English Top-Flight Buildup, Spanish Football, Afcon Knockout Stage and Old Firm Derby – Matchday Action
Introduction
Hello. The calendar confirms it's Saturday. After the festive confusion, 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. Nevertheless, 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 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 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 seven o'clock keep the action coming.
As usual with matchday live, we’re keen to hear from you 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. 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
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 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 piece of data might be worrying:
- Burnley are unbeaten in their last seven away league games against Brighton (Two wins, five draws) since a defeat in August 2013. They’ve remained undefeated at the Amex in the top flight (W2 D4).
Live Coverage Galore
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 – David Tindall
- 5.30pm Bournemouth v Arsenal – Barry Glendenning
Additionally, live updates from the 3pm EPL games will be provided by Billy Munday in his 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 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 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. 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
Share Your Matchday Experience
Off to a top-flight game this afternoon? Or perhaps you’ve made a maverick trip to the Afcon? Send your thoughts and hopes with us.
