Saturday brings a busy day of football action, with Premier League and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) matches taking center stage. Here's a look at some of the key games to follow.
Arsenal v Brighton
Arsenal welcomes Brighton to the Emirates Stadium as they resume their Premier League title bid. The Gunners are aiming to maintain their position at the top of the league, but could kick off in second place if Manchester City win earlier in the day. Arsenal has shown the ability to grind out results recently, a trait that could prove vital in a tight title race. However, Brighton is known to be a tricky opponent, and Arsenal will need to be patient and clinical to secure the win. The match is scheduled for a 3pm GMT kick-off.
Mikel Arteta may make changes to the Arsenal lineup, with Kai Havertz potentially returning from injury. However, Gabriel remains unavailable, and Ben White is sidelined with a hamstring issue. There are also doubts surrounding the availability of Piero Hincapie. Despite the absentees, Arsenal's squad depth has been tested this season, and the team has generally maintained its structure.
Liverpool v Wolves
Liverpool hosts Wolves at Anfield, aiming to continue their recent good form. The Reds have won their last three matches in all competitions and are looking to end 2025 on a high. However, they face a Wolves side desperate for points, as they are currently rooted to the bottom of the table.
Arne Slot faces a selection dilemma, with Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Dominik Szoboszlai suspended, and Alexander Isak injured. Liverpool will also be without Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, and several other players due to injury. Despite these absences, Liverpool will be keen to secure a victory and maintain their momentum. The match holds added significance as it is the first between the two sides since the death of Diogo Jota. Both sets of fans will pay tribute to the former Wolves and Liverpool player. The game is scheduled for a 3pm GMT kick-off.
Senegal v DR Congo
Senegal faces DR Congo in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D match. Both teams won their opening matches and are looking to secure a place in the knockout stage. Senegal defeated Botswana 3-0, while DR Congo edged past Benin 1-0.
Senegal is the highest-ranked African nation in FIFA's rankings and is considered one of the tournament favorites. DR Congo, however, will be confident after winning their last six internationals. The game is expected to be a close encounter, with Senegal having a slight edge. The match will take place at the Grand Stadium of Tangier at 4:00 p.m. Moroccan time. It will be broadcast live on beIN Sports, SuperSport, and Arryadia TV.
