Saturday football as it happened

1. Man U winning run halted by 10-man Villa
2. Lamela & Kane goals as Spurs beat Burnley
3. West Ham 2-0 Leicester (Carroll, Downing)
4. Southampton beat Everton 3-0
5. Austin hat-trick as QPR edge West Brom

Rightio, we are going to let Jonathan Jureko take the baton on from here.

He will take you through the thrills and spills of the Club World Cup final, with regular updates from Roma v AC Milan.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will have to go some to outshine Charlie Austin though. And I better they can't knock up a garden wall as neatly either.

Laters...

Getty Images

Remember the days when Jurgen Klopp was such a sunny, chipper fella?

There is not a lot of smiling going on at Borussia Dortmund this season.

The 2012-13 Champions League runners up, the 2011-12 Bundesliga champions are now bottom but one of their domestic league after losing to Werder Bremen today.

They will drop to the foot of the table if Freiburg beat mid-table Hannover on Sunday.

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan on BBC Radio Leeds

"I think it was a fair result. Leeds had some luck with the two Forest goals ruled out for offside but they showed a doggedness we had not seen in many away games. Yes there were lapses in concentration but Leeds dug out a result and that is what they have been looking for, for a very long time."

FULL-TIME

Forest's Britt Assombalonga climbs, wins the header and cradles his head in his hands as his attempt drops just wide with Marco Silvestri struggling to make up the ground.

One minute left.

INJURY TIME

Four minutes of injury-time and Forest's Henri Lansbury wastes a presentable chance (and some time), punting over the bar on the half-volley as the ball sits up invitingly for him.

Coming up - Club World Cup final

AP

If you think we are almost done for football action today, think again. We only have the not-so-small matter of the Club World Cup final coming up between Real Madrid and San Lorenzo.

Madrid are the hot favourites, with Cristiano Ronaldo certainly looking very relaxed in training this week.

Real are aiming for a 22nd consecutive win in all competitions and add the trophy to their Champions League, Copa Del Rey and European Super Cup crowns.

San Lorenzo are attempting to become the first Argentine side to win the tournament since it started in its current format in 2005.

Live coverage on this very website has just started with updates from the Italian Serie A match between Roma and AC Milan thrown into the mix for you lucky, lucky people.

Souleymane Doukara almost has an instant impact for Leeds, drilling a low shot into the knees of Karl Darlow from distance.

Just three minutes left.

Inside the last 10 minutes and Nottingham Forest are still knocking on the door, with the winner proving elusive.

Chris Burke curls a shot wide from the edge of the box in their latest attempt.

Leeds boss Neil Redfearn goes for fresh legs up top, bringing off Mirco Antenucci and sending Souleymane Doukara into the fray.

FULL-TIME

What's Spanish for, well, whatever David Moyes is trying to say to the referee at full-time.

His Real Sociedad side have been denied victory against Levante by a 93rd-minute penalty decision. Empato Ivanschitz steps up to convert and Sociedad stay in 14th.

Join the debate on the BBC Sport Facebook page

Stephane Vu-hoang: Manchester City now have the edge when it comes to grinding out results. They weren't convincing but produced that bit of magic when it counted. Yes Falcao's goal was world class but when Aston Villa were down to 10 men we were too desperate. That's inexperience. Louis van Gaal, with no real central defenders, couldn't have expected more.

I rate Paul Lambert very highly and I understand why Liverpool are so desperate to get Fabian Delph and why we need Ron Vlaar. They were outstanding tonight. A draw puts our title hopes to bed but it still cements our position. City will not drop any points over the Christmas period that's for sure.

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

Get involved

606 phone-in

BBC Radio 5 live

Over on BBC Radio 5 live, 606 is in full swing and Darren Fletcher and Robbie Savage are taking your calls. Lines are open and you can have your say.

Phil, a Liverpool fan, wants Tony Pulis to replace Brendan Rodgers at Anfield if they lose at home to Arsenal tomorrow.

Kevin, a Leicester fan, says: "If Nigel Pearson is a man, he will will resign."

Call 0500 909693, text 85058, or it's @bbc606 on social media.

Quarter of an hour to go and Nottingham Forest are cranking up the pressure. Robert Tesche's fierce long ranger is pushed away by Marco Silvestri before Henri Lansbury thumps just wide of the near post.

Mirco Antenucci is on his own up front for Leeds now, a long, long way from his team-mates.

Text us on 81111

Paul, Wigan: Father Christmas please remember my beloved Wigan Athletic... We have so many problems on and off the field that it's hard to know where to start with what we need you to help with.

Wigan lost at home to Rotherham this afternoon and are six points shy of safety at the foot of the Championship. Get in touch using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only), or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

SUBSTITUTION

Billy Sharp catches a volley sweetly, but Karl Darlow in the Forest goal is equal to it.

Leeds make a change, bringing on the towering Steve Morison to replace the considerably less towering Adryan.

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan on BBC Radio Leeds

On Matty Fryatt's second disallowed goal for offside: "That is a lifeline again for Leeds United. There were two men left free there. They need to start learning from this. I'm not sure they should be showing it on the screen but you have to have some sympathy for Forest."

DISALLOWED FOREST GOAL

Matty Fryatt pounces on a knockdown, rifling a half-volley past Marco Silvestri.

But the flag is up. And to the Forest fans' ire the City Ground big screens show a replay showing the former Leicester man was level with the last defender.

Stuart Pearce makes sure that the fourth official knows that he has spotted his colleague's mistake as well.

Nottingham Forest are coming on strong. Jack Hunt fluffs an inviting volleyed chance at a tight angle before Michail Antonio stretches Marco Silvestri with a dipping long-ranger.

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Dan, London: Really great to see Danny Fox's spectacular beard (17:47) in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. A very worthy cause that doesn't receive too much media exposure - well done!

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Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan on BBC Radio Leeds

"We were just talking about character and that is such a pressure kick. Billy Sharp wanted the ball and he stepped up confidently and smashed the ball into the goal."

GOAL

PA

Forget placement, just thrash the thing. Billy Sharp goes for power and Karl Darlow doesn't stand a chance. If had got a hand to it he would have needed medical attention.

PENALTY TO LEEDS

Sam Byram goes down under the challenge of Danny Fox and the ref points to the spot...

Vote result

We asked you to have your say on whether you think West Ham will qualify for Europe.

The Hammers are fourth in the Premier League after beating Leicester this afternoon, but the majority of voters expect them to slip back down the table, with 37% saying they will finish high enough to earn a European place.

Thanks for voting.

Hartlepool consider Ched Evans signing

New Hartlepool United manager Ronnie Moore has confirmed he would like to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans.

Evans, 25, was released in October after serving half of a five-year sentence for the rape a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in 2011.

Moore, who took charge of the Football League's bottom club this week, has confirmed his interest in Wales and ex-Sheffield United striker Evans.

"It's a possibility," he said after Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Oxford.

EPA

A little news from Spain for you where Luis Suarez scored his first La Liga goal with an opportunistic strike as Barcelona beat Cordoba 5-0.

The Catalans are two points off leaders Real Madrid.

BBC

Meanwhile David Moyes' Real Sociedad boys are leading Levante 1-0 after an hour, thanks to Sergio Canales' strike.

KICK-OFF

Back under way at the City Ground.

Premier League reaction on Twitter

Injured Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera: "Well done mates! One more point to keep us in the top positions. I can't be with the team today due to a little injury, but I will be ready again soon. Cheers to everyone!"

Keep on running

An extraordinary story here for you. If anyone's thinking about taking up running to shed some pounds post Christmas, read on.

Former Olympian Ron Hill has completed his ambitious goal of running at least a mile a day for 50 years.

Dr Hill, who started to log runs on 20 December 1964, finished Manchester's 5km Heaton Park parkrun earlier.

The 76 year old, who lives in Hyde but grew up in Accrington, Lancashire, has competed in three Olympic Games and has won gold at the Commonwealth Games.

The distance recorded in his log book adds up to 160,000 miles, or running around the world more than six times.

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on Final Score

Getty Images

On the challenge on Ashley Young that saw Gabriel Agbonlahor sent off: "I know Gabby and he is not that type of player. The challenge did look forceful and late but for me it wasn't a red card.

"Fabian Delph was a huge part of Aston Villa's early season, he goes past players, get his tackles in getting him back to full fitness will be a real boost and Christian Benteke is another still finding his way back from injury. Villa are probably halfway to safety now, but perhaps the players and fans will want more."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Brit in Germany: Embarrassing result for Manchester United. Playing against a mid-table team with several injuries and 10 men. Title winners? No chance.

Ben Hibburd: Where was the United negativity when we beat Liverpool 3-0 last week? People constantly over-reacting to one result.

Shane Long: United drop points for the first time since 2 November and the world comes crashing down.

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HALF-TIME

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan on BBC Radio Leeds

"Matty Fryatt comes off the goalkeeper and nobody marks him. It is a tap-in for him. Stephen Warnock should be marking him and once the first header is won it is a simple finish."

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman on Twitter: Back to winning ways! Great team performance against Everton. Thanks for all #saintsfc support at St Mary's today!

GOAL

Forest lead with a soft goal from a corner. Slack marking allows Michael Mancienne to head the ball goalwards and Matty Fryatt - who had one incorrectly ruled out earlier on - is in the right place to steer the ball home.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on Final Score

"Charlie Austin is living the dream. There is a certainty about him that everything is going well. I was in the Arsenal team with Ian Wright and he was very similar. Once he got one goal he wanted more. Austin will be bouncing around now picking up every newspaper in London, because he is the headline."

The Morning Star will love the ex-bricklayer tearing up the big league.

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on Final Score

PA

"Charlie Austin works really hard on his game but he also has that special knack that you can't train and that is being at the right place at the right time. That is so important, and with his goals and his work ethic, QPR have a player they really have to look after. He missed a penalty earlier this season and I spoke to him about that. He just said that he would pick the ball up again the next time and put it in the back of the net."

BBC

If Roy Hodgson wants a scouting report on Charlie Austin, someone tweet him these stats. Not a lot of arguing with those.

SUBSTITUTION

This game has descended into a scrappy affair. Forest make a change up front as Britt Assombalonga replaces Dexter Blackstock, into the last five minutes of the first half.

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on Final Score

"Sometimes when you bring in quality players to a team with a hard work ethic, they don't always buy into that ethic and the team can struggle. Abel Hernandez, he was brought in with the money Hull received from the sale of Shane Long and at the beginning of the season he was the man, but since then he has come off the boil."

Text us on 81111

Sy in Ken: A sign of how things have changed at Upton Park. I feel disappointed that West Ham only won 2-0!

Jeff in Gosport: Good solid point for Villa, shouldn't have been a red. If I was a Man Utd fan, I'd be worried.

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Manager reaction

Hull manager Steve Bruce:

"There are no excuses, there was nothing in it in the first half. But the deflected goal sent us backward. In the second half we got what we deserved - which was nothing. We have to be bigger and better all around the pitch.

"This afternoon, the more we tried the worse we got. Swansea didn't have to do too much to win the game and we didn't do enough.

"It would have been a soft penalty [at the end of the game] if we had got it but we need something to fall for us. We need a shot deflected in like Swansea's to turn us around a bit.

"We can make excuses that we have players injured and suspended but I still believe the team we had out there was better than that performance.

"There is always scrutiny on Premier League managers and if you go six, seven, eight weeks without a victory then it is your turn. But you go on.

"We need something to turn for us and I'm still convinced we will be OK."

Getty Images

Swansea manager Garry Monk: "We defended extremely well I can't really remember them having a clear-cut chance.

"It was always going to be tough to get the flowing football we wanted but when you look at the chances we created we could have had a few more goals.

"Three points is the most important thing.

"The players that came in had to be resilient when they have not had as many games as some other players but they dug in.

"We don't want to be looking over our shoulders but hunting the teams in front of us."

PA

Just look at it. I can't stop reacting to Danny Fox's beard. It's the brightest thing about this game so far, anyway.

What does former England man and Forest boss Stuart Pearce make of that?

@chazaustin9

Charlie Austin on Twitter: Happy Christmas everyone! #hattrick #matchball #QPRfamily

Is Pellegrini praised enough?

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on Final Score

PA

"Manuel Pellegrini is at Manchester City and they are the champions. It should be the norm that they have these kind of winning streaks, and they should be in the latter stages of the Champions League. Credit is given where credit's due, but Pellegrini should get the plaudits if City lift trophies at the end of the season."

Manager reaction

Getty Images

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson: "The first goal we conceded was a big blow for us, the second was a quality finish from Stewart Downing and we continue to not be able to take our chances. Their goalkeeper made three saves and our players are very disappointed, but our destiny is still in our own hands.

"I can look my players in their eyes and see they are very much up for the challenge. We have seen enough positive performances to suggest we will turn it around but we have to do it soon.

"It is not a case of shirking the responsibility or sticking my head in the sand. I'm very aware of our situation, but we are capable of changing it."

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on Final Score

"Not many teams are going to go to West Ham and get a result this season. Leicester tried to bully them today, but it just wasn't going to happen. They've got players who can battle, but they've also got players who can play good football, and Stewart Downing is in the form of his life. They are chasing for that fourth spot."

Text us on 81111

Matt in London: 4 points off of 4th, semi final of the cup and Pochettino giving the young talent at Spurs a chance - can't complain at all really! COYS

Nick in Trafford: United played against a Villa side which had 8 first-team players missing and United only drew ... Poor state of affairs that

Liam: Literally cannot wait for John Stones to be fit enough to start for Everton.

