Premier League Buildup, La Liga, Africa Cup Last 16 and Old Firm Derby – Matchday Action

Introduction

Good morning. The calendar confirms it's Saturday. Following the holiday blur, it’s now day three in the 2026 house 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 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. One with particular intrigue given the current chaos at Celtic.

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 lower leagues have a day off, 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 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. I think we can all agree that the caramel version is nowhere near as good.

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

A Fan's Epic Journey

An early contender for longest traveller. 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 cheer and happiness to the Amex this afternoon.”

Brighton host Burnley (three o'clock) so statistics suggest a positive outcome, Christer. However, this piece of data might be worrying:

  • Burnley are without a loss in their last seven league visits to 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 (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

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 (starting at four and seven).

Oh, 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)!

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 celebrated his return from injury with the first Serie A goal of 2026. 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

Meanwhile 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 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? Send your thoughts and hopes with us.

Carl Goodwin
Carl Goodwin

Elara is a passionate writer and innovation coach, sharing her expertise to help others unlock their creative potential.