Premier League Pre-Match Buzz, La Liga, Africa Cup Last 16 and Old Firm Derby – Saturday Action

An early contender for longest traveller. A message arrives from Christer Aakeroy:

“Journeying more than 4,400 miles from Manhattan, Kansas – the 'Little Apple' – to support 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 the odds are in your favour/favor 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 defeat in August 2013. They’ve remained undefeated at the Amex in the top flight (W2 D4).

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

• 12.30pm Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest – Sarah Rendell
• 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 is on hand with live coverage of the first two Afcon last-16 ties (4pm and 7pm kick-offs).

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 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

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. That’s seven straight wins now for Lens. 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

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.