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Kane for England?

Reuters

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, speaking to BBC Sport about Harry Kane: "It's becoming normal now that Harry Kane has scored. We are very happy with him. He worked very hard and scored a goal, which is very important for the striker.

On the chances of an England senior call-up for Kane: "I wish for my player the best but Harry has big potential and he's a big talent, why not? If he continues to play in the same way, maybe the opportunity will come for him to play for the national team."

DISALLOWED Forest GOAL

Some horribly hesitant defending from Leeds, and they are very lucky to get away with it. Two defenders leave a bouncing ball to each other, Michail Antonio hammers in a low cross/shot which goes in off the shins of Matty Fryatt. The visitors are saved by an offside flag - but Fryatt was onside.

Manager reaction

Getty Images

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said: "Being fourth in the Premier League is a great Christmas present for everybody at West Ham. Having 31 points before Christmas is a pretty major achievement for us.

"There is no doubt we deserved to win with the quality finishes from Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing. Stewart is one of the best attacking players in the Premier League with the way he is playing, and he is getting goals on the back of that. It is a very big win for us before we have Chelsea next.

"None of Nigel Pearson's players let him down. They gave everything and when we went 2-0 up they caused us some problems. He is a very good manager and he has proved that. I hope the club are patient with him and give him some funds to spend in January."

West Ham were 17th with 14 points after their last pre-Christmas game in 2013-14. Sam is a happy man...

Lines are open

606 phone-in

BBC Radio 5 live

Lines are now open for 606, due to start on BBC Radio 5 live at 18:06 GMT.Darren Fletcher and Robbie Savage are awaiting your calls and you can have your say.

QPR fans - Are your team starting to show character? West Brom fans - how can you throw away a two-goal lead?

Burnley, Leicester and Hull make up the festive bottom three. Robbie wants to know how worried you are.

And Manchester United fans - a draw at Villa today - are you title contenders?

Call 0500 909693, text 85058, or it's @bbc606 on social media.

Manager reaction

PA

Burnley manager Sean Dyche: "I'm not disappointed. This is a tough place to come, they have started to turn some decent results in. I thought we delivered a good performance, worked their keeper and affected their back four.

"I am disappointed with the decision for their first goal. It was a harsh handball to give the free-kick, then there was a player offside in the build-up. Was he interfering or was he not? If it was in the line of the goal, it would probably have been called offside.

"It was a fantastic goal for Ashley Barnes, he worked hard for the team. Danny Ings also got in behind a couple of times but unfortunately he didn't score a goal. There are lots of good signs, the players are improving."

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan on BBC Radio Leeds

"That has fallen to the wrong person. It was a good save from Darlow but you don't want it to fall to a defender like Pearce and he has leaned back and put it over the bar. It was a great chance for Leeds to take an early lead."

CLOSE!

Leeds close to an early opener at the City Ground, Alex Mowatt's deflected strike from the edge of the box spinning just past the corner.

And then they go really close! Mirco Antenucci shoots from 20 yards, the ball strikes a Forest defender right in front of keeper Karl Darlow, who somehow scoops it out with his feet, the ball lands for Leeds skipper Jason Pearce - who fires over!

Had to score.

Manager reaction

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino: "It was a hard win but after six days it was our third game. It was difficult but we are very pleased with our players. It was a big effort from them.

"Burnley are a physical team with lots of long balls and Federico Fazio performed very well.

"Erik Lamela's strike was special. He is still young and he needs to keep fighting to show his quality."

Reuters

Stop the press! Nottingham Forest defender Danny Fox wins the festive beard competition that you didn't' even know was going on.

Empics

Check that out! I'm told he is doing it for charity. There can be no excuses for not marking him can there?

Manager reaction

Getty Images

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman on BBC Sport: "The key today was to win the game. We were outstanding. As a team, the work was unbelievable and you need that to win games. It is not always about quality. The Players showed how you have to fight to win games.

"If you show more spirit you are invariably more lucky. After the goal we had more belief and more confidence after losing four or five games. Hopefully we got some confidence back.

"The energy Harrison Reed put in was one of the keys to win the game."

Premier League players on Twitter

Getty Images

Manchester City midfielder David Silva: "Happy for my 200th match for Manchester City, for the victory and for my two goals. Hope to play another 200!"

Hull midfielder Tom Huddlestone: "Tough time for everyone at the moment. We have to all stick together and keep working hard to get ourselves out of the current situation."

Injured QPR midfielder Sandro: "Great result! Come on you Hoops! Love you Charlie!"

Title race vote

So, 58.1% of you think Chelsea will win the Premier League.

Just 17.1% of you opted for Manchester City, who joined Chelsea at the top of the table on 39 points earlier today, while 14.4% of you think Manchester United will win the title.

Full results can be found on this page. Thanks for voting.

Manager reaction

Getty Images

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert: "I thought we looked great.

"I thought the goal was a world-class goal from Christian and the sending-off put us on the back foot.

"I didn't think it was a sending off to be fair. Ashley Young has said to Brad Guzan that he made the foul on Gabriel Agbonlahor.

"That was not a sending off, everyone in the ground saw that."

Paul Lambert is not a happy bunny and it turns out he has sent in Brad Guzan to get evidence in favour of overturning Gabriel Agbonlahor's red card.

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Mark, a really annoyed Everton fan: For once I disagree with Martinez. It was his tactics and lack of vision to change the match that lost us the game. Bringing on a striker with 10 minutes to go was pathetic

Sam from Kent: I think Sam Allardyce is spot on with his predictions. We've got two tough games next and then lose some of our best players in January for the Africa Cup

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Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on Final Score

"That is a shocking result from an Everton point of view. You would have thought they would have done an awful lot better. Ronald Koeman has proved Southampton are not just a flash in the pan. Nobody expected them to be riding high now, and this good result, just before Christmas, settles it all down again. But Everton didn't turn up."

Manager reaction

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal: "Very frustrating. I think we gave two points away. We did not start well enough and because of that they could score a goal. We kept the ball well in the first half but we did nothing with the ball. In the second half we were better but not as effective as usual. But that is football, sometimes you cannot force that.

"I cannot judge the sending off, I haven't seen it. I saw the tackle and I think it was a normal tackle and suddenly it was a red card.

"I'm disappointed because also in the first half we were the better team and when that's the case you have to win. But we know that in our first seven games we were also the better team but we did not win many times."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Elliot Jenkin: Felt today's game was a must win for Southampton. We were on a slippery slope before. Solid win to build on.

Fahad Khan: Apart from Manchester City and Chelsea, the other two Champions League places are up for grabs. Not even Arsenal are guaranteed a place this season.

Some Body: How will QPR fare when Austin trots off up to Anfield in January..?

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When Louis van Gaal hasn't seen something, it is not in the same way that Arsene Wenger hasn't seen something.

The Dutchman has no qualms with saying that there was not a lot of cause for the red card for Gabriel Agbonlahor.

KICK-OFF

Under way at the City Ground.

Player reaction

Reuters

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney: "We got the early goal in the second half we wanted but maybe that final pass or cross we didn't get right when they went to 10 men. It's certainly two points dropped.

"We were trying to do the right things but they put bodies behind the ball and it can sometimes be more difficult to break them down.

"I think it's more you guys talking about titles. We know what our aims are and we are focused on our goals."

Text us on 81111

Joe, Leeds: After United scored you'd really fancy them to push on and win it, all over Villa. Van Gaals changes seem to ruin it for them going forward, only he knows why he moved Ashley Young from the left when he was creating chance after chance. With every change we looked less and less threatening. Taking off Van Persie, the in form striker? Confused.

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Manager reaction

Getty Images

Everton manager Roberto Martinez on BBC Sport: "Very disappointing. A game with nothing between the two sides apart from ourselves not being able to defend the six-yard box better.

"It is about how we defended the six-yard box, the other two goals were the same. They didn't have to do much to score three goals. It was not a case of them being superior to us, it is just we were very soft.

"I do feel we need to find a good run of performances. I don't think the performance was too far away from what you need to get good results."

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on Final Score

"Charlie Austin is a hard worker. That is what convinced me he would have enough. The step up is huge and it shows in some players. But I've seen him in training and he really works on his game. He is getting back what he deserves. The one thing you can't coach is that sense of where he needs to be in relation to the ball."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Getty Images

Frank Lopez: Almost all game with only one new player on last year (Falcao), rookie Tyler Blackett and unfit Angel Di Maria. This was a decent result.

Jon: This is a poor Villa side and we scrape a draw. Hope Louis van Gaal lays into the players, not good enough. Should be aiming for first not third.

Oletu MMR: I seriously doubt van Gaal's tactics at times. Angel Di Maria is much more effective through the middle but he plays him wide?

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Late Champo action

In the day's late Championship game Nottingham Forest host Leeds, with both sides needing the points for different reasons. Forest can move to within five points of the play-offs with a win, while defeat would leave Leeds just two places clear of the drop zone.

Nottm Forest: Darlow, Lichaj, Mancienne, Wilson, Fox, Hunt, Lansbury, Tesche, Antonio, Fryatt, Blackstock. Subs: Assombalonga, Lascelles, Ince, Paterson, Christopher Burke, De Vries, Osborn.

Leeds: Silvestri, Byram, Pearce, Cooper, Warnock, Cook, Bianchi, Adryan, Mowatt, Sharp, Antenucci. Subs: Berardi, Stuart Taylor, Tonge, Morison, Montenegro, Doukara, Del Fabro.

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)

Two wins in eight Premier League games. And they didn't look the real deal in victory over QPR on Monday either.

Roberto Martinez has been talking about another set-back for a spluttering Everton side.

Wayne Rooney tells a reporter that it was "you guys" that were talking up Manchester United's title chances, not the 20-time champions.

Full quotes to come.

MOTD running order

MOTD presenter Gary Lineker

"The MOTD running order: QPR v WBA, Man City v Crystal Palace, Aston Villa v Man Utd, Southampton v Everton, Tottenham v Burnley, West Ham v Leicester, Hull v Swansea. cracking games, great goals. @BBCOne 10.20"

BBC

A two-horse race? It looks like Manchester City and Chelsea are firmly in Premier League first class, while Manchester United, West Ham and Southampton squabble over the business class seats.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Ian Lumsden: Harry Kane and Charlie Austin deserve a chance in the next England friendly! Old-school strikers proving it can be done.

Edward Layland: Loving that the Hammers and the Saints are still in the mix at Christmas. Gotta love the Premier League.

David Ljunggren: A very disappointing performance from Everton was epitomised by Leighton Baines allowing Nathaniel Clyne to waft past him and set up the second goal.

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Everton manager Roberto Martinez says there 'was nothing between the sides' but his team defended poorly for three poor goals.

Full reaction from all the Premier League managers to come.

BBC

Manchester United had more shots, more efforts on target and more of the ball.

But after a couple of games where they got more than the stats suggest they deserved, maybe the football gods are adjusting their account.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Daniel Osunbor: To all those who think Michael Carrick is the cause of our steady play this season are wrong. FELLAINI is. He was sorely missed today.

Shohidur Rahman: Terrible result considering Villa were down to 10 men for the last 20 minutes. I guess we couldn't keep getting lucky.

Jay: This draw might be the best thing for United at the moment. All the talk of the title is nonsense and now they can focus on third.

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I'm telling you, Charlie Austin and Harry Kane have both got to be top of Roy Hodgson's list for the next squad. Surely?

Text us on 81111

Artem Kharitonov: No stopping Austin, needs to get a call-up for the national team

Andy in Corsham: Great result for the Saints after what has been a rotten run. Well done Ron

James in London: I think it will be over for Leicester if they lose to Hull next Sunday. Win and they have a chance

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

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Kinjal Saurabh: Another shocking decision. No way that is a red card for Gabriel Agbonlahor (see 16:21). To me it's not worthy of a yellow either. A coming together, that's all.

Adeel Ejaz: This is why we need video replays in football! Absolute joke of a red card! And this is coming from a Manchester United fan!

David Broome: Not sure it was red but I can see why it was given, very late.

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Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke clearly believes that the game was there to be won at the death.

He was involved in a feisty discussion with Leandro Bacuna on the final whistle, explaining why he, rather than Charles N'Zogbia, should have been the target of a cross with the United defence stretched.

Leicester now five points away from the safety mark after another defeat. Are they in danger of being cut adrift down there?

BBC

Final scores

Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester United

FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on Final Score

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"I think Louis van Gaal will be terribly disappointed they couldn't get that seventh win. This is the reason United aren't quite ready to challenge for the title. Villa are down to 10 men but United huffed and puffed."

FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

Reuters

"Aston Villa defended really well and brought something to this game. Ron Vlaar and Brad Guzan were exceptional, but you expected more from Manchester United with the names in that team. They will be disappointed."

Swansea are eating up the clock at the KC, Wilfried Bony and Jonjo Shelvey nudging a corner kick between each other as Hull player rush up to try and get the ball back upfield.

FULL-TIME

Christian Eriksen collects last-minute goals - and he almost has another with a low shot that skids wide.

FULL-TIME

Charles N'Zogbia is inches from meeting a Leandro Bacuna cross in the final move, but ultimately a draw is about right.

It's just not Leicester's day. Leo Ulloa is the latest to be denies by West Ham keeper Adrian...

HITS THE WOODWORK

Saido Berahino rattles the crossbar with a rocket shot, but his Baggies side are running out of time. We are into injury time...

