Premier League Buildup, Spanish Football, Africa Cup Last 16 and Old Firm Derby – Saturday Action

Kickoff

Hello. The calendar confirms it's Saturday. Following the holiday blur, it’s now the third day of the new year although just four Premier League fixtures today suggests a routine hasn’t yet been established. Still, for many out there, this is the last holiday weekend 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 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 able to produce thrilling stalemates with the bigger sides.

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 seven o'clock keep the action coming.

Typical for our live coverage, we’re keen to hear from you so send us your thoughts and messages. Are you going to a game? Has the new year brought renewed hope for your club? 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. 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 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 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).

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 (4pm and 7pm kick-offs).

Oh, look out for live updates from the concluding Ashes Test and the World Darts Championship final!

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 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 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 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. Lens have now won seven consecutive matches. 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

Share Your Matchday Experience

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.

Rebecca Harris
Rebecca Harris

A seasoned traveler and writer with a passion for uncovering hidden gems and sharing transformative journeys across continents.