Image source, Getty Images

Norwich City manager Alex Neil says criticism of Canaries goalkeeper John Ruddy is unfair.

Ruddy has not kept a clean sheet this term and his error led to a late penalty in Saturday's loss at Manchester City.

"John made an error at the weekend but it's not as if he's been flinging balls into the net or dropping balls on a regular basis," Neil told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"I think that's really unfair - but any sort of error then gets magnified because we're not winning games."

No sooner had a certain Sportsday writer mentioned how the late Salford sun had cast an Instagram filter across the offices here than this tweet popped up from BBC Sport's Jamie Gavin at Salford City's ground. They're playing Notts County tonight in the FA Cup first round.

Watch it live on BBC Two from 19:30 GMT.

Image source, Manchester City

No, Manchester City don't have a new winter kit out. All that wool might get a bit sticky during a match.

As someone whose annual Christmas party is themed on naff sweaters, I can say with a degree of authority that there are some strong efforts here. 

Joe Hart doesn't look best pleased with Jesus Navas though. Get your jumper on, will you?

Michael Plumridge: My FA Cup memory was Kidderminster Harriers making it to 4th Round, only losing 1-0 to Sunderland. Got £125,000 prize money.

Max Handley: Going up to Old Trafford to watch Cambridge United play

The FA Cup first round kicks off on Friday night with live BBC TV coverage of Salford City - part-owned by a clutch of ex-Manchester United players - and Notts County.

It's that stage of the competition where the word "magic" gets liberally used - and with good reason. So, we're asking you to tell us what your best memory of last year's competition is. 

Tweet us at #bbcsportsday or post on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook, external page.

Geoff Doyle
BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Image source, PA

Who has been Watford’s best player so far this season?Etienne Capouewould be right up there. 

The Frenchman has been the Hornets' driving force in midfield and his manager Quique Flores believes he should be recalled to the national squad, saying: "Capoue is amazing. He's in the top level. 

"I hope he can play for the national level. He can do it. He's free, he's a very complete player. He's a good example for the rest of the squad."

What an 'on this day' this one is. The year is 1986. The man is Alex Ferguson. The significance? His appointment as manager of Manchester United. The rest, of course, is history.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw is on the road back to fitness having suffered a double leg fracture against PSV Eindhoven in September.

With neither team having a match next weekend because of the international break, Wycombe Wanderers and Leeds United have arranged a friendly at Adams Park on Friday 13th November. 

Wycombe describe it as a 'prestigious fixture'. Leeds head coach Steve Evans says he wants to incorporate some 'team bonding' into the trip. 

There's a paintballing place about 10 minutes away from Adams Park, Steve... 

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool forward Divock Origi has been pushed down to Belgium's Under-21 side.

It is the first time  since last year's World Cup the 20-year-old has been dropped from the senior side.

Premier League duo Christian Benteke and Moussa Dembele, plus Barcelona's Thomas Vermaelen all return after injury for the matches in Brussels against the Italy and Spain.

Belgium are number one in the Fifa rankings.

Earlier this week Netherlands boss Danny Blind said Manchester United's Memphis Depay must learn how to "function as part of a team" after leaving him out of the provisional squad for the friendly against Wales.

This tweet from the national squad's official feed, picturing the final squad, suggests otherwise...

Image source, @OnsOranje

Andy Murray is through to the semi-finals of the Paris Masters after beating Richard Gasquet 7-6 (9-7) 3-6 6-3.

He will play the winner of David Ferrer v John Isner, which is next up.

Image source, AFP

MK Dons defender Kyle McFadzean has signed a new contract to keep him with the Championship club until June 2018.

The 28-year-old has made 66 appearances for the Dons since joining from Crawley in the summer of 2014.

Image source, AFP

Birthday time here at Sportsday. Many happy returns to Serbian tennis player Ana Ivanovic, who turns 28.

Other notable mentions go to ex-Hull and Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore, 26, former Chelsea striker Andre Schurrle, 25, and ex-Blackburn Rovers midfielder Garry Flitcroft, 43.

Manchester City's Raheem Sterling, Chelsea's Willian and Manchester United's Chris Smalling are named in the Uefa Champions League team of the week.

The prodigal son returns 17 years after his Shakers debut.

League Two strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge have signed Peterborough United forward Kyle Vassell on loan until 2 January.

The 22-year-old is yet to score in seven appearances for the Posh this season.

Oldham Athletic have signed teenage Milton Keynes Dons midfielder Giorgio Rasulo on a youth loan deal until 2 January.

Subject to receiving clearance from the Football Association, he could make his Oldham debut in Saturday's FA Cup first-round tie away at Mansfield Town. 

Juliette Ferrington
BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Mark Hughes took a lot of questions about Chelsea after Jose Mourinho decided not to appeal his stadium ban ahead of the visit to Stoke on Saturday night. 

Asked if his rival on Saturday could deal with the high expectations and the pressure, Hughes said: "He's dealt with pressure everywhere he's been. He's been at top clubs with the focus dominated on him and the clubs he has been part of. It's not something that he is going to be fazed by. 

"Maybe it's a different type of pressure he is experiencing now because there hasn't been too many occasions his league form and position in the league have been questioned." 

A Question of Sport Teaser

Earlier we asked you to name the six teams to have played in an FA Cup semi-final since 2000 who are in the first round this weekend.

And the answers were: Barnsley, Millwall, Portsmouth, Sheffield United, Wigan Athletic, Wycombe Wanderers.

Glory only to those who got it right, no prizes, alas.