Premier League Buildup, Spanish Football, Afcon Last 16 and Celtic v Rangers – Matchday Action
Introduction
Greetings. The calendar confirms it's Saturday. After the festive confusion, it’s now day three in the 2026 house 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 make a trip to the stadium.
That quartet of Premier League offerings includes Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest at half past twelve 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 bigger sides.
While the EFL takes a break, there is plenty of action 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 7pm keep the fun flowing.
Typical for our live coverage, we’re looking for interaction so send us your thoughts and messages. Attending a match today? 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. Christer Aakeroy emails this:
“Journeying more than 4,400 miles from Manhattan, Kansas – the 'Little Apple' – to support 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 (three o'clock) so statistics suggest a positive outcome, Christer. However, this piece of data might be worrying:
- 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 – me, 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 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)!
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
Over in Italy, Rafael Leao marked his comeback with the opening Serie A strike of the new year. His second-half winner put Milan top of Serie A by two points 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
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. 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
Off to a top-flight game this afternoon? Maybe you've embarked on an adventurous journey to the Africa Cup of Nations? Send your thoughts and hopes with us.
