Premier League 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 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 chance to head to the match.
That selection of four EPL games includes Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest at 12.30pm while, starting simultaneously, we have the not-so-small issue 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 capable of playing out entertaining draws 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 entered the knockout phase of Afcon. Senegal v Sudan at four o'clock and Mali v Tunisia at 7pm keep the action coming.
Typical for our live coverage, we’re looking for interaction 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 simply just tell us if your day consists of wall-to-wall football on the tellybox as you polish off the final chocolate oranges. It's widely accepted the caramel variety doesn't compare to the original.
Alright, let’s get this weekend started!
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 the odds are in your favour/favor Christer. Then again, 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 (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 – Sarah Rendell
- 12.30pm Celtic v Rangers – David Tindall
- 5.30pm Bournemouth v Arsenal – Barry Glendenning
Additionally, Billy Munday will bring you live updates from the two 3pm Premier League kick-offs in his Saturday clockwatch while Dominic Booth is on hand with live coverage of the first two Afcon last-16 ties (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
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
Over in Italy, Rafael Leao marked his comeback with the opening Serie A strike of the new year. His second-half winner put Milan at the summit of the table 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 increased their lead at the top to four points over champions PSG with a comfortable 3-0 success at eighth-place Toulouse, who were significantly hindered by being reduced to 10 men 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
Get In Touch
Off to a top-flight game this afternoon? Maybe you've embarked on an adventurous journey to the Africa Cup of Nations? Share your predictions and stories with us.