Carlos Sanchez sees his name up in lights, but his shot from 20 yards is a dribbler and David De Gea scoops it off the floor. Three minutes of injury time.

Tottenham look like seeing this one out as we approach stoppage time...

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on Final Score

"It is a ball into the box and Charlie Austin wants it. There is a lot of talk of the manager wanting other strikers but Austin is making a point and saying, 'I'm your top man'."

Aston Villa playing for territory now, thumping the ball deep into the corner so United have to build from inside their own half.

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Brad Guzan has been fantastic today, he's made two or three really good saves but more importantly, the way he has come off his line to claim crosses has been so positive."

...and Brad Guzan claims it to relieved cheers.

Manchester United force a corner. It's a familiar looking siege from the men in white...

GOAL

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That is Charlie Austin's hat-trick and surely good night for West Brom.

He muscles off his marker and meets a near-post corner with a powerful header. An old-fashioned goal from an old-fashioned player.

Leandro Bacuna, right off the laces, David De Gea sprawling, but his effort from 20 yards is narrowly over.

Three minutes to go.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on Final Score

"The youngsters for Southampton that have come in have been exceptional. Shane Long has been great as well and will have Hull thinking why they sold him. Their work ethic is back and Ronald Koeman is showing he is no flash in the pan."

David Nugent denied! Wonderful save to keep Leicester out once more.

Christian Eriksen flashes a ball across the area - and Harry Kane can't reach it!

SEVEN MINUTES LEFT in this one.

Ashley Young pops up on the right, but, with time and space to get in a good delivery, he dollies the ball straight to Brad Guzan.

Five to go.

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"United have not retained as much possession as earlier in the game and Villa are starting to settle into their new 10-man system. Villa have a won a few free-kicks in good areas and are starting to look dangerous. Switching Ashley Young and Angel Di Maria to opposite flanks seems to have taken some of the impetus out of United's attacks."

Both sides still going hammer and tongs at Loftus Road.

Stephane Sessegnon for West Brom and Charlie Austin for QPR, both within a whisker.

GOAL

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Who had Maya Yoshida on their coupon? This is really rubbing it in as the Japanese defender scores his first goal since February. Kudos to Steven Davis for the assist though, a wonderful, swerving cross from the left wing with the outside of his right boot, great ball in, Yoshida closes his eyes and hopes for the best - and gets it. The ball hits his shoulder and flies in.

AFP

More good ball carrying form Harry Kane, taking it 40 yards down the middle. He and Charlie Austin up front for England's next friendly?

Sir Alex Ferguson, possibly wearing a beret, is in the stands. This is the time in a game that he made his own.

SUBSTITUTION

Aston Villa make a double change with Leandro Bacuna and Charles N'Zogbia on in place of Andreas Weimann and Aly Cissokho.

Ten minutes to go.

AP

Everton have been on the fringes of being dangerous all afternoon, but Romelu Lukaku finally tests Fraser Forster with a stinging drive from 25 yards, caught that sweet as a nut, but Forster flies to his right to claw it away.

CLOSE!

Hearts in mouths among the home fans as Michael Carrick's header flies across goal and Jores Okore takes his time to control and clear with Radamel Falcao lurking and looking for a killer touch.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Swansea's Bafetimbi Gomis stretches to reach a low cross but sees the ball bounce to safety off Allan McGregor's post.

That is his last contribution with Wilfried Bony on in his place.

Reuters

Spurs drive through the middle and have a man over - Harry Kane, it's always Harry Kane - but Nacer Chadli can't find the key pass and it's cut out. Burnley taking chances at the back, and why not?

Championship latest

Bournemouth are staying top of the Championship. They are cruising to victory at Blackpool and currently lead 5-1 after two goals from Matt Ritchie and further efforts from Callum Wilson, Brett Pitman and Marc Pugh.

David Cotterill has put Birmingham 1-0 ahead in their away match at Huddersfield.

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

AFP

"Now Christian Benteke is on his own up front Aston Villa need to provide more support for him. Andreas Weimann needs to get up there otherwise Villa continue to find themselves dropping deeper and deeper, inviting United further and further forward. Angel Di Maria has gone out to the left now, with Ashley Young on the right. There are huge opportunities for United on the wings."

YELLOW CARD

The temperature rises another notch. Tyler Blackett catches Matt Lowton as he chases a poor first touch, and the crowd want red.

Lee Mason shows only yellow and gives one to Brad Guzan as well for his complaints.

Quarter of an hour to go.

Getty Images

Into the last 20 minutes.

Cracking run from Dave Nugent, weaving his way past two West Ham defenders and driving to the edge of the box - but the run is capped with a wild finish over the top.

BBC

SUBSTITUTION

A change for Manchester United and it is one aimed at the Villa jugular.

James Wilson replaces Antonio Valencia.

Latest scores

Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester United

AFP

Burnley haven't given up on a point or more at White Hart Lane. They commit many men forward with each attack but haven't put in any quality as yet. Spurs have won plenty of games late on recently - could they be on the other end today?

Aston Villa, buoyed by the injustice they feel over Gabriel Agbonlahor's dismissal, are pressing forward. United goalkeeper David De Gea is relieved to see a shot from the edge of the area looping up gently into his gloves.

Ashley Young is getting the mother of all jeerings. Christian Benteke is ploughing a lone furrow up front. Radamel Falcao is playing ball boy to keep the game going the preserve the clock for United. It's all going off.

GREAT SAVE!

The confidence is slowly coursing back through Southampton veins. James Ward-Prowse whips in another inviting set-piece, Jose Fonte gets the better of his marker to flash in a header and Tim Howard does well to push it away from the onrushing Shane Long.

SUBSTITUTION

It is still anyone's at Loftus Road. The game swinging back and forth with attacks on top.

QPR have made a change with Eduardo Vargas replaced by Junior Hoilett.

With just over 20 minutes left, four of our six games are in the balance...

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Gabriel Agbonlahor just misjudges the situation I think. I have to say my first instinct was that it was a bad challenge and the right result, but on the replay, you can see he goes in hard but it's just a strong challenge, a 50-50. I don't think it's malicious. When Gabby looks back on that he will be disappointed with the decision."

DISALLOWED GOAL

Tottenham have the ball in the net for a third time, but Nacer Chadli's effort from Harry Kane's pass is ruled out for offside.

GOAL

PA

Relief echoes around St Mary's as Saints double their lead with their first effort on target all day! Nathaniel Clyne's run and cross is excellent, Shane Long wins a key header to nod it down and Graziano Pelle beats Sylvain Distin to the ball to poke past Tim Howard.

RED CARD

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Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor come crunching together and it is the United man who comes off worse, folded on the floor thorough the force of the challenge.

Manchester United players surround Lee Mason and the referee plucks red from his top pocket. On the replay it looks a hefty, but honest attempt to win the ball by Agbonlahor.

A deeply unpopular decision and a potentially match-changing one.

Getty Images

Fabian Delph checks for signs of life in the greasy Villa surface, sending a shot skidding in towards goal from 20 yards. The bounce nearly deceives David De Gea, but the goalkeeper grips at the second attempt.

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Manchester United have realised that if they get the ball out wide early there will be opportunities to get the ball into the box. They look like they've got the bit between their teeth now. Ashley Young is one-on-one with Matthew Lowton the majority of the time, and Young has the beating of him. Young's been exceptional. Villa have to do a better job of breaking at pace when they win the ball. They were so good at it in the first half."

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Everton are seeing plenty of the ball but they have been toothless in attack this afternoon. Saints happy to let them have it and use Shane Long's pace on the counter.

SUBSTITUTION

It is Robin van Persie who gives way to allow Angel Di Maria to have a run.

He has played well and, after his dead-eyed finishing against Southampton, I think I would have kept him on and sacrificed someone else.

Leicester make a triple change with half an hour left. Strikers David Nugent and Leo Ulloa are on, can they spark a revival?

SUBSTITUTION

Hull have made a change with Alex Bruce pulled for Sone Aluko. The Tigers switch to a flat back four as they chase the game.

It looks like Angel Di Maria is going to get a chance to run at the Villa defence. United's record signing his getting his tie-ups round the top of his socks on the away bench.

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on Final Score

"That touch from Stewart Downing was great. That is better than Erik Lamela's goal for me. The viewer is going to have a real treat watching Match of the Day tonight. Sam Allardyce needs to start reassessing his season's aims because they are in superb form."

Southampton haven't had a shot on target yet - but they are still winning. After five defeats in a row they need a victory however they can get it.

Latest scores

Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester United

Chances at either end at the KC Stadium. Hull's Nikica Jelavic forces Lukasz Fabianski into a low save from a header and then down the other end, Swansea's Jonjo Shelvey shoots straight at Allan McGregor with only the keeper to beat

PENALTY APPEAL

Joey Barton throws the toys out of the pram, but the referee is unmoved. It looks like the QPR man made the most of James Morrison's challenge in the box. The hosts are on top now though.

GOAL

AFP

It has been a day of really excellent goals, and Stewart Downing sticks his name down on the list! Diafro Sakho wins a header 30 yards out, the ball lands at the feet of Downing, he takes one touch to bring it onto his left and then bends it right into the corner. Much like Erik Lamela's goal for Spurs really. We need a goal of the day competition after this lot...

Ashley Barnes and Danny Ings continue to link up well and the latter gets the run on Federico Fazio and takes aim, and his side-netting bound shot is tipped wide.

Robin van Persie goes for the acrobatic, but his bicycle kick flies high over the top. Manchester United are looking full of pop and fizz now. Whatever Louis van Gaal has said has had an effect.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on Final Score

"Falcao is a throw-back. He pulls off the shoulder and it is a great finish. Obviously something has been said at half-time because that has come after a number of chances they have created."

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Ashley Young has had the beating of Matthew Lowton all afternoon. He takes him on round the outside, puts in an unbelievable cross, and Radamel Falcao rises to put it in. That is what happens if you take advantage of your wing play - too often United's play has been central, where Villa have crowded them out."

Tottenham look comfortable with this lead, can Burnley force them out of that comfort zone? Harry Kane does well to get into the box but he can't find a team-mate with the cross.

Ouch!

Ow! Andy Carroll goes to close down a full-back's clearance, he lands horribly on his ankle and then stumbles across the pitch and falls into a photographers' pit. A really horrible one.

Just as you start to think that he'll be out for months, he is back on his feet and back in the game.

GOAL

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Old-school United. Ashley Young does Matt Lowton with pure pace, leaving the Aston Villa defender choking on fumes down the left wing before serving up a delicious cross. Radamel Falcao accepts the invitation, burying a header past Brad Guzan.

Nothing to see here. No drama in the second half so far.

Big chance for Manchester United! Wayne Rooney pops a great ball through into the run of Robin van Persie - onside - but he lacks conviction and his tame effort is easily saved by Brad Guzan. Put your foot through it Robin!

GOAL

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Double figures for the season for Charlie Austin and parity for his QPR side.

The former Burnley man is on the spot to bury the loose ball as Ben Foster palms Richard Dunne's header back into the six-yard box.

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on Final Score

"I personally think United are out of the title race. I think they'll finish in the Champions League places but they won't win the league. But today United need to show a reaction in the second half. They are conceding a lot of chances and that is not a team that will win the league."

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Christian Benteke will be disappointed not to have scored there, it was a free header. Either side of David De Gea and it's a goal.

"Louis van Gaal has made a good move bringing Tyler Blackett into central defence at the break. The athleticism of Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlahor caused Michael Carrick problems in the first half and United need Carrick's passing in midfield."

Muhamed Besic left his mark ob several Saints players in a combative first-half performance, and he almost has his mark in the scorebook with a speculative 20-yarder that squirts wide of the target.

GREAT SAVE!

Aston Villa have Manchester United on the rack immediately. Fabian Delph has a shot deflected behind and from the resulting corner David De Gea stretches backwards to tip over a bullet header from Christian Benteke.

He has produced some big saves in the last few weeks and that could turn out to be as valuable as any.

CLOSE!

Burnley attack Spurs from the kick-off with Ashley Barnes playing in Danny Ings and the striker has his effort turned wide. From the resulting corner, Ings is again denied by Hugo Lloris.

KICK-OFF

We are back under way.

SUBSTITUTION

Tyler Blackett has been brought on at the break for Manchester United, Darren Fletcher giving way. That means that Michael Carrick is ushered forward into midfield.

"United pedestrian, Villa fantastic"

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

Getty Images

"Manchester United look pedestrian and Aston Villa have been fantastic. They took their chance and still look dangerous with the pace of Christian Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlahor going forward. Angel Di Maria can make a huge difference for United if they bring him on, but credit to Villa. This has been down to how well they have played - they have taken away United's's strengths and capitalised on their weaknesses. Well done Paul Lambert."

League Two latest

Wycombe are heading four points clear as they lead 1-0 at Accrington after a goal from Paris Cowan-Hall. Cheltenham, Luton and Plymouth hold one-goal advantages against Portsmouth, Newport and Dagenham and Redbridge respectively.

Championship latest

Getty Images

It is another miserable afternoon for Blackpool fans. Their side have only twice in the league and they trail 2-0 at home to leaders Bournemouth at half-time after goals from Matt Ritchie and Callum Wilson.

Ipswich, who will go second, also have a two-goal advantage against Middlesbrough at Portman Road. Daryl Murphy and Jay Tabb on target for Town. Brentford are 3-0 up at Cardiff, Blackburn and Fulham lead by 2-0 margins against Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday respectively. Rotherham and Brighton are winning away from home at Wigan and Wolves respectively.

