???? ON THE TUBE TONIGHT-

(all times CLT)

Sandra Bullock stars in Netflix original film The Unforgivable: Three years after viral sensation Bird Box, Bullock is back with another emotionally wracking performance. In The Unforgivable, Bullock plays Slater, who is released from prison after serving a 20-year sentence for a violent crime. As she re-enters society, Slater realizes that every step of the way is a new challenge as she meets with others’ refusal to forgive her past. The film is not for anyone looking for a lighthearted experience, with dead-eyed Bullock making sure to inspire despair in viewers. But for those who stick with it, the effort is rewarded in this very well-done portrayal of the reality of ex-cons attempting to return to society.

⚽ We now have the draw for the Arab Cup semi-finals: Egypt have made it through to the last four after comfortably beating Jordan 3-1 yesterday, and will play Tunisia who beat Oman on Friday night. On the other side of the draw, tournament hosts Qatar thrashed the UAE 5-0, setting up a tie with Algeria, who beat Morocco on penalties in the quarters. Both semi-final ties will be played on Wednesday.

The Premier League continues this afternoon: Burnley vs West Ham and Leicester vs Newcastle both get underway at 4pm, while Crystal Palace kick off against Everton at 6:30pm. The first game of the day — Brighton v Tottenham — has been postponed due to an outbreak of covid among the North London side.

It’s Madrid derby day in La Liga: League leaders Real Madrid head across town to the Wanda Metropolitano to take on local rivals Atletico Madrid, who lie 10 points below Los Blancos in fourth place (kick off: 10:00 pm). Seventh-placed Barcelona will want to bounce back after crashing out of the Champions League midweek with a victory against mid-table Osasuna (kick off: 5:15 pm). Elsewhere: Villarreal take on Rayo Vallecano (kick off: 3:00 pm) and third-placed Real Betis play Real Sociedad (kick off: 7:30 pm).

Serie A: After AC Milan's tie with Udinese yesterday, Inter has the chance to jump to the top of the table should they beat misfiring Cagliari (kick off: 9:45 pm). Napoli also has a chance of going top on goal difference, at least for a few hours, when they meet Empoli earlier this evening (kick off: 7:00 pm).

In France: Most of Ligue PSG is in action tonight. Paris Saint-Germain play Monaco at 9:45pm.

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Japanese restaurant Reif Kushiyaki opens in New Cairo: First opened by Chef Reif Othman in Dubai in 2019, this street food restaurant offers an unconventional take on the Japanese culinary experience. The menu revolves around kushiyaki — Japan’s answer to shish tawook — but also extends beyond grills to everything from sandos (Japanese sandwiches) to ramen and dim sum, topped with Reif Kushiyaki’s signature sauces. Most guests get a view of the action in the kitchen, with the option of sitting at the counter and getting up close and personal with your soon-to-be plate. Our verdict: Reif Kushiyaki might well be the next big thing in Cairo’s foodie scene. Opening night is tonight, and you’ll most likely need to make a reservation.

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(all times CLT)

Al Mashrabia Gallery’s group exhibit, CONTINUUM IV, opened yesterday and will run until 8 January. Doors at the downtown gallery are open from 11am until 8pm, Saturday-Thursday.

Catch your favorite Christmas songs as sung by The Sinatras feat. vocalist Yara Tarek, performing at Room New Cairo tomorrow at 9pm.

For lovers of bass music: SceneNoise and Cairo Jazz Club have teamed up to present Fresh Meat — a platform for up-and-coming DJs to spin every flavor of electronic music. Fresh Meat’s debut will take place tomorrow at 9pm at the club’s Agouza venue, with Khaled Yousry, K-Laff, Fady El Tellawy, and Youssef Yasser behind the decks.

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How to fill your workforce with impact players: Good management can easily spot “impact players” — indispensable colleagues who can be counted on in critical situations and for high-profile assignments. In her new book Impact Players, Liz Wiseman draws on a study of 170 professionals to explain how you can become one of these star employees by mastering the “impact player mindset” to face problems and create change. Wiseman is the CEO of the Wiseman Group, a leadership research and development firm headquartered in Silicon Valley. The book isn’t just for those in junior and mid-senior positions aiming to get noticed — it also helps management to improve their skills. “To have impact players, you need to be an impact player,” Wiseman tells us.