Premier League Buildup, Spanish Football, Africa Cup Last 16 and Celtic v Rangers – Saturday Action
Introduction
Good morning. The calendar confirms it's Saturday. Following the holiday blur, 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. Still, for many out there, this is the final weekend of the holiday so a perfect opportunity 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 can’t win anymore but are still able to produce thrilling stalemates with the bigger sides.
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 four o'clock and Mali v Tunisia at seven o'clock keep the action coming.
As usual with matchday live, we’re looking for interaction so hit us with comments and emails. Attending a match today? 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!
Early Contender for Longest Traveller
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 cheer and happiness to the Amex this afternoon.”
Brighton host Burnley (3pm) so statistics suggest a positive outcome, 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 defeat 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
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, 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
Over in Italy, Rafael Leao marked his comeback with the opening Serie A strike of the new year. His 50th-minute winner put Milan top of Serie A by two points although local rivals Inter can reclaim top spot 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 convincing three-nil victory at eighth-place Toulouse, who were significantly hindered by being reduced to 10 men after just twenty minutes. That’s seven straight wins now for Lens. 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? Or perhaps you’ve made a maverick trip to the Afcon? Send your thoughts and hopes with us.
