Good morning. The calendar confirms it's 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 perfect opportunity to make a trip to the stadium.
That selection of four EPL games includes Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest at half past twelve 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 able to produce thrilling stalemates with the bigger sides.
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 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 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.
Alright, it's time to begin the weekend's action!
One fan has made an epic trip. Christer Aakeroy emails this:
“Having travelled over 4,400 miles from Manhattan, Kansas (yes, it’s known as the ‘Little Apple’) to watch 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 (three o'clock) so the odds are in your favour/favor Christer. However, this Opta stat is a little concerning:
If you like an MBM (minute-by-minute), we have you covered. And then some!
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!
A few results around Europe from last night.
Cagliari 0-1 AC Milan
Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Getafe
Toulouse 0-3 Lens
In Italy, Rafael Leao celebrated his return from injury with the first Serie A goal of 2026. His second-half winner put Milan top of Serie A by two points 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 20 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
Heading to a Premier League match today? Maybe you've embarked on an adventurous journey to the Africa Cup of Nations? Share your predictions and stories with us.
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