English Top-Flight Buildup, Spanish Football, Africa Cup Knockout Stage and Old Firm Derby – Saturday Live

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 cheer and happiness to the Amex this afternoon.”

Brighton host Burnley (3pm) so statistics suggest a positive outcome, 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 (W2 D4).

If you like an MBM (minute-by-minute), we have you covered. And then some!

• 12.30pm Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest – Coverage by Sarah
• 12.30pm Celtic v Rangers – me, 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 (4pm and 7pm kick-offs).

Oh, look out for live updates from the concluding Ashes Test and the World Darts Championship final!

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

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 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 extended their advantage at the summit over champions PSG with a comfortable 3-0 success at eighth-place Toulouse, who were clearly hampered 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

Heading to a Premier League match today? Or perhaps you’ve made a maverick trip to the Afcon? Send your thoughts and hopes with us.