League One latest

Bristol City are goalless in their away game at bottom-placed team Crewe. Barnsley, Port Vale and MK Dons hold 2-0 leads against Leyton Orient, Crawley and Oldham respectively. Elsewhere, Bradford, Fleetwood, Chesterfield, Preston, Notts County and Doncaster are all winning.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Bruce Ha: I would put Paddy McNair into the back three and push Michael Carrick into midfield. Darren Fletcher's passing has been pedestrian at best.

David Broome: Always liked Fletcher but he's off the pace and killing a lot of United's attacks. We're dominating possession so get Ander Herrera on.

Sushant Shetty: Not sure what Herrera has to do to get in. Definitely deserves to start over Fletcher.

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

BBC

Manchester United are not short of options going forward. The whole of the midfield have made their average touch over the halfway line, with Michael Carrick (16) sitting deep as a Beckenbauer-style centre-half.

Aston Villa have been a lot deeper. Matt Lowton (34) has had his hands full containing the threat of Ashley Young (18).

Premier League players on Twitter

@pablozabaleta

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta: "Great win today to celebrate the birthday of the big man Martin Demichelis!"

As it stands West Ham are level on points with Manchester United in the race for the Champions League. Andy Carroll went from villain to hero within a minute during that first-half. Can Leicester come back?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Will Walter: Erik Lamela just doesn't score normal goals, what a hit!

Anand Sriraman: Got to give it to Lamela. He hasn't scored very many this season. But when he has, he just blows the mind away.

James Porter: Harry Kane at it again! That boy is worth 10 Roberto Soldados.

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

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

James Finn: Oh the irony. The first time United play well for ages and keep possession and we're probably going to lose.

Mwatekowa: David De Gea son, don't be deflated. You've been great but not even Manuel Neuer could stop such magnificence. Simply brilliant from Benteke!

Nicholas Richards: Glad to see Darren Fletcher playing, but he has been poor so far today. Given the ball away too much.

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Text us on 81111

Ade, Manchester: As a United fan, I am a bit happy Aston Villa have taken the lead. I hope all this nonsense about United winning the league would stop. We are just in the process of getting our act together under LVG. Top four would be ok and people should just not try to put any additional pressure on the players

Narek in Bromley: United showing too much respect to Villa. I've spent months trying to understand this philosophy but the system is just a shambles. No one knows what's going on. Something has to change half time

Richard, Manchester: United getting this all wrong - Darren Fletcher hasn't made one good pass and we are just chipping the ball up for Ron Vlaar to head away...we are trying to win the game not give him an audition!

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

Half-time scores

Aston Villa 1-0 Manchester United

HALF-TIME

MOTD's Steve Wilson at White Hart Lane

Getty Images

"Burnley have had their moments, but Harry Kane proved he was able to put Tottenham into the lead. An Ashley Barnes stunner equalised things before Erik Lamela curled Spurs back in front. Two great goals. 2-1 to Spurs."

HALF-TIME

Jonathan Pearce

BBC Match of the Day commentator at Loftus Road

"Nightmarish start for QPR. But it has been very good for West Brom who were 2-0 inside 20 minutes."

HALF-TIME

Martin Fisher

Match of the Day commentator

"It has not been the most pleasing game on the eye, but Andy Carroll's third goal of the season gives the hosts the lead at the break.

"But Carroll will owe a huge slice of thanks to former West Ham man Paul Konchesky, who made a shocking back-pass and Carroll punished him."

HALF-TIME

Alistair Mann

BBC Match of the Day commentator at the KC Stadium

"Swansea lead 1-0 through a strike that deflected off Ki Sung-Yeung but could have doubled their half-time lead when Jonjo Shelvey hit the inside of the post and in reality the best that Hull have offered is Andrew Robertson's shot that hit the top of the crossbar."

HALF-TIME

Simon Brotherton

Match of the Day commentator

"A morale-boosting half-time lead for Southampton after a rocky run of results."

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"This has been a master class in how you play against Manchester United's 3-5-2. Match them up, drop off, let them have the ball, and when you have possession, attack with pace. Every single one of the Aston Villa players has so far done their job very well."

HALF-TIME

Guy Mowbray

BBC Match of the Day commentator at Old Trafford

"United threaten late in the half but good defending from Jores Okore prevents them so we do just have the one goal.

"If you're going to get just one goal, why not see a good one. Christian Benetke's goal, left footed, edge of the box, left David De Gea helpless."

DISALLOWED GOAL

The whistle was long gone, but Nikica Jelavic gets in a little shooting practice, cracking a shot past an uninterested Lukasz Fabianski.

The Croatian was a yard offside from David Myler's pass.

Everton get out of their half for the first time in quite some time and make a decent opening. Seamus Coleman fires in an early cross which Samuel Eto'o heads over the top.

SUBSTITUTION

AFP

Bad news for Tottenham as Ryan Mason limps away from the action, to be replaced by Benjamin Stambouli.

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on Final Score

"There is no point West Ham being in that position and settling for ninth or 10th. They need to maintain it. Upton Park is a a tough place for teams to go. If they want to go long they can, but they can control games in midfield with Alex Song. There is a chance for them, at the top, especially with Liverpool and Arsenal not being as strong as they have been."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"If you were contemplating going out tonight, don't. MOTD is already looking superb. Some very special goals and plenty of them."

You can watch all of today's goals on Match of the Day at 22:20 GMT on BBC One.

The Holte End enjoyed that. Ashley Young never really gets a bobbly ball under control on the edge of the box and his left-foot swipe flies into the jeering home fans behind the Villa goal.

Getty Images

Aston Villa are ducking and diving, clinching and clutching. The hosts are keeping the ball and staying out of range of Manchester United.

This has been a very composed performance so far. Louis Van Gaal will be tempted to shake something up at the break.

CLOSE!

Should be two! Ryan Bertrand's cross is excellent form the left, Phil Jagielka loses Graziano Pelle and the Italian volleys into the side-netting from a tight angle. Everton holding on.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on Final Score

"Romelu Lukaku could have done a lot better. A big strong man like that he should be attacking that to help his defence out. He's a striker and he looks like he doesn't want to be back there."

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Manchester United are lacking creativity but that is for a reason - Aston Villa are doing everything they need to do to make sure the away side have problems going forward. Ron Vlaar has been excellent. But I don't understand why United have to play 10 or 15 passes in midfield just to then give the ball to Ashley Young or Antonio Valencia out wide. Give the ball to the winger early and get into the box."

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on Final Score

"Don't get me wrong, it is a fantastic strike from Erik Lamela, but Sean Dyche will have issues about the defending. You've got Erik Lamela on the right side - he is only ever going to cut inside. So the defender needs to force him down the right. The centre-half should be shouting for him to show him down the right."

GOAL

Getty Images

Instant justice for Southampton! They forget all about that penalty appeal as they score from the resulting corner. James Ward-Prowse whips in a wicked delivery, Jose Fonte rises but the ball goes in off the shoulder of Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku rather closed his eyes and ducked out of that challenge. And was punished.

PENALTY APPEAL

Got to be a penalty! The ball is high in the air, Shane Long nips in to get on to it before Phil Jagielka can clear, and the centre-half just volleys Long in mid-air! Absolutely leathers Long. Nothing given - an incredible call really.

SUBSTITUTION

QPR have been forced into an early change with Yun Suk-Young limping off the sidelines with a pulled hammy. Harry Redknapp dusts off Clint Hill as his replacement.

GOAL

Getty Images

Christmas has come early at the Lane. It's just raining sensational strikes in north London - this time Erik Lamela cutting in from the right and bending a shot beyond Tom Heaton from 25 yards. Gareth Bale-esque.

West Ham keeper Adrian has to scramble to punch over a deflected effort from Riyad Mahrez after another defensive lapse, this time from James Tomkins.

That is as close as Manchester United have come. Ashley Young floats in a cross from the left which beats everyone and suddenly looks like it might creep into the far corner.

Brad Guzan springs left to push it away and Villa fans can unclench their toes.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Getty Images

Jonjo Shelvey has already been close to a goal, with a claim to the deflected opener, and that is closer still.

A 25-year daisy cutter, Allan McGregor beaten all ends up, but the ball smacks off the base of the post and away.

Leicester are not making goalkeeper Ben Hamer's life easy - another terrible backpass has him scrambling out of his box to clear into touch under heavy pressure.

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

Getty Images

"Manchester United have retained possession well but haven't shown any of the creativity you would expect of the players they have on the pitch. Aston Villa are happy so far, they're just letting United pass the ball in front of them."

Championship update

Daryl Murphy has given Ipswich the lead at home against promotion rivals Middlesbrough, a result that would take Mick McCarthy's side up to second. Brentford are set to move up to third as they now lead 2-0 at Cardiff, with Andre Gray doubling the Bees' lead.

Another team 2-0 ahead are Blackburn. Both of their goals have come from Jordan Rhodes in their home match against Charlton.

CLOSE!

This game has exploded into life and Erik Lamela almost unlocks Burnley when he jinks into the area and presents Harry Kane with a tap-in from six yards out but the striker can't get that vital touch and it runs to Christian Eriksen who blazes over the bar.

SPOTTED!

That pulled-up collar and big flat cap is not fooling the television cameras. Former Aston Villa assistant Roy Keane is in the posh seats at the KC Stadium.

Checking out the former of the Republic of Ireland's David Meyler presumably?

Latest scores

Aston Villa 1-0 Manchester United

The goals are flying in around the country but there's been precious little excitement on the south coast. Lots of possession, plenty of sideways passing but little breakthrough.

Aston Villa are not going to give up this lead without a fight. The hosts are enjoying more possession now and are stroking the ball around while Manchester United chase hard and mostly in vain.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on Final Score

"It is a goal that Dennis Bergkamp would have been happy about. He (Andy Carroll) runs through and it is deft little finish. He looks so much fitter now. Seeing a side doing well when you're out of action drives you on - he is a shoe-in for the side now."

Getty Images

GOAL

Getty Images

Christian Benteke's goal was top drawer, and now Burnley's Ashley Barnes comes up with something equally as special - the big striker being fed by George Boyd, taking a couple of touches and then hammering a shot into the top corner from outside the area. Boom. 1-1.

HITS THE WOODWORK

A lovely move from Hull but it ends with a thud of the crossbar rather than a ripple of net.

Gaston Ramirez's perceptive pass picks out Abel Hernandez, but Andrew Robertson crashes a powerful shot against the woodwork from the striker's's lay-off.

Hull are pushing hard for a leveller.

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

Getty Images

"Manchester United are finding very little space and Juan Mata is almost playing in central midfield alongside Wayne Rooney. Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao have to work harder in trying to stretch the Villa defence, running in behind, because at the moment there is no space for Mata to operate. At the moment United look like they're lacking in ideas."

Championship update

Brentford won promotion from League One last season and are in contention for promotion to the Premier League in this campaign. They lead 1-0 at Cardiff thanks to Alex Pritchard's goal, while Jordan Rhodes has put Blackburn ahead against Charlton.

Darren Bent, who had cars worth £150,000 stolen from his house in the week, has given Brighton an early lead away at Wolves. Leaders Bournemouth are also ahead, with Matt Ritchie putting them in front at Blackpool.

GOAL

Getty Images

Ben Foster goes the wrong way and Charlie Austin has now scored in five successive home league games. Game on.

GOAL

AFP

Instant redemption! Andy Carroll serves up a clinical finish to put the Hammers ahead, but what on earth is Paul Konchesky playing at here? The Leicester left back is facing his own goal on the halfway line, under pressure, and plays a 40-yard backpass right into Carroll's run. Dreadful. Carroll still had plenty to do but found a deft little finish to clip over the head of keeper Ben Hamer.

SITTER!

Oh dear! An absolute horror show from Andy Carroll. West Ham pump a trademark Big Sam free-kick right down the middle, the ball is flicked out wide and cut back to Carroll six yards out. Unmarked, the whole goal to aim at, he leans back and almost hits the camera right at the top of the stand.

PENALTY TO QPR

James Morrison wraps his arms around Leroy Fer at a corner and Craig Pawson points to the spot.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"Wonderful goal from Christian Benteke gives Aston Villa the lead against Manchester United. He bent it like Benteke!"

GOAL

Reuters

The unstoppable force of nature that is Harry Kane does it again - the young striker stooping to head home Nacer Chadli's cross from the left. The Burnley defence was caught napping by a quick free-kick, and they pay the ultimate price.

Premier League players on Twitter

Chelsea and Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard: "Bentegoooaaall!"

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"What a goal from Christian Benteke, but there was no way he should be allowed to bring that down on his chest. As he comes inside he whips his left foot right round the ball and sends it into the top corner. Now Villa have an issue - are they going to sit back? Or continue to play the way they have been?"

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on Final Score

"You can't stand and watch good players. Christian Benteke has the technique to do something like that. Finally, Aston Villa have given him the ball. He can't do things like that if he doesn't have the ball."

The home support groans as Spurs roll a free-kick along the box but Ryan Mason blazes his shot over the bar. Story of the game so far.

GOAL

Getty Images

West Brom double their lead, with a really classy goal. Silvestre Varela plays a neat one-two with Stephane Sessegnon, strolling through a static QPR backline to thread a shot under the keeper and in.

GOAL

Getty Images

This is Christian Benteke at his best - bulldozer strength with the finesse of a Bentley.

The Aston Villa striker tames a crossed free-kick on his chest, stands up defender Jonny Evans, spots a route to the top corner and curls a lovely finish past a rooted David De Gea.

