English Top-Flight Pre-Match Buzz, Spanish Football, Afcon Knockout Stage and Old Firm Derby – Saturday Action

Kickoff

Greetings. The calendar confirms it's Saturday. Following the holiday blur, 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 chance 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 EFL takes a break, 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 seven o'clock keep the action coming.

As usual with matchday live, we’re looking for interaction so hit us with comments and emails. Attending a match today? 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, let’s get this weekend started!

Early Contender for Longest Traveller

An early contender for longest traveller. 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 cheer and happiness to the Amex this afternoon.”

Brighton host Burnley (3pm) so statistics suggest a positive outcome, Christer. However, this piece of data might be worrying:

Burnley are unbeaten in their last seven away league games against Brighton (W2 D5) since a 2-0 loss in August 2013. They’ve remained undefeated at the Amex in the top flight (Two wins, four draws).

Live Coverage Galore

If you like an MBM (minute-by-minute), we have you covered. And then some!

12.30pm Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest – Sarah Rendell
12.30pm Celtic v Rangers – David Tindall
5.30pm Bournemouth v Arsenal – Barry Glendenning

Plus, live updates from the 3pm EPL games will be provided by Billy Munday in his clockwatch while Dominic Booth will cover the opening Afcon knockout matches (starting at four and seven).

Also, look out for live updates from the concluding Ashes Test and the World Darts Championship final!

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 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

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 significantly hindered by being having a player sent off after just twenty 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

Heading to a Premier League match today? Or perhaps you’ve made a maverick trip to the Afcon? Send your thoughts and hopes with us.

English Top-Flight Pre-Match Buzz, Spanish Football, Afcon Knockout Stage and Old Firm Derby – Saturday Action

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