Summary

  1. Listen: What Does ‘Style of Play’ Actually Mean?published at 12:26 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    My mate's a footballer graphic

    What's the difference between a press and a counter-press? Route one and possession football? Counter-attacking and parking the bus? Patrick nobly attempts to explain these football tactics to a bemused Joe.

    We also learn what style Patrick most enjoys playing and watching, how managers prepare tactically in the week before a game, and how Marco Bielsa could predict exactly how every match would play out.

    Listen to the full podcast here.

  2. Can you name this current or former player?published at 12:22 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    'who am i?' quiz banner

    Think you know your Premier League players?

    See if you can name this current or former footballer from the clues we've given you.

    Click here to take the quiz

  3. Leicester 'concern' at EFL action in finances probepublished at 12:18 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    Leicester City corner flag at the King Power StadiumImage source, Getty Images

    Leicester City say they are seeking "an appropriate overall outcome" into an ongoing English Football League inquiry into a possible breach of profitability and sustainability (P&S) rules.

    The EFL has published a decision which found its own Club Financial Reporting Unit (CFRU) had acted outside its powers in dealings with the Foxes.

    The club was forecast to breach loss limits for the current three-year term.

    It was asked to submit a business plan on how it would comply with P&S rules.

    But an independent Club Financial Reporting Panel (CFRP) concluded that under the rules "as currently written", Leicester were "under no obligation to submit and agree to a business plan".

    The Foxes said they were "pleased" the panel found in their favour but "concerned" that it was necessary for the CFRP to "intervene in this way to prevent the CFRU from acting outside established EFL rules".

    "Leicester City confirms it is in discussions with the football authorities regarding its profitability and sustainability calculations," a club statement continued.

    "Notwithstanding the CFRP's decision, the club remains committed to seeking an appropriate overall outcome in this matter."

    Read more here.

  4. QPR earn dramatic draw to deny West Brompublished at 12:12 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    QPR 2-2 West Brom

    Ilias Chair of Queens Park Rangers crosses the ball under pressure from Darnell Furlong of West Bromwich AlbionImage source, Getty Images

    Outstanding finishes from Mikey Johnston and Grady Diangana helped West Bromwich Albion secure a controversial draw at Queens Park Rangers on an emotional night at Loftus Road.

    After paying tribute to the club's former great Stan Bowles before kick-off, the Rs took the lead in their first home game since the death of the ex-England striker when former Baggies midfielder Sam Field tucked home following a handling error from goalkeeper Alex Palmer.

    But Albion turned the game around in the space of two minutes as Johnston's sensational strike brought them level before Diangana's classy finish put them in front at half-time.

    Palmer then saved Michael Frey's poor penalty before he feathered Field's header onto the arm of the covering Cedric Kipre, who pushed the ball over the bar from close range.

    None of the officials seemed to realise what had happened with no action taken, other than awarding QPR a corner.

    Click here to read the full match report

  5. get involved

    Get Involved - Man City's successpublished at 12:08 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    If Pep was suddenly available tomorrow, which club in world football wouldn't want him? The 'best' (ie successful) clubs want the best managers. The 'best' clubs are more likely to be the wealthiest. That is not Pep's fault. If everyone else is doubting him, i'd happily have him at Argyle.

    Eddie, Plymouth

  6. O'Neil set for new Wolves deal talks at end of seasonpublished at 12:01 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport

    Gary O'NeilImage source, Getty Images

    Wolves are set to open talks on a new contract for manager Gary O'Neil at the end of the season.

    The 40-year-old was appointed only five days before Wolves' opening game at Manchester United after Julen Lopetegui left Molineux in frustration at the recruitment policy.

    Ex-Bournemouth boss O'Neil has taken Wolves into the top half of the table and the FA Cup quarter-finals.

    The club now want to improve the three-year deal O'Neil signed in the summer.

    "That's naturally where this is going, he's done well enough to have that conversation," said Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs.

    Read the full story here

  7. Pick your combined Liverpool and Man City XIpublished at 11:57 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    Liverpool v Man City (Sun, 15:45 GMT)

    Alexis Mac Allister and Jeremy DokuImage source, Getty Images

    Premier League leaders Liverpool and second-placed Manchester City go head-to-head this weekend in a huge game at the top of the table.

    The winners will be top with 10 games to go, but a draw could open the door for Arsenal in third.

    Who do you think has the better players out of Liverpool and City? Let's be realistic - who is playing next to Erling Haaland up front?