That is his second of the season. And it is against the run of play.

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on Final Score

"Manchester United have started well. They look bright. Rooney is dropping deep and is controlling the game with long range passes. Villa could catch them on the break, though. They have enough up top. They just need to be more direct."

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on Final Score

"West Brom's goal has come from a corner. You've always got to have one player in front of the attacking man and one player behind. It is naive defending from QPR and they have been punished for it."

Latest scores

Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United

Left-back to left-back! Ryan Bertrand sends in a delicious low cross for Southampton, right in the danger zone, but counterpart Leighton Baines does really well to get across and clear from in front of the lurking Graziano Pelle. Shane Long then puts the afterburners on to drive in behind the Everton defence but Phil Jagielka does well to cover and get it away. Southampton on top.

GOAL

Getty Images

Jonjo Shelvey has his hand up but there is no way that he is keeping that goal out. The Swansea midfielder bought himself a yard of space with a neat feint, but his shot from 20 yards has caught a decisive deflection off Ki Sung-yueng.

Allan McGregor could only watch it roll apologetically over the line.

BBC

Manchester United have been hogging the ball, but they have not done anything special with it yet.

Nothing much to report from Upton Park, with both sides rather cancelling each other out in the opening exchanges.

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

Getty Images

"Manchester United are dominating possession early on but Aston Villa are trying to compete. Villa have Gabriel Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke up front together in a normal forward two harking back to the days of 4-4-2. Benteke has to hold the ball up better than he has so far, but United should be wary of that threat."

CLOSE!

Replays show that Sylvain Distin did foul Shane Long so it's a strange call from referee Jon Moss. Southampton are up and running now though, Nathaniel Clyne getting up the right wing to cross for Graziano Pelle, but his powerful header is over the bar.

GOAL

Getty Images

Straight out of the textbook. A near-post corner, a hint of a flick-on and Joleon Lescott storms in to meet it with a full forehead and score his first goal for the Baggies.

QPR don't pick up much away from home. These are the sort of games they need to get points from. What have they got in the locker?

European football

Reuters

Never mind Christmas cheer, there's little cheer of any kind at Borussia Dortmund at the moment. Dortmund, last season's German runners-up and 2013 Champions League finalists, are stuck in the bottom three of the Bundesliga.

Victory at bottom club Werder Bremen this afternoon would make Jurgen Klopp's festive dinner more palatable - but they have slipped 1-0 behind after just three minutes.

Over in Spain, Barcelona are aiming to end 2014 on a high as they entertain lowly Cordoba at the Nou Camp and they have also made a cracking start. Spain forward Pedro, who scored a midweek treble in the Copa Del Rey, bags the opening goal after just 72 seconds.

And, all you European football connoisseurs, remember you can follow the Dortmund match and the Barcelona game.

AFP

Now then! Shane Long looks to gallop in behind the retreating Everton defence, Sylvain Distin goes in for the challenge and knocks the striker to the ground. There's an in take of breath as the prospect of an early red card arises - but referee Jon Moss doesn't even give a foul! Big call. Did Distin get the ball?

It has been tight and tidy at Loftus Road so far. West Brom's Craig Gardner, who can really hit them, has had a decent snap-shot, but Rob Green got two solid palms behind it.

Christian Eriksen is beginning to work his magic in that number 10 role for Spurs, and the Danish playmaker fires in a low, angled shot which is saved at his near post by Tom Heaton.

Wayne Routledge scampers onto a long lump forward, but he can't find a finish, sending the ball screwing wide off the outside of his foot.

Play switches up the other end and Gaston Ramirez clumps a half-volley high and wide under pressure on the edge of the box.

There is space and chances at the KC, the finishing is AWOL at the moment.

CLOSE!

As soon as I say that West Ham go close! Kevin Nolan pings a pass into the feet of striker Diafra Sakho, his first touch is superb to manoeuvre the ball on to his left foot, but his shot ends up just beyond the far corner. Wonderful technique though to hit it on the spin.

On-song West Ham will be looking to keep their fine start to the season going this afternoon, but it's Leicester who make a decent start. Plenty of ball so far.

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

Getty Images

"The first question for United was whether they are going to play Juan Mata in the hole - they were practising that shape in the warm-up and he has started in front of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao. Carlos Sanchez looks to have attached himself to the Spaniard though. Attacking-wise we know what United are capable of but defensively? Villa will get their chances."

CLOSE!

The first sniff of an opening at Villa Park as Ashley Young ignores the boos to skin his man and send a low cross skimming into the box. Robin van Persie swings his left peg at it, but gets only a glance on it and it heads wide.

Manager reaction

PA

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock on his side's disallowed goal: "We worked so hard at the Etihad. Two goals down and you score a good goal like that, it knocks you. I don't know why top class officials get it wrong. It wasn't even close. It was a disgraceful decision.

"The linesman will be disappointed when he sees it. It's not hard to look across and see it. We might have lost 5-1 - I can't tell you that, but at 2-1 the crowd might have been nervous. We worked so hard all week - it's nothing to do with us that the goal was chalked off."

Positive stuff from Burnley early on, with Kieran Trippier putting in a decent cross from deep and Scott Arfield nips in at the far post but blazes his effort high and wide.

Manchester United have come out like they have not seen fresh meat in a week. Plenty of pressing on the Aston Villa defence.

United have opened up with Rademel Falcao and Robin van Persie up top with Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney floating behind.

Getty Images

Graziano Pelle - holder of the sharpest parting in football - gives away a cheap free-kick in the opening seconds. Southampton have changed to three at the back this afternoon.

KICK-OFF

And we are up and running in today's 15:00 GMT matches.

Ashley Young strolls down the line of Villa players slapping palms. Not a lot of familiar faces left since he left the Villains for United in June 2011.

Manager reaction

Getty Images

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: "It was a very good win. A very good performance. I enjoyed the way the team worked the whole week - to work in a different way without strikers.

"Palace are a team who know how to defend. It was a great job to score three goals. They are also dangerous on the counter. We had two clear chances in the first half - the way we had chances is by moving the ball. David Silva is a top player with lots of quality. We are not just Sergio Aguero - we work hard every day. We have strikers out and Vincent Kompany is injured.

"I did think December is a key month to be in the fight for the title, and if you want to be involved you must be very near the top of the table. I hope we continue playing like this. The fight for the title was not just one team. There are so many games in November and October. We must continue working."

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Rob Gallagher: So excited to see this Manchester United attacking talent on display today. Fingers crossed for win number seven!

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Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder discussing Leicester on Final Score

"The pressure is really getting heaped on Nigel Pearson and his team. They need a performance. The goals are not coming as freely as they were. He needs the players to stand up."

Getty Images

West Brom striker Brown Ideye, signed for £10m in the summer, has received one of the most damning votes of confidence ever from boss Alan Irvine ahead of the trip to Loftus Road.

"He's been through a spell where he looked as if he had no energy whatsoever and couldn't move," Irvine told the Express and Star.

"He looked as if he had no confidence and no sharpness in front of goal.

"In recent weeks he's been scoring goals in the training practices. He's had the energy to stay behind to do extra finishing afterwards which he just didn't have for a while."

He sounds like he is recovering from a serious illness rather than starting life as a Premier League striker.

Martin Keown

BBC Sport discussing Southampton on Final Score

"To lose to Burnley will have hurt. And then they've gone out of the League Cup. Ronald Koeman looked like he was losing the plot a little bit. He needs to rebalance his team. Managing in the Premier League is not like anywhere else in the world. There is no Christmas break here."

Who is Harrison Reed?

Getty Images

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman: "Harrison is a young player and a good midfielder, we need to be aggressive and he is one of those type of players. We have some under 21's on the bench and that is part of the philosophy of the club."

Harrison Reed makes his first start for the Saints in the league, having come on as a substitute in the Premier League five times before, while 18-year-old forward Ryan Seager is on the bench for the first time alongside three other teenagers.

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

@jasonroberts30

"The Manchester United players are out on the pitch working on their attacking shape. That shows Louis van Gaal knows this game is going to be about how his team performs in attack. But you still feel United are vulnerable defensively.

"If Christian Benteke has a really good game, he can be such a strong focal point for Aston Villa, and a threat with his goals."

You can listen to live commentary online.

BBC

Out on the White Hart Lane pitch, the Burnley defence is going through a routine in which they all step up as one, drop back as one and bunch together as one. Perfectly choreographed.

An early nineties Arsenal would be proud.

Getty Images

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Nick Ivory: 3-0 flatters City. Palace deserve a lot of credit

Tim Rowtcliff: Fernando is awful. He constantly makes the wrong decisions with the ball and without it he has no idea what to do or where to be

Sami Azam-Ali: When will football join the other world sports and use technology to correct decisions, potentially cost us the game

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BBC

BBC

Was this as good as it is going to get for Southampton this season?

Four points off the top, another four clear of Manchester City, the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool not even in the same shot - the league table on the evening of 8 November was a cut-out-and-keep special for Saints fans.

They have not won since, losing to Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United (forgiveable) and Burnley (less so).

They are now fifth, two points off fourth-placed West Ham.

Much changed but capable - Lambert

Reuters

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert is optimistic despite having to name a side including four changes: "We have seven lads out who are in and around the first team with injury or suspension. The bench has three young lads on it. It's tough that way and we have had to change the system. That's the nature of the game, it throws up new challenges.

"The first XI is still a strong one and we have to try to keep those players on the pitch as best we can. We are playing well enough to cause them problems. If we do as we are lately we will be right in the game."

Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst discussing Manchester United's Phil Jones on Football Focus

"I think Michael Carrick playing in midfield has been a massive bonus for Manchester United. He is an old head and gets everyone in position. Carrick has always been an under-rated footballer. Phil Jones is a little bit impetuous but he is only 22. If he matures he can play there hundreds and hundreds of times."

Bolton Wanderers manager Neil Lennon

Football Focus

"Phil Jones is a fantastic athlete and at 22 everything is in front of him. I think he will play a big role for Manchester United, but they do need another good centre-back playing alongside him.

"United are title contenders, yes, but champions? No. They still have a bit to do They are on a great run, the football may not be as free-flowing as they would like it to be, but the fact they are third speaks volumes about Louis van Gaal."

Football Focus BBC Sport

Manchester United defender Phil Jones: "I think we've done terrific. We've had a lot of critics since the start of the season but we have proved we are a good side. Louis van Gaal, since he has come here the lads have responded brilliantly, the staff he has brought have been terrific. He knows what he is doing."

Asked whether United can challenge for the title: "Idon't know about that. We need to keep winning games and keep picking up points. We'll address that after Christmas when we see where we are."

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"Up to half-time it was level. Crystal Palace defended well, they played with a lot of conviction and could have gone in front. But in the second half they were outplayed. The two goals from David Silva floored them, and Yaya Toure provided the finishing touch. City worthy winners because of their performance in the second half."

League Two preview

Wycombe will move four points clear at the top of League Two if they win at Accrington after Burton missed the chance to go top yesterday. Third-placed Shrewsbury entertain Morecambe with Luton in fourth also at home, against Newport. Exeter, unbeaten in nine league games, are away at Stevenage. Exeter's last league defeat came in October against Hartlepool, who have not won since. League Two's bottom side are at home against Oxford United today, while 23rd-placed Carlisle take on Northampton.

League One preview

It is bottom versus top in League One as Crewe face Bristol City, while second-placed Swindon meet Doncaster. League Cup semi-finalists Sheffield United entertain Walsall with MK Dons playing Oldham Athletic. Colchester have only taken one point from their last six league games and travel to Yeovil, another side in the bottom four. Peterborough could end the day in the play-off places if they beat fourth-placed Preston.

Championship preview

Bottom side Blackpool entertain leaders Bournemouth. Ipswich, who missed the chance to go top last week, face Middlesbrough, another side aiming to return to the Premier League.

Steve Clarke's first game in charge of Reading is at home against Watford, while struggling Wigan entertain Rotherham. Lowly Brighton travel to Wolves, before Nottingham Forest entertain Leeds in the late game.

BBC

United's defeat to Villa in August 1995, with a team featuring David Beckham, Paul Scholes, the Neville brothers and Nicky Butt, prompted BBC pundit Alan Hansen to famously say that "you can't win anything with kids."

United duly won the Double in May.

So dogged resistance from Palace but eventually City found a way through and looked comfortable enough. Plenty more football to come of course. Don't go anywhere.

FULL-TIME

Manchester City win for the sixth league game in a row and move level on points with leaders Chelsea. Palace boss Neil Warnock looks furious.

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Lee, Glos: It looks like Rooney will be playing central midfield again. If he can grow in to that role and help dictate matches it'll be better news for Hodgson than Van Gaal!

Hayden, Hull: That United bench is dripping with pace! Hope Di Maria gets to run at some tired Villa legs today!

John: To David, London (the long suffering Palace fan) Every team are on the wrong end of poor decisions and have rotten luck from time-to-time. Think back to Manchester United's awful run of luck with decisions and deflected goals against them last season under Moyes. But these things all even themselves out in the long-run. Time to suck it up and move on to the next game David. And cheer up, it's Christmas!

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CLOSE!

You don't get closer to scoring an own goal than that! Martin Demichelis stretches to cut out a Wilfried Zaha cross and turns it into the side-netting.

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

AFP

"The crowd around me have all stood up to applaud Samir Nasri off. I think they agree with me (see 77 mins). He has worked very hard and was the man who kept City's high energy going, forcing Palace back."

