English Top-Flight Buildup, Spanish Football, Afcon Last 16 and Celtic v Rangers – Matchday Action

An early contender for longest traveller. 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 fulfill their obvious talent and bring plenty of warmth and joy to the Amex this afternoon.”

Brighton host Burnley (three o'clock) so statistics suggest a positive outcome, Christer. However, this Opta stat is a little concerning:

• Burnley are without a loss in their last seven league visits to Brighton (W2 D5) since a 2-0 loss in August 2013. They’ve remained undefeated at the Amex in the top flight (Two wins, four draws).

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

Plus, 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).

Oh, 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)!

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 second-half 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

In France, Lens extended their advantage at the summit 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 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.