Saturday's Premier League action as it happened

1. 606 debate in Live Coverage tab
2. City now eight points behind Chelsea
3. Aguero scores two solo efforts
4. Demichelis diverts header into his own net
5. Austin has 2 goals disallowed before scoring

Goodnight

Is Harry right about Sergio? Let's have that debate another day. How about tomorrow? We'll be back bright and early, at 10:00 GMT to be precise, with our build-up to Sunday's Premier League offering. While I head for the hills with a copy of the FA rulebook, here's the Match of the Day running order.

Night.

BBC

In his news conference with the written press, Harry Redknapp has hailed Sergio Aguero as "the best player in the Premier League now Luis Suarez has gone."

Player reaction

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart on the disallowed goal: "I was aware that Charlie Austin was ready to pounce, so I was trying to watch Mangala, who I was trying to pass to. I was calm because I knew the rules. I had obviously touched it twice with both feet. It was a mistake and not something that is ideal but rules are rules.

"I explained to Charlie at the end what had happened because obviously he was a bit confused."

QPR visit Newcastle after the international break then host Leicester at the end of the month.

What next for Manchester City then? After the international break, they host Swansea before welcoming Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Then they face a trip to Southampton at the end of the month. Tricky times.

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Muhammad Owais: City are in a bad place. Defenders are not performing well and they are out of confidence. But they will be back.

Anthony Ismail: Southampton are keeping the season interesting!

Ashley Williams: Van Gaal and Pellegrini are both struggling after massive spending. When does the pressure start?

Former Wales international Robbie Savage

6-0-6 phone-in on BBC Radio 5 live

"Brilliant to see Hawkeye working at Anfield. Imagine if that had been working when Luis Garcia scored that famously controversial goal against Chelsea in the 2005 Champions League."

Getty Images

Chairman reaction

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes: "Proud of our boys. Gave the champions a run for their money should have beaten Liverpool and gave Chelsea a scare. I'm a super proud chairman."

An interesting stat for you... Only Les Ferdinand (13 in 1995-96) has bagged more goals in the opening 11 matches of a team's Premier League season than Sergio Aguero has managed this season (12).

Full-time stats

There were 40 attempts on goal in tonight's game. Well deserving of top spot on Match of the Day's running order...

BBC

Match of the day

BBC

Manager reaction

Here's more from QPR manager Harry Redknapp: "Before the game we'd have taken a point but when went 2-1 up felt three points were there for us.

"We worked hard, pressed and closed and overall it was a great performance. We played well against Chelsea and it was an incredible game against Liverpool. We should have had another three or four points.

"We were playing the champions and we should take a point but when you play as well as we have … they looked under the cosh at 1-0.

"A second goal would have really put them in trouble, But that's why they are champions, they came back - and the little fella they've got up front is a genius."

Former Wales international Robbie Savage

6-0-6 phone-in on BBC Radio 5 live

"If Southampton finish in the top four, that will be the single greatest achievement in Premier League history."

Manager reaction

Getty Images

QPR manager Harry Redknapp on Sky Sports: "I felt once we got 2-1 up we'd go on and win the game but they are always dangerous.

"Charlie Austin, was it a goal, wasn't it a goal? We played ever so well. You can't relax against a team with so many quality players but I'm so proud of the players tonight.

"The fourth official told me straight away that Joe Hart had two touches. I couldn't see what happened but if that's the rule there's nothing we could do about it.

"Charlie Austin gets better every game. Playing with Bobby Zamora is excellent for him, his confidence is high."

Former Wales international Robbie Savage

6-0-6 phone-in on BBC Radio 5 live

"Last year Brendan Rodgers overachieved with his Liverpool team. He had two strikers on top of their games, world-class players, Gerrard was brilliant last season but he has been worked out this. He was poor today. Liverpool overachieved, simple as. And Rodgers has overpaid for players like Louvren and Markovic."

BBC Radio 5 live's 6-0-6 phone-in is well under way...

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Leigh Myers: City will get better, Chelsea will drop points and the table means nothing till May. Chelsea can't get complacent

Abdulahi: Southampton don't need to beat any of the big clubs to finish in the top four. They just have to beat all the lesser teams.

Abdul Kabir: Charlie Austin must be knocking on the England team door and getting the attention of Roy Hodgson?

Are City too one-dimensional at the moment?

BBC

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Paul in Bushey: The league is a battle between Chelsea and Aguero.

Former Wales international Robbie Savage

6-0-6 phone-in on BBC Radio 5 live

"Chelsea always seem to have another gear in reserve. It's like watching that Manchester United team of old. You know they will come at you, be relentless, will get a goal eventually and will go on to win the game."

Manager reaction

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: "Sergio Aguero is a fantastic player and he played very well. He scored two goals, he had two more chances, one cleared off the line, so it really was a great performance. He is a top player. He played very alone in attack.

On Chelsea: "I am not worried about Chelsea. They are in a very good moment. We will see if they can continue that until the end of the year. We are just thinking about our team and returning to our style of play.

"It was a very difficult week. We didn't have 72 hours to recover physically and mentally from another game but we tried until the last minute to win. We had clear chances but when the ball doesn't want to go in, it is difficult to score."

Manager reaction

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: "It was a good game for the fans. We are continuing to be very unlucky.

"We had three or four clear chances to score and didn't. Then we were 1-0 down.

"But this team are demonstrating that we are fighting. We are in an unlucky moment. We are not playing very well but we had enough chances to win this game.

"It was the same against West Ham, where their goalkeeper was the best player. These 15 days (the forthcoming international break) will be useful to us to return to our normal style of play."

Player reaction

Bobby Zamora says QPR should have had all three points this afternoon, he is disappointed.

"In the last four games we should have had a hell of a lot more points but this is a big point for us. It would have been a great scalp, they have had a tough week."

Edin Dzeko lasted less than four minutes after coming on as a substitute before he was replaced because of injury. Check out his touch map.

opta

The running order

MOTD presenter Gary Lineker

"QPR/ManC, Liv/Che, Sou/Lei, Bur/Hull, ManU/CP, WHU/AV. @BBCOne later at 11pm due to remembrance festival #LestWeForget"

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Jamie, Eastleigh: Looks like Southampton will be in second place for a few more weeks yet. It's all going well for Saints fans!

Chris, West Sussex: This season's awards can be handed out already. Player of season: Sergio Aguero; Manager: Ronald Koeman; Best keeper, David De Gea; Title: Chelsea.

Sam, Manchester: I'd take Matija Nastastic (remember him!?) in defence with Eliaquim Mangala at left-back right now, Gael Clichy is in shocking form at the moment. Also, congrats Jose Mourinho I guess.

Player reaction

QPR striker Charlie Austin on the disallowed goal: "I had no idea it would be disallowed, you could see that from my celebration - I turned around and saw no one was with me. I just thought shoot. I thought it had put us 1-0 up but unfortunately not."

BBC

Eight points behind Chelsea, four behind Southampton... Manchester City have it all to do.

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Alex Smith: Sergio Aguero is what Luis Suarez was for Liverpool last season. Manchester City's saviour.

Kevin Unitt: Chelsea will walk the league despite spending only £9m net this summer. Less than half a Dejan Lovren. A third of an Eliaquim Mangala.

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Loftus Road

"That would have been a magnificent goal from Yaya Toure to win it (see 90 mins), I think Joey Barton saved two points for his side with that block, it was a wonderful challenge.

"Under the circumstances the result is a disappointment for Manchester City. You come here expecting to win, but there is no divine right and QPR could easily have come away with all three points.

"Joe Hart is just now on the field showing his opposite number Robert Green how he managed to take that free-kick (see 17:38), and now he is explaining it to Charlie Austin. All controversy apart this was a magnificent advert for Premier League football. Every player gave 100%, on both sides."

A nice moment as the players head from the field. Joe Hart and Charlie Austin discuss that goal which never was (17:38). I think they'll agree to disagree on the merits of it all.

What did you make of that then? Without Sergio Aguero, Rangers would surely be celebrating three points now.

FULL-TIME

All over. Pulsating stuff.

Jesus Navas crossed. Cleared.

Ball comes into the QPR box. Cleared. City attack again. Time for another Aguerooooo moment?

Corner comes in and Rob Green easily catches Martin Demichelis's looping header.

Sergio Aguero with another shot, this time outside the area, and again it's blocked. Corner.

INJURY TIME

Four minutes left. Yaya Toure pulls the trigger in the area but Joey Barton slides across to block it. Alamo.

Eduardo Vargas with a low cross, put behind for a corner by Eliaquim Mangala. The centre comes in and Charlie Austin flicks it wide.

City are just pumping the ball forward now - and it's unsettling Rangers. Equally, QPR look a constant threat at the other end. One last twist?

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Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"Sergio Aguero is something else. His balance, precision and calmness are a delight."

Sergio Aguero has nine goals in his last six Premier League games. Plenty of goal bonus in the Christmas pay packet.

Panic stations! All of a sudden the QPR ship has been holed under the waterline, and they are listing to port. All over the shop. A routine punt downfield is left by Steven Caulker and Jesus Navas is on to it, he looks favourite but Rob Green just about gets there.

Remember the late drama when Liverpool were at Loftus Road? Hold on to your hats...

Getty Images

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Sadozaie: Where there is Kun Aguero there is hope!

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Loftus Road

"Sergio Aguero pulls Manchester City out of trouble again. After some quick thinking and a flat delivery from Yaya Toure, Aguero had plenty to do, but he breaks QPR hearts with the finish. It's maybe not one for the purists, but for the punters this is a fantastic game of football. It has got everything."

GOAL

Sergio Aguero has dug City out of another hole. QPR must feel so deflated. Yaya Toure plays the ball into the little Argentine, who checks back and watches Richard Dunne slip to the floor before rifling into the back of the net with four defenders back on the line.

Getty Images

QPR aren't there yet - James Milner having a header cleared off the line by Steven Caulker before seeing a shot deflected wide. The subsequent corner is cleared to Bacary Sagna on the edge of the box but his deflected, low shot goes wide.

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Mahesh: Can we have the Premier League crowning ceremony at the end of this game? Here it is Jose.

ACROBATIC EFFORT

Eduardo Vargas is digging about in his locker and pulling out all the tricks now - the Chilean is picked out on the edge of the area and his acrobatic shot goes just wide.

Reuters

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Loftus Road

"Bobby Zamora will claim QPR's second but I am going with Martin Demichelis, although I am sure he will happy for Zamora to have it too. Zamora attacks the ball, he was challenged by Demichelis and it has flown in past Joe Hart.

"For the way Zamora has played since the first minute, he deserves that. Manchester City did well to get back into it, but if you are talking about overall supremacy in the game, QPR have had the edge and deserve the goal."

Reuters

CLOSE!

Speaking of own goals, a master of the trade Richard Dunne clears off the line to deny his old club!

Sergio Aguero nips around Rob Green, he has a tight angle but fires in the shot. Dunne races back, and facing his own goal pulls off a neat backheel to clip the ball away.

GOAL

When Charlie Austin isn't banging them in, he's setting them up. QPR win a 50-50 ball in midfield through Eduardo Vargas who spreads play out wide to Austin. A sensational cross comes in from the right and City defender Martin Demichelis, under pressure from Bobby Zamora, turns it past his own keeper. Jose must be laughing into his red wine. And Ronald, for that matter.

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Player reaction on Twitter

West Ham striker Andy Carroll: Feels very good to be back on the pitch!! Thanks to all our medical staff for getting me back quicker than expected!

Carroll, making his first appearance of the season after an ankle injury, had two late headers saved after coming off the bench at Upton Park earlier today.

SUBSTITUTION

Samir Nasri can go and join Edin Dzeko in the sponsors' lounge - he's replaced by James Milner for the final 15 minutes or so.

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Anthony: Hi Edin, bye Edin.

Gary Wilkinson: That has to be down to a poor warm-up if Edin Dzeko is injured. QPR have some good players, they deserve something from this game.

Joel Pambakian: Charlie Austin for England. Simple as.

Yaya Toure accelerates down the left but is stopped in his tracks by another blood and thunder - but fair - tackle by Joey Barton. He's up for it tonight.

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Loftus Road

"That has got to be the shortest appearance in history! Edin Dzeko must have taken a knock because he had only just come on. Ashley Ward knows how that feels but he was on the pitch a while longer than that. We don't forget do we?"

In 1998, playing for Barnsley in a match at Sunderland, Ward scored, missed a penalty and got sent off in the space of five minutes.

SUBSTITUTION

Hang on a minute...

Edin Dzeko is coming off, just 60 seconds after coming on! He limps to the touchline and is replaced by Frank Lampard. Thanks for coming, Edin.

Getty Images

SUBSTITUTION

Fred Eyre's beat me to it - Edin Dzeko is on for Manchester City, replacing Fernandinho.

PA

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Loftus Road

"It would have been a lucky goal in the end but well done to Eduardo Vargas for attempting the volley (see 63 mins), he caught it beautifully and that effort alone deserved a goal.

"A draw is no good for Manchester City in their position. You can see where the manager is coming from in bringing on Edin Dzeko for Fernandinho. Even though City have been on the receiving end of a pulsating performance from QPR so far, Manuel Pellegrini still feels his team should have the quality to win the game, quite rightly."

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Luke: Roy Hodgson is in the stands at Loftus Road. Can he take out Joe Hart or James Milner and put in Charlie Austin at this late stage?

Ugo: Someone explain why Rickie Lambert (zero goals this season) is in the England squad and Charlie Austin (six goals) isn't.

Rangers are on the front foot now - Richard Dunne* putting in a worldy of a cross with his left foot and picking out Eduardo Vargas on the edge of the box, whose volley hits Steven Caulker before going out of play.

* Yes, it was actually Richard Dunne putting in a worldy of a cross.

Absolutely superb defending from Fernando, who gets back to cut out Charlie Austin's cross before it meets its target and becomes a certain goal.

As it stands, Manchester City are eight points behind Chelsea. They have 30 minutes left to change all of that.

Getty Images

This game has been played in fifth gear from the very first minute and Manchester City continue to attack with purpose, while Rangers break in numbers the moment the champions lose their way.

YELLOW CARD

Another booking, this time for Bacary Sagna who loses out to Leory Fer then brings the marauding Rangers midfielder down.

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Tom and 20 others: Just found this in the FA rule book (appendix six, section 29): "Manchester City won't win anything this season if they carry on like this."

Again City roll the ball along the QPR goal-line and fail to convert - this time Sergio Aguero failing to gamble on Yaya Toure's cross. It only needed a touch.

Reuters

Joey Barton gets himself involved by clattering into Fernandinho, who's still feeling his lower leg throb 60 seconds later. Reducer.

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Loftus Road

"I fancy Manchester City to go on and win this now. I have seen games like this before, where teams down at the bottom of the table play way above themselves in the first half, before the team with the better players takes control in the second.

"Sergio Aguero is constantly on the shoulder of the QPR back four and set up a golden opportunity for Yaya Toure (see 48 mins) in collusion with Samir Nasri."

Now it's QPR's turn to go close - Leroy Fer's shot taking a wicked deflection off Martin Demichelis and going just wide. The subsequent corner kick is headed wide by Steven Caulker.

It's end to end now - both teams looking positive after the break and Samir Nasri flashes a cross along the goal-line which Yaya Toure is inches away from turning in. Think Gazza against Germany in 1996.

Quality defending from Mauricio Isla sees the Rangers defender deny Sergio Aguero in the area with a well-timed tackle.

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Michael, St Neots: All of the vitriol towards Mike Dean from the fans who don't know the rules themselves just shows what an impossible job refs have. They're trying to please people who don't know what they're talking about. Leave it to the professionals guys. Or at least get your facts straight before you get your knickers in a twist.

Simon, Bath: So all these keyboard referees should be congratulating Mike Dean rather than slating him.

KICK-OFF

And we're back under way at Loftus Road.

SUBSTITUTION

There's been plenty of needle in this game, so Rangers boss Harry Redknapp has sent on Joey Barton to calm things down. He's on for the injured Sandro.

Getty Images

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Loftus Road

"Where to start? We have had offside goals, a goal cancelled out by the referee because the goalkeeper took a free-kick incorrectly, a real wonder goal by Sergio Aguero, but tainted by a hint of handball, and a real fairy-tale story from Charlie Austin, coming up from non-league football on the south coast to be a constant menace in Manchester City's side.

"We've had players flying into tackles, Richard Dunne making tackles like his life depended on it, we've seen Dunne at his best. It has been a scintillating first 45 minutes, and incredibly, more to come."

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Paul Cate: Let's give referee Mike Dean some credit. That was some incredibly quick thinking in a pressure situation.

