English Top-Flight Pre-Match Buzz, Spanish Football, Africa Cup Knockout Stage and Celtic v Rangers – Saturday Action
Kickoff
Good morning. It’s … (checks diary) … Saturday. After the festive confusion, it’s now the third day of the new year although just four Premier League fixtures today suggests a routine hasn’t yet been established. Still, for many out there, this is the final weekend of the holiday so a perfect opportunity to make a trip to the stadium.
That selection of four EPL games includes Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest at half past twelve while, kicking off at the same time, we have the not-so-small issue of an Old Firm derby. One with particular intrigue given the current chaos at Celtic.
Later in the day at 5.30pm, leaders Arsenal travel to a Bournemouth side who are struggling for victories but are still able to produce thrilling stalemates with the bigger sides.
While the lower leagues have a day off, there is a full slate of games in Serie A, La Liga and Ligue 1 while we’ve reached the last 16 of Afcon. Senegal v Sudan at 4pm and Mali v Tunisia at 7pm keep the fun flowing.
As usual with matchday live, we’re looking for interaction so hit us with comments and emails. Are you going to a game? Has the new year brought renewed hope for your club? Or simply just tell us if your day consists of wall-to-wall football on the tellybox as you polish off the final chocolate oranges. I think we can all agree that the caramel version is nowhere near as good.
Alright, it's time to begin the weekend's action!
Early Contender for Longest Traveller
An early contender for longest traveller. A message arrives from Christer Aakeroy:
“Having travelled over 4,400 miles from Manhattan, Kansas (yes, it’s known as the ‘Little Apple’) to watch my beloved Seagulls, I really hope that they fulfill their obvious talent and bring plenty of cheer and happiness to the Amex this afternoon.”
Brighton host Burnley (three o'clock) so the odds are in your favour/favor Christer. Then again, this piece of data might be worrying:
- Burnley are without a loss in their last seven league visits to Brighton (W2 D5) since a 2-0 loss in August 2013. They’ve remained undefeated at the Amex in the top flight (W2 D4).
Live Coverage Galore
For fans of live text commentary, we offer extensive coverage. And more!
- 12.30pm Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest – Coverage by Sarah
- 12.30pm Celtic v Rangers – David Tindall
- 5.30pm Bournemouth v Arsenal – Barry Glendenning
Additionally, live updates from the 3pm EPL games will be provided by Billy Munday in his clockwatch while Dominic Booth is on hand with live coverage of the first two Afcon last-16 ties (4pm and 7pm kick-offs).
Oh, keep your eyes peeled for live coverage of the fifth and final Ashes Test (Tim de Lisle and Angus Fontaine) and the PDC World darts final (Rob Smyth)!
European Round-Up
A few results around Europe from last night.
Serie A
Cagliari 0-1 AC Milan
La Liga
Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Getafe
Ligue 1
Toulouse 0-3 Lens
Over in Italy, Rafael Leao celebrated his return from injury with the first Serie A goal of 2026. His 50th-minute winner put Milan at the summit of the table although local rivals Inter can reclaim top spot when they host Bologna on Sunday.
Serie A Table (Top 5):
- 1. AC Milan – 38 pts
- 2. Inter Milan – 36 pts
- 3. Napoli – 34 pts
- 4. Roma – 33 pts
- 5. Juventus – 32 pts
In France, Lens increased their lead at the top to four points over champions PSG with a convincing three-nil victory at eighth-place Toulouse, who were significantly hindered by being reduced to 10 men after just twenty minutes. Lens have now won seven consecutive matches. Could they pull off a title shock?
Ligue 1 Table (Top 5):
- 1. Lens – 40 pts
- 2. PSG – 36 pts
- 3. Marseille – 32 pts
- 4. Lille – 32 pts
- 5. Lyon – 27 pts
Get In Touch
Heading to a Premier League match today? Maybe you've embarked on an adventurous journey to the Africa Cup of Nations? Share your predictions and stories with us.
