English Top-Flight Pre-Match Buzz, Spanish Football, Africa Cup Knockout Stage and Celtic v Rangers – Saturday Live

One fan has made an epic trip. A message arrives from Christer Aakeroy:

“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 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 piece of data might be worrying:

• Burnley are unbeaten in their last seven away league games against Brighton (W2 D5) since a 2-0 loss in August 2013. They’ve remained undefeated at the Amex in the top flight (W2 D4).

For fans of live text commentary, we offer extensive coverage. And more!

• 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

Additionally, 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!

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 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 increased their lead at the top to four points over champions PSG with a convincing three-nil victory at eighth-place Toulouse, who were clearly hampered by being reduced to 10 men after just twenty minutes. That’s seven straight wins now for Lens. 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

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.