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So, Charlie Austin could have had a hat-trick and Sergio Aguero might have handled the ball in scoring a goal from the top drawer. Throw in five yellow cards and it's been a manic 45 minutes for referee Mike Dean.

Rule book

A look through the rule book with a finer-toothed comb suggests that referee Mike Dean got the call right after all.

"If, when a free kick is taken by the defending team from inside its own penalty area, the ball is not kicked directly out of the penalty area:

• the kick is retaken."

So QPR shouldn't have had a free-kick after Charlie Austin's second disallowed goal. As you were.

Who would be a referee?

HALF-TIME

It's been quite lively at Loftus, hasn't it?

YELLOW CARD

Now Mike Dean is dishing out yellows to Samir Nasri and Eduardo Vargas. Someone's bound to get sent off at this rate.

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Tom, London: Referee got the Joe Hart free-kick decision right (see 17:38). Law 13 says 'once ball is in play'. For free-kicks inside the penalty area, the ball is not in play until it leaves the penalty area.

Peter, Isle of Man: The key is that the ball is not in play until it leaves the penalty area and so Joe Hart gets to take it again, that's the law.

Rangers with a free-kick on the edge of the box, but Eduardo Vargas hits it straight into the City wall.

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Charles: Manchester City look awful. Full credit to QPR but City look disorganised and short on confidence. Chelsea may as well be given the Premier League title already - the only team in the league with any consistency or ability to dominate games.

GREAT SAVE!

Charlie Austin v Joe Hart is turning into a right battle. This time the City stopper make a fine point-blank save from the Rangers striker, who was actually offside. Still, a decent save.

Reuters

YELLOW CARD

Richard Dunne is the latest player into the book, this time for scything down Samir Nasri. Rangers need to keep their discipline here, because they have played well enough to suggest they can still get a decent result here. If they keep their full complement, that is.

YELLOW CARD

Sergio Aguero is causing lots of problems for Rangers now and he's brought down on the edge of the box by Mauricio Isla who is booked for his troubles. Yaya Toure blazes the subsequent free-kick over the bar.

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Andy Gillick: Sergio Aguero is unbelievable.

Liz tray: Handball? Yes but accidental. No move of the arm. QPR goal offside anyway. Still, another poor performance. Can't pass anymore!

Yaya Toure flashes another shot wide. Once he gets his radar right, Rangers could be in trouble.

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Loftus Road

"We are struggling again without the benefit of a replay but it was a piece of magnificent control by Sergio Aguero, either with or without the use of a hand. The word from our studio is that it grazed the top of his arm.

"City have been crushed but they are now at 1-1 because the team has one or two very special players. To bring that down out of the sky, juggle it, and put the finish away? World class."

GOAL

What a tremendous goal. Sergio Aguero has stepped up when it matters for his side - collecting a long ball forward from Eliaquim Mangala and showing Bergkamp-like control to brings the ball under his spell inside the box before lethally finishing past Rob Green.

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"27 minutes of crisis"

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Loftus Road

"Manchester City are missing David Silva today. In moments of crisis - and this has been 27 minutes of crisis so far- we look to them to put their foot on the ball, to control the game in difficult moments and to give the team a lift. That is what makes those players extra special."

Manchester City finally show some attacking purpose as Yaya Toure bends an effort just over the bar. Close, but no cigar.

There's a debate raging on the BBC football desk about the merits of Charlie Austin. The general consensus is that he should probably get an England call, but he also needs Bobby Zamora to play up top alongside him...

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Rich: Why was Joe Hart allowed to re-take the goal kick, when it was his mistake? Surely QPR should be awarded an indirect free-kick?

Adam Knott: Mike Dean doesn't know the laws of the game. Double touch = indirect free kick to the other team. Law 13 (see 17:55).

The rule book

It appears that QPR should have been awarded a free-kick inside the penalty area when Joe Hart fluffed his free-kick.

I quote, from The FA Law 13

"Free kick taken by the goalkeeper

"If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands), before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred."

Read more on the rule here.

"City are getting a tatering"

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Loftus Road

"No team can withstand the kind of pressure Manchester City have been put under without conceding eventually. Charlie Austin has finally got his reward and has put QPR in front. They've have got their tails up and quite rightly so. But there is a massive gap between Gael Clichy and Eliaquim Mangala. That is where all three of Austin's chances have come from. City are getting a tatering here."

GOAL

Charlie Austin doesn't miss, does he? It just depends on whether the goal is allowed to stand, and it's third time lucky for the Rangers hitman who collects a incisive ball from Eduardo Vargas and drills the ball past Joe Hart. The striker was played on by Eliaquim Mangala. Manchester City have been dreadful. In fact, they've been worse than that. Quality stuff from Rangers, though.

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AndyK: Joe Hart has been let off the hook again by the ref, shades of that awful "obstruction" decision at St. James's last season.

PENALTY APPEAL

Any hopes Mike Dean had of a quiet Saturday evening have been dashed in 15 manic minutes at Loftus Road - this time the referee turning down strong appeals from the hosts when a shot appears to strike Bacary Sagna on the hand. It's all going off.

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Mahesh: What a rubbish rule! Whose fault is it that Joe Hart took two touches! Play advantage!

Adrian Remedios: Two goals back-to-back denied by the referee! QPR are giving City a run for their money! Good going!

Those two disallowed goals have had the equivalent effect of a shot of whisky in the home crowd. It's served as a real livener as they scream for every decision. And they almost see their side go ahead for a third time when Joe Hart saves Charlie Austin's eight-yard shot.

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Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"Bizarre goings on at Loftus Road. Charlie Austin has two goals disallowed in seconds. The second for an incident I don't think I've ever seen before."

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Loftus Road

"QPR fans are very fired up after that double disappointment for them. It was a huge error by Joe Hart and he is very fortunate not to have been punished for it. It would appear he was going to play it out, changed his mind but couldn't change his body quick enough."

DISALLOWED GOAL

Joe Hart... you lucky, lucky boy. The goalkeeper makes a complete hash of a free-kick - seconds after seeing one goal disallowed - and Charlie Austin picks up the ball unmarked and drills home.

However, the referee Mike Dean rules Hart kicked the ball twice from the free-kick - hitting it first with his left foot via a slip, and the goal is chalked off. Technically right, but Hart is so, so lucky. He should put the lottery on tonight.

Getty Images

DISALLOWED GOAL

Charlie Austin has Loftus Road off its seats, heading home a cross from the right wing, but he had strayed a yard offside. City looking shaky at the back already...

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Loftus Road

"It's been a lively start from Manchester City. The two full-backs have pushed right up already, up to a starting position near the halfway line, and in central defence Martin Demichelis and Eliaquim Mangala have split and spread out. That will suit Mangala, but Demichelis doesn't have loads of pace at his age.

"Richard Dunne, the former City stalwart, he loves putting blocks in, putting his body on the line. I think he will be instrumental in how QPR fare today."

Manager reaction

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, speaking to BBC Sport: "It was a fantastic goal but it was important also. It is always difficult to attack against a defending team, who comes here to defend and not attack. You have two rows of four and we created a lot of possibilities. I am pleased because we have three points and there is an international break so it was important we closed with a victory.

"Juan Mata has played a lot of matches. I have given him the chance, I give other players the chance and at the end we shall see who plays more than the other. It is always like that in football.

"They [McNair and Blind in defence] didn't have to defend too much because we always had the ball. They only had to defend the long balls but that is difficult because Chamakh and Campbell are strong headers of the ball.

"Paddy McNair is not injured. It was cramp. It is [recent injury problems] crazy but it is what I have to deal with."

Sergio Aguero is lively early on - driving forward and leaving four defenders for dead before blazing over when he might have been better placed playing in Jesus Navas down the right.

Player reaction on Twitter

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge: Shame about the result today. Deserved something from the game. Looking forward to resuming full training next week.

Manchester City serve an early warning of their intentions when Sergio Aguero breaks through and bears down on goal but he takes too much time to pick out the run of Samir Nasri and his subsequent pullback is cut out.

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Moe Muntz: We're due a downpour of goals to make up for the boring last two hours.

Manchester City are in their purple kit tonight, with QPR in their usual blue and white hoops. Both sets of fans are in good voice under the bright Loftus Road lights.

KICK-OFF

A minute's silence ahead of Remembrance Sunday is impeccably observed. A loud cheer follows, then the referee blows his whistle. Game on.

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Loftus Road

"It's more than pouring this - it's like a tropical storm! The pitch is in perfect condition though - there are no puddles or anything, and if the rain ceased now it would only have that little bit of skid on the pitch. A night game, in London, it would be a fantastic atmosphere. But it needs to stop raining first - this is bad!

"To keep in touch with the two at the top Manchester City have to get three points here. A draw will not do. Eliaqium Mangala has had a really difficult start to his career in the Premier League, hopefully this will be the chance for him to turn a corner."

Goals, goals, goals

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Manager reaction

Reuters

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock, speaking to BBC Sport: "We are having that kind of spell at the minute, nothing going right for us. If Fraizer Campbell had scored that chance he had it would have put a lot of pressure on them, but it was not to be. I thought the referee did well today, I am just disappointed to concede the goal. I think Julian Speroni will have been disappointed.

"It is hard at times for a lot of clubs at this level but you just have to keep going. I can't criticise the lads today. The passing was poor at times, though, we made some bad decisions with the ball.

"You have to work hard to make your own luck. Liverpool next, after last year that should be a cracking match and I am looking forward to it."

It's proper rain at Loftus Road now - the type that soaks you through! None of that spitting stuff. Puddles are forming beside the pitch and in the stands. Hopefully the ground can cope with this downpour which started at 16:30 GMT.

Missing man

BBC

Samir Nasri is back in the Manchester City side from the start this evening - can he fill the golden boots of David Silva?

Player reaction

Manchester United's Juan Mata, who scored his side's winner: "I was thinking if I come on I would try to change the game and luckily I did it.

"The manager told me I was playing on the right, I tried to make the pitch wide and come inside as well. That is what I did. The most important thing is that we won and the three points will help us to carry on this good run.

"Right now I am very happy with the goal. I have three at this moment of the season. I always try to help the team. Hopefully now in the international break we can recover our injuries."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Richard Taylor: Sir Alex Ferguson used to grind out 1-0 wins too. Back then people said it was the sign of champions!

Graham Last: Waiting for Warnock to blame the referee for another defeat...

Simon Foley: Saints making the most of a very kind fixture list. Six of their eight wins are against bottom half teams. Best scalp to date? West Ham.

Manager preview

QPR boss Harry Redknapp: "We've had a tough run of games but we've played well against Chelsea and Liverpool. We deserved more points and now we are against the champions.

"We need to be at our best. City have so many quality players - look at the bench. They're fantastic. But we are at home, this is our ground and we look forward to giving them a real game."

I can tell you it's absolutely tipping it down in west London. Expect a sodden surface for this one. There's a few faces in the crowd wishing they'd remembered their waterproof coat.

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Lisa: Don't want to be a killjoy as I'm also enjoying Southampton's run but they haven't played any of the big boys yet. Lack of squad depth will probably kill them in the end. Though would love to see them finish above Liverpool after selling three to them.

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson

Football Focus

"Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero are South Americans and Arsene Wenger flagged this up last week. They're so tough and resilient.

"But Manchester City should be inspired by playing in the Champions League because it's the best club competition in the world. I look at that side sometimes and see the bigger players not turning up in the Champions League. Analyse the way they play then look at the manager - is he getting his teams up for it?"

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

Football Focus

"Sergio Aguero is a Premier League great. He scores so many big goals, and his movement marks him out. When he's not playing City miss him so much for that very reason.

"But Manchester City didn't buy any marquee signings pre-season. They needed to improve as champions, but they didn't."

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Harvey: The result was the most important thing for Manchester United today, but need to improve. Also, Angel Di Maria's crossing was terrible! £59.7m has got to beat the first man more often!

Simon, Berkshire: Everyone should forget Crystal Palace's achievements last season. Make no mistake, we are in a relegation scrap.

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Dan Vitran, Leicester: Disgusted at the Nigel Pearson out comment (see 16:46). He has won us two trophies in the last four years and two play-offs. He deserves a full crack at the season. He has earned it and we have had close defeats in all our losses this season. He has a great philosophy, lots of young players and British talent. I have complete faith we will turn it around after the international break.

Dover & Chester's FA Cup glee

The FA Cup

Live on the BBC

We haven't had quite the upset today as we did last night with Warrington, but I'd like to be out in Dover and Chester tonight, after the Conference sides both knocked out league opposition in the shape of Morecambe and Southend respectively.

The other upsets from today came in the form of Cheltenham Town, who thrashed West Country rivals Swindon 5-0, and Cambridge's defeat of Fleetwood.

The fairytale ends, though, for East Thurrock United, Hemel Hempstead, Barnet and AFC Fylde, after the non-leaguers all lost to league sides.

You can keep up with all of the reaction from up and down the country here.

Tonight's game sees two in-form strikers go head to head. Manchester City's Sergio Aguero has scored 11 goals in his last 12 Premier League games, while Rangers hitman Charlie Austin has been involved in six of QPR's nine goals so far this season (five goals, 1 assist).

Top-four Saints?

BBC

Southampton are Chelsea's closest challengers at the top of the Premier League table - but in our vote just over a third of you thought that they could qualify for the Champions League. Ronald Koeman working miracles on the south coast...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Raffiyell: Saints' winning run is just incredible!

Jonny Walker: Luke Shaw looked really good going forward and very solid defensively. Who says he's not worth £30m?

Paul Cate: As a Villa fan, I am dancing in the streets with a 0-0...

"We know the fans want more"

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero

Football Focus

"Of course we understand the people who have been criticising us. The club invests in top players and the fans want to see more from us.

Reuters

"But we still have time to put things right. The supporters here are more respectful and patient but they still expect a bit more from all of us. We can still turn it around, though.

"In the Champions League, we are not currently in the position we want to be. It's not what we were expecting. The only thing we can do is to keep going, we still have two games to play and we have to win both, and then wait and see how the other results go.

"In spite of how badly things have gone in the Champions League, we are still fortunate enough to be able to qualify. So it's up to us."

Manager preview

PA

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: "We have to react with balance and with personality. We must carry on as we have been playing in the Premier league.

"We needed a fresh team, physically and mentally. I spoke to the doctors and my technical staff and this is the best team."

Championship round-up

Stuart Pearce will be breathing a mighty sigh of relief as his Nottingham Forest team get their first win in 11 games thanks to a late winner from Michail Antonio. Britt Assombalonga had earlier got Forest back into the game after they fell behind to Norwich early on.

Middlesbrough against Bournemouth ended up being an anti-climax, their 0-0 draw means Derby stay top of the league after their earlier win.

Ipswich were also big winners, their 1-0 win over Watford courtesy of a late Tommy Smith goal moves them fourth and Danny Shittu had a remarkable day - scoring twice and adding an own goal as his Millwall side lost to Brentford.

Fulham edged out Huddersfield 3-1 at Craven Cottage with Ross McCormack hitting a stunning late goal, while Leeds scored three first-half goals to get the job done against Blackpool, it finished 3-1.

Former Wales international John Hartson

Final Score

"It's absurd that Manuel Pellegrini won the title last season and three months into the new campaign people have been talking about him getting the sack. City have not been on a great run of form, and there is all this talk of underperforming in the Champions League, but how many years did it take Chelsea to win the Champions League? How many years did it take Manchester United? It takes time."

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live

"I don't see Manuel Pellegrini having huge authority in that dressing room. I don't see him demanding the very high standards like Sir Alex Ferguson did, or Jose Mourinho does. He reminds me of Sven Goran-Ericsson. Does he really have that ultimate drive and desire to push people on?

"You almost get the feeling that the players have more influence."

So, it's fair to say Manuel Pellegrini has had better weeks. It started off well enough, with victory over Manchester United last weekend, but defeat to CSKA Moscow on Bonfire Night has all but burnt their hopes of qualification to the next round of the Champions League.

Injury crisis

Getty Images

International break? Not for the physios at Carrington. Paddy McNair picked up an injury at the back for Manchester United this afternoon, leaving the defence in relative tatters.

The injured men will be wrapped up in cotton wool for the next 10 days or so.

Right, plenty of reaction to the 3pm goal-fests to come, but now let's turn our attention to the late kick-off in the Premier League.

There was only one boss at St Mary's today...

Opta

Player reaction on Twitter

@cesarazpi

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta: Massive win! #team #MOTMMatic #goalscorerCosta #goalscorerCahill.

Chelsea strengthened their grip on the Premier League title race as they came from behind to win at Liverpool earlier today.

