Premier League Pre-Match Buzz, La Liga, Afcon Knockout Stage and Old Firm Derby – Saturday Live
Introduction
Greetings. 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 perfect opportunity to head to the match.
That selection of four EPL games 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. 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 capable of playing out entertaining draws with the glamour teams.
While the EFL takes a break, there is plenty of action 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 7pm keep the fun flowing.
Typical for our live coverage, 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!
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 live up to their undoubted potential and bring plenty of cheer and happiness to the Amex this afternoon.”
Brighton host Burnley (3pm) so the odds are in your favour/favor Christer. However, this piece of data might be worrying:
- Burnley are unbeaten in their last seven away league games against Brighton (Two wins, five draws) since a defeat in August 2013. They’ve never lost at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League (W2 D4).
Live Coverage Galore
For fans of live text commentary, we offer extensive coverage. And more!
- 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, live updates from the 3pm EPL games will be provided by Billy Munday in his clockwatch while Dominic Booth will cover the opening Afcon knockout matches (starting at four and seven).
Also, look out for live updates from the concluding Ashes Test and the World Darts Championship final!
European Round-Up
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 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
In France, Lens increased their lead at the top to four points over champions PSG with a convincing three-nil victory at eighth-place Toulouse, who were significantly hindered by being reduced to 10 men after just 20 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? Send your thoughts and hopes with us.