    Who do you want in goal, Alisson or Ederson? How many of Liverpool's backline do you prefer? Any Reds midfielders alongside Kevin de Bruyne?

    The eagle-eyed among you spotted that Phil Foden was not available for selection earlier, thanks for pointing that out!

    Foden, surely a pick for most of you after his double in the Manchester derby on Sunday, is now in the system and ready to represent your team.

    Click here to pick your combined XI below and share it on social media.

  8. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 11:47 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Gareth Southgate to Man Utd. It would, stating the obvious, only work if he were to be given plenty of time. When Chelsea sacked Graham Potter the club was 11th in the league 12 pts off fourth. A year later Chelsea are 11th in the league and 19 pts off fourth. So Man Utd would need to understand that trigger happy manager sackings don't win prizes. If they were to get that, Southgate would be an interesting appointment. And great timing for Jürgen Klopp to take over the England team.

    Martin

  9. Watford fight back to draw with Swanseapublished at 11:45 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    Watford 1-1 Swansea City

    Gareth Vincent
    BBC Sport Wales

    Joe Allen of Swansea City challenged by Giorgi Chakvetadze of WatfordImage source, Getty Images

    Watford's struggles under Valerien Ismael continued as they battled to a 1-1 draw with Swansea City.

    The Hornets fell behind in comical fashion early on when goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann raced out of his goal and teenage full-back Ryan Andrews headed into his own net.

    Swansea wasted chances to stretch their advantage before the break, before Watford's second-half improvement was rewarded when Wesley Hoedt headed goalwards and fellow centre-back Ryan Porteous appeared to help the ball over the line.

    The draw means Watford have taken only six points from their last nine matches, a dispiriting sequence which has prompted questions over the future of head coach Ismael.

    Swansea are on the best run since early October having taken seven points from their last three Championship games, though Luke Williams' side will feel they could have got more given their first-half superiority at Vicarage Road.

    The Swans stay 15th in the table - though the gap to the bottom three now stretches to five points - with Watford two points and two places better off.

    Read the full match report here

  10. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 11:36 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    Can I just say, fair play to Hampshire Fire & Rescue for their efforts in tacking the blaze near St Marys last night. In footballing terms, I was disappointed the game was called off, it being such a crucial game for Saints, but that had the potential to turn nasty very quickly. Football rightly takes a back seat when this occurs. Maybe it'll give us time to repair our defensive fragility at the minute, despite the amount of goals we're scoring!

    Dan H

  11. Championship game off because of blaze near St Mary'spublished at 11:32 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    Southampton

    Southampton postponed Wednesday's Championship fixture with Preston North End following a major fire next to their St Mary's ground.

    The club took the decision after consultation with local authorities and emergency services, with widespread disruption caused by the blaze.

    Roads around the stadium are closed as fire crews continue to deal with the situation.

    A new date for the rescheduled fixture will be announced in due course.

    The blaze is in the industrial units on Marine Parade just yards from the ground.

    Wednesday's postponed game was one of five matches scheduled for the Championship.

    Click here to read more

    fire near St Mary's stadiumImage source, Rex Features
  12. Diedhiou goal earns Cardiff win over Huddersfieldpublished at 11:26 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    Cardiff City 1-0 Huddersfield Town

    Michael Pearlman
    BBC Sport Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium

    Famara Diedhiou of Cardiff City FC scores against Huddersfield TownImage source, Getty Images

    Cardiff City added to Huddersfield's relegation worries with a 1-0 win over the Terriers in the Welsh capital.

    Famara Diedhiou's first Cardiff goal in his seventh Bluebirds appearance proved the difference as he capped a fine move to give the hosts the half-time lead.

    Huddersfield will feel aggrieved not to have taken a point after Danny Ward missed a late chance from close range.

    The defeat means Huddersfield are outside of the Championship relegation zone only on goal difference in 21st.

    Cardiff rise to 10th with their third win on the spin in the league, seven points behind Hull City in the final play-off berth.

    Click here to read the full match report

  13. Middlesbrough fight back to beat 10-man Norwichpublished at 11:24 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    Middlesbrough 3-1 Norwch City

    Emmanuel Latte Lath of MiddlesbroughImage source, Getty Images

    Middlesbrough produced an impressive comeback at the Riverside Stadium to beat a 10-man Norwich side and move nine points clear of the Championship drop zone.