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Steve Huish, Surbiton: The days of Manchester United comfortably beating teams at Old Trafford are well and truly over. Shows how good Sir Alex Ferguson was, making average team players feel special and winning.

MOTD's Simon Brotherton at Loftus Road

"It was against QPR that Sergio Aguero scored his stoppage-time, title-winning goal a couple of years ago which will always bring a smile to City fans' faces, but this trip to Loftus Road looks trickier than it would have done only a month or so ago.

"Recent results have been patchy, with one win from the last five in all competitions, and Wednesday's performance in the Champions League in losing at home to CSKA Moscow was way below what's expected."

MOTD's Guy Mowbray at Turf Moor

"A lot has been made of Burnley not winning a game this season, but that has all changed now. Ashley Barnes was the goalscorer and it was a much deserved victory for the Clarets."

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Graeme, soaking wet, in Wetherby: Pretty boring afternoon in the Premier league. Hopefully the goals, like the rain, will be non-stop in the QPR v Man City game.

Former Wales international John Hartson

Final Score

"Manchester United did just enough to win. Fraizer Campbell had a great chance to put Crystal Palace ahead in the first half, he just had to dink it over David De Gea's head but he lifted it over the net. Juan Mata came on with a point to prove, he scored but Julian Speroni will be disappointed because he should have saved Mata's shot, although it did take a deflection. United did not create many chances again but they have the three points."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Vinny Person: Southampton are blowing most of the Premier League away in style and on an incredibly low net spend. Admirable.

Edward Layland: Wonder of Morgan Schneiderlin still wants to go to Spurs? Jay Rodriguez might.

Sushant Shetty: Van Persie may have given United a title but has hurt us long term. Rooney upfront with Herrera is so much better.

10 YELLOW CARDS

There were 10 bookings dished out by Mark Clattenburg at Turf Moor today - six for Burnley and four for Hill.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan applauds the travelling support, he had a storming afternoon between the sticks to repel wave upon wave of West Ham attacks.

Final scores

Manchester United 1-0 Crystal Palace

FULL-TIME

Burnley's first win of the season is in the bag. Let the Claret flow.

FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME

Andy Carroll has another big header well saved - he's causing havoc!

Jimmy Armfield

at Old Trafford for 5 live Sport

"The better team won the match on the day, but Palace had their big chance and Campbell fluffed it just on half-time. Not a lot made it's way through the Palace defence, and apart from the one goal United weren't very convincing."

A sheepish Louis Van Gaal skulks down the touchline. He knows his side were underwhelming again his afternoonn

Whisper it quietly, but we think Burnley might have done enough now...

FULL-TIME

GREAT SAVE!

Andy Carroll! That's what he can do! Brilliant header, flying header, but Brad Guzan paws it away. Almost an instant hero on his return.

Jimmy Armfield

at Old Trafford for 5 live Sport

"Palace have a lot of energy and cover each other by working really hard, but really all they've done is provide a defensive barrier in front of Speroni. The goal, when it came, was a long shot. Contrast that with the chances Palace have had, which have been very limited.

"The fans are making their way to the exit, which sums up the United performance. Not very convincing."

INJURY TIME

We're into injury time now, folks. One last goal?

SUBSTITUTION

Andy Carroll is back! He's on! Got to go big...

SUBSTITUTION

Paddy McNair - the only recognised centre-half fit for Manchester United - is injured! Darren Fletcher is on...

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Charles, Cranbrook: Saints have real strength in depth. Jay Rodriguez (remember him?) has a fight on his hands when he returns.

Leicester with a chance to pull one back but Chris Wood, who breaks through on goal, chips his effort over the goalkeeper and wide. Might as well pack up and go home now, lads.

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OletuM M R: I don't understand Van Gaal's philosophy yet to be honest. Utter rubbish.

Edward Layland: Inspired work from Ronald Koeman. Loving our manager!

David McCallum: Nigel Pearson out!

Who'd be a manager, eh?

CLOSE!

What a chance! West Ham nearly steal it as the cross finds its way right through a crowded box to Carl Jenkinson. The on-loan Arsenal full-back gets his neck into the ball, powerful header, but straight at Brad Guzan. That was a golden chance!

Jimmy Armfield

at Old Trafford for 5 live Sport

"Defensively, Palace have been pretty good. But once United got the goal I've wondered whether Palace have the wherewithal to create their own opportunities. Ever since falling behind they have been on the back foot, really."

Aston Villa defender Nathan Baker has a serious-looking injury as he challenges Carlton Cole and does something to his ankle. Or possibly knee. I'm not a doctor.

He needs a stretcher anyway and Philippe Senderos is on. Senderos for the final five - panic stations?

Championship latest

Brentford have battled back against Millwall to re-take the lead at the Den. Andre Gray has turned provider this time - his cross diverted into the net by Millwall's Danny Shittu for an own goal. 3-2 to the Bees.

Huddersfield equalised through Joel Lynch at Craven Cottage but their joy was short-lived. Fulham go straight up the other end and score through Lasse Vigen Christensen.

It is still 0-0 in the game at the top of the table between Middlesbrough and Bournemouth. The Cherries were the league's top scorers going into this one, but they have come up against the league's sternest defence at the Riverside. Derby will stay top of the league if it finishes this way.

Hull are starting to turn the screw now and a cross is stood up to the back post where Burnley defender Michael Duff gets his go-go-gadget neck out to head clear.

United have had 71% of possession so far actually Jimmy. Still not been a good showing though, as James Wilson shows what he's got in his game, namely fierce pace. Strong run down the middle before he eventually loses out.

Former Wales international John Hartson

Final Score

"Shane Long hasn't come straight into this Southampton side since joining from Hull because of the form of Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic, but he has been patient and that is what you get for £12m. Two chances and two goals."

"And now you're going to believe us... we're going to win the league," sing the Southampton supporters. Imagine that.

Jimmy Armfield

at Old Trafford for 5 live Sport

"Manchester United have given their fans plenty of frustration today. Old Trafford has been quiet, edgy, sensing that at any one time Crystal Palace could fashion something. Think about it - United must have had something like 75% of the possession but no real end product."

HITS THE WOODWORK

He's the only man who has brought his shooting boots today! Juan Mata skims a shot against the post, lovely strike, takes a slight nick off a yellow shirt on its way through the air but Julian Speroni had no chance. Very unlucky, the Spanish number eight.

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Graham Green: It's been a Long time coming...

Dominic O'Caollai: That goalkeeping was laughable from Speroni. What a way to undo the great work from the rest of your team.

Zenon Szulc: No Martyn Seabourne (16:26), that one goal against Crystal Palace makes EVERYTHING all right now...

Into the final 10 minutes at Upton Park. where the heavens have well and truly opened.

GOAL

Getty Images

Southampton look certain to go five points clear of Manchester City in second now, as Kasper Schmeichel's goal-kick returns from whence it came and Shane Long beats the offside trap before casually slotting home his second of the game.

Crystal Palace throwing some of their caution to the wind ,bringing more players into the attack but not really scaring David De Gea. Good defending from Michael Carrick forces a corner which comes to nothing.

Dwight Gayle - slayer of Liverpool last spring - gets a run out.

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Tom, Newcastle: Credit to Juan Mata for stamping his authority on the game. However, from Julian Speroni's perspective, that wasn't a mistake, it was a howler.

BBC Radio 5 live

Manchester United v Crystal Palace has now shifted over to BBC Radio 5 live, as the rugby has concluded.

CLOSE!

Big Sam has his big head in his big hands - that was close! Diafra Sakho hangs like Michael Jordan in the air, great leap, and flicks a header back across goal - but inches wide.

We can't buy a goal at Upton Park.

GOAL

Southampton have lift-off, Shane Long stepping off the bench to bend a shot beyond Kasper Schmeichel after a good lay-off in the box by Graziano Pelle. They're still on your tails, Chelsea...

FIFTEEN MINUTES OF SHAME

Into the final 15 minutes in the Premier League. I can't remember a less exciting Saturday afternoon since the summer. You really may as well have gone shopping.

Alright, maybe not...

LINE-UPS

QPR: Green, Isla, Caulker, Dunne, Yun, Vargas, Sandro, Henry, Fer, Austin, Zamora. Subs: Hill, Phillips, Barton, McCarthy, Onuoha, Kranjcar, Hoilett.

Man City: Hart, Sagna, Demichelis, Mangala, Clichy, Fernandinho, Fernando, Jesus Navas, Toure, Nasri, Aguero. Subs: Zabaleta, Milner, Dzeko, Caballero, Lampard, Jovetic, Boyata.

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)

SUBSTITUTION

West Ham do bring on a powerful centre-forward, but it's Carlton Cole on, not Andy Carroll.

Latest scores

Manchester United 1-0 Crystal Palace

Former Wales international John Hartson

Final Score

"Burnley are not sitting back but are going for a second goal. It's very positive from them and the way the match is going I can see them holding on to win this."

Hull, who have used all three substitutions remember, could be reduced to 10 men as Curtis Davies succumbs to a back injury. Maybe it's going to be Burnley's day after all?

A slight tweak to the United line-up as Michael Carrick goes to centre-back and Daley Blind moves into midfield. Palace will be upset that their strong defence was finally ended with such a soft goal. Juan Mata caught his shot well but nine times out of 10 the goalkeeper saves it.

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Josh Jackman: Speroni won't be happy with that. Very good strike from Mata, but the keeper got both hands to it.

Rishabh Kapoor: Van Gaal does his best to hide the elation after goal but couldn't. It's OK to celebrate once in a while, Louis!

Martyn Seabourne: Anymore complaints against United now?

Former Wales international John Hartson

Final Score

"Julian Speroni is such a good goalkeeper that you expect him to save that (see 16:23). I don't know anything about goalkeeping, but goalkeepers would normally say that if they get a hand to a shot then they should save it, and I think Speroni is so good that he will be disappointed not to have stopped it. Juan Mata is a top class player. If he is not getting in the team at Manchester United he probably would do at any other Premier League team. And he has come on and made the difference with the goal today."

SUBSTITUTION

Angel Di Maria has been poor today, no two ways about it, and he is off. Youngster James Wilson is on in his place. Bit of a reshuffle needed as the number 49 moves up top.

CLOSE!

Southampton almost break through from a short corner when Jose Fonte rises high but his header is deflected wide. Ronald Koeman reacts by sending on Shane Long for Sadio Mane.

West Ham continue to push on more in hope than in expectation. Hopeful Hammers, Vigilant Villa.

Jimmy Armfield

at Old Trafford for 5 live sports extra

"We talked about the shoot on sight policy from Manchester United. On this occasion the ball was played to Mata and he took it onto his left foot and took a shot. And to me the goalkeeper made a mess of it, despite a slight deflection. United have the goal now, and Louis van Gaal will be feeling relief more than anything else. Speroni, clearly, feels he might have done better with that."

The FA Cup

Live on the BBC

Over in the FA Cup we could be in line for some shocks, with Dover, Chester and Cheltenham all beating teams above them in the football pyramid.

Meanwhile, Conference South side Hemel Hempstead are holding their own against League Two Bury, and are level at 1-1.

Will they hold out for what would surely be a lucrative replay? Find out by following our live updates here.

GOAL

Getty Images

The substitute has done it! A truly forgettable game is illuminated by the left foot of Juan Mata, who crashes in a shot from 22 yards, Julian Speroni should probably do better but can only help it on its way into the corner.

Championship latest

Getty Images

Andre Gray's second of the day extends Brentford's lead at Millwall to 2-0 but the home side hit back immediately with two rapid-fire goals through Danny Shittu. He got both in a remarkable few moments at the Den. The Lions looked wiped out but now it's game on.

Rudy Gestede now has 10 goals for the season as his latest draws Blackburn level at Brighton. It's one of those headers which look even better because it drops in off the underside of the bar.

Daryl Murphy has just headed over for Ipswich as the fifth-place side take on Watford in fourth, that one remains 0-0.

SUBSTITUTION

Steve Bruce has seen enough, and he makes a triple substitution of sorts - Hatem Ben Arfa, Gaston Ramirez and Stephen Quinn coming on within minutes of each other.

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John: It's Manchester United's pace, or lack thereof, which disturbs me most. The days of powering through teams is long gone. It's more like torturing them into a mistake now!

Dan, Croydon: Are Manchester United playing alone or are there two teams out there? They can't be making it difficult to play on their own. Give some credit to Crystal Palace.

John, Belfast: When are the press going to give Louis van Gaal the stick that he deserves? United are useless. He has performed worse than David Moyes with better players!

West Ham continue to patiently probe - which is a change in itself. They aren't going long, playing nicely but the lack of cutting edge is apparent. As blunt as you like.

Kevin Nolan enters the fray. Sniff one out?

Ryan Bertrand has been Southampton's best player today and he tries his luck with a daisy-cutter which Kasper Schmeichel is equal to.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"It's all Leicester at Southampton. They've just had three throw-ins in quick succession."

Getty Images

PENALTY APPEAL

Plenty of wrestling at the Stretford End as Marouane Fellaini and Damien Delaney tussle for a corner - nothing given, both players very hands-on.

Juan Mata is introduced for Adnan Januzaj.

Suddenly, Leicester are beginning to grow in confidence and cause Southampton a few problems of their own. Their good play brings a corner, but it's too long from Matty James and the Saints survive.

Andy Carroll looks on from the West Ham bench. Is the time right to send on the big man?

Into the last half hour.

PA

There's already some desperate, bodies-in-the-way defending from Burnley as they throw all sorts of body parts in the way to stop Hull on the edge of the area. Half an hour to go.

Jimmy Armfield

at Old Trafford for 5 live sports extra

"It's been brighter from Manchester United, and a goal will make a huge difference. But they're a team striving for Europe, so they should expect to be able to score."

The FA Cup

Live on the BBC

We are not suffering technical problems. There's just nothing happening.

Shedloads of goals in the FA Cup though - check it out here.

Latest scores

Manchester United 0-0 Crystal Palace

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Sam: The Manchester United team and the fans can only have the manager to blame. He had the money to buy defenders, and he bought too many forwards! Robin van Persie is past his best days for me.

Rob, Milton Keynes: Manchester United fans need to relax. We were good against Chelsea, and Chris Smalling ruined it against City. We're not miles from third with a heap of defenders injured. And let's give Adnan Januzaj time to develop please.

Daniel, Darlington: I bet no one tipped Burnley to end today's goal drought!

CLOSE!

Marouane Fellaini wins a corner, Juan Mata is warming up. Can anyone break through for Manchester United?

So close! Wonderful climb and header from Fellaini, cleared off the line.

Former Wales international John Hartson

Final Score

"The offside decision was spot on (see 16:09) but Sadio Mane doesn't need to be offside there. Dusan Tadic puts the ball in from the left, and Mane is looking right across the line. He doesn't have to creep offside - if he had been more patient he could have timed his run onto it."

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Brett Flanders: Out of all the teams to break the deadlock, Burnley, lacking the goals and prowess, score.

DSSBrooks: If United don't win, Van Gaal should be under pressure. No excuses for United this year - £150m spent, no European distractions.

Ajay Patel: All these United pessimists, give it time. The players are still learning to play together. Goals will come.

Gabby Agbonlahor continues to unsettle the West Ham defence but again there is no real end product. This is beginning to hurt my eyes.

DISALLOWED GOAL

Almost our second goal of the afternoon, but Sadio Mane times his run too early and is flagged offside moments before dispatching a low cross from the left past Kasper Schmeichel.

Former Wales international John Hartson

Final Score

"It's a great bullet header from Ashley Barnes, right into the top corner. The home crowd have been getting behind their team and now they've made a fantastic start to the second half. If they can get a second they could secure all three points. You want them to go for that rather than sitting back and getting nervous now."

CLOSE!

Jason Puncheon running down the flank, cuts inside on to his left foot, takes aim - and misses the ball altogether. That just about sums the game up.

Moments later Wayne Rooney at least middles a shot from 25 yards, curls one wide.

GOAL

When all else fails, send for Ashley Barnes. The Burnley frontman gives us our first goal of the 3pm kick-offs when he brilliantly heads Kieran Trippier's cross past Steve Harper. Good old Ashley Barnes.

Getty Images

It's games like this where you'd expect the British record transfer to make a difference, but Angel Di Maria has been anonymous so far. The United man does at least whip in a decent free-kick from the left but there us nobody on the end of it.

Former Portsmouth striker Steve Claridge

Final Score

"Leicester have gone there and made it very difficult for Southampton. Everybody was talking before the game as if Southampton would just have to turn up and roll Leicester over. But they will have to dig in. So far they have have been up to everything that has been asked of them this season, but this kind of game will be another hurdle for them. Now there is more expectation because people are turning up and expecting them to win."

