Premier League Buildup, Spanish Football, Africa Cup Knockout Stage and Celtic v Rangers – Saturday Live

Kickoff

Hello. It’s … (checks diary) … Saturday. After the festive confusion, 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. Nevertheless, for many out there, this is the last holiday weekend so a chance to head to the match.

That quartet of Premier League offerings 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. This one is especially fascinating due to the ongoing turmoil at Celtic Park.

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 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 7pm keep the fun flowing.

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 perhaps your plan is a full day of televised football while finishing the last of the holiday treats. I think we can all agree that the caramel version is nowhere near as good.

Right, it's time to begin the weekend's action!

A Fan's Epic Journey

One fan has made an epic trip. 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 fulfill their obvious talent and bring plenty of warmth and joy to the Amex this afternoon.”

Brighton host Burnley (three o'clock) so the odds are in your favour/favor Christer. However, this piece of data might be worrying:

  • Burnley are without a loss in their last seven league visits to Brighton (W2 D5) 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

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

Plus, 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 (4pm and 7pm kick-offs).

Also, 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 marked his comeback with the opening Serie A strike of the new year. His 50th-minute winner put Milan at the summit of the table 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. 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

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.

Zachary Lee
Zachary Lee

Tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in transforming ideas into impactful solutions.

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