Reuters Sports Schedule at 0010 GMT on Wednesday Dec 26

by Reuters

Reuters sports schedule at 0010 GMT on Wednesday:

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NBA

Heat and Thunder to serve Christmas Day treat

The NBA serves up its annual Christmas day feast with five game on the menu, including the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder providing the main course in a rematch of last year's championship final. (NBA-HEAT/ (PIX), expect by 0200 GMT/9:00 PM ET on Wednesday, 350 words)

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CRICKET

Australia v Sri Lanka, second test

MELBOURNE - Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and elected to bat first in the second test against Australia. (CRICKET-LANKA/, (PIX), expect throughout, 400 words, by Ian Ransom)

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SAILING

Sydney to Hobart race

Faster Wild Oats looking to add to Sydney-Hobart victories

SYDNEY- Australia's pre-eminent blue water classic begins on Sydney Harbour with Wild Oats XI seeking a sixth line honours victory after modifications to the super-maxi to make it go faster in lighter winds in order to shake off last year's narrow loss to Ragamuffin Loyal. (SAILING-AUSTRALIA/ (PIX), expect by 0200 GMT/9 PM ET, 400 words)

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SOCCER

PREMIER LEAGUE

LONDON - Leaders Manchester United entertain Newcastle United looking to protect their four-point lead over champions Manchester City who visit Sunderland. Third-placed Chelsea, fresh from an 8-0 drubbing of Aston Villa, travel to Norwich City. (SOCCER-ENGLAND/, expect by 1700 GMT/12 ET, 600 words)

Everton v Wigan Athletic (1500

Fulham v Southampton (1500)

Manchester United v Newcastle United (1500)

Norwich City v Chelsea (1500)

Queens Park Rangers v West Bromwich Albion (1500)

Reading v Swansea City (1500)

Sunderland v Manchester City (1500)

Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur (1730)

Stoke City v Liverpool (1945)

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NFL

The National Football League's playoff picture has come into sharper focus with only a few more pieces of the post-season puzzle to be put into place. (NFL/ moved, 600 words)