2good, 2bad

Getty Images

This one's for the eagle-eyed amongst you. We're asking you to keep a look out for any weird and wonderful moments over the course of this weekend's Premier League action.

You can share your comedy gold using #2good2bad on Twitter, and then look out for our weekly round-up on Match of the Day 2 from 22:30 on BBC One on Sunday, and from 23:15 for viewers in Scotland.

CLOSE!

Villa hit the ground running, straight into the danger zone with Tom Cleverley firing over the bar from 25 yards.

KICK-OFF

We are back up and running in the Premier League.

Getty Images

I've heard it all now. Nani being tipped as the answer to Manchester United's problems...

Are Southampton about to bring on Shane Long? The striker is being put through his paces on the sodden St Mary's outfield. I can't think of any other reason to have him stood in the rain.

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JB: Bring back Nani. Three goals in four in the Champions League for Sporting Lisbon. Why he wasn't ever given time to get back into form baffles me.

Kash, London: Louis van Gaal - please bring on Ander Herrera and Juan Mata for Marouane Fellaini and Adnan Januzaj. Ever since he changed the formation Angel Di Maria has had little and the attacking play looks laboured.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

SamadGigii: If Man Utd play any slower, time will literally move backwards. Maybe that's not a bad thing, maybe we'll end up in 2008 again.

John: Rooney is the main problem in the attacks. He lacks creativity, pass accuracy, he's slow and sluggish. Mata is way better.

Andrew Morris: Seeing Emperor's New Clothes about Louis van Gaal. He doesn't seem to be engaged during games and doesn't make adjustments in games.

That's the second top-flight manager described in such terms by you lot this afternoon. Wouldn't fancy seeing any of the the Premier League's bosses as nature intended, myself...

Sweepstake on time of first goal today? I'm going early. Goal in the 48th minute.

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Simon, York: Why is everyone complaining about the lack of goals? I watch the Premier League for gritty, hard-nosed defending. If you want to watch the bigger club win 5-0 every game then move to Spain.

Sam, Stevenage: As usual, the media build up a team so they can knock them down. The title race is nowhere near over. A Chelsea loss brings Manchester City right back in it. There's 27 games left after this weekend in case anyone's forgotten.

Richard (a Happy Hammer from SOUTHAMPTON!): It amazes me that Edd (see 15:43) automatically assumes Manchester City are the replacement choice for the Premier League title ahead of Chelsea!

Championship half-times

Getty Images

Stalemate!

It is even 0-0 in the day's big game at the top of the Championship, where the winner between Middlesbrough and Bournemouth will move to the top of the table. Boro have had the better of the first half, hitting the bar in the early stages.

In-form Brentford have taken the lead against Millwall in the London derby at the Den, with Andre Gray getting his third goal in three games.

Blackpool's position at the bottom of the table looks fitting as they trail 3-0 at Leeds at the break. Liam Cooper, Soulemanye Doukara and Mirco Antenucci have done the damage at Elland Road.

Hugo Rodallega is the difference as Fulham lead Huddersfield 1-0, Gary Gardner's goal divides Brighton and Blackburn and Igor Vetokele has given Charlton a half-time lead at Reading.

GOALS ELSEWHERE!!

The FA Cup

Live on the BBC

We have reached the break in our FA Cup first round games and I think we spoke too soon with those early shocks.

Conference South Hemel Hempstead have been pegged back at Bury, with former Manchester City youth player Andrew Tutte bagging the equaliser.

Conference leaders Barnet are also back to square one, after Paul Hayes' penalty for Wycombe made it one apiece.

Another spot-kick, this one from Barry Corr at Southend, means Chester, who had taken an early lead, are level at Roots Hall.

But it's not all over yet, and there could well be a 'cupset' come five o'clock tonight, and you can follow our live text updates here.

Joe Cole's half-time team talk

With no goals at all to discuss, the eight Premier League managers in action could do worse than spread the preachings of Joe Cole at half-time.

Reuters

The former England schemer - not at Aston Villa - believes the game is overly complicated at times.

"You get a lot of people coming into the game - sport psychologists, etc - but, at the end of the day, it's a round ball," Cole said. "That won't change.

"You get all this other stuff which can help one or two per cent, but don't forget what it is to play football.

"A manager once said to me: 'If you want to be good at playing the piano, you don't run round it or pick it up, you play it.' That's stuck with me."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Asadur Rahman: I guess Match of the Day is cancelled today?

Gareth Soye: This is almost Moyesesque at Old Trafford.

Danny Sayers: If United's defence is going to be woeful our attack needs to at least be half decent. No creativity, slow passing, no passion.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"Erm, not a single goal in the Premier League three o'clock kick-offs at half-time. They should've taken the international break this weekend."

Goalless at half-time, across the board in the Premier League.

This just won't do. Come on now. Enough's enough.

Jimmy Armfield

at Old Trafford for 5 live sports extra

"Not a lot has hit Julian Speroni's goal. Lots of possession and lot of opportunities to create openings, but nothing has materialised from Manchester United so far.

"Palace created the best chance of the half and their backline have been particularly impressive. And they have forced United's play out onto the flanks a lot of the time. Frankly, I've been a bit disappointed by United. Van Gaal has a bit of talking to do at the break."

Getty Images

Half-time scores

Manchester United 0-0 Crystal Palace

Jonathan Pearce

BBC Match of the Day commentator at Old Trafford

"No goals, Fraizer Campbell, former Manchester United player, missed the game's best chance, Luke Shaw had the game's best moment with a brilliant run but the scoreline is 0-0 at half-time."

HALF-TIME

MOTD's John Roder at St Mary's

"Southampton have dominated possession at a very wet St Mary's with chances few and far between. Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle have been industrious for the Saints but Leicester are defending stubbornly and well."

HALF-TIME

MOTD's Guy Mowbray at Turf Moor

"Burnley have been the better team but been unable to turn it into goals. Danny Ings and George Boyd have certainly been lively for the visitors. Hull City haven't really got going."

Getty Images

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

Dull as dishwater.

We'll let you know if anything interesting happens in East Lancashire. Honestly.

CLOSE!

Roy Keane looks furious on the Villa bench, but that doesn't really tell you anything about the game. They could be winning heavily and he'd still be livid.

As it is, Villa are posing more problems of their own, but the Hammers look a proper attacking outfit at times. Like this! Stewart Downing has a chance after a really nice flowing move but he leans back and fires over.

Adnan Januzaj half-dives in the penalty area, Joel Ward just pulls out of a tackle and both players end up on the floor. No contact, no foul, no decision, but no real dive.

This sums up Leicester's problems today. Here is the touch map of their striker Jamie Vardy. Neither he nor Leonardo Ulloa has touched the ball in the Southampton box.

Opta

Text us on 81111

Edd: It amazes me that people are saying Chelsea are already champions when they're only six points clear of Manchester City if they win against QPR today. And it's autumn. Get a grip!

Michael, Manchester: Adnan Januzaj reminds me of Federico Macheda. Breaks into the Manchester United side with a moment of magic, and has done nothing since. Don't see his future at United long-term myself.

Jimmy Armfield

at Old Trafford for 5 live sports extra

"Fraizer Campbell was all on his own because the two United defenders left the ball. It bounced for him perfectly in order for Campbell to complete the lob. But he put too much on it over the keeper and somehow, and I don't know how, he's missed it. And it was a gift of a chance, an absolute gift."

CLOSE!

Big, huge chance for Crystal Palace, and you have to wonder if they will get a better one all day.

Horrible defending from Manchester United, just a route one over the top which Daley Blind and Paddy McNair make a total hash of. Fraizer Campbell is in, he lifts it over the top - and well over the top. Into the Stretford End.

SUBSTITUTION

Southampton suffer an injury blow when Steve Davis reluctantly trudges off injured, to be replaced by Jack Cork.

GREAT SAVE!

Villa possess some real pace on the break, and they force a good save from Hammers keeper Adrian. Charles N'Zogbia finds Andreas Weimann, he pulls the trigger and the keeper pushes over the top.

Getty Images

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Sams: Somebody, anybody, put the ball behind the net please!

Alan Burridge: Even Barcelona haven't scored. Let's end the day at half-time, lads...

Flemming Jensen: Where are all the goals? In Germany. Hoffenheim 3-3 Cologne. After 45 mins.

Championship latest

Getty Images

Whatever happened to Jamie O'Hara? The 28-year-old has just come on for Blackpool having not played a game of football in over a year.

His re-introduction to the game is punishing as Souleymane Doukara puts the Tangerines 2-0 down at Leeds United.

Elsewhere, Fulham got pummelled in the early stages at home against Huddersfield but Hugo Rodallega's cool finish from 12 yards means they lead. No goals in the game between fourth-placed Watford and Ipswich, who sit fifth.

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Kenny, Warrington: Looks like all the excitement got used up on the Warrington Town game last night. Excellent from all involved.

Northern Premier Division One side Warrington made light of a 100-place gap between themselves and Exeter in the football pyramid to reach the FA Cup second round on Friday.

CLOSE!

When Palace break, they break well! Yannick Bolasie carries it 40 yards down the left wing, swings in a very teasing cross which Daley Blind and Luke Shaw just about shepherd behind for a corner. Slight element of arm in there, but no real appeals from the Palace lads.

Better from the Saints as Sadio Mane bursts into life and spins his marker and, after getting the ball back via a deflection, he flashes an angled shot just over the bar. This game needs a goal.

Jimmy Armfield

at Old Trafford for 5 live sports extra

"Manchester United strung together 15 or 16 passes at one stage, but they made very little progress. That's their problem, because Crystal Palace are forcing them across the pitch all the time. Lots of United possession but no threat."

YELLOW CARD

Joel Ward is stripped of the ball by Adnan Januzaj and powers down the line, Ward tackles him with a lunge which would be cheered on at Twickenham. Proper rugby tackle, pulls the Belgian's shorts down.

Booking.

Mark Clattenburg is in charge at Turf Moor today. No need to rush away tonight though, Steve Cropper and friends don't play in nearby Clitheroe until tomorrow night.

Getty Images

Talk amongst yourselves - I'm sure someone will score soon. Hopefully.

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Tim: Thanks a lot Derby, using up the Saturday goal allowance...

Earlier today Derby beat Wolves 5-0 to go top of the Championship.

The 'new-look' West Ham continue to threaten. The Hammers could go above Manchester City with a win this afternoon and are looking good so far.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Siddharth Verma: Januzaj has been very poor this season. Awful crossing to add to it.

Jerry Elumeze: Not an inspired or inspiring United performance so far.

Ben Hibburd: Di Maria has been neutered by the new formation...

Getty Images

Latest scores

Manchester United 0-0 Crystal Palace

Chelsea already champions?

Former Portsmouth striker Steve Claridge

Final Score

"The Premier League title race should be over already. And If Chelsea hadn't conceded late goals against Manchester United and Manchester City it would be. They are the most complete side. They have brought in quality players with a specific purpose in mind, and as a team they can do it physically, they can pass the ball, they can play any way you like.

"They are way ahead of the competition. I've never known a team to have such good odds with the bookmakers to win the Premier League at this early stage of the season. City will have to win 10 games in a row to get anywhere near Chelsea."

Ronald Koeman is getting his first taste of a South Coast autumn today - the Southampton manager slumped in his chair with a massive towel draped over his lap as the rain pours down.

GREAT SAVE!

This is why Manchester United made Luke Shaw the most expensive left-back in the world! Wonderful run as he picks it up on halfway, cuts inside and then just puts the pedal down, Hard and fast, right through the middle, before lashing in a 20-yarder which Julian Speroni has to get down and save.

Burnley need to start taking their chances - they are awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area, but Danny Ings just fires a low, tame effort into the Hull wall. A lack of class.

WHERE ARE ALL THE GOALS?!

Championship latest

Middlesbrough have been the brighter of the sides in the early exchanges of their big Championship game against Bournemouth, it remains 0-0 but the home side have hit the bar. The winner of that game will leapfrog Derby, who moved to the top of the table after a 5-0 win over Wolves earlier today.

Jonny Howson's goal for Norwich has broken the deadlock against Nottingham Forest in the other top-half Championship clash at the City Ground. Stuart Pearce's Forest side are without a win in 10 games.

Millwall are marking Remembrance weekend by wearing a commemorative army-style shirt for their home game with Brentford, where it is 0-0. The club are hoping the shirt will raise more than £25,000 for Headley Court, a defence medical rehabilitation unit in Surrey.

PA

Millwall are marking Remembrance weekend with a commemorative camouflage-style shirt for their game with Brentford

GREAT SAVE!

England's next match-winner, Stewart Downing, rifles in a rising drive which forces Brad Guzan into a fine save. One handed, to his left. Downing must have though his England days were over but he's back in the squad.

The Saints are hitting their straps now - Ryan Bertrand turning on the burners down the left and putting in a great cross which evades everyone and is eventually cleared by Jeff Schlupp's desperate defending at the back stick.

Former Portsmouth striker Steve Claridge

Final Score

"You could say everybody is playing below the level that they should be at Manchester United. There are certainly question marks over Robin van Persie, Juan Mata is not in the side, there's an issue with Falcao. And so at some point you have to say hold on, these are all good players. Is it perhaps that Louis van Gaal has not got the balance right in the side, to get the best from these players?"

Getty Images

CLOSE!

Aside from Diego Costa, West Ham striker Diafra Sakho has been the hottest striker in the Premier League of late, and the player of the month for October goes close again.

Villa keeper Brad Guzan decides to come for a cross, doesn't get there, and Sakho loops a header wide.

Hull have had more of the possession at Turf Moor, but Burnley look more threatening - Danny Ings being denied at close range by Steve Harper before a goalmouth scramble ensues. Out for a corner, which comes to nothing.

Jimmy Armfield

at Old Trafford for 5 live sports extra

"I wonder if there have been any instructions for Manchester United to shoot on sight? We have had four from distance already. Each time I felt the attacker could have taken it on a little bit further. But maybe United have been working at shots from distance in training all week."

The pass count is 174-34 to Manchester United so far. Plenty of passing on the agenda - but not much in the way of excitement.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Hridaya Nahata: Van Persie has looked lively today. Finding the pocket of space every time.

Abz Mulla: Brave move from Warnock to start two strikers at Old Trafford. Their pace will cause Blind problems.

Uchenna Nelson: Di Maria is really not functioning properly with this diamond formation. I think he thrives more in a 4-3-3.

EPA

Daley Blind, playing in defence this afternoon, starts a move which ends with Michael Carrick slamming a deflected shot wide. The versatile Blind is proving a good addition to the United squad.

Moments later Marouane Chamakh is in the right place to clear Robin van Persie's low ball in.

Shock central?

The FA Cup

Live on the BBC

Two shocks already on the cards in the FA Cup as Conference South Hemel Hempstead take the lead against League Two Bury, 61 places above them in the football pyramid, through James Potton.

And Conference leaders Barnet have taken the early initiative against former FA Cup semi-finalists Wycombe Wanderers thanks to John Akinde's second minute effort.

You can follow our live text of the FA Cup here.

A West Ham goal is in the offing! Lovely stuff again, this time it's Enner Valencia from wide on the left, he leads the Villa defence a merry dance and cuts the ball back, it somehow bobbles right across the goalmouth and James Collins slams the loose ball into the chest of a Villa defender.

Latest scores

Manchester United 0-0 Crystal Palace

To say both of these teams are managed by strapping centre-halves from the nineties, they both play some excellent stuff. Nice pretty passing patterns but still no real chances.

Getty Images

CLOSE!

It's been all Hammers since kick-off but Villa show what they are made of on the break when Gabby Agbonlahor slips a tackle, opens his legs and leaves West Ham in trouble. He backs James Collins into the penalty area to open up the space but hooks his shot over the top.

Seconds later, at the other end, Collins goes close with a towering header.

Championship latest

A good start by Leeds United as Mirco Antenucci and Stephen Warnock test Joe Lewis in the Blackpool goal but the keeper can offer no resistance as Liam Cooper scores his first goal for the Elland Road club.

It's a crisp volley from the edge of the area.

Mark Hudson has an effort cleared off the line for Huddersfield at Fulham, that one is goalless and fans at Birmingham are just pleased to see their game with Cardiff under way - that one survived a pitch inspection.

Lovely build-up play from Burnley. Then George Boyd gets the ball and a tame effort is easily dealt with by Steve Harper.

Manchester United have had 83% of possession in the opening 10 minutes. That is huge! "Can we have our ball back mister?"

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Louis Porter: Daley Blind is a good player defensively but he is not a centre-back. I expect Palace to get past him numerous times as the game goes on.

Nic Weatherill: When was the last time Antonio Valencia made a successful cross?