    Michael Carrick's men went behind early on after Ashley Barnes' unconventional finish before the referee showed a controversial red card to Borja Sainz after he was adjudged to have kicked out at Boro captain Jonny Howson.

    Moments later the home side made the extra player count when alert winger Marcus Forss fired past Canaries keeper Angus Gunn.

    Emmanuel Latte Lath doubled the lead just before half-time with a cool finish inside the box, before Lukas Engel secured all three points with a fine volley.

    Defeat for Norwich temporarily stunts their play-off aspirations, and moves Middlesbrough up to 12th place.

    Read the full match report here

  14. Postpublished at 11:21 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    Right, we'll leave last night's Champions League reaction there and let's have a look at how things played out in the Championship.

    We had a lot of chat about the second-tier yesterday and how it's looking really interesting at both ends of the table.

    Just five points separate the top three, you can go right down to 10th for clubs with a realistic chance of securing play-off berth and Rotherham aside, who are all-but mathematically relegated, it's looking tight at the bottom with six points between 23rd placed Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City in 14th.

  15. get involved

    Get Involved - Man City's successpublished at 11:16 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Pep comes across as a loveable character in the media, yet behind the scenes I suspect he is ruthless and there is a fear factor in his management style. Kalvin Phillips, Cancelo and Jack Grealish can attest to that.

    Scott, Notts

  16. Cancelo wants permanent switch & Kimmich could arrivepublished at 11:10 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    Thursday's gossip

    Joshua Kimmich runs with the ballImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester City and Portugal full-back Joao Cancelo, 29, wants to extend his Barcelona loan beyond this season. (Sky Sports, external)

    Meanwhile, City will battle with Liverpool and Arsenal to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich. The 29-year-old Germany international is looking to leave Bavaria this summer. (Express, external)

    BBC Sport has a dedicated Manchester City page packed with news, analysis and fan views - get it here

    Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip

  17. Two Brighton supporters attacked in Romepublished at 11:07 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport

    Two Brighton supporters were attacked as they left a bar in Rome last night.

    The pair were hospitalised with minor wounds, although their injuries were not serious and they have since been discharged.

    It is understood club officials, English police liaisons and members of the British Consulate have been in touch with them to provide help and support.

  18. Listen: Man City ease through & drama in the Championshippublished at 11:04 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    Football Daily graphic

    Mark Chapman presents reaction to Manchester City's progression through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a 3-1 second-leg win over FC Copenhagen and a 6-2 victory on aggregate.

    He is joined by the Etihad Stadium commentary team of correspondent John Murray, former City goalkeeper Shay Given and former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock.

    The podcast then previews Liverpool's Europa League Round of 16 first-leg match against Sparta Prague, and discusses what could happen when the Premier League's top two teams meet on Sunday.

    There is also reflection on Real Madrid's aggregate Champions League victory over RB Leipzig, before moving onto four Championship matches, including QPR's 2-2 draw against promotion-chasing West Brom.

    Listen to the full episode here.

  19. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 11:01 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Gareth Southgate to Manchester United is an inconceivable idea. His England .team is a blend of talented folks that hardly need much management. At United he will have to deal with a squad struggling with confidence, self belief and a skeletal one that needs refurbishment. A lot needs to be reshuffled at United for it to get competing like the likes of City, and Liverpool...

    Harrison in Johannesburg

  20. 'He’s got his eye on the game at the weekend'published at 10:59 Greenwich Mean Time 7 March

    Man City 3-1 FC Copenhagen (Agg 6-2)

    BBC Sounds

    Erling haalandImage source, Getty Images

    Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock speaks about Manchester City's performance on the Football Daily podcast: "That’s the big thing, how much rest could he [Guardiola] give the players. Phil Foden, Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, I’d say, they’re your high energy players, they’re the ones that set your pace. Kyle Walker, they’re the ones that are going to make long endurance runs in midfield, high intensity runs.

    "Haaland makes them every now and again, when he runs in behind, but he didn’t really exert too much energy, he just stood up top and letting things bounce into him, playing it off one touch. He didn’t look like he really wanted to get into it much, I think he’s got his eye on the game at the weekend.

    "I think half of the time, he was looking across to say to Pep, when are you going to put my number up, when are you going to get me off because I want to look forward to that game.

    "All in all, for Man City to walk away without any injuries, without any major concerns, that will be a delight to Pep Guardiola, plus they get that extra time on Liverpool before the game."

    Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds