English Top-Flight Buildup, Spanish Football, Africa Cup Last 16 and Celtic v Rangers – Saturday Action
Introduction
Greetings. The calendar confirms it's 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 last holiday weekend so a perfect opportunity to make a trip to the stadium.
That quartet of Premier League offerings includes Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest at 12.30pm while, starting simultaneously, 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 can’t win anymore but are still capable of playing out entertaining draws with the glamour teams.
While the EFL takes a break, 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 four o'clock and Mali v Tunisia at 7pm keep the fun flowing.
As usual with matchday live, we’re keen to hear from you so hit us with comments and emails. Are you going to a game? Do you have fresh optimism for your team now the calendar has flipped? 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. It's widely accepted the caramel variety doesn't compare to the original.
Alright, let’s get this weekend started!
A Fan's Epic Journey
One fan has made an epic trip. Christer Aakeroy emails this:
“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 warmth and joy to the Amex this afternoon.”
Brighton host Burnley (three o'clock) so statistics suggest a positive outcome, Christer. However, 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 remained undefeated at the Amex in the top flight (W2 D4).
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 – Coverage by Sarah
- 12.30pm Celtic v Rangers – David Tindall
- 5.30pm Bournemouth v Arsenal – Barry Glendenning
Plus, 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 (4pm and 7pm kick-offs).
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)!
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
In Italy, Rafael Leao celebrated his return from injury with the first Serie A goal of 2026. His second-half winner put Milan at the summit of the table although local rivals Inter can return to the summit 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 increased their lead at the top to four points over champions PSG with a comfortable 3-0 success at eighth-place Toulouse, who were clearly hampered by being having a player sent off 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
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.