James Ellis: Surprised at how disappointed Liverpool fans are about their match. Like with Madrid, we played well against a good defence.

The Foxes will be pleased with their defensive organisation early on - Wes Morgan gobbling up anything which comes his way as Southampton have plenty of the ball without showing a real touch of class. Yet.

West Ham continue to press, Enner Valencia slamming a free-kick into the wall as Villa struggle to break the shackles.

Little happening at Turf Moor, with the most exciting aspect being the ball being kicked onto the stadium roof and taking an age to trickle down and land back on the pitch.

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Andrew: Adnan Januzaj owes Manchester United a big performance today. He's had a lot of game time lately and has contributed very little indeed.

Manager reaction - "We are the autumn champions"

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "In the second half showed something new, which is to be 1-1 at Anfield and don't accept the result as a good result and play to win. I think we were very impressive, we want to play, we want to win we want the ball. The personality of the team is amazing. The best team by far was the blue team and the team that deserved to win was Chelsea.

"Unbeaten through the season is the impossible job, I think we will lose. I think we have a very good chance to win the title but I think we, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Southampton are all still in the race. All we can say is that we are the champions of the autumn."

EPA

Jimmy Armfield

at Old Trafford for 5 live sports extra

"Palace don't want to give anything away too early and give Manchester United and the home crowd confidence. They need to be firm defensively and to try to create some uncertainty among the United back line."

It has been all Manchester United so far, with Robin van Persie putting himself about up front and winning a free-kick in a decent position. Denis Irwin/David Beckham range...

Former West Ham striker John Hartson

Final Score

"I watched West Ham last season and they could not score a goal for love nor money. Carlton Cole was up front, he's an honest player and decent in the air but he wasn't covering the ground he could years ago. But Sam Allardyce's side have now scored in every one of their last nine league games. And they are defending well too. Alex Song has been brilliant for them in intercepting play since joining on loan."

Getty Images

Battle of the Claret-and-blues at Upton Park, and it's Big Sam's big improvers who make the early running. Tom Cleverley makes his mark for Villa with a strong early challenge.

Southampton have a habit of starting quickly, and they've come out swinging against Leicester who can't get the ball off their hosts. Still no real chances yet, though.

Can Burnley finally get that first win of the season today? They have started well - Danny Ings getting behind the Hull defence and firing a shot just wide.

CLOSE!

Adnan Januzaj has the first sight of goal at a subdued Old Trafford, spearing a shot over the top from the corner of the penalty area. No question of United's attacking prowess - but can that makeshift back four hold up to scrutiny?

FA Cup live

I imagine some of the Warrington Town players are just getting our of bed after last night's party which followed the defeat of Exeter. Who will be hitting the disco tonight? Follow all the potential giantkillings in our dedicated FA Cup live text here.

Getty Images

Jimmy Armfield

at Old Trafford for 5 live sports extra

"The big thing for Manchester United now is to try to get themselves back into top four contention. The fans and the manager still think there is a real opportunity for them to be able to do it, and this is the kind of match where they will be expecting three points.

"But football doesn't work like that, despite Crystal Palace's recent dip."

KICK-OFF

Game on in the Premier League.

Manager reaction

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers on this team's late penalty appeal on BT Sport: "We worked so hard in the game but we need those decisions that are obvious, it was a clear, clear penalty. I was very disappointed because the players gave everything in the game. We deserved at least a point for sure.

"You need that wee bit of luck going for you and it isn't at the moment. It has been a tough week.

"We have to keep working hard and hope get some of our injured players back in. There is no magic formula but I have a brilliant group of players here. We will be ready and firing after the international break."

AP

Southampton to finish in the top four?

Former Portsmouth striker Steve Claridge

Final Score

"Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, and to an extent Manchester United too, they have all regressed since last season. Southampton are playing better than any of those four sides, and I would say they are the main protagonists in the Premier League after Manchester City and Chelsea."

Manager reaction

More from Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "I was on the bench in the second half and for me it did not look the normal pressure you feel at Anfield because my team is fantastic.

"I thought Liverpool tried everything, they did well, but Chelsea was the best team. My previous team started winning in 2004-05 and the same team won year after year, trophies after trophies.

"This is a new team, a new era for Chelsea. We are obviously happy with the squad and the quality of football but no team gets into history without trophies and, at the moment, this team has no trophies."

Time for handshakes and Premier League anthems at Old Trafford, all aboard the top-flight train for your 15:00 departures.

Stopping at goals central, shattered dreams parkway and red card road...

Manager reaction

EPA

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, speaking to BT Sport: "It was a fantastic performance. The players as individuals all had a great performance and as team they were in control. One point at Anfield, most teams would accept that as a great result, this team did not accept that and I am really, really pleased.

"I have to give special word to Ramires and Fabregas but also the medical department, they did fantastic work on them. Fabregas maybe is a problem for the next match. The medical department, with me, took the risk for this game but they are all examples of this team at the moment, working for everyone."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Layi: The lack of a potent Liverpool goalscorer was more than comforting for Chelsea.

Sultan: Losing confidence in Rodgers - he keeps playing with 10 men. Liverpool are not that good. We need the 11th player.

Abdul Said: Don't blame Rodgers or Balotelli for Liverpool's poor performance. Blame the media and pundits for chasing Suarez away from England...

Jimmy Armfield

at Old Trafford for 5 live sports extra

"Manchester United's problems at the back are accentuated today with Chris Smalling being banned. Louis van Gaal has got young Patrick McNair playing there with Danny Blind in defence too. Michael Carrick will shield them in deep midfield.

"But keeping that area just in front of David De Gea secure is very important in Premier League football, and how they start the game is so important."

Former Wales international John Hartson

Final Score

"It's not been great viewing for the Manchester United supporters this season. Louis van Gaal has spend plenty of money, but they have not had a settled defence. Today Paddy McNair will play but at least with Daley Blind, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini there is some protection. And United will have to be strong defensively. We know Crystal Palace have pace through Jason Puncheon and Yannick Bolasie. It will be a fascinating game. United cannot underestimate this Palace side."

MOTD's Jonathan Pearce at Old Trafford

"Crystal Palace have not won a league game at Old Trafford since December 1989. A month earlier and 25 years ago to this very weekend, the Berlin Wall fell.

"The red flag of communism was lowered over Eastern Europe. For a quarter of a century Manchester United's red flag has flown proudly over English football.

"Some question whether it'll ever fly as high again. It's a matter of time. The Louis van Gaal era has not started well."

EPA

MOTD's John Roder at St Mary's

"Southampton's start to the season has been extraordinary - they come into this match against Leicester in second place in the Premier League table and having lost only one of their last 11 fixtures in all competitions.

"The Saints are playing vibrant, exciting football, scoring plenty of goals and that is combined with a miserly defence. A perfect recipe."

Andy Carroll is back for West Ham today. The £15m striker has been out since tearing ankle ligaments in the Hammers' pre-season tour of New Zealand but is on the bench today and looks in good spirits during the warm-up.

MOTD's John Motson at Upton Park

"This game at Upton Park brings together two Claret and Blue armies marching in very different directions.

"The Hammers are riding high in fifth place, having claimed 10 points from a possible 12.

"Villa, meanwhile, have slumped to 16th after a run of six consecutive defeats - their worst run in the top flight since 1964."

Player reaction

Chelsea's John Terry, speaking to BT Sport: "They probably had the better of the first half but the second half we were in control and never looked like losing, which is the difficulty at Anfield.

"We have seen everyone is beating everyone. We have had a good run, we go into the international break in confidence and hopefully can continue our good form.

"The whole team is putting big performances week and week out but Diego Costa has been at the heart of that."

PA

Messi chases La Liga record

Getty Images

Lionel Messi could become La Liga's all-time highest scorer on Saturday as Barcelona look to get their campaign back on track against Almeria.

Messi has scored 250 goals, leaving him one shy of Telmo Zarra, who has held the record for nearly 60 years.

You can see if he does it here.

Follow the table-top match in Scotland

There is a big game in Scotland today where the winners know they will take top spot in the Scottish Premiership.

Inverness take on Hamilton at the Caledonian Stadium and you can follow every incident on our Scottish live text as well as news from the other games going on north of the border.

MOTD's Guy Mowbray at Turf Moor

"What have Burnley got in common with Bishops Cleeve FC? Well, the Gloucestershire side are the next team down in England's football pyramid who have yet to win a league game this season.

"They play in the eighth tier, in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South & West, and will be hosting promotion-chasing Shortwood United as Burnley get on with trying to tame the Tigers.

"Winless though the Clarets are, Sean Dyche's positive approach continues into a match that many will see as a big chance for his team to get off the mark - and it must happen soon if Burnley are to have any realistic hope of Premier League survival."

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey: "Louis van Gaal knew they had as shocking defence before and he went and spent X amount of attacking players. Man Utd lost Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic and not really replaced them. I would have kept Rio or Vidic just to pass on their knowledge to the younger players."

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live

"I think Crystal Palace under Tony Pulis were very organised. Under Neil Warnock they are a bit more open and that does cause them problems. I think Palace could end up struggling this season. They are leaking goals, which did not happen last season."

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Just kicking into life, Manchester United v Crystal Palace on 5 live sports extra. Listen now as John Acres and Jimmy Armfield bring you all the action from Old Trafford.

PA

The FA Cup

Live on the BBC

Don't forget, we have 25 FA Cup first round games today, all kicking off at 15:00 GMT, and we'll be bringing you all the thrills, spills and hopefully some shocks throughout the afternoon as 10 nonleague sides come up against league opposition here.

Ryman Premier side East Thurrock United's near 600 mile round trip to the Football League's bottom club Hartlepool will be one of our featured games.

Meanwhile, Hemel Hempstead Town, once home of James Bond actor Roger Moore, are travelling to Bury, and Conference leaders Barnet could upset the odds at home to Wycombe.

But sadly Weston Super Mare's home game against League One Doncaster has been called off after five pitch inspections and there will be no aviation related puns as Concord Rangers's match away at Mansfield has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers have a lot of work to do. It was unbelievable the amount of possession they had in the closing stages of the game, but they were sadly lacking in ideas when they got into the final third.

"Fabio Borini, why did he not start? He may lack a bit of craft but he brings you that energy. It's not a criticism, but because of injuries I don't think Brendan Rodgers knows his best team. Adam Lallana, on the bench today, he must be thinking: 'Why did I come here?'"

Sam Jones: Mourinho has upgraded the Chelsea bus into a tank that steamrolls everything in its path. They'll win the league easily.

Olufemi Adegbe: Honestly, what did Liverpool fans think would happen after Suarez left?

Uchenna Nelson: Liverpool simply disappointing this season. I hope they find the desired spark to light up their game.

What do you think?

Chelsea look formidable, with Southampton their nearest challengers.

But can Southampton continue their fine Premier League form and finish in the top four come the end of the season?

Vote at the top of this page or tweet @BBCSport with either #yes or #no. The vote will close at 17:00 GMT and full t&c's can be found on the BBC Sport website.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"Are Chelsea so good or have other teams not performed how we were expecting? After they scored the second goal they soaked up all the pressure.

"When they had the chance to break they did, but they know how to win games and run the clock down. Jose Mourinho's teams have always been good at compacting the game. They could have won by more. It's been a very professional job here today."

FULL-TIME

All over.

Is the Premier League title race all but over already? They are seven points clear.

PA

SUBSTITUTION

Another 30 seconds killed as Filipe Luis comes on for Eden Hazard...

First bit of penetration in half an hour for Liverpool as Rickie Lambert finally breaks in behind, he stands up a cross for Raheem Sterling, he can't convert and when he pops it back in, Fabio Borini is well over the top.

90 seconds left...

Liverpool throw as we tick into the third of five minutes added on...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

LFCway: What a save by Cahill!

Dan Wilcox: How long has Gary Cahill played in goal for Chelsea?

Jay: Poor decision there. That was a definite penalty.

INJURY TIME

FIVE MINUTES added on. The Kop cheer with appreciation, as Chelsea move into further levels of game management. Get it in the corners!

SUBSTITUTION

After a bit of treatment Diego Costa looks OK but Jose Mourinho takes no chances - Didier Drogba is on.

As the inquest goes on into that penalty claim, Diego Costa goes down after his umpteenth struggle with Martin Skrtel. Into the last minute...

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"From where we are high up in the gantry it looked as if the ball hit Gary Cahill's arm as he fell on it. It's a penalty 100%. I cannot believe the referee did not give that. The ball hit him just above his wrist."

PENALTY APPEAL

HUGE shout from the Kop as Gary Cahill blocks a shot from Steven Gerrard! They want handball, and it does strike Cahill on the arm!

He was trying to get his chest into the ball, but it hit his arm for sure. Big talking point...

AP

YELLOW CARD

He's earned that one. Diego Costa in the book for his 19th infringement.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Kebabmon: Liverpool should have kept Balotelli on the pitch and played with three up front.

Welshcollie: I just don't see the point of Balotelli as a Liverpool player. He doesn't chase the ball in attack.

Owen White: Balotelli is so over-rated. He's just a headline-grabbing version of a decent forward like Lukaku.

"Come and have a go if you think you're hard enough!"

That's essentially what Chelsea are taunting Liverpool with. Can you break us down, cause us trouble, score a goal? At the moment the answer on all three counts is no.

Five minutes to go and Thibaut Cortois is on easy street in the Chelsea net. It only takes a second though...

Text us on 81111

Matt in Bristol: Good performance from Mignolet today. Toure should have played, he'd have dealt with Cahill's goal.

Ahmed from London: Liverpool are so easy to play against. No attacking options.

Andy: Chelsea's superior strength and power was clearly evident for their second goal. Liverpool's smaller players just couldn't cope.

YELLOW CARD

Oscar - who is resembling Paul Scholes more and more in the tackling department, goes in the book for bringing down Glen Johnson. Liverpool have seven minutes to find the net.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"Mario Balotelli is one of those players who you sometimes think is brilliant while at other times he can be frustrating and a bit lazy. But I feel sorry for him because he needs a partner. You have to play Balotelli in a front two.

"Chelsea going to play the percentage game from here you feel. But they have dropped right off the pace and Liverpool only need one chance."

Chelsea were denied the three points by a late, late show at Old Trafford a few weeks ago, are they on for a repeat here? Sitting off very deep now with Liverpool piling men on.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Can Liverpool raise themselves for a late surge in front of The Kop? Captain Steven Gerrard is doing his best but the Anfield crowd is getting increasingly frustrated by Liverpool's ponderous build-up. It is in real contrast to the pace and power that blew teams away last season."

Alan Green

5 live sport commentator at Anfield

"Here's a prediction. Mario Balotelli will be somewhere else in January, somewhere like Fiorentina in Italy, with Liverpool paying his salary. Which will be big."

SUBSTITUTION

Reuters

Mario Balotelli has had another blank afternoon and is off, with Rickie Lambert getting just over 10 minutes up front. Can the England man get the better of Chelsea's back four?

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"Since Liverpool made the substitutions they have actually got players in the box going forward. They have to go for the equaliser but Chelsea have just dropped off and are waiting for the home side to make a mistake in possession, as they have done countless times already today. And Chelsea are one of the best at exploiting space on the counter attack."

Liverpool suddenly look energised, Balboa-esque after being on the ropes. Can they force an equaliser? Chelsea have gone pragmatic.

CLOSE!

Diego Costa has scored 10 goals in nine Premier League games. The only player to reach double figure in fewer games is Mick Quinn (six).

Liverpool then go close! Jordan Hendesron steaming on to a volley, it's going wide but hits Nemanja Matic and scoops over the top. Building up a head of steam?

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Liverpool's fans not impressed in the slightest with manager Brendan Rodgers' decision to take off Philippe Coutinho and Emre Can. Loud jeers."

If you were a gambling man you'd be backing Chelsea to win the league by a spread of 7-10 points right now. As our tweeters rightly point out, they look clinical. Where's the weakness?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Ash: What position is Glen Johnson meant to be playing? He's a right-back isn't he? So why wasn't he defending at right-back?

Tim Arstall: You have to respect Chelsea. Their fortitude of mentality against rival clubs is just incredible.

Daniel Siggers: Chelsea are just too clinical for the rest of the league.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"It's a great ball by Willian through to Cesar Azpilicueta, he makes the overlap while Philippe Coutinho is claiming offside, and I don't know where Glen Johnson is. Simon Mignolet gets a hand to the cross but it drops to that man who does not miss - Diego Costa. His eyes are on the ball, head down, and it is a great strike.

"Liverpool were all over the place at the back. And even in possession they look edgy, and their distribution has been poor."

