Soccer

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says there’s no more room for error if they’re to maintain a challenge for the Premier League title.

A win over Crystal Palace this lunchtime would move them to within two points of leaders Liverpool.

Arteta’s side return from a winter break having lost their last three matches in all competitions.

The only other game of the day sees Nottingham Forest travelling to Brentford at 5.30pm.

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Algeria are looking to take top spot in Group D from Burkina Faso in the opening game of the day’s action at the Africa Cup of Nations.

They meet at 2pm while fellow Group D sides Angola and Mauritania meet at 5pm. Then it’s the clash of Tunisia and Mali in Group E at 8pm tonight.

Meanwhile, it’s been confirmed that Mo Salah will miss Egypt’s next two games at the tournament through injury.

He limped out of their draw with Ghana on Thursday evening just before half-time.

The Liverpool forward will sit out the final group game against Cape Verde and any potential last-16 match.

Rugby

Ulster are looking to keep their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the European Champions Cup alive this afternoon. A bonus point win over Harlequins would guarantee them a place in the last 16.

They meet at 1pm, at the same time the Bulls play host to Bordeaux. Later, Leinster and Leicester Tigers meet at Welford Road from 3.15pm with Cardiff travelling to Racing 92.

It’s a 5.30pm for the game between Munster and Northampton and the clash of Stade Francais and Stormers.

The late game this evening sees Saracens play Lyon at 8pm.

Golf

Rory McIlroy has taken the lead after his third round at Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour. An eagle on the final hole left him on 9 under for the day and 12 under all round.

He was joined at the top of the leaderboard by overnight leader Cameron Young and Poland’s Adrian Meronk.

Tom McKibben shot a 2 under 70 today to move to 4 under par and in a tie for 22nd.

Leona McGuire will start her third round of the Tournament of Champions on the LPGA Tour 8 shots off the lead. The Cavan woman tees off just after 2pm on level par and in a tie for 23rd place.

Ayaka Furue leads the way on 8 under par.

Hockey

The Irish Women’s hockey team know a win over their rivals will book their place in this summer’s Olympic Games.

They are in action in the bronze medal match at the qualifying tournament with Great Britain standing in their way of a trip to Paris. They get underway at 2.30pm.

GAA

LGFA National Football League, Division 1: Dublin v Kerry – Parnell Park, 5.15pm. Live coverage on TG4 from 4.50pm.

McGrath Cup Football Final: Cork v Kerry – Páirc Uí Rinn, 2pm.

Dr McKenna Cup Play-off Final: Derry v Donegal – Healy Park, 5pm.

Walsh Cup: Dublin v Galway – Parnell Park, 1pm.

Walsh Cup: Kilkenny v Wexford – Callan, 2pm.

Kehoe Cup: Down v Kildare – Manguard Park, 2pm.

O’Byrne Cup: O’Moore Park, 3pm.