English Top-Flight Pre-Match Buzz, La Liga, Africa Cup Knockout Stage and Old Firm Derby – Saturday Live

Preamble

Good morning. It’s … (checks diary) … Saturday. Following the holiday blur, 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. Still, for many out there, this is the last holiday weekend so a chance 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 are struggling for victories but are still able to produce thrilling stalemates 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 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 looking for interaction so send us your thoughts and messages. 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. It's widely accepted the caramel variety doesn't compare to the original.

Right, let’s get this weekend started!

Early Contender for Longest Traveller

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. Then again, 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 2-0 loss in August 2013. They’ve never lost at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League (Two wins, four draws).

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, Billy Munday will bring you live updates from the two 3pm Premier League kick-offs in his Saturday clockwatch while Dominic Booth will cover the opening Afcon knockout matches (4pm and 7pm kick-offs).

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

European Round-Up

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 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

Meanwhile in France, Lens extended their advantage at the summit over champions PSG with a comfortable 3-0 success at eighth-place Toulouse, who were clearly hampered by being having a player sent off 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

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? Send your thoughts and hopes with us.

Lisa Mitchell
Lisa Mitchell

A passionate writer and life coach who shares transformative experiences from global travels and personal growth journeys.