English Top-Flight Buildup, La Liga, Afcon Knockout Stage and Celtic v Rangers – Matchday Live
Preamble
Greetings. It’s … (checks diary) … 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 perfect opportunity to make a trip to the stadium.
That selection of four EPL games includes Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest at 12.30pm while, kicking off at the same time, we have the not-so-small issue 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 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 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 seven o'clock keep the fun flowing.
As usual with matchday live, 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 simply just tell us if your day consists of wall-to-wall football on the tellybox as you polish off the final chocolate oranges. I think we can all agree that the caramel version is nowhere near as good.
Alright, let’s get this weekend started!
Early Contender for Longest Traveller
An early contender for longest traveller. A message arrives from Christer Aakeroy:
“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 Opta stat is a little concerning:
- Burnley are unbeaten in their last seven away league games against Brighton (W2 D5) since a defeat in August 2013. They’ve never lost at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League (W2 D4).
A Full Slate of Minute-by-Minute Action
If you like an MBM (minute-by-minute), we have you covered. And then some!
- 12.30pm Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest – Sarah Rendell
- 12.30pm Celtic v Rangers – David Tindall
- 5.30pm Bournemouth v Arsenal – Barry Glendenning
Plus, 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 (starting at four and seven).
Also, look out for live updates from the concluding Ashes Test and the World Darts Championship final!
Last Night's Results from the Continent
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 celebrated his return from injury with the first Serie A goal of 2026. His 50th-minute 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 extended their advantage at the summit over champions PSG with a comfortable 3-0 success at eighth-place Toulouse, who were significantly hindered by being having a player sent off 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? Share your predictions and stories with us.
