Premier League Pre-Match Buzz, Spanish Football, Africa Cup Last 16 and Celtic v Rangers – Saturday Action
Kickoff
Good morning. 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. Nevertheless, 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, starting simultaneously, 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 glamour teams.
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 7pm keep the fun flowing.
Typical for our live coverage, 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. It's widely accepted the caramel variety doesn't compare to the original.
Right, it's time to begin the weekend's action!
A Fan's Epic Journey
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 fulfill their obvious talent and bring plenty of warmth and joy to the Amex this afternoon.”
Brighton host Burnley (three o'clock) so the odds are in your favour/favor Christer. However, 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
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 will cover the opening Afcon knockout matches (starting at four and seven).
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
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 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 having a player sent off 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.
