English Top-Flight Buildup, La Liga, Africa Cup Last 16 and Celtic v Rangers – Saturday Live
Preamble
Hello. The calendar confirms it's Saturday. After the festive confusion, 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 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 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 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 7pm keep the action coming.
As usual with matchday live, we’re looking for interaction so send us your thoughts and messages. 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!
Early Contender for Longest Traveller
An early contender for longest traveller. 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 (3pm) so statistics suggest a positive outcome, Christer. Then again, this Opta stat is a little concerning:
- Burnley are unbeaten in their last seven away league games against 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
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 – me, 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 is on hand with live coverage of the first two Afcon last-16 ties (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 50th-minute 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 reduced to 10 men after just 20 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
Share Your Matchday Experience
Off to a top-flight game this afternoon? Or perhaps you’ve made a maverick trip to the Afcon? Send your thoughts and hopes with us.
