. He had a word to the team as well in terms of quickly focusing on the next game and giving support to the coaching staff and continuing on with what we've set out to achieve."
The match will be broadcast live Friday on SBS Viceland, starting 7:30pm AEDT.
In other matches, Brisbane Roar prepare to take on Newcastle Saturday, while the Melbourne Victory squad rolls into the Reds heartland for the next saga in the club's fierce rivalry.
Victory should be full of confidence, aiming for a fifth straight win against the cellar dwellers.
But midfielder Oliver Bozanic says they won't under-estimate Adelaide.
"Even though they have struggled so far during the season it doesn't mean it won't be a tough game and we believe it will be a tough game and we're ready for a fight."
Ladder leaders Sydney FC are preparing to take on the Central Coast mariners at home.
The side is still on a high after recording their biggest win of the season with a 6-1 thrashing of Canberra United last week.
In cricket, the Big Bash continues this weekend.
The Hobart Hurricanes will take on the Adelaide Strikers at Adelaide Oval, while Melbourne gears up for another huge derby against the Renegades.
The Stars will be looking for redemption after a seven run loss to the Renegades on New Year's day.
But the Renegades are looking to be in good shape with the likely return of test quick James Pattinson
Renegades Head Coach Andrew McDonald says Pattinson will be a powerful tool in the Renegades line up.
"We'll assess him and see how he's pulled up but we're pretty confident he'll be available for Saturday's derby which is a massive inclusion for us."
In tennis, the Brisbane International and the Hopman Cup will hold finals over the weekend.
And while Roger Federer lost his match up against Germany's Alexander Zverev in their group A versus group B match, the Swiss won even more fans with a stunning show of sportsmanship.
Facing a serve at 15-love, 6-5 in the first set, Federer encouraged the German teen to challenge the umpire's call of fault.
"Fault" (Umpire)
"Close" (Federer)
"How close?" (Zverev)
"Very close" (Federer)
"Hahaha, so Roger's saying it's very close suggesting he might have got it ... he did." (Commentator)
In the NBL, the New Zealand Breakers will take on ladder leaders the Adelaide 36ers in New Zealand.
The match is live and exclusive on SBS starting at 3pm AEDT.
Meanwhile, second-placed Melbourne United are looking to extend their winning streak against the Illawarra Hawks on Saturday, as they close in on the top of the table.
United coach Dean Demopoulos praised import Casper Ware, who's starred in the team's seven wins from nine games since he started with the club.
"He's an even better guy than he is playing a player, that's surprising to me. I knew he was a good player but i didn't know he was such a good dude, so we're blessed that way."
