As the football world kicks off the new year, several compelling matches and ongoing tournaments are capturing attention. Here's a look at the latest developments from the Premier League and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Premier League Action: Fulham vs. Liverpool, Newcastle vs. Crystal Palace
In the Premier League, all eyes are on Craven Cottage as Fulham hosts Liverpool. Fulham, currently sitting 11th in the league with 27 points, hopes to extend their unbeaten run to five games. However, they face a tough challenge against Liverpool, who are aiming to solidify their position in the top four.
The team lineups are as follows:
- Fulham: Leno, Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Diop, Lukic, Cairney, Wilson, Smith Rowe, Robinson, and Jimenez.
- Liverpool: Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, and Gakpo.
Fulham is missing key players due to international duty at AFCON, including Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samu Chukwueze. Liverpool is without Mohamed Salah, who is also on international duty, as well as Joe Gomez due to a muscular injury.
Meanwhile, in Newcastle, Newcastle United is hosting Crystal Palace at St. James' Park. Both teams are vying for a spot closer to the top six in the league.
Newcastle's possible lineup includes Pope, Hall, Schar, Thiaw, Miley, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy, Gordon and Wissa. Crystal Palace may field Henderson, Clyne, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell, Lerma, Hughes, Wharton, Johnson, Pino and Mateta.
Newcastle has a lengthy injury list, but Eddie Howe expects Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier to return from their injuries. Crystal Palace will be without Chris Richards and Eddie Nketiah. However, Brennan Johnson is expected to make his debut for Crystal Palace.
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Updates
The Africa Cup of Nations continues to deliver thrilling matches and unexpected results. Senegal defeated Sudan 3-1, securing their place in the quarter-finals where they will face Mali. Mali also advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Tunisia.
In other AFCON news, South Africa edged Zimbabwe 3-2 to book their place in the knockout stage. Nigeria completed a perfect group stage with a win over Uganda.
The tournament has also seen some upsets, with Algeria exiting after a shocking defeat to Mauritania. Ivory Coast fought back against Gabon to top their group.
As the tournament progresses, anticipation builds for the remaining last-16 matches, including Morocco vs Tanzania and South Africa vs Cameroon. The final is set to be held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026.
