Premier League Buildup, La Liga, Afcon Knockout Stage and Celtic v Rangers – Matchday 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 a schedule of only four top-flight matches indicates things aren't back to normal. Still, for many out there, this is the last holiday weekend so a perfect opportunity to head to the match.
That quartet of Premier League offerings includes Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest at 12.30pm 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.
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 4pm and Mali v Tunisia at seven o'clock keep the action coming.
As usual with matchday live, we’re looking for interaction so send us your thoughts and messages. Attending a match today? 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.
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 warmth and joy to the Amex this afternoon.”
Brighton host Burnley (3pm) so the odds are in your favour/favor Christer. However, this piece of data might be worrying:
- Burnley are without a loss in their last seven league visits to Brighton (W2 D5) since a defeat in August 2013. They’ve remained undefeated at the Amex in the top flight (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 – Sarah Rendell
- 12.30pm Celtic v Rangers – me, 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 will cover the opening Afcon knockout matches (starting at four and seven).
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
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 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 increased their lead at the top to four points over champions PSG with a convincing three-nil victory at eighth-place Toulouse, who were significantly hindered by being having a player sent off after just twenty minutes. Lens have now won seven consecutive matches. 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
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? Send your thoughts and hopes with us.
