Premier League Pre-Match Buzz, Spanish Football, Afcon Knockout Stage and Old Firm Derby – Saturday Action
Preamble
Good morning. The calendar confirms it's Saturday. Following the holiday blur, it’s now day three in the 2026 house although just four Premier League fixtures today suggests a routine hasn’t yet been established. Still, for many out there, this is the last holiday weekend so a perfect opportunity to make a trip to the stadium.
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 not-so-small issue of an Old Firm derby. This one is especially fascinating due to the ongoing turmoil at Celtic Park.
Later in the day at 5.30pm, 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 a full slate of games in Serie A, La Liga and Ligue 1 while we’ve entered the knockout phase of Afcon. Senegal v Sudan at four o'clock and Mali v Tunisia at seven o'clock keep the action coming.
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 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!
Early Contender for Longest Traveller
One fan has made an epic trip. 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 live up to their undoubted potential and bring plenty of cheer and happiness to the Amex this afternoon.”
Brighton host Burnley (3pm) so the odds are in your favour/favor Christer. Then again, this Opta stat is a little concerning:
- 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 never lost at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League (Two wins, four draws).
A Full Slate of Minute-by-Minute Action
If you like an MBM (minute-by-minute), we have you covered. And then some!
- 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, Billy Munday will bring you live updates from the two 3pm Premier League kick-offs in his Saturday clockwatch while Dominic Booth is on hand with live coverage of the first two Afcon last-16 ties (starting at four and seven).
Also, 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
Here are some key European scores from Friday.
Serie A
Cagliari 0-1 AC Milan
La Liga
Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Getafe
Ligue 1
Toulouse 0-3 Lens
In Italy, Rafael Leao marked his comeback with the opening Serie A strike of the new year. 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
Meanwhile in France, Lens extended their advantage at the summit over champions PSG with a convincing three-nil victory at eighth-place Toulouse, who were clearly hampered by being having a player sent off after just 20 minutes. Lens have now won seven consecutive matches. They couldn’t, could they?
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
Off to a top-flight game this afternoon? Maybe you've embarked on an adventurous journey to the Africa Cup of Nations? Share your predictions and stories with us.
