Premier League Pre-Match Buzz, La Liga, Afcon Last 16 and Celtic v Rangers – Saturday Action
Introduction
Good morning. It’s … (checks diary) … Saturday. Following the holiday blur, it’s now day three in the 2026 house 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 head to the match.
That selection of four EPL games includes Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest at half past twelve while, kicking off at the same time, 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 are struggling for victories but are still able to produce thrilling stalemates 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 4pm and Mali v Tunisia at seven o'clock 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? Do you have fresh optimism for your team now the calendar has flipped? 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.
Right, let’s get this weekend started!
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 (3pm) so the odds are in your favour/favor Christer. However, 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 remained undefeated at the Amex in the top flight (W2 D4).
Live Coverage Galore
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, 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
Here are some key European scores from Friday.
Serie A
Cagliari 0-1 AC Milan
La Liga
Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Getafe
Ligue 1
Toulouse 0-3 Lens
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 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 significantly hindered 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
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.
