English Top-Flight Pre-Match Buzz, La Liga, Africa Cup Knockout Stage and Celtic v Rangers – Matchday Live
Preamble
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. Nevertheless, for many out there, this is the last holiday weekend so a chance to head to the match.
That selection of four EPL games includes Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest at 12.30pm while, kicking off at the same time, we have the little matter of an Old Firm derby. This one is especially fascinating due to the ongoing turmoil at Celtic Park.
In the evening at half past five, leaders Arsenal travel to a Bournemouth side who are struggling for victories but are still capable of playing out entertaining draws with the bigger sides.
While the lower leagues have a day off, there is plenty of action in Serie A, La Liga and Ligue 1 while we’ve entered the knockout phase of Afcon. Senegal v Sudan at 4pm and Mali v Tunisia at seven o'clock keep the action coming.
Typical for our live coverage, we’re keen to hear from you so hit us with comments and emails. Are you going to a game? Has the new year brought renewed hope for your club? Or perhaps your plan is a full day of televised football while finishing the last of the holiday treats. I think we can all agree that the caramel version is nowhere near as good.
Alright, let’s get this weekend started!
A Fan's Epic Journey
One fan has made an epic trip. A message arrives from Christer Aakeroy:
“Journeying more than 4,400 miles from Manhattan, Kansas – the 'Little Apple' – to support 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 statistics suggest a positive outcome, Christer. Then again, this Opta stat is a little concerning:
- Burnley are without a loss in their last seven league visits to Brighton (Two wins, five draws) since a defeat in August 2013. They’ve never lost at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League (Two wins, four draws).
A Full Slate of Minute-by-Minute Action
For fans of live text commentary, we offer extensive coverage. And more!
- 12.30pm Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest – Sarah Rendell
- 12.30pm Celtic v Rangers – David Tindall
- 5.30pm Bournemouth v Arsenal – Barry Glendenning
Additionally, Billy Munday will bring you live updates from the two 3pm Premier League kick-offs in his Saturday clockwatch while Dominic Booth will cover the opening Afcon knockout matches (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)!
Last Night's Results from the Continent
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 top of Serie A by two points 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 extended their advantage at the summit over champions PSG with a comfortable 3-0 success at eighth-place Toulouse, who were significantly hindered by being reduced to 10 men after just 20 minutes. That’s seven straight wins now for Lens. 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
Share Your Matchday Experience
Heading to a Premier League match today? Or perhaps you’ve made a maverick trip to the Afcon? Share your predictions and stories with us.
