Premier League Pre-Match Buzz, Spanish Football, Africa Cup Knockout Stage and Old Firm Derby – Saturday Action

Kickoff

Hello. 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 last holiday weekend so a chance to head to the match.

That quartet of Premier League offerings 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 capable of playing out entertaining draws with the bigger sides.

While the lower leagues have a day off, 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 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 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.

Alright, 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:

“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 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 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 (Two wins, four draws).

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 – Sarah Rendell
12.30pm Celtic v Rangers – me, David Tindall
5.30pm Bournemouth v Arsenal – Barry Glendenning

Plus, 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).

Also, 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)!

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 marked his comeback with the opening Serie A strike of the new year. His second-half 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 increased their lead at the top to four points over champions PSG with a comfortable 3-0 success at eighth-place Toulouse, who were clearly hampered by being reduced to 10 men after just twenty 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

Get In Touch

Heading to a Premier League match today? Or perhaps you’ve made a maverick trip to the Afcon? Send your thoughts and hopes with us.

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Premier League Pre-Match Buzz, Spanish Football, Africa Cup Knockout Stage and Old Firm Derby – Saturday Action

Kickoff

A Fan's Epic Journey

A Full Slate of Minute-by-Minute Action

European Round-Up

Serie A

La Liga

Ligue 1

Get In Touch

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