FULL-TIME

Derby's biggest crowd of the season saw the Rams move to the top of the Championship with an emphatic win over a disappointing Wolves.

Two goals each for Johnny Russell and Jeff Hendrick, after an opener from defender Ryan Shotton, saw Derby cruise to their biggest win on the season.

LINE-UPS

PA

Burnley manager Sean Dyche recalls striker Ashley Barnes in favour of Marvin Sordell as he makes just the one change from the team which started their 3-0 defeat at Arsenal last weekend.

Burnley XI: Heaton, Trippier, Duff, Shackell, Ward, Marney, Jones, Arfield, Boyd, Barnes, Ings.

Hull boss Steve Bruce makes two changes from the side which lost 1-0 at home to Southampton as fit-again goalkeeper Steve Harper replaces Eldin Jakupovic while Sone Aluko is preferred to Hatem Ben Arfa who drops to the bench.

Hull XI: Harper, Chester, McShane, Davies, Elmohamady, Huddlestone, Livermore, Brady, Diame, Hernandez, Aluko.

SUBSTITUTION

How do you react to going behind? Bring on Fabio Borini and Joe Allen. That's the difference in the two squads on show.

Can Liverpool find some bounce-back-ability?

GOAL

Getty Images

Give him a chance, and he does not miss! Jose Mourinho spent most of last season bemoaning his lack of a killer up front, and he's certainly found one in Diego Costa.

Costa bangs in his 10th of the season in the blink of an eye. Cesar Azpilicueta makes it with a fine run down the left, Simon Mignolet can only palm his low ball back into the mixer, and Costa rifles it home ruthlessly. There were two defenders on the line, Costa had one touch - and that#'s all he needed.

LINE-UPS

The second-placed Saints have made one change from the side that beat Hull City 1-0 last week. Sadio Mane comes in for Shane Long for Ronald Koeman's side.

Southampton XI: Forster, Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Bertrand, Steven Davis, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Mane, Pelle, Tadic.

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson has made two changes to the side beaten 1-0 at home by West Brom last Saturday. Argentine striker Leandro Ulloa is recalled as the Foxes go in search of their first goal in four games.

Leicester City XI: Schmeichel; De Laet, Wasilewski, Morgan, Schlupp; Cambiasso, James, Drinkwater, King; Vardy, Ulloa.

ANFIELD ANALYSIS

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Quieter start to this half but with Chelsea still looking the more threatening - and at least peace has been temporarily declared between Diego Costa and Martin Skrtel.

"Liverpool's best hope remains the pace and dash of Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling and both have tested Thibaut Courtois. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will be increasingly frustrated that Chelsea have not made more of their possession."

Right on message, Diego Costa gets a new shirt from the Chelsea kit man. The Anfield crowd has been energised by that contentious piece of play between the sides. Plenty of chants ringing out.

"It was just banter..."

Don't make him angry...

Diego Costa's been putting himself about a bit today. His ripped up number 19 shirt is evidence enough of that...

Getty Images

Mind you, it's nothing on this Glen Johnson effort for Chelsea when he played for the Blues circa 2005...

Getty Images

Controversy. Branislav Ivanovic goes down injured, Chelsea decide to play on and then give it away, leaving Liverpool in a moral quandary. They do decide to continue but eventually referee Anthony Taylor calls it to a halt. A massive grey area still that one...

LINE-UPS

Getty Images

Michael Carrick starts for the first time this season as the midfielder lines up in the centre of the defence alongside teenager Paddy McNair for Manchester United. Marcos Rojo misses out having dislocated his shoulder last weekend, while Chris Smalling is suspended.

Man Utd XI: De Gea, Valencia, McNair, Blind, Shaw, Fellaini, Carrick, Januzaj, Rooney, Di Maria, Van Persie.

After the 3-1 defeat to Sunderland on Monday, defenders Martin Kelly and Brede Hangeland drop out of Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace team, with Damien Delaney and Adrian Mariappa coming in. Jason Puncheon starts with Wilfried Zaha missing out. Palace captain Mile Jedinak is suspended.

Palace XI: Speroni, Mariappa, Delaney, Dann, Ward, Puncheon, Ledley, McArthur, Bolasie, Chamakh, Campbell.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"Dejan Lovren is having an absolute nightmare. If we're talking about changes Liverpool might make then Brendan Rodgers has to be looking at Kolo Toure coming on. Last week at St James' Park Lovren was very poor as well. Today he has been all over the shop. His decision making has been very poor. You can see why Liverpool leak goals."

The tempo has gone, the thrill has gone, it's all got a bit chess-like at Anfield. Both sides staring each other out. Who's going to blink?

LINE-UPS

Senegal international Diafra Sakho, who has hit six goals in his first six league starts, returns after injury for West Ham. He replaces Morgan Amalfitano in attack, the only changes from the Hammers' 2-2 draw at Stoke last week.

West Ham XI: Adrian, Reid, Cresswell, Kouyate, Downing, Sakho, Noble, Jenkinson, Collins, Song, Valencia.

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert, looking to arrest a run of seven straight defeats, replaces suspended frontman Christian Benteke with Gabriel Agbonlahor. Elsewhere it's an unchanged line-up from the side which lost late on against Tottenham last weekend.

Aston Villa XI: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Baker, Cissokho, Sanchez, Westwood, Cleverley, Weimann, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor.

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Peter in Leeds: Liverpool's centre backs are football's version of silent Laurel and Hardy movies...

Sheelagh: Skrtel v Costa is a red card (or two) waiting to happen. Arms, elbows and hands flying when the ball is nowhere near them.

Dot from Milton Keynes: can Brendan break his dogma, remove the blinkers and allow the Ronaldo tamer on to the pitch?!

Willian's first foray into the penalty area ends with Alberto Moreno seeing him out - bit of a shove in the back, risky business - but there are no major appeals.

We've had 10 minutes of the second half. No blows landed.

GREAT SAVE!

Wrists of iron! What a big left hand from Thibaut Courtois as the Belgian gets down well to repel Raheem Sterling's fizzing effort. This is the best I've seen Sterling play in a good few games.

Chelsea then break but Eden Hazard's shot after a brilliant, surging run into the Liverpool box is blocked.

A sign of Chelsea's change in approach from last season, as Ramires is replaced by Willian. Brazilian for Brazilian.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

Getty Images

"It's been a good start to the second half by Chelsea. They have been controlling the pace of the game and are dictating the football so far. They are dominating the game, and nobody is getting close to Eden Hazard. He can do what he wants with the ball, and Chelsea are getting through the Liverpool defence so easily."

ACROBATIC EFFORT

Liverpool goalscorer Emre Can has impressed in a rare league start this afternoon, but he blots his copybook with a slack pass when his team-mates were well placed. Chelsea rip up the pitch and Diego Costa tries an instinctive, overhead effort, brilliant try but the ball hits his shins and goes over the top.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Madan Roka: I wonder if Chelsea fans prefer this attacking Chelsea (that are drawing the match) or the defensive Chelsea that won this April.

Svein Erik Gjelseng: Costa is a disgusting player, and should be on a yellow already.

DJ Williams: Costa should be ashamed of himself picking on Skrtl. He's old enough to be his dad...

YELLOW CARD

Chelsea force the early pace as they win a corner but the Liverpool defence stand solid on this occasion, hacking the ball clear. If in doubt, blast it out.

Branislav Ivanovic then goes in the book for grappling with Raheem Sterling.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, now at Bayern Munich, on Twitter: "Nice battle between Liverpool's centre-backs and Diego Costa. Good game by Philippe Coutinho and Glen Johnson. Interesting second half. Come on Reds!"

KICK-OFF

Back under way at Anfield. Seconds out, round two...

November rain

The FA Cup

Live on the BBC

We've sadly lost our first FA Cup first round game of the day. Mansfield's home game against Conference South Concord Rangers has been called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

The rain has been tipping it down locally, leaving the pitch unplayable.

Not to worry fans of the 'cupset' because we still have 26 other games on today, and you can follow all the updates, goals and reaction here.

We should have team news from our four 15:00 Premier League games coming up just after 14:00. Any sweeping changes needed? Can Leicester get back on track?

Will Diego Costa and Martin Skrtel survive the second half? You'd have to fancy them to come to blows at least once. Engaging on the eye that one.

Different approach

Opta

Liverpool have been focussing their attacks down the left, with Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho heavily involved. Chelsea, meanwhile, are putting their efforts in trying to find a way through the middle, via lone striker Diego Costa.

Opta

#2good2bad

MOTD2

BBC Sport

Getty Images

This one's for the eagle-eyed amongst you. We're asking you to keep a look out for any weird and wonderful moments over the course of this weekend's Premier League action.

You can share your comedy gold using #2good2bad on Twitter, and then look out for our weekly round-up on Match of the Day 2 from 22:30 on BBC One on Sunday, and from 23:15 for viewers in Scotland.

Steve McClaren has got his side playing very, very well. Back in the big time soon?

Getty Images

GOAL

It is more joy from Derby and more misery for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Craig Forsyth's cross from the left hand side drifts in behind the hapless Wolves defence, and Johnny Russell is allowed to meet the ball with an emphatic finish. Cue somersault celebrations. Steve McClaren's side are at the top of their game here and are cruising to the top of the table.

ANFIELD ANALYSIS

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Good old-fashioned fare at Anfield. Liverpool started well but Chelsea in control at the end of the half.

"Boxing promoter Frank Warren may be taking more than a passing interest in the continuing scrap between Liverpool's Martin Skrtel and Chelsea striker Diego Costa - would sell plenty of tickets if they took it away from Anfield and made it official. One, or both, will go if it carries on.

"Liverpool are living on their nerves at the back, with Dejan Lovren doing little as yet to justify his inclusion ahead of Kolo Toure."

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"Liverpool started brightly but Chelsea have been dominant. They really should be winning this game and maybe could have put it to bed.

"Yes you can say that confidence is a real issue, but the big difference between the two sides is that when Chelsea don't have the ball their creative players, like Eden Hazard and Oscar, do a good job for the team defensively. I don't think Liverpool's creative players do the same. And I don't think they are asking enough questions of the Chelsea back four either."

AFP

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Can Liverpool keep Chelsea at bay in the second half? Or will Chelsea eventually steamroller the hosts.

Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

Derby playing like Real Madrid...

GOAL

It is a superbly worked goal from Derby County, who are more than demonstrating their worth as Championship table-toppers. Intricate passing in the final third ended with Will Hughes flicking the ball into the path of Jeff Hendrick, who kept his composure and placed his second of the game into the corner. Wolves have a battle on now to prevent the hosts totally running away with this one.

HALF-TIME

Getty Images

Premier League: Here's how the Goal Decision System saw Chelsea's equaliser.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"I have to say, it's not Chelsea's good play but Liverpool's terrible play that is leading to chances for the visitors. The Liverpool defence are at sixes and sevens at times. They look so uncomfortable in possession. Eden Hazard has had loads of the ball in the past 5-10 minutes. He's had three shots, two of them were blocked and one was an easy save by Simon Mignolet."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Aashish: It's been an energetic game - a contest at least.

Rastamadeus FC: If Rodgers would allow Liverpool players to just boot the ball away all the defensive problems would stop. But no, pass pass pass...

Max Welford: Maybe Liverpool just mistakenly signed Lovren - they actually wanted Fonte?

YELLOW CARD

Raheem Sterling is the winner of the 'first yellow card' sweepstake. He blocks off Ramires and gets a caution to his name.

Right on cue Eden Hazard beats Glen Johnson with ease, stepping on to his right foot and curling a shot from 20 yards, but Simon Mignolet sees it all the way and makes an easy stop. Can the Reds hold on for half-time? They're on the ropes.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"Liverpool just have to take a little breather now. Their fans are starting to get frustrated but they need to support their team because they are going through a difficult period.

"The Chelsea players look like they believe they will get the second goal very shortly, but this game is finely balanced. First Chelsea are on top and then it's Liverpool who have a good spell. But when the hosts do get forward they don't get the ball in the box often enough for me. They get into good areas but there is only ever one player in the penalty area. Mario Balotelli needs a partner up front."

Getty Images

Steady on there Richard from Exmouth, you'll do yourself some damage with that much passion on a Saturday afternoon...

Brendan Rodgers steps out of his office and calls over Glen Johnson, asking him to do a better job of marking Eden Hazard. Solid advice.

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Steve: Jordan Henderson is in a terrible run of form.

Scott in Lancaster: Mario Balotelli scores when he has space. When will we see Balotelli with a strike partner, Brendan?

Richard from Exmouth: Brendan Rogers is like The Emperor's New Clothes. The guy is an absolute charlatan who got lucky by inheriting a world-class talent who drove the team forward. An utter shambles as a top-flight manager, who is finally getting found out.

It's the men in blue who are having the best of this one now, looking a real threat with Diego Costa and Eden Hazard at the heart of it. Hazard has a shot blocked after good work down the right, before Costa has a half-hearted penalty shout waved away when his cross is blocked by Alberto Moreno.

EPA

Martin Skrtel and Diego Costa all over each other again, like teenagers at the back of a school disco. Costa loves a tussle, he is the ultimate wind-up merchant. He must be infuriating to play against.

Like a renegade detective in a gritty cop show, he lives with one foot on either side of the law...

ANFIELD ANALYSIS

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Tough physical battle developing here between Liverpool's Martin Skrtel and Chelsea striker Diego Costa - who were in opposition recently when Slovakia met Spain in the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

"Fair to say not too many pleasantries are being exchanged and Costa, in particular has shown his determination not to be outmuscled by Premier League defenders.

"Chelsea into their stride after a slow start but Philippe Coutinho's pace and trickery is offering encouragement for Liverpool."

Liverpool are back to their high-tempo, high-pressing best so far this afternoon. They are hounding the Chelsea players, with Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas being hassled like Peter Andre in an Iceland advert.

Opta

A good first half showing from Liverpool so far is highlighted by their dominance in possession. However, the stats also show that the ball is spending more time in the Reds' area than Chelsea's, suggesting that the away side are more dangerous in the final third.

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Chris Deeley: Credit where credit's due - Anthony Taylor's doing a very good job of reffing this game so far. On top of everything immediately.

Seb Amann: Coutinho is bossing it today. Showing why he should be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Ash: Opposite type of strikers here. Everyone tries to wind Balotelli up, Costa tries to wind everyone else up.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"That is Philippe Coutinho at his best (see 25 mins). He ghosts past players in the middle of the park, drives at the Chelsea back four, and it is a lovely hit, forcing a good save from Thibaut Courtois. But who is following in for Liverpool? That should have been a tap-in."

PA

CLOSE!

Diego Costa, a one-man crimewave, holds off two men before squeezing off a shot which deflects up and away for a corner. Chelsea looking threatening from every set-piece delivery and the hosts make a meal of clearing this one too. John Terry wins two headers but eventually the red shirts see it out.

GREAT SAVE!

Like a US TV show during a writer's strike, the early promise is threatening to tail off in this one. Bit tepid in midfield for the last few minutes. But then Philippe Coutinho breaks out of the mediocrity, lovely run away from Cesc Fabegas and a low drive from range which forces Thibaut Courtois into a sprawling save.

I'll stick with it for now...

HALF-TIME

Derby are heading to the top of the Championship table and in emphatic style, it would seem. The Rams have been clinical in this first half, converting from all of their three shots on target.

Kenny Jackett will be furious at some of his side's defending, as they have been carved open for all three goals. At the other end George Saville missed Wolves' best chance, drilling over the bar from 12 yards with the score at 1-0. Wolves need to stage quite a turnaround in this second half to avoid their fourth league defeat of the season.

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Ade: Chelsea fans singing? That's a first.

James in London: Even at 1-0 Chelsea fans were making all the noise. Jose eating his words?

Andy from Armagh: Surely an own-goal from Simon Mignolet as he caught it and then dragged it back over the line with him?

Let's get physical, physical! Diego Costa barges Martin Skrtel in the back, sends the centre-back flying! Words are exchanged too, and it threatens to get out of hand until referee Anthony Taylor steps in.

No cards, just a frank exchange of views. Costa is the epitome of a right handful.'

AFP

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson

Football Focus

"I think Steven Gerrard to America is possible, but I don't think it's imminent. He'll get another contract at Liverpool. I don't think he's definitely leaving. All he said in that interview the other week was that he wants a new contract, not that he's off."

AFP

PENALTY APPEAL

Liverpool do have a corner from that Glen Johnson scuff - and they work it well. Pulled back low to the near post, Jordan Henderson makes the Teddy Sheringham run but fluffs his shot, a red shirt does lash in an effort though and Gary Cahill blocks - with the top of his shoulder. His neck really.

Liverpool want a penalty, they don't get it.

