Premier League Pre-Match Buzz, Spanish Football, Africa Cup Last 16 and Old Firm Derby – Saturday Live
Introduction
Hello. The calendar confirms it's Saturday. Following the holiday blur, it’s now the third day of the new year although a schedule of only four top-flight matches indicates things aren't back to normal. Nevertheless, 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 little matter of an Old Firm derby. One with particular intrigue given the current chaos at Celtic.
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 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 fun flowing.
Typical for our live coverage, we’re keen to hear from you so hit us with comments and emails. Attending a match today? Do you have fresh optimism for your team now the calendar has flipped? 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.
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 fulfill their obvious talent and bring plenty of warmth and joy to the Amex this afternoon.”
Brighton host Burnley (3pm) 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 2-0 loss in August 2013. They’ve never lost at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League (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 – Sarah Rendell
- 12.30pm Celtic v Rangers – me, David Tindall
- 5.30pm Bournemouth v Arsenal – Barry Glendenning
Additionally, live updates from the 3pm EPL games will be provided by Billy Munday in his clockwatch while Dominic Booth is on hand with live coverage of the first two Afcon last-16 ties (starting at four and seven).
Oh, look out for live updates from the concluding Ashes Test and the World Darts Championship final!
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 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
In France, Lens extended their advantage at the summit 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 twenty minutes. That’s seven straight wins now for Lens. 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.
