English Top-Flight Pre-Match Buzz, La Liga, Afcon Last 16 and Celtic v Rangers – Matchday Live

Introduction

Greetings. It’s … (checks diary) … 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. Nevertheless, 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, starting simultaneously, we have the little matter of an Old Firm derby. One with particular intrigue given the current chaos at Celtic.

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 glamour teams.

While the EFL takes a break, 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 fun flowing.

As usual with matchday live, we’re keen to hear from you 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. 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 cheer and happiness 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 defeat in August 2013. They’ve remained undefeated at the Amex in the top flight (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 – 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).

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 second-half 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

In France, Lens increased their lead at the top to four points over champions PSG with a convincing three-nil victory at eighth-place Toulouse, who were clearly hampered by being reduced to 10 men after just twenty 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? Or perhaps you’ve made a maverick trip to the Afcon? Share your predictions and stories with us.

Ashley Mcgee
Ashley Mcgee

Lena is a mindfulness coach and writer passionate about helping others find clarity and purpose through practical advice and reflective practices.