There’s also a big story developing in Scotland. It’s the Edinburgh derby at Easter Road, and Hibernian are in the process of putting a huge dent in their arch-rivals Heart of Midlothian’s title hopes. They’re 3-0 up on the league leaders on the hour, thanks to goals from Jamie McGrath, Josh Campbell and Kieron Bowie. Heroes just for one day, from Celtic’s point of view as well.
… but that lead didn’t last long! Barry etc.
In other In The Meantime news, Manchester City haven’t taken long to hit the front in the second half at the City Ground. Tijjani Reijnders the nearly festivally-themed scorer. Barry Glendenning has the details.
While we wait for the Premier League team news to drop, a reminder that today’s Clocko™®© will also carry the latest from Group D at Afcon. Sadio Mané’s star-studded Senegal take on Botswana at 3pm; in the meantime, Benin are playing Botswana, and the former led at half-time through Yohan Roche’s 29th-minute goal. The second half of that match at the Stade Olympique de Rabat has just started.
This all really should have happened on Boxing Day …
Arsenal v Brighton & Hove Albion
Brentford v Bournemouth
Burnley v Everton
Liverpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers
West Ham United v Fulham
… but then again, a cock having been snooked to tradition, at least this way we’ve still got it all to look forward to. So there is that. Bright side, half-full glass, etc. And it’s a big day in the Premier League, because Manchester City are currently playing at Nottingham Forest …
… so it’ll be incumbent on Christmas Day leaders Arsenal to respond immediately afterwards. There are also crucial home fixtures for relegation-threatened pair of Burnley and West Ham, while Liverpool and Wolves meet for the first time since the passing of Diogo Jota, beloved of and very much missed by fans of both clubs. All of the 3pms will hopefully be exciting; the one at Anfield will definitely be emotional.