SUBSTITUTION

PA

Samir Nasri, who has been excellent again, is replaced by Scott Sinclair! His first Premier League game for the club since April 2013. You may well have forgotten that he was still a City player.

Palace send on Barry Bannan.

Reuters

Spend £26m, get seven goals in 38 league appearances in return and usually you can usually expect some jeers and general crowd unhappiness in the equation.

Roberto Soldado is defying basic football maths though, still being backed by the White Hart Lane crowd.

"I feel ashamed at not being able to satisfy them," said Soldado. "It's hard when they sing.

"I hear them chanting my name and if I miss a chance, I feel bad. I can't thank them enough."

The crowd's patience may not have been exhausted but Mauricio Pochettino seems to be at the end of this teather. If Soldado is to score today, it will be from off the bench.

Premier League players on Twitter

Tottenham forward Nacer Chadli: "Anyone need tickets today? Got two spare."

Into the last five minutes, and I think we're going to see Scott Sinclair! A festive treat.

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"Palace have been outplayed in the second half. Up until the break they were still right in the game I thought. But in the second half, no. Since the first goal went in City have moved up the gears, and that's been too much for Palace."

Text us on 81111

Angry Palace fan David, London: "If that (the offside call against James McArthur) was Chelsea, City, or United, everyone would be up in arms about that decision. But because it's 'just' Palace the pundits won't care. Big club bias as usual. Palace have had rotten luck this season which goes under the radar as no one seems to care outside the so called big clubs."

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EPA

To score three times against a team heavily set up to defend without one fit striker is worthy of praise. Manchester City have the resources to overcome most problems but when you saw the team at noon you did wonder how they would fare.

Hull City boss Steve Bruce makes three changes to the side that lost 2-0 at Chelsea last weekend, with Alex Bruce, Gaston Ramirez and Abel Hernandez coming in to replace injured defender Michael Dawson, Sone Aluko and suspended midfielder Tom Huddlestone, who was sent off at Stamford Bridge.

Swansea manager Garry Monk makes seven changes as he looks to halt a run of two Premier League games without a win. Top scorer Wilfried Bony is on the bench with French striker Bafetimbi Gomis handed a start. Gylfi Sigurdsson (foot), Leon Britton (knee) and Jefferson Montero (hamstring) are all out but Federico Fernandez and Tom Carroll return to the side along with goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski .

Hull City XI: McGregor, Bruce, Chester, Davies, Meyler, Hernandez, Livermore, Jelavic, Ramirez, Robertson, Elmohamady.

Swansea City XI: Fabianski, Richards, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor, Ki, Carroll, Shelvey, Dyer, Routledge, Gomis.

Team news

Very simple team news from east London as both West Ham and Leicester are unchanged. West Ham fans will be able to see the striking partnership of Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho play together from the start for the first time at Upton Park.

Nigel Pearson has faith in the same 11 Leicester players that started their 1-0 defeat against Manchester City last week. The Foxes are without a win since 21 September, when they beat Manchester United 5-3.

West Ham XI: Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell, Song, Nolan, Kouyate, Downing, Carroll, Sakho.

Leicester XI: Hamer, Simpson, Wasilewski, Morgan, Konchesky, Mahrez, King, Cambiasso, Drinkwater, Schlupp, Vardy.

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"Palace are caught on the break. The speed in the attack was too much for them, and after a well constructed move Yaya Toure took one touch and hit it with his left foot. It flew into the net off the post, an absolute storm of a hit."

GOAL

EPA

Clinical counter-attack! Crystal Palace have a corner and seconds later City score. Jesus Navas bursts through, he finds James Milner who then tees up Yaya Toure galloping into the box. His first touch is not great, sending him on to his left foot, but Toure's finish is fantastic - he wallops the ball home off the inside of the post.

AP

Team news

Southampton give a first Premier League start to 19-year-old midfielder Harrison Reed, while Graziano Pelle and Steven Davis start after passing fitness tests. Morgan Schneiderlin, Victor Wanyama and Florin Gardos are suspended as the Saints make four changes to the side who lost at Burnley last time out in the Premier League.

Everton make two changes from the team that started against in the league win against QPR, with Samuel Eto'o and Gareth Barry replacing Aiden McGeady and Kevin Mirallas.

Southampton XI: Forster, Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Bertrand, Reed, Alderweireld, Long, W-Prowse, S Davis, Pelle

Everton XI: Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Besic, Barry, Naismith, Barkley; Eto'o, Lukaku

YELLOW CARD

Reuters

James Milner has worked hard up front all day but goes into one 50/50 too many and is booked for his trouble. At the other end, Jason Puncheon flashes in a wicked cross from the left which Eli Mangala does really well to hammer out.

Team news

Harry Redknapp makes four changes from the QPR side that lost 3-1 away to Everton in midweek with top-scorer Charlie Austin returning from suspension. He is joined up front by Bobby Zamora with Junior Hoilett and Jordon Mutch dropping out. Mauricio Isla and Matt Phillips also make way with Steven Caulker and Karl Henry back in the starting XI.

West Brom keep the same starting XI that beat Aston Villa 1-0 last weekend. Claudio Yacob is back on the bench.

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

West Brom: Foster, Wisdom, McAuley, Lescott, Pocognoli, Morrison, Gardner, Varela, Sessegnon, Dorrans, Ideye. Subs: Baird, Yacob, Myhill, Gamboa, Berahino, Mulumbu, Dawson.

Referee: Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire)

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"A little bit of the continuity has gone since David Silva has come off. Frank Lampard hasn't had a chance to get into the game yet. I think Samir Nasri has been the best player on the pitch. He has created a lot of City's openings and has shown a huge amount of energy. He's one of the main reasons why Palace have been kept on the back foot."

Another energetic run on the right from Jesus Navas, and his deflected cross almost finds its way through to Frank Lampard lurking with intent. How many more times will we see Lampard in the Premier League?

We must improve - Van Gaal

Getty Images

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is asked if people are getting carried away with his side's six-game winning run: "The media. We are living match by match and preparing business against Aston Villa.

"I hope the preparation shall end in victory. I think we have to improve especially in ball possession because every match we gave the ball away too easily without pressure. That I call unnecessary.

"In the last matches we didn't receive any more stupid goals, so I'm pleased with our defence organisation but we must improve with ball possession."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Rajan Paudel: Exciting...Rooney, Falcao, RVP and Mata all in starting line up today. Eager to see how they link with each other

Jonathan Guckian: They said #MUFC couldn't fit Rooney, RVP, Mata & Falcao into one team. That's how it's done. Let's see if it works!

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Team news

Getty Images

Manager Paul Lambert makes four changes to Aston Villa's defeat at West Brom as Matthew Lowton, Fabian Delph, Ron Vlaar and Andreas Weimann come in.

Manchester United make two changes as Radamel Falcao and Darren Fletcher replace James Wilson and Marouane Fellaini respectively but their hosts have been decimated by injuries and suspensions.

Manchester United's Ashley Young will face his old club, who have just one victory over their visitors today in 36 attempts. Make no mistake about it, this is a happy hunting ground for the Red Devils.

Aston Villa XI: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Okore, Clark, Cissokho, Sanchez, Delph, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke.

Manchester United XI: De Gea, Jones, Carrick, Evans, Valencia, Fletcher, Mata, Rooney, Young, Van Persie, Falcao.

I've no doubt we will Jimmy! The goal definitely should have stood. At the other end James Milner almost finds Frank Lampard but more good defending from Scott Dann cuts it out. Approaching the final 15 minutes.

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"I just took the offside decision as matter of fact and looked at the assistant referee. But no doubt we will hear from the Palace manager about that. One goal and the whole thing changes."

I've just seen another replay of that disallowed Crystal Palace goal from a few minutes ago and it should have stood. Fernandinho was right down at the bottom of the screen and played James McArthur clearly onside. Unlucky for Palace.

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

Reuters

"Before the game we were looking at the kind of players who could come and threaten from deep and David Silva has scored twice. It's a mean club that doesn't want him to take the ball home - of course they don't have the money here...

"I thought Palace might have left Fraizer Campbell on, I thought he did well. At the moment the signs are not very promising for the away team. They have not been able to get on the ball. Since half-time City have kept possession really well and there has been much better movement off the ball."

FULL-TIME

PA

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Jonathan Cowley: Who needs a striker when you have a wizard?

Bright Eugene VII: David is most definitely Manchester City's Silva lining against Crystal Palace this afternoon

Tom Simukoko: Who needs keys to doors #9 and #16 when you have key #21 that can open doors for you

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SUBSTITUTION

Getty Images

David Silva's reward for two goals is to get a 20-minute rest, as Frank Lampard replaces him. Standing ovation for the Spaniard, and a hearty welcome for Lampard too.

DISALLOWED Palace GOAL

Getty Images

James McArthur heads in a Yannick Bolasie cross - but the flag is up. Very, very tight that one. City fans serenade the away end with 'you should have gone Christmas shopping.'

Even a defeat beats shopping, surely?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Bob: Stroll in the park for City. Major concern if you are a Palace fan they are struggling at the moment

Louis Porter: So only a week ago LVG says Falcao is only fit for 20 minutes and now he is in the starting lineup. What?

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SUBSTITUTION

Manchester City have had 75% of possessing since half-time. Utterly dominant. But they have struggled in front of goal without a recognised striker, as you would expect.

Palace send on Wilfried Zaha, to some token boos thanks to his Manchester United ties.

Not many changes to tell you about at White Hart Lane. From the team which beat Swansea last weekend, Tottenham bring in Nacer Chadli in place of Roberto Soldado. Burnley are unchanged.

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Walker, Fazio, Vertonghen, Davies, Bentaleb, Mason, Lamela, Eriksen, Chadli, Kane. Subs: Rose, Chiriches, Soldado, Vorm, Townsend, Dembele, Stambouli.

Burnley: Heaton, Trippier, Shackell, Keane, Mee, Arfield, Jones, Marney, Boyd, Ings, Barnes. Subs: Wallace, Kightly, Reid, Jutkiewicz, Chalobah, Gilks, Long.

Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire)

GOAL

PA

Norwich have equalised a minute from time as Steven Whittaker beats Johnny Russell at a corner and drills his shot in off the post. Steve McClaren looks far from happy on the touchline.

Manchester City could actually go top of the league with two more unanswered goals. Goal difference could prove important as the season rolls on. Will they go for it?

BreakingBreaking team news

Radamel Falcao will make just his fourth league start for Manchester United.

He replaces James Wilson in the forward line from United's 3-0 win over Liverpool.

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"Manchester City have moved up a gear since the break and they've pushed Palace back. Aleksandar Kolarov did very well with the cross but there was nobody marking David Silva. You can't allow him that much space in the box."

GOAL

Getty Images

And there is the second goal! David Silva again, from a full-back's pass again. This is a fine goal, Aleksander Kolarov having time on the left to whip over a low cross which Silva sweeps into the net on the bounce.

Getty Images

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Daniel Addy: They have a tough time of it, but the referee (Paul Tierney) in this Derby vs. Norwich game has been superb!

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In a game so tight and congested the pace of Jesus Navas is proving to be a real outlet for Manchester City. Again he gets around the back of the defence but again his cross is well cut out. A second goal for the hosts would put the game to bed.

Clumsy challenge from James Milner down by the corner flag but he escapes a booking. You can't see any way back into the game for Palace at the moment, City look comfortable enough now they have found a way ahead. They scored with their first effort on target.

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

EPA

"Jesus Navas has been getting the ball in the box much faster and more accurately in this second half. I felt he was too slow to cross it earlier. Palace have been in it from the start and are are still in this. They'll be hoping to win a few more free-kicks and corners because they always look likely to get a head on the ball."

Very direct from Jesus Navas as he drives past two defenders and puts over a testing early cross, James Milner is sniffing at the front post but excellent defending from Scott Dann hooks it out.

AFP

Crystal Palace have scored 19 goals in 16 Premier League games this season, but they need at least one more to get anything out of this game now. They do have attacking options on the bench, and Yannick Bolasie continues to threaten.

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"City have started the second half with real purpose, but that is real bad luck from Palace's point of view. Julian Speroni had no chance (see 49 mins). David Silva's shot didn't have much power, it caught Scott Dann on the way, but he will claim it."

Does that goal open the game up? Will Crystal Palace have to change their shape? It was a great move, not for the first time. Another one instantly sees Yaya Toure drill in a shot over the bar.

GOAL

Reuters

Manchester City get a slice of luck but it's another brilliant move to carve Palace apart. Fernandinho frees Pablo Zabaleta on another rampaging run, this time he doesn't shoot but instead lays it off to David Silva, his shot takes a giant deflection off Scott Dann and loops into the net. Relief at the Etihad.

AFP

CLOSE!

Great beard, great clearance! Palace midfielder Joe Ledley does superbly to turn the ball over his own crossbar after a teasing cross form the left. High tempo opening from City.

Reuters

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Ian Halliwell: City do have young strikers coming through, but the best are out on loan being developed. It is not a lack of youth

Tom Holmes: 8 shots, 0 on target. Says it all really. City need a clinical edge and at the moment they're really struggling to find one

Pablo de Roman: As a Chelsea fan, I will be gutted if Lampard saves Man City by scoring again. He should sit this one out methinks

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KICK-OFF

Here we go, the sides are out, looks like no changes for either side. Under way.

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Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder

"Manchester City are having a laugh here, false number nine at home to Crystal Palace? They must have a good youngster in the ranks they could give a chance."