Liverpool seem to have their mojo back, they are moving the ball much faster than in recent weeks. Raheem Sterling looking fresh and fruity on the left this time, beating his man, but Glen Johnson eventually wastes the move with a poor ball in.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Aman Sheth: That goal would never have been given if not for goal-line technology.

Bonky: Crikey! Well done technology, nothing to debate for the Dubious Goals Committee nowadays.

Femi John Atoyebi: Set pieces. Liverpool's Achilles heel.

DISALLOWED GOAL

Mario Balotelli steers in a wonderful low finish - but he's offside. Good play from Philippe Coutinho in the build up.

Reuters

ANFIELD ANALYSIS

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Liverpool will be desperately disappointed to concede so soon after going ahead. Emre Can's goal provided just the lift they needed but an instant response from Chelsea.

"Emre Can has been prominent for Liverpool early on, helped by an uncharacteristic offering of space from Chelsea, which led to his goal.

"Steven Gerrard's name getting plenty of attention from both sets of supporters - a leftover from his slip in Chelsea's win here last April that helped to deprive Liverpool of the title."

Chelsea fans react to that goal by singing songs about Steven Gerrard. Not especially nice ones either.

Great start to a big game. It's as open as you like.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"It is over the line - we've seen it on the replay. At first I thought the linesman would have been really brave to award that one. But the Liverpool marking was woeful. It was a shocking goal to give away at this level of football. Who is marking who? The Chelsea players were queuing up to put it in. Liverpool had been struggling to live with Chelsea since they took the lead."

GOAL

Derby forward Johnny Russell makes it 3-0, and it was more poor defending from Wolves. Kenny Jackett's side were all over the place as Russell ghosted in from the edge of the area, after the visitors had failed to clear the initial corner and he fired into the corner from 12 yards. Game over?

GOAL

Goal-line technology to Chelsea's rescue! They were on the end of a contentious call at the Kop end in 2005 - think Luis Garcia - but this time it gives them parity!

Diego Costa flicks on a corner, John Terry's header is brilliantly saved by Simon Mignolet, but Gary Cahill reacts well to slam in a shot. Mignolet grabs it - but the ball was an inch or so over the line.

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The Knackers Yard

In case you did back it [See 12:38]...20-1 shot Gerrard's Slip did not figure among the places in the 12.40 at Doncaster, never really threatening the leaders and finishing a distant 11th out of 13 runners.

Liverpool fans will hope that is not a signal...

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"Liverpool have started brightly and have looked the better team, although it is still early. But Emre Can has looked particularly strong going forward. Yes there was a little bit of good fortune about the goal, but you have to have a go. There was no chance for Thibaut Courtois. He was sent the wrong way by the deflection."

"The fields of Anfield Road" booms out from a packed Kop. Chelsea, don't forget, are unbeaten this season. Jose Mourinho looked particularly cheesed off about that goal. Slack defending again.

Getty Images

GOAL

Chelsea don't learn their lesson! Emre Can had gone close with a first-minute effort and opens his Liverpool account with another long-range drive, he's not closed down, the shot hits the shoulder of Gary Cahill, and loops into the net.

Liverpool rocking.

Getty Images

Letting Nemanja Matic leave Chelsea a few years ago was, in hindsight, a terrible decision. Like Decca not signing the Beatles.

But at least the Blues rectified their decision, he's been brilliant since he returned.

Getty Images

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"This is not the Liverpool of last season - they are sitting deep behind the ball when Chelsea are in possession. It's been a good start from the home side though. Straight from kick-off there were big gaps in midfield, which you do not often see with Chelsea. I thought Emre Can's deflected shot (see 1 min) was going to nestle in the top corner."

The much-maligned Mario Balotelli offers his first moment of danger, spinning in behind John Terry to meet martin Skrtel's clip over the top - but he's just offside. Good movement though from the Italian enigma.

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson

Football Focus

"The problem for Brendan Rodgers is that he's put more pressure on himself for today's game considering his midweek Champions League selection. It's today's game on which Rodgers will be judged. For Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge has hardly been fit and they've lost a world-class player in Luis Suarez, who only now are we really realising how great he was. And Mario Balotelli, for me, simply doesn't work hard enough.

"Any weaknesses for Chelsea? Absolutely not. They made money in the transfer market but they've ended up with a stronger side - how impressive is that? Plus, they're the strongest side mentally in the division."

Liverpool starting with the early intensity and tempo which was their trademark last season. Can they hit Chelsea early, and hit them hard? Steven Gerrard whips in a dangerous delivery but Thibaut Courtois is commander of all he surveys.

GOAL

Derby midfielder Jeff Hendrick's long-range shot fizzes off the surface into the back of the net from 25 yards. It was sloppy from Wolves' point of view, and it's a long way back for Kenny Jackett's side now.

CLOSE!

Emre Can, built like a cruiserweight, moves through midfield and gets a shot away, it deflects off John Terry - and just wide!

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Jason Roberts

Football Focus

"Tuning in to a match between two clubs of the stature of Real Madrid and Liverpool on Tuesday, the fact that Brendan Rodgers left out so many big names did not ring true and that was a problem for me.

"Up front they have problems but Mario Balotelli is not the same type of player as Luis Suarez or Daniel Sturridge. Chasing the attack is not his game. And if he is going to be up there on his own you have to provide the chances for him. Meanwhile, Chelsea are looking formidable, both in defence and attack. When they are on form I do not see who can deal with them."

KICK-OFF

Game on at Anfield!

Burnley fc

Burnley FC on Twitter: There will be a period of silence for our fallen ahead of kick-off today. #WeWillRememberThem

A minute's silence envelops Anfield, as it will at all football matches this afternoon. Poppies everywhere you look, on the shirts, on flags and on banners.

Getty Images

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Bryan Cooper: Tuesday: Brendan Rodgers lambasted for picking reserves like Fabio Borini and Kolo Toure. Saturday: Lambasted for not picking Borini and Toure.

Brian O'Donovan: Steven Gerrard will never be a natural defensive midfielder. Compare him and Nemanja Matic today. Chelsea to win 2-0.

The players are out at Anfield, flanked by an enormous poppy and members of the armed services. Almost game time.

Back the wrong horse?

As if we in the media haven't mentioned it enough, you can't even escape Steven Gerrard's lapse if you steer away from the football.

Channel 4

Chelsea fans, and Manchester City fans, have reason to have a flutter this afternoon. Liverpool fans have reason to get angry.

Running at the 12:40 at Doncaster, just five minutes before kick-off at Anfield, is this nag. Number seven.

Gerrard's Slip...

GOAL

The delivery of Derby's Real Madrid loanee Omar Mascarell has caused the Wolves defence problems, and after Ryan Shotton's earlier warning from a header over the bar, the on-loan Stoke defender makes it count this time, with a header that just evades the reaches of Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme.

Derby would leap from fourth to top of the table with a win here today ahead of the three o'clock kick-offs.

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Bill Kenny: I wonder who Brendan will pick today, since apparently he is picking players based on current form? Stevie G shouldn't see the pitch if that's the case.

Chris Jones: yet another game where Gerrard will get found out.

Abubakar Douglas: Chelsea will take it by two goals but it will be tight for the first 60 minutes.

Getty Images

"It's a new league, a new life, I'm loving it" says Chelsea striker Diego Costa as he continues his warm-up at Anfield. Can Liverpool stop him? He was brilliant last time he was in the city, scoring twice in a 6-3 win at Everton. He could put Dejan Lovren into a world of pain...

Can Gareth Bale ever be that good?

Bale aiming to match Ronaldo

Real Madrid and Wales forward Gareth Bale

Football Focus

"I'm improving all the time and trying to get to the level Cristiano Ronaldo is at. The amount of goals he scores and what he does for the team is incredible. Nobody is living up to that at the moment. At the moment he's on another level to everyone else.

Reuters

"By seeing him in training and in games it gives me that kind of platform to aim for and keep improving, and hopefully one day I can get there."

You can read more from Football Focus's interview with Gareth here.

Strange substitutions

This morning we have been working in tandem with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and asking you: What are the strangest substitutions you've witnessed or been involved in?

Kev: Once during our team's Sunday League match the opposition keeper was subbed off because his car was on fire!

Christopher Sawford: Scored a 35-yard volley whilst running. My best goal ever. Carried on running, got my bag and ran home. Gaffer had to sub me!

Max Ambrose: On the bench for the first time ever in a pre-season game, nagged boss to get me on and five minutes later I scored from halfway line.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only) or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Injured striker Daniel Sturridge is suited and booted. "It's the worst feeling in football" is how he sums up his spell on the sidelines.

He also says that he will be ready for Liverpool's first game after the international break. A massive, massive boost for his side.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Kolo Toure received a polite - and probably sympathetic - round of applause from Liverpool's fans as he left the pitch after his warm-up. Harshly dropped after performing so well in Madrid.

"This could also be a tale of two strikers here today. Chelsea solved their striking problems from last season by paying £32m to Atletico Madrid for Diego Costa while Liverpool gambled £16m on Mario Balotelli as part of the plan to replace Luis Suarez. Costa has been an unqualified success while Balotelli has yet to score a league goal."

It could be all about the start - and the end - of today's game.

Chelsea have netted four goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches this season, more than any other team in the top flight.

But half of the Premier League goals Chelsea have conceded this season have come in the final 15 minutes of matches.

FOCUS!

Football Focus

Get Focussed you lot.

Live from the seaside. It looks very, very choppy...

Live now on BBC One and on this page.

CUP O'CLOCK

The FA Cup

Live on the BBC

Getty Images

While our focus here will be on the Premier League, the FA Cup first round is continuing elsewhere, with a monstrous 27 games kicking-off up and down the country at 15:00 GMT.

Last night Warrington Town of the Northern Premier Division One stunned League Two Exeter City in their first ever FA Cup first-round game.

Will we have anymore Cupsets today?

For all of the build-up and views ahead of kick-off, Football Focus with Dan Walker has just begun on BBC Two live from Weston-Super-Mare, and you can supplement all your FA Cup needs with our online live text here.

KICK-OFF

Game on in the midlands...

Stop Cesc

If Liverpool are going to get a result today, they will have to stop Cesc Fabregas. The chance creator, the difference maker, the artist who gilds Chelsea's play with the final touch.

Fabregas already has nine assists in the Premier League. Only four players set up more goals in the whole of last season's Premier League than Fabregas has created this term (Gerrard 13, Suarez 12, Lambert 10 and Rooney 10).

Extraordinary.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "Chelsea have made changes too from midweek, it's been made a big deal that we did the same. I've shown the trust within our group this week. We put in a performance in Madrid and we didn't get the result.

"A win today would reignite our season. The one thing you can say about our players is that we are very committed to how we are playing.

"Steven Gerrard has been very influential in my time here and his slip last season was one of those things."

AP

Strange substitutions

This morning we have been working in tandem with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and asking you: What are the strangest substitutions you've witnessed or been involved in?

Naz: One of my team-mates had to be subbed after five minutes as he'd waxed his hair before the game and it was running into his eyes!

Adam Horton: My team's goalkeeper got subbed for making a daisy chain while the other team scored. We were about nine.

Abhishek: Thought I wouldn't be playing and went to see a movie. Boss calls halfway into movie. Was put on as a sub as I rushed back. Scored a goal.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only) or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Football Focus

In case you're wondering where your regular dose of Football Focus has gone, today it's delayed by 10 minutes due to The Lord Mayor's Show.

Dan Walker, Mark Lawrenson and Jason Roberts will be with you at 12:20 from Weston-Super-Mare.

BBC

The teams are in the tunnel at Pride Park. Will one, or both, of these sides be joining us at the top table of football next season?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Nic Bullen: Sick of hearing about Steven Gerrard's slip. Let's move on. We go again. How Kolo Toure and Fabio Borini aren't starting I have no idea.

Tim Purcell: Doom mongers at it already. Brendan Rodgers picks a team based on many factors, not just the previous 90 minutes. Although why Glen Johnson?

Mehran Javeed: Big game for Emre Can. He showed strength and resilience midweek as well as adding height in the air.

Jose Mourinho, man of medals, collector of cups, trailblazer of titles. He has a superbly confident air about him at the moment.

Can anyone stop his Chelsea side this year?

Getty Images

Text us on 81111

Conor, Cheltenham: Thought Liverpool were the best they've been defensively on Tuesday, yet Dejan Lovren comes straight back in?

Wavy, Bournemouth: I hope Brendan Rogers can prove his critics wrong and that the choice of Glen Johnson and Mario Balotelli in starting XI doesn't backfire. I also hope that he's willing to change things a bit earlier if not going to plan.

Sam: What more can Kolo Toure do to cement a place in the first XI? Doesn't play often but when he is called upon to play in the toughest away fixture and keep the world's best player at bay he plays exceptionally. Surely his confidence would be high? Poor man management by Rodgers!

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, speaking to BT Sport: "My approach is when Liverpool have the ball we have to defend, when we have the ball we have to attack. When they have the ball we try to stop them, when we have the ball we have to score. This is the A, B, C of football. It is simple.

"Nemanja Matic is the man to speak today. Not me. I finished my work with them at the hotel. Every game we have one player to say a couple of words and today is Matic day."

Mighty Matic

Jose Mourinho also reveals that for every game, a different player is assigned to give the final pre-match team talk.

Today's guest speaker? Midfielder Nemanja Matic...

Reuters

Championship team news

An early game in the Championship too, as Wolves make two changes to the team that started their lacklustre 2-1 defeat by Ipswich in midweek, with George Saville deputising in midfield for the injured Dave Edwards. Captain Sam Ricketts returns to the Wolves defence in place of Tommy Rowe. Nouha Dicko is named on the bench.

For Derby, Simon Dawkins earns a starting place after scoring the winner within a minute of his introduction as a substitute against Huddersfield on Tuesday, with Jordon Ibe dropping to the bench.

Derby starting XI: Butland, Christie, Keogh, Shotton, Forsyth; Mascarell, Hughes, Hendrick; Russell, Dawkins, Martin.

Wolves starting XI: Ikeme; Doherty, Batth, Ebanks-Landell, Ricketts (c); McDonald, Evans, Henry, Saville, Sako; Clarke.

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Captain Sam Ricketts returns to the Wolves team

"Last season they had everything in their hands - but they lost it."

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wastes no time in putting the boot in on Liverpool as he sports a marvellous scarf in the Anfield tunnel. He does say that Liverpool are still in the title race. Surely they have to win this afternoon?

'One hand on the trophy...'

PA

It has been 195 days since Steven Gerrard's slip let Demba Ba in to score a key goal in Chelsea's last visit to Anfield.

That's 4,680 hours since the Liverpool captain miscontrolled a pass from Mamadou Sakho, let it slide under his studs and chased back in vain as Ba slotted home.

That's 280,800 minutes since Liverpool were three points clear at the top of the table.

How many times has Gerrard thought of that moment? He could almost see himself lifting the Premier League trophy...

Right then, time for me to hand over to the main man Tom Rostance to guide you through the Liverpool-Chelsea game, and this afternoon's action.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

AK: Real test for Chelsea today, we will be facing a very spirited Liverpool who are hoping to shut up the critics.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Alex Tuck: Brendan Rodgers ignoring Kolo Toure and Fabio Borini despite them making big differences in recent games. Not much hope for today.

Rob Hayman: No Borini starting and no Javi Manquillo or Lazar Markovic on the bench. Baffled isn't the word.

Chippi: The Chuckle Brothers are starting again then. #Lovren #Skrtel.

A no to Kolo

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Big changes by Brendan Rodgers, with no Fabio Borini or Kolo Toure. Especially harsh on Kolo after his fine performance against Real Madrid.

Mario Balotelli, who has gone 689 minutes since his last goal in the Premier League, gets the nod in attack.

Team News

Ramires is back for Chelsea, and Diego Costa gets the nod to start up front.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Ramires, Oscar, Hazard; Diego Costa

Team News

Liverpool make seven changes from the side which lost to Real Madrid. All of the 'big boys' are back.

Liverpool: Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno: Can, Henderson, Gerrard; Coutinho, Sterling, Balotelli.

MOTD commentator Steve Wilson at Anfield

"Everyone seems to have had their say about Liverpool's team selection in the Bernabeu on Tuesday.

"From Michel Platini and Jose Mourinho to Gary Lineker and John Toshack, there has been much talk of "white flags" and "dark clouds".

"But hold on - in the press this week there was a supportive voice to cheer Liverpool's beleaguered boss Brendan Rodgers. None other than wrestler Sheamus has described Liverpool's selection as "ballsy", before adding "there's great potential there".

