Midweek football returns with decisive fixtures across the Premier League and Serie A, as managerial uncertainty and title pressure shape a demanding round of matches. Ruben Amorim’s dismissal at Man United sets the tone for a volatile week and Liverpool’s Arne Slot continues to face growing scrutiny ahead of a trip to league leaders Arsenal.  Fans can watch every key fixture live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Pressure Mounts Everywhere

On Wednesday at 8:30 p.m., Man City host Brighton at the Etihad, live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). City have now dropped points in consecutive draws against Sunderland and Chelsea, leaving them six points adrift of Arsenal and level with Aston Villa. They will also be without key defenders, Dias and Gvardiol. Guardiola’s side face a Brighton team boosted by a clean-sheet win over Burnley, though the visitors are still seeking their first league victory at the Etihad.

Also at 8:30 p.m., Fulham welcome Chelsea in a West London derby, airing live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205). Fulham remain unbeaten in five matches and rescued a late draw against Liverpool last time out. Chelsea, under interim coach Calum McFarlane, continue to search for stability after drawing at Man City, with attention still focused on developments in the dugout.

At the same time, Crystal Palace host Aston Villa live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204). Villa returned to third place after a commanding win over Nottingham Forest and continue to position themselves as outside title contenders. Palace, however, are winless in seven across all competitions and under pressure to halt a worrying run of results.

Wednesday night continues at 9:15 p.m. as Burnley face Man United, live on SS Action (GOtv Ch. 66, DStv Ch. 206). United begin life after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, with Darren Fletcher stepping in as interim manager. Burnley, without a league win since October, will view the fixture as an opportunity against a United side still searching for identity.

Thursday’s headline fixture sees Arsenal host Liverpool at 9:00 p.m., live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Arsenal extended their winning run with a late victory at Bournemouth and remain firmly in control at the top of the table. Liverpool arrive under mounting pressure, winless in the new year and increasingly scrutinised following Amorim’s exit elsewhere in the league. A defeat at the Emirates would deepen the gap at the summit and intensify questions around Arne Slot’s position.

Serie A: Title Race Remains on a Knife Edge

Serie A’s midweek “Epiphany” round begins on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. as Lecce host Roma, live on SS Africa 1 (GOtv Ch. 63, DStv Ch. 207). Roma slipped out of the top four following defeat to Atalanta and face a Lecce side encouraged by a resilient draw against Juventus. The visitors will need greater efficiency in front of goal to avoid losing further ground.

Later on Tuesday at 8:45 p.m., Juventus travel to Sassuolo, live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208). Juventus were held at home by Lecce last time out and remain under pressure to stay in the title conversation. Sassuolo, settled in mid-table, will look to capitalise on Juve’s recent defensive lapses.

Wednesday sees Napoli host Verona at 6:30 p.m., live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208). Napoli arrive with momentum after a controlled away win at Lazio and continue to boast one of the league’s most disciplined defences. Verona, struggling near the bottom, face a difficult test in Naples.

At 8:45 p.m., leaders Inter Milan visit Parma, also live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208). Inter extended their winning run against Bologna and remain the form side in Italy. Parma, though difficult to break down at home, will need a near-perfect performance to disrupt the league leaders.

Thursday closes the Serie A round as AC Milan host Genoa at 8:45 p.m., live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208). Milan’s victory at Cagliari stretched their unbeaten run to sixteen matches, keeping them firmly in contention. Genoa, battling relegation, will aim to frustrate the hosts at San Siro.

Midweek Highlights

Premier League

• Man City vs Brighton — Wed, 8:30 p.m.

• Fulham vs Chelsea — Wed, 8:30 p.m.

• Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa — Wed, 8:30 p.m.

• Burnley vs Man United — Wed, 9:15 p.m.

• Arsenal vs Liverpool — Thu, 9:00 p.m.

Serie A

• Lecce vs Roma — Tue, 6:00 p.m.

• Sassuolo vs Juventus — Tue, 8:45 p.m.

• Napoli vs Verona — Wed, 6:30 p.m.

• Parma vs Inter Milan — Wed, 8:45 p.m.

• AC Milan vs Genoa — Thu, 8:45 p.m.

Catch Every Game

Stream every match live on select SuperSport channels or on the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, or visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.

By Dipo Olowookere

English Premier League (EPL) club, Manchester United, have sack Mr Ruben Amorin as Manager, a day after leading the team to a 1-1 draw at Elland Road.

The Old Trafford outfit currently sits sixth on the league table with 31 points, same with Chelsea, which also played one apiece at the blue end of Manchester on Sunday, though leading with goal difference.

In a statement on Monday morning, the red side of Manchester said the Portuguese coach “has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United.”

It was disclosed that the club’s leadership “reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change,” after the manager has struggled to impress.

The club noted that the exit of Mr Amorim, who was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May, “will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.”

For the next league match with Burnley fixed for this Wednesday, a former player of Manchester United, Mr Darren Fletcher, “will take charge of the team,” according to the statement.

Manchester United thanked Mr Amorim “for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”

Club football comes into the new year with decisive fixtures across Europe’s top leagues, as the Premier League maintains its relentless pace while La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 return with heavyweight clashes. All games will be live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Title Pressure, Survival Fights and Super Sunday

Saturday begins at 1:30 p.m. as Aston Villa host Nottingham Forest. Villa’s eleven-game winning run ended emphatically at Arsenal, and Unai Emery’s side will be eager to respond at home. Forest, hovering above the drop zone, arrive under mounting pressure after another defeat.