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Paul, Wolverhampton: Why don't City recall John Guidetti from Celtic? He is supposed to be the future

Mike Wilshaw: The real difference between City and United (Michal, 35 mins) is that United spend 180m in a transfer window and still struggle to create any coherence or consistency

James in London: City fans seem to be joining in the festivities with hundreds of empty seat costumes!

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Into the last 20 minutes in the east midlands, Bradley Johnson sees a shot deflected just wide for Norwich. Derby will go top of the league if they can hang on.

'Soton don't need to change it up'

Bolton Wanderers manager Neil Lennon

Football Focus

"Southampton will try not to change things too much. If it was working before it will come again. Ronald Koeman is not one to panic, and in some of the games they have lost they have been the better team - think of the home game with Manchester United. There's not a lot wrong with them, but I have to say I did not see the result against Sheffield United in the League Cup coming."

AFP

A mince pie with no icing so far from City. Lots to admire - but not one effort on target. Could Frank Lampard dig them out of bother again?

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Paul Harris: The real City is revealed - a billion spent on the first team and obviously no youth strikers coming through at all

Mike Humph: Nice and easy on the eye from City but even easier to defend against. Need the late runs from Lampard on at Half Time

Nick: City playing the Mince pie formation today (Lots of great things mixed together)

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Martin Fisher

Match of the Day commentator

BBC

"It is three months since Leicester City last won in the Premier League, so it's no surprise that they're bottom of the table and five points adrift of safety.

"But just look at what's happened at West Ham. The board ignored the fans' discontent at boss Sam Allardyce, and he has got them promoted, established them in the Premier League and now has them sitting fourth in the table.

"The message is clear: if you've got a good manager, give him some time to ride through the inevitable hard times."

Steve Wilson

BBC Match of the Day commentator

BBC

"When Burnley had taken just four points and scored five goals in their first 10 games of the season, you'd have got very long odds indeed on them being out of the relegation zone seven weeks later.

"It's no coincidence that this upturn has coincided with the return to fitness of Danny Ings, but let's not overlook the contribution of Ings' current strike partner Ashley Barnes.

"Spurs' equivalent to Barnes is Harry Kane. Some observers doubt whether Kane has the pace and subtlety required to become a really top striker at this level, others say he's the future of Spurs and maybe England."

Simon Brotherton

Match of the Day commentator

BBC

"It hasn't been the best of weeks for Ronald Koeman and there's a chance it might get a little bit worse before it starts to get better.

"Unhappy at perceived disrespect on the Bramall Lane touchline and knocked out of the Capital One Cup by League One side Sheffield United, Koeman has now seen his team lose five matches in a row after their brilliant start to the season.

"Everton counterpart Roberto Martinez has his eyes on a top-four finish this season and believes it won't take as many points as usual to achieve it.

"His team are seven points behind fourth-placed West Ham at the moment but will hope to start narrowing the gap with a win."

Jonathan Pearce

BBC Match of the Day commentator

BBC

"If this game is important, then the return match at The Hawthorns in April will be absolutely vital. The losers that day could well go down. Both sides are already deep in trouble.

"Naive defending and bad mistakes have cost QPR dearly. Striker Charlie Austin needs support. They badly need to get another striker in and clear the deadwood out of the squad.

"Both sides are at a crossroads but Austin's purple patch may edge this one."

Alistair Mann

BBC Match of the Day commentator

BBC

"Back in April, all was well, the Tigers roar was loud,

"The Swans they left defeated, the home fans mood was proud.

"Consolidation nearly complete, their status almost secure,

"A first cup final looming large, who could ask for more?"

For more of Alistair's epic and poetic match preview, come this way. Fifteen (just about) rhyming couplets of insight and entertainment.

Guy Mowbray

BBC Match of the Day commentator

BBC

"It might be the most wonderful time of the year, but it's probably not the best time for Aston Villa to be facing Manchester United.

"Not only are United the Premier League's form team - at least in terms of results - with six straight wins behind them, but it's also more or less a case of 'Hobson's choice' for the team Paul Lambert can pick from an injury-hit squad, saddled with several suspensions.

"But a Villa forward line with the skill, pace and power of Andreas Weimann, Gabby Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke should have brought more than the team's paltry 10 league goals so far, and this might be the day when Benteke fires his season into life."

No goals at the Etihad - but plenty more football still to come. Here's what our MOTD commentators have got lined up for us:

BBC

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"The best chance of the game so far was Pablo Zabaleta's just before the break (see 43 mins). He got the ball over the top of Julian Speroni, but then agonised as it went just a fraction wide of the post. Crystal Palace are not making it easy for Manchester City. They have defended well and could have got a goal through Fraizer Campbell (see 19 mins).

"Manuel Pellegrini will be looking at his team and hoping one of the spark players, one of David Silva, Yaya Toure or Samir Nasri, can just prise another opening, from somewhere, that somebody can take advantage of."

HALF-TIME

Frustration on the faces of the Manchester City dugout as the half comes to a close. Lots of very nice play, but no breakthrough. City look short of a presence up front.

Reuters

That was almost lovely from Pablo Zabaleta. He scored a cracking chip at Sunderland recently and almost repeated the trick - but his effort was a yard wide this time. Maybe he is the answer up front - City will struggle to change their options in the second half.

CLOSE!

PA

Pablo Zabaleta almost picks Palace's pockets - getting in behind the Eagles defence via Yaya Toure's pass and clipping a shot which loops over the keeper but, crucially, just wide of the far post.

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Simon, York: Crystal Palace ought to change their name to Crystal Fortress imo. They're defending heroically and if they can nick a goal on the break we could be looking at a classic premier league upset here.

Andy in Armagh: Crystal Palace have had the three best chances of the game so far, but have failed to take any of them. But when you're playing away to a team of Man City's quality you must take those chances when they come.

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GOAL

Chris Martin picks himself up to slam home his 15th goal of the season.

PENALTY to Derby

Instant response for the Rams, as Carlos Cuellar takes out Chris Martin.

GOAL

PA

Norwich are back level as Johnny Howson squares across a congested box for Cameron Jerome to slam into the roof of the net.

Reuters

City with 70% of the ball so far but it's the visitors who arguably look the most dangerous. There are already a few frustrated groans coming from the stands...

YELLOW CARD

Cynical stuff from Aleksandar Kolarov as he steps into Jason Puncheon on the halfway line and he is swiftly booked. Puncheon and Yannick Bolasie have started well - and that is another chance for Palace! Pablo Zabaleta makes a mess of clearing at the far post and Bolasie lashes a shot into the side-netting. City not looking decisive at either end of the field so far.

Getty Images

Lancashire Telegraph journalist Tyrone Marshall: Arrived at White Hart Lane. Christmas dinner for the pre-match meal, but pigs in blankets have been crucially overlooked.

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Adrian Watters: If Palace had a top striker (give Gayle a chance) they'd be a good team with puncheon, Zaha & especially Bolasie creating chances

AH Damani: Credit to Man City on their style of play. Patient passing game! Other teams would have gone route one with a defender up top!

Michal Koziol: Now you can see the real difference between City and United. If Utd had all strikers injured, they'd give a chance to youth.

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Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"When Manchester City create openings the first ball in has to be delivered quickly. So far Crystal Palace have been able to get themselves organised. One extra touch is enough for a defender to get set, and that is what's accounting for the home side so far."

Silva's landmark day

AP

David Silva is making his 200th appearance for Manchester City this afternoon, but the little Spaniard has some work to do before he can overhaul Manchester City's appearance record-holder Alan Oakes who played 680 times for the club between 1959 and 1976.

This game will either finish 0-0, or Manchester City will score an absolutely brilliant goal. Some of their intricate passing is top drawer so far as they pick and probe at the Palace back eight. This time they free Jesus Navas but again he has nobody in the middle and the move falls down.

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant one-two from Yaya Toure and Aleksandar Kolarov. Toure's return pass is a thing of beauty, but when the cross reaches him again he fires over the top.

Without labouring the point, you have to think that Sergio Aguero or Edin Dzeko would have been waiting for a simple pull-back...

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

AFP

"Really clever touches from some of the Manchester City forward players there. We've seen two excellent moves, and three or four times they have laid the ball off to the edge of the area for the shot. All I can say is that they are getting closer."

The good and the bad of this Manchester City system. Wonderful work on the edge of the box frees David Silva on the left of the penalty area, but there is nobody in the middle for the cross. Silva has to come back out and Yaya Toure drills over. Entertaining start.

David Silva then pokes wide after fine play from Samir Nasri again!

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Allan Abbas: City must be regretting why they let Alvaro Negredo go. You cant have enough of good things

Tom Miszkowski: Think Palace could be a threat to City today. City missing the likes of Kompany, Aguero & Lampard from the spine of their team

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Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

Reuters

"Fraizer Campbell was onside (see 19 mins), and that all came from Manchester City not winning the first header. When Mile Jedinak's flick-on came into the six-yard box, Campbell actually took the hard option - he could have brought the ball down."

This is a really lively spell for Palace as now James McArthur drives through a hesitant defence to win a free-kick. Mile Jedinak's delivery is dangerous and Yaya Toure has to stretch to head clear. Nervous energy inside the Etihad.

CLOSE!

Getty Images

More good goalkeeping from Joe Hart as he beats away a corner at the near post before Yannick Bolasie shows great pace again, forcing Eliaquim Mangala into a messy challenge.

And then a great effort from Fraizer Campbell! The former Manchester United man launches into an overhead kick a City fail to clear their lines, but he gets his angles wrong and puts it wide. Fine try!

Getty Images

As this graphic shows, Manchester City look well balanced this afternoon despite playing without a recognised striker. As for Crystal Palace, everything is going through Yannick Bolasie on the left.

Opta

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"A nice bit of play from Yannick Bolasie on the left fashioned the opening, but the Manchester City defenders managed to clear the ball. City haven't quite worked this game out yet. There have been a couple of near efforts from Samir Nasri and James Milner is working hard up front but he is not quite the same as a target man."

Palace's first attack since the opening 90 seconds and it's great feet from Yannick Bolasie, beating Pablo Zabaleta to drive in a dangerous cross which Joe Hart does really well to smother. Top work from the England keeper.

GOAL

PA

Derby have the lead! Former Canary Chris Martin does the damage down the right with a strong run and pullback before Johnny Russell arrives to stab into the net.

Getty Images

There are already signs that this could be a frustrating afternoon for Manchester City. Crystal Palace have 10 men behind the ball at all times and are asking the question- can you break us down?

Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko are both watching on from the stands as they recover from injuries. City need them back fast.

Aguero is with his child - who is the son of Aguero and the grandson of Diego Maradona. Some genes!

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Getty Images

Andrew, Richhill: Sheikh Mansour has spent close to £1 Billion in buying and building this Manchester City team, only to have James Milner playing upfront! Value for money?

Steve Huish, Surbiton: City fighting back. If you think some weeks ago they were 8 points adrift of Chelsea, a win today and City are level with Chelsea. Come on City.

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Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"Crystal Palace had eight players behind the ball there (see 8 mins), almost all in the penalty box. They forced City to keep playing it sideways. City were always looking for the shot from the edge of the box, but Fernandinho's shot was way over."

Steady start from the champions as they look to break down a well-drilled Palace backline. Samir Nasri looks the pick of the bunch in these early stages, he's popping up everywhere. He's involved in a lengthy passing move on the edge of the box which ends with Fernandinho side-footing over from 20 yards.

Championship latest

Norwich have the ball in the net but the goal is ruled out. Alexander Tettey's left-footed effort beat Lee Grant but only after a dummy from Cameron Jerome who was standing in an offside position.

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

BBC

"Samir Nasri came in late then (see 3 mins) but Pablo Zabaleta's pull-back was just slightly behind him. Crystal Palace will have to watch those City players running into the penalty area from deep. Sometimes they are very difficult to mark."

Jimmy's joining Conor McNamara in the commentary box today. You can listen using the Live Coverage tab at the top of this page.

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Matt in London: All the build up talk of Man City and how they will cope without a striker, no one even thinking about how Palace might perform. Hopefully, City will be in a similar mindset, and will be so focused on their own side that they will overlook a Palace team that is starting to look balanced, and very effective out wide and on the counter. Everyone yet to realise the upset potential here...

Steven, Ayr: Inspired to have Milner up top will offer work rate that Silva wouldn't. If he scores can Liverpool have him on loan to replace Balotelli???

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CLOSE!

Lovely move down the City right creates the first chance. Jesus Navas and Pablo Zabaleta swap passes before the full-back cuts it back to Samir Nasri - who screws a shot wide. Nasri has been in sparkling form recently.

Palace force a very early corner which Joe Hart comes out well to punch clear. Dominant from the City keeper, who signed a new contract this week. It does indeed appear as if James Milner has started through the middle. Very flexible though.

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Getty Images

Pablo de Roman: Frank Lampard has more Premier League goals than any other active player. What striker crisis?

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KICK-OFF

Under way. The Premier League is go.

Players out of the tunnel at the Etihad, here we go...

Championship latest

Decent opening for Derby as Chris Martin, against his former club heads over from an Omar Mascarell corner. Steve McClaren, who watches matches from the stands, is not happy with the start Derby have made, moving to the touchline and appears suitably animated.

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"I don't think Manchester City will play with James Milner as a central striker. There are six players in the side who can cause problems and they will all be manoeuvring around. They will have dealt with the tactics in training over the last few days.

"Crystal Palace have drawn four away from home and won once already this season. They are difficult to break down, and City will need to get something early on."