BBC Radio 5 live

Busy, busy day of football on 5 live Sport this afternoon. The early kick-off is at Anfield, with John Murray, Alan Green and Chris Waddle taking you through Liverpool v Chelsea from 12:45.

Then, because of international rugby union fun, we'll bring you action from Manchester United v Crystal Palace from 16:20 in the company of John Acres and Jimmy Armfield.

And mopping up post-game reaction from players, manager and you, the fans, is the nation's favourite football phone-in 6-0-6. Call 0500 909 693 when the time comes.

Tune into 5 live via the BBC Sport website and app, the BBC iPlayer Radio app, digital TV and radio and on 909 and 693 medium-wave.

Strange substitutions

This morning we have been working in tandem with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and asking you: What are the strangest substitutions you've witnessed or been involved in?

Wiltshire League Premier Division One club Shrewton United, on Twitter: In our reserve team a few years ago, a lad had to be subbed off at half-time to pick his dog up from the dog groomers.

Dave Featherstone: My central defensive partner went off after 70 minutes to go to a rave. 0-0 turned into 0-3!

Jack Finch: Came down in my lunch break, scored a goal to win us the game. Then back to work. "Is that mud in your ear Jack?"

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only) or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Follow the action on the radio

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

International rugby union action breaks into the wall-to-wall football on BBC Radio 5 live, which means its digital sister station 5 live sports extra comes to us football fans' rescue.

Tune in for Manchester United v Crystal Palace commentary from 15:00 in the company of John Acres and Jimmy Armfield. Once the rugby's out of the way, the game will then switch over to 5 live around 16:20.

Tune into 5 live sports extra via the BBC Sport website and app, the BBC iPlayer Radio app and on digital TV and radio.

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Who's in the team today?

Brendan Rodgers' team selection at Real Madrid in midweek was the talk of the town. He made seven cuts, with Steven Gerrard, Raheem Sterling and Mario Balotelli all missing out.

Who will make the line-up this afternoon? We'll find out in roughly 10 minutes.

Liverpool XI v Real Madrid (0-1)

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Mignolet; Manquillo, Skrtel, Toure, Moreno: Can, Lucas, Allen; Markovic, Lallana, Borini.

Strange substitutions

This morning we have been working in tandem with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and asking you: What are the strangest substitutions you've witnessed or been involved in?

George: I got subbed on for a school match after our keeper got injured diving on some acorns. Quality pitch!

Adam Prior, Priority Allstars, High Wycombe: Was manager of a Sunday non-league team and we were playing our greatest rivals. I started as a sub and we're losing 1-0 nil with ten minutes to go. We got a corner and I brought myself on. I somehow managed to bundle the ball and goalkeeper into the net to much jubilation. Then to wind up the opposition I decided to sub myself! To much amusement from my team.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only) or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Championship preview

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It is a Midlands derby with top-of-the-table significance in the Championship at lunchtime, as sixth-placed Wolves travel to face fourth-placed Derby in the 12:15 GMT kick-off.

Wolves suffered their first defeat in six as they went down 2-1 to Ipswich in midweek, but Kenny Jackett's side have adapted well to life back in the Championship as they bid for a second straight promotion.

The Rams got back on track with a win at home to Huddersfield on Tuesday, having lost the last two before that. Steve McClaren's side and can return to the top of the table with a win.

Derby starting XI: Butland, Christie, Keogh, Shotton, Forsyth; Mascarell, Hughes, Hendrick; Russell, Dawkins, Martin.

Wolves starting XI: Ikeme; Doherty, Batth, Ebanks-Landell, Ricketts (c); McDonald, Evans, Henry, Saville, Sako; Clarke.

'Liverpool will try everything'

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been in classic wind-up form in the build-up to the trip to Liverpool.

Having said he would not sign Steven Gerrard on a free transfer, he has also been piling the pressure on the Reds by highlighting the importance of this afternoon's game for Brendan Rodgers's side.

"Liverpool know that, if they lose, they are 15 points behind," said Mourinho. "If they are 15 points behind in November, obviously it's not over but it's difficult. If they win, nine points behind is different to 15. It's a very good motivation for them. So I expect them to try everything to win."

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey: "Replacing Luis Suarez - you are looking at probably the third best player in the world. It will be difficult. Brendan Rodgers has brought in players who have not adjusted to the Premier League. It will take them a year to adjust."

Getty Images

Strange substitutions

This morning we have been working in tandem with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and asking you: What are the strangest substitutions you've witnessed or been involved in?

James Porter: Our keeper got subbed off with ten minutes to go after he lay down after conceding his 13th goal. We lost 15-0.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only) or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

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"Grisly day here at Anfield. Cold, wet and floodlights on before noon. The sub-plot to this meeting between Liverpool and Chelsea is the fateful day here last April when Steven Gerrard's slip let Demba Ba in for the goal that played such a role in Liverpool's failure to win the Premier League after a 2-0 defeat.

"Since then these teams have gone in opposite directions, with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho leading his side to the top of table while Liverpool counterpart Brendan Rodgers struggles to rekindle the fires of last season without the goals of departed Luis Suarez and injured Daniel Sturridge."

Business as usual in the Championship

While League One and League Two sides are in FA Cup action this weekend, it is business as usual for Championship sides.

Kicking off at 12:15 GMT is Derby versus Wolves, fourth versus sixth, and we'll have updates from the game here.

There was one game last night as Bolton beat Wigan 3-1 to climb out of the relegation zone.

The biggest game of Rodgers's career

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson

BBC Sport

"Because of his team selection against Real Madrid on Tuesday night, this is now the biggest game of Brendan Rodgers' managerial career at Liverpool.

AP

"You can only think that the team he sent out at the Santiago Bernabeu was picked with a view to this game, and beating Chelsea. I don't see that happening, especially with Daniel Sturridge still unavailable up front.

"Chelsea are the Premier League leaders and title favourites for a reason. In the Champions League they went through the motions against Maribor but, as we know, they are still extremely difficult to beat even when they are not firing on all cylinders."

You can read more of Mark's predictions ahead of this weekend's Premier League matches in his regular BBC Sport column.

Strange substitutions

This morning we have been working in tandem with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and asking you: What are the strangest substitutions you've witnessed or been involved in?

Swerves007: Waving at my girlfriend, she arrived 10 minutes after kick-off, manager thought I was signalling to him to come off!!

Dave B: I got subbed off after being stung three times on the chest by a wasp.

Ryan: Unregistered player, manager sent me on at half-time, saying: 'Keep a low profile.' 20-minute hat-trick. Hauled off.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only) or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Horses for courses

Channel 4

Chelsea fans, and Manchester City fans, have reason to have a flutter this afternoon. Liverpool fans have reason to get angry.

Running at the 12:40 GMT at Doncaster, just five minutes before kick-off at Anfield, is this nag. Number seven.

Gerrard's Slip...

Strange substitutions

This morning we are working in tandem with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and asking you: What are the strangest substitutions you've witnessed or been involved in?

Niall Warn: Subbed at half-time to go to a job interview. I didn't even get the job.

Mike Peacock: Once saw a Metropolitan Police footballer subbed to go on a raid!

Josh Darwall: I once saw the opposing team's goalkeeper go home to have his lunch! We won that game 15-0!

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only) or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

"Liverpool are miles away"

Former Wales international Robbie Savage

BBC Sport

"It is only six months since Steven Gerrard's slip helped Chelsea clinch a famous win on Merseyside that derailed Liverpool's title bid.

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"Back then, at the end of April, the title was in the Reds' grasp. This weekend, I think we will see again how far away they are from mounting another title challenge. They are miles away from the level required for that, and will have to improve and work hard just to get in the top four.

"Part of Liverpool's problem is that they overachieved massively last season, which has raised expectations unrealistically. That is not manager Brendan Rodgers' fault. But he has had money to spend and I do not think he has bought the right strikers to fit his system."

You can read more of Robbie's thoughts on Liverpool in his regular BBC Sport column.

Slip did cost Liverpool the title - Mills

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live

"It [the slip] played a major part in it psychologically. That one moment possibly did cost them the game against Chelsea and may well have cost them the league.

"He went into the World Cup, that did not go particularly well. He decided to retire from international football, was that an admission he is not quite as good as he used to be?

"That was his best-ever chance to win the Premier League, and probably his last chance. He will look at that moment over and over again. Although it was an inadvertent slip, ultimately it probably did cost Liverpool the title."

Gerrard 'has overcome slip'

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Back to the early kick-off in the Premier League, Liverpool versus Chelsea, and Reds boss Brendan Rodgers believes Steven Gerrard has the strength of character to have recovered from his slip against the Blues towards the end of last season.

"He has performed at a level that gets him over disappointments, that allows him to keep going and it is his character that defines him above even his talent," says Rodgers in the Telegraph.

"He has been remarkable for this club throughout his career here and will continue to be. Steven is a big character and I know from seeing him work every day that he's got over it. He and I haven't had time to dwell on what happened."

Strange substitutions

This morning we are working in tandem with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and asking you: What are the strangest substitutions you've witnessed or been involved in?

Dan Boden: Got subbed on at half-time as was feeling a bit worse for wear after my engagement party. Scored from the halfway line and got subbed off 10 minutes later after feeling too ill to carry on.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only) or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

BBC

The FA Cup continues today with 27 first-round ties and you can follow the action via live text commentary from 13:00 GMT this afternoon.

Swift work from Dan Walker to get from Warrington to Weston-Super-Mare through the night. He is on the coast to present Football Focus live today ahead of the Conference South side's game against League One Doncaster.

Check the BBC Sport FA Cup index for match reports, previews, fixtures and features.

Strange substitutions

This morning we are working in tandem with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and asking you: What are the strangest substitutions you've witnessed or been involved in?

Peter McCafferty: I once pretended to be injured to get subbed. I was actually too cold. Was about 11 or 12 at the time.

Chris Deeley: Rolling subs... once got subbed on so a mate could go to the loo, then off again when he got back five minutes later!

Brad Hope: Subbed off with 20 to go in a league decider, serious case of the 'Gary Linekers'. Changing room toilets will never forgive me.

In a World Cup group match against the Republic of Ireland at Italia 1990, former England striker Lineker endured what he described as "the most horrendous experience of my life".

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only) or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

BBC

"It's unbelieevablllleee pressure from Exeter, Warrington are defending for their lives!"

The magic of the FA Cup gripped BBC Sport's Robbie Savage during Warrington's shock 1-0 victory over League Two side Exeter City.

Listen to his fantastic, passionate commentary from Friday's game.

Warrington win the hearts of football fans

BBC

Brendan Rodgers might be feeling a bit of pressure to get a result this morning as he prepares for Liverpool's game against Chelsea, but one manager who will probably be feeling like a king today is Warrington boss Shaun Reid.

The Yellows pulled off a famous FA Cup shock in front of BBC cameras in the first fixture of the first round on Friday, beating League Two Exeter 1-0 thanks to a goal by plasterer Craig Robinson.

If you missed it, be sure to catch the highlights. Pitch invasions, passion and unbridled joy - the magic of the cup.

Latest gossip

That's all for this morning's look at the newspapers but there is plenty of other gossip to get your teeth into which we have neatly packaged up and popped into our gossip column.

Title charge is still on - Wenger

The Sun

Finally, in this hour of paper review, The Sun's back page leads on Arsene Wenger, saying the Arsenal boss is "refusing to throw in the title towel after just 10 matches".

Strange substitutions

This morning we are working in tandem with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and asking you: What are the strangest substitutions you've witnessed or been involved in?

BBC

Dan Froud: Our keeper subbed himself at half-time to go on holiday without telling any of us beforehand.

Liam Harvey: Got subbed on, a corner was taken and the full time whistle goes!

Lee Gambell: I got subbed on at half-time because our central midfielder had to start his shift. He's a police officer.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only) or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Going to be given time?

The Times

It is a rugby-led back page for the Times, but inside the newspaper carries a story saying Louis van Gaal is convinced that he will be given time to rebuild Manchester United, despite David Moyes believing that he had the same assurances only to be sacked after 10 months in charge.

Gerrard on the slide?

daily star

The Daily Star's back-page lead is on quotes from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who claims Steven Gerrard is on the slide ahead of Liverpool clash. Mourinho also said he would not sign Gerrard on a free, with his Anfield contract expiring next summer.

Strange substitutions

This morning we are working in tandem with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and asking you: What are the strangest substitutions you've witnessed or been involved in?

Graham Smith: Was once subbed off to go to a naming ceremony after scoring. When I left we were 2-1 up, but we lost 3-2.

Will Jones: My mate got substituted off so he could rush to the hospital for the birth of his sister!

Chris Harrison: I got subbed off after 60 minutes as my wife went into labour on the sideline! Was a dad not long after.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only) or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Be fair and sensible about Rodgers - Neville

daily telegraph

The back page of the Telegraph is heavily led on rugby, but inside there is a column by Gary Neville on Liverpool.

In it he writes: "In April, Liverpool fans crowded around the team bus at Anfield buzzing with anticipation for the Chelsea game. There was an almost euphoric sense that the long wait for a Premier League title was nearly over. The mood around the players' entrance will be very different going into this weekend's clash with Jose Mourinho's men.

"But let's be fair and sensible about Brendan Rodgers. No manager should have to go from being the most exciting young coach in the league six months ago to being told he does not know what he's doing today. Rodgers has shown a talent for calculation, and has been bold enough to take a gamble by leaving senior players out of the side to play Real Madrid."

Peculiar reasons for a substitution

Michael Wright: My mate Charlie told me he had to be subbed at half time as he was going with his girlfriend to get some wallpaper.

Settle for being a sub?

Express/Twitter

The back page of the Daily Express leads with a story about Colombia striker Radamel Falcao, with Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal reportedly telling him to get used to being a £285,000-a-week substitute because he can't fit him into his team.

'Three years until greatness'

daily mirror

After Manchester United's worst start to a season since 1986, the Mirror leads their back page with quotes from United boss Louis van Gaal, who says he needs three years to return the club to greatness.

So what's the chat in this morning's newspapers, then? Let's take a look...

Extra pressure on Rodgers?

Getty Images

As well as gaining some element of revenge for last season's defeat, there is another reason the clash with Chelsea is an important one for Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

The former Swansea manager made seven changes to his starting XI for the midweek Champions League trip to Real Madrid - a game the Reds lost 1-0 - meaning Rodgers will come under the microscope today, especially if his side loses to Chelsea.

Rodgers, though, believes his tactical decision has not put any extra pressure on him to get a result, saying in the Telegraph: "It doesn't raise the stakes for Saturday, not at all, Liverpool versus Chelsea is always a big game for a number of reasons.

"The only thing I showed the other night was the trust I have in the group of players. I never feared that if I played this team that we were going to end up losing seven or eight nil and what the consequence of that would be."

Peculiar reasons for a substitution

BBC Radio 5 live

BBC

Getting ready to head off to a game? A trawl round the shops, maybe?

Whatever you are up to then, as well as following the build-up on this very page, stick on BBC Radio 5 live for The Danny Baker Show right now.

This morning, Danny wants to hear your stories on peculiar reasons for a substitution. Maybe you or a team-mate had to dash off from a Sunday League game to make a wedding - maybe even their own - or get home to pop the roast beef in the oven for Sunday dinner.

Whatever the reason, let us know of the strangest substitutions you remember via #bbcfootball

Coming up...

But the early afternoon action at Anfield is merely the starter to what is a busy day of Premier League football. Here is how the rest of the day's top-flight action looks:

15:00 GMT

Burnley v Hull

Man Utd v Crystal Palace

Southampton v Leicester

West Ham v Aston Villa

17:30 GMT:

QPR v Man City

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The last time Liverpool fans made their way to Anfield for the visit of Chelsea, it was with a spring in their step as their side appeared to be marching towards a first Premier League title.

The Reds sat at the top of the table, five points clear and with just three games remaining. But a 2-0 defeat to the Blues, coupled with a 3-3 draw against Crystal Palace allowed Manchester City to take control. The rest, as they say, is history.

Now they meet in very different circumstances. Chelsea are the unstoppable force at the top of the standings while Liverpool, who have won just two of their last seven league games, are down in seventh. Lose, and they will be 15 points behind Chelsea.

Make no mistake, this is a massive game for Brendan Rodgers.

Revenge on the cards?

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"This does not slip now" - Steven Gerrard, April 2014.

Barely a fortnight after uttering those words of encouragement to his team-mates following a victory over Manchester City, Liverpool captain Gerrard slipped at a crucial time against Chelsea, allowing Demba Ba to run through and score.

Liverpool's title challenge subsequently crumbled and six months on, the Reds - and Gerrard - face Chelsea again.

Can the desire for revenge spur them on to become the first side this season to beat Jose Mourinho's men?