At 4:00 p.m., Brighton face Burnley in a bottom-half clash. Brighton remain inconsistent despite a spirited draw at West Ham, while Burnley’s defensive struggles continue to drag them toward relegation trouble.

Leaders Arsenal travel to Bournemouth at 6:30 p.m. riding a wave of momentum after dismantling Aston Villa. Four points clear at the top, the Gunners could stretch their advantage further, though Bournemouth will hope a resilient home display can slow the league’s most confident side.

Sunday opens at 1:30 p.m. with Leeds United hosting Man United. Leeds earned credit for holding Liverpool scoreless, while United laboured to a draw against Wolves and need sharper attacking edge to stay in the European hunt.

At 4:00 p.m., Tottenham face Sunderland in a clash of contrasting confidence. Sunderland continue to impress in seventh after holding Man City, while Spurs remain inconsistent following another goalless outing.

Fulham host Liverpool at the same time, with the Reds under pressure after successive stalemates. Fulham are comfortable mid-table and difficult to break down at home, posing another test to Liverpool’s fading title hopes.

The weekend’s headline fixture comes at 6:30 p.m. as Man City welcome Chelsea. City must respond after dropping points on New Year’s Day to keep Arsenal in sight, while Chelsea arrive amid upheaval following managerial changes, hoping unpredictability works in their favour.

All Premier League matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).

La Liga: Derbies and Pressure at the Summit

Saturday begins at 6:30 p.m. as Villarreal visit Elche. Villarreal’s winning streak ended against Barcelona, but with games in hand, they remain firmly in the title race. Elche, buoyed by a big win, will test their response.

At 9:00 p.m., the Catalan derby takes centre stage as Espanyol host Barcelona. Both sides are in strong form, making this a stern test for the league leaders against a rival chasing Champions League football.

Sunday sees Real Madrid host Real Betis at 4:15 p.m. as Los Blancos continue their pursuit of Barcelona. The round concludes at 9:00 p.m. with Atlético Madrid visiting struggling Real Sociedad, with Atleti aiming to consolidate third.

La Liga matches are live on SS LaLiga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Serie A: Title Heat Intensifies

Serie A returns on Friday night as AC Milan visit Cagliari at 8:45 p.m.. Milan’s unbeaten run has kept them firmly in the title race, but Cagliari’s recent upset win hints at a potential stumbling block.

Saturday sees Juventus host Lecce at 6:00 p.m. in a must-win encounter for the Bianconeri, while Atalanta face Roma at 8:45 p.m. in a pivotal clash for European positioning. Sunday’s action features Lazio versus Napoli at 12:30 p.m., a major test for Antonio Conte’s side, before leaders Inter host Bologna at  8:45 p.m.under the lights with no room for error.

Serie A fixtures air on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).

Ligue 1: Leaders Under Siege, Paris Derby Returns

The French weekend begins Friday as leaders Lens travel to Toulouse at 8:45 p.m., knowing PSG are poised to pounce on any slip. Saturday delivers Monaco versus Lyon at 5:00 p.m. and Lille against Rennes at  9:05 p.m, both crucial for the European race.

Sunday’s spotlight shines on Marseille hosting Nantes at  3:00 p.m, before the Paris derby closes the round as PSG face Paris FC at 8:45 p.m.. With the title race tightening, the champions will look to open the year with authority.

Ligue 1 matches air on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61), with selected fixtures on SS Africa 1.

Weekend Highlights

Premier League

• Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest — Sat, 1:30 p.m.

• Brighton vs Burnley — Sat, 4:00 p.m.

• Bournemouth vs Arsenal — Sat, 6:30 p.m.

• Leeds United vs Man United — Sun, 1:30 p.m.

• Tottenham vs Sunderland — Sun, 4:00 p.m.

• Fulham vs Liverpool — Sun, 4:00 p.m.

• Man City vs Chelsea — Sun, 6:30 p.m.

La Liga

• Elche vs Villarreal — Sat, 6:30 p.m.

• Espanyol vs Barcelona — Sat, 9:00 p.m.

• Real Madrid vs Real Betis — Sun, 4:15 p.m.

• Real Sociedad vs Atlético Madrid — Sun, 9:00 p.m.

Serie A

• Cagliari vs AC Milan — Fri, 8:45 p.m.

• Juventus vs Lecce — Sat, 6:00 p.m.

• Atalanta vs Roma — Sat, 8:45 p.m.

• Lazio vs Napoli — Sun, 12:30 p.m.

• Inter Milan vs Bologna — Sun, 8:45 p.m.

Ligue 1

• Toulouse vs Lens — Fri, 8:45 p.m.

• Monaco vs Lyon — Sat, 5:00 p.m.

• Lille vs Rennes — Sat, 9:05 p.m.

• Marseille vs Nantes — Sun, 3:00 p.m.

• PSG vs Paris FC — Sun, 8:45 p.m.

Where to Watch

All Premier League action airs on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).La Liga matches are live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62). Serie A games are on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64). Ligue 1 fixtures air on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61) and SS Africa 1 for selected matches. Stream every match live on DStv Stream or GOtv Stream.