Getty Images

Emlie Heskey back in football would be the biggest Christmas present we could all ask for.

Bolton on the rise, Heskey to arrive?

Bolton Wanderers manager Neil Lennon

Football Focus

"I always look up the table. It was important for us to get out of the bottom three and now we are starting to get a bit of momentum. We are very happy but the Championship is so unpredictable. The league's sponsored by a betting company but in reality it's the last league you would want to bet on.

"The opportunity to sign Eidur Gudjohnsen came along, he had been playing in Belgium last season and I have always admired him as a player. He is still in good condition and is really happy. It's not a PR stunt - we feel he will make us better and as the games go on and and he gets fitter, he will have a big impact on our season. It's the same with Emile Heskey. We've brought him in to have a look at him and see if he can make us better. There's no guarantee either way. It's up to him whether he is hungry enough and I think he still is. I've known him for a really long time."

No goals, and no real chances of note yet in a typically frenetic opening 20 minutes at the iPro Stadium.

Coming up on BBC radio

BBC Radio 5 live

Today's a busy day of Premier League action over on BBC Radio 5 live. First up you've got full match commentary of today's 12:45 GMT kick-off between Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

Then from 15:00 there's full coverage of Aston Villa v Manchester United plus updates from around the grounds, followed of course by Sports Report at 17:00 and 606 with Robbie Savage and Darren Fletcher, live from 18:06.

If James Milner does start up front today, City fans will be pleased to know that his last Premier League goal came on 21st December 2013 against Fulham. He has netted just once in his last 51 Premier League games.

Prolific.

Speaking of emergency strikers - had everyone else forgotten that Crystal Palace re-signed Andrew Johnson in the summer? The veteran has not featured at all in the Premier League...

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Steven Telfer: If Man City need a striker, Newcastle will happily swap Rivière for Joe Hart.

Arun Chhotu: Neil Lennon on BBC - you actually make me optimistic about the clubs future! COYWM

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I was a striker when I was young!'

Mark Lawrenson

football Analyst discussing Man City v Crystal Palace on Football Focus

"It will be strange because James Milner is up top for Manchester City, but the rest of the team won't be strange. The difficulty for Milner is that for City to get those midfield players involved Milner has to hold the ball up and it is something he has not done much of. I'm told he was a striker when he was younger but so was I!

"When Neil Warnock took over Crystal Palace continued that upward movement but now they have dipped. The bottom 10 or 12 teams in the Premier League is all about who is going to score you the goals, and it always will be."

'False nine in the Spanish style'

Bolton Wanderers manager Neil Lennon

Football Focus

"It's very strange Manchester City don't have a striker when you consider the strength in depth they should have. Today they're playing a false nine in the Spanish style, and maybe they will look to work Palace down.

"It will be interesting to see how Neil Warnock approaches the game. Will he tell his players to go and press high, forcing City to play the ball long? But I do feel City have enough football in the team to win the game."

The boys in the Football Focus studio have gone with James Milner up front in their team graphic today. It is an interesting conundrum and we shall find out soon. No clues from the teams' warm-ups.

KICK-OFF

Game on in the Championship. Both of these sides harbour ambitions of a return to the Premier League - can they deliver?

BBC

Waiting in the wings?

Getty Images

Manchester City are keen to keep hold of Frank Lampard for longer - and do they have another answer to their problems at one of their 'sister' clubs? Lampard has been joined at New York City FC by Spain legend David Villa.

A man who could certainly do a short-term job in the Premier League. Villa to arrive on New Year's Day? I have no idea if that move would be possible- but I bet City are looking into it...

Louis van Gaal runs a tight ship at Manchester United, the sort of ship that doesn't do leaks.

I can't imagine Marouane Fellaini has been ok'ed to tell Aston Villa's Christian Benteke and the rest of Twitter that he is not in the Manchester United team today.

Twitter

Maybe it is a double bluff.

Memories of 2014

Football Focus BBC Sport

We want you to share your favourite football memories and moments of 2014 using #FootballFocus or by commenting on the Match of the Day Facebook page. Whether it is the favourite match, best goal, worst miss, or a moment of madness, we want to hear your selections, and the best will be featured on Football Focus next Saturday.

Focus is just starting now.

Championship Latest

Third play seventh in the day's opening Championship encounter.

Derby, who suffered League Cup defeat to Chelsea in midweek, could do with three points to throw on the furnace. Steve McClaren's side's last win was at home to Brighton on 6 December.

Norwich, by contrast, have won their last two, putting away Huddersfield 5-0 last time out.

They are almost ready for the go at the iPro.

It has also been pointed out that Germany didn't play with a 'proper' striker for much of the World Cup in the summer - and that went well. Strikers are on the way out it seems...

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Jen: Manchester City playing a 4-6-0 formation piloted by Spain at Euro 2012. It seemed to work for them at that tournament mind you. 3-0 Man City

Andy: James Milner to be a hat-trick hero this afternoon for Manchester City, you heard it here first!

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Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Liz Tray: Spain seemed to do alright without strikers, so let's have a go. Crystal Palace won't know how to cope, as we're not sure ourselves!

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A late correction to the Crystal Palace team - Jason Puncheon starts instead of Wilfried Zaha.

Steve Bower

BBC Match of the Day commentator

BBC

"It will be a big ask for Crystal Palace to head back to south-east London with anything. To do so, Neil Warnock will know each one of his players will have to perform to their maximum.

"Palace will point to City's home defeat by Stoke in August as an example of what is possible, but Manuel Pellegrini's are chasing a sixth straight league win. Another three points would only reaffirm claims that the champions are indeed back."

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We haven't had a Premier League managerial sacking yet, but why?

Tom Holmes: The reason we've not had a firing yet is that most of the teams down the bottom have established coaches loved at the club.

Coming up on BBC TV

Football Focus BBC Sport

Tune in for this week's Football Focus on BBC One at 12:10 GMT and you will catch an interview with Manchester United defender Phil Jones, while Bolton manager Neil Lennon and former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson are joining Dan Walker in the studio.

Later you've got Final Score, live on the Red Button from 14:30 and from 16:25 on BBC One except for viewers in Scotland, who can watch Sportscene at the same time.

And later still, there's Match of the Day. That's on from 22:20 on BBC One.

Centre-half up front? Glory days. The tactic may still be alive and kicking in the lower leagues, but in the Premier League those days appear to be over.

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Daniel Walford: When he played for Bayern Munich, defender Daniel Van Buyten was used as an 'emergency striker' (see 11:45). Was pretty good too.

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He wants to be a part of it

Reuters

With goal potentially in short supply for Manchester City, keeping hold of Frank Lampard may become even more important.

The 36-year-old is due back in New York next month but don't start spreading the news just yet - he's not leaving today. But City do face a problem - The MLS new boys are fighting tooth and nail to call him back.

"For Lampard to have any kind of delay in joining Major League Soccer from the beginning, the initiation of this club, would be a disastrous proposition," said Dave Martinez, a New York-based football writer for empireofsoccer.com.

"It's going to be an interesting tug of war and I think that will define how the City football group operates."

Read more on the Big Apple's take on Frank here.

So no striker for Manchester City, and nobody tasked with filling in either. As Graham Taylor once said to Nigel Clough, City will 'just play it as they see it.'

Could be inspired? Could be a mess...

BBC

Team News

Manchester City make six changes from the side that defeated Leicester City last week. With no senior strikers available, manager Manuel Pellegrini brings in James Milner, who looks most likely to play up in attack. Martin Demichelis replaces the injured Vincent Kompany in central defence.

Crystal Palace make one change with Fraizer Campbell replacing the injured Marouane Chamakh in attack.

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Navas, Yaya Toure, Silva, Nasri, Milner.

Palace: Speroni, Kelly, Dann, Hangeland, Ward, Bolasie, Jedinak, Ledley, McArthur, Puncheon, Campbell.

Get involved on the MOTD Facebook page

Throughout the morning we've been asking for your tales of improvised kit, prompted by Danny Baker on his Radio 5 live show. Here is a final collection from the MOTD Facebook page...

Michael Clemens: Was in goal and didn't have my top and the spare ones were already gone so ref let me play wearing a hessian sand bag

Bob Sleigh: After having forgotten the kit we improvised and played in reversed Tesco* bags. A poor persons QPR! We must have stunned the opposition as I think we won the match!

*Other supermarket carrier bags are available

Manuel Pellegrini says that "we must play another way without a striker." He says that he has people in the team who can score goals so he is not too concerned about not having a striker.

Sounds like 4-6-0 then...

Milner up front?

Manchester City may possess one of the very best strikers in world football in Sergio Aguero, but he is out for at least a couple more weeks with a knee injury.

First-choice stand-in Edin Dzeko pulled his calf in the warm-up at Leicester last weekend, and Stevan Jovetic is also injured. Three out of three down.

Last week youngster Jose Angel Pozo got the nod up top but looked rather out of his depth. So today City manager Manuel Pellegrini rolls the dice and names a side containing no recognised forward. James Milner up there? Yaya Toure?

EMERGENCY STRIKERS

BBC

For all the money in the game, for all the World Cup stars flocking to our shores, there's still room in the Premier League for a good old-fashioned injury crisis.

Manchester United have had no defenders at times this season, and have relied on Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick to fill in at the back.

And today Manchester City have no strikers. Time for one of football's most gratifying sights: The Emergency Centre-Forward.

Who will step into the breach for City? James Milner? David Silva? Eliaqium Mangala (the wildcard option).

We are about to find out...

Wow... where does time go? We're just minutes away from finding out the team news from our early game at the Etihad.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is my cue to hand the live text baton on to Tom Rostance. Over to you, Rozza...

There were some interesting quotes in the Times this week, with Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini saying he felt like he was made a scapegoat for the club's poor form last season.

"Last season we didn't play well as a team and it was easy for people outside the club to say it was me because the manager brought me with him, but that was something I had to deal with," Fellaini said. "It was a difficult moment because in all my career I hadn't experienced anything like it."

Is he right?

Is Danny Welbeck fitting in at Arsenal?

BBC Radio 5 live

PA

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Jason Roberts, speaking on BBC Radio 5 live: "There is no doubt that when you're a young player coming through you are looked at differently to when a club pays a lot of money for you.

"I think that even now Danny Welbeck could be in the Manchester United side but they always looked at him as the player who had come through. I think the move has been excellent for him as a man. Even though Olivier Giroud is coming back, he has gone there and puffed out his chest."

Falcao's future

Louis van Gaal was similarly non-committal when asked about the future of loanee Radamel Falcao. The Reds have the option to buy the player permanently - but will have to shell out more than £40m for the privilege.

"He hasn't played so much," said Van Gaal. "You cannot see too much of a player if he doesn't train so much.

"He has been injured a lot of time. First you have to be fit. Now he shows fitness in the training sessions so maybe I shall select him (for Saturday's game at Aston Villa), maybe for the bench or the line up. Let's wait and see."

'LvG a scary man'

BBC Radio 5 live

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was angered on Friday when journalists asked him if he will sign former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who has been training with the club.

Getty Images

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy tells BBC Radio 5 live: "He signed me when I was a youngster and I've never walked on egg shells in my life like I did then. Now he is a changed man but then, on the football pitch, he was the scariest man. He is a perfectionist and he does not want mistakes, even in training.

"I'd be training with the first team and being sick because I was petrified."

Jason Roberts

On BBC Radio 5 live

PA

Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore has not scored a Premier League goal in more than a year going into tomorrow's derby with Newcastle.

"You're passionate about what you do. It's not a case of going home and forgetting, this is an issue and it's your passion.

"My way of dealing with it would be not to leave the house. The majority of players I've been with, it means that much to them."

Forgetting your kit and having to improvise

Your tales of improvised kit continue to flood in via #bbcfootball on Twitter and the MOTD Facebook page.

Mark Nash: As a kid I used my dad's gardening gloves to keep goal after I realized I had forgotten my own. We lost 7-0.

Keane's visit to Cleverley's house

Pat Murphy

BBC Radio 5 live

"All this stems from Roy Keane getting fed up with various rumours that he stormed out of Aston Villa after allegedly rowing with some senior players. Keane wanted to know who was briefing some reporters and went round to ask Tom Cleverley, whom he knows from his Old Trafford days, if he was the source. Paul Lambert, weary and fed up of all the Keane rumours, said Cleverley told him there was no row at his house and a civilised and mature conversation. The Villa manager reiterated there was never a training ground bust-up."

'Answer the door, it's me... Roy'

AP

Imagine opening your door and Roy Keane being stood there?

Reports had emerged that Keane wanted an angry showdown with Tom Cleverley this week, about recent 'leaks' from the dressing room from his time at the club. Villa manager Paul Lambert has played down the seriousness of the incident - but admitted Keane did go round to the player's house.

Lambert, speaking earlier this week, said: "I spoke to Tom this morning really briefly and he assures me that what is being portrayed is certainly not what happened. That was it, really.

"I've probably spoken about Roy more since he's left than when he was here. I think you (should) give the guy a break.

"From the brief chat I had with Tom, it certainly wasn't how it was portrayed."

Get involved on the MOTD Facebook page

So far, we've had pretty much every book from The Very Hungry Caterpillar to War and Peace being used for shin-pads (the latter if the opposition has a proper unit in midfield). Here are some more of your stories of improvised kits, from the MOTD Facebook page...

Luke Morgan: My manager brought the wrong kit and our kits clashed with the other team so we swapped with a team on another pitch.

Conall Lavery: I was managing an under age game and kid turned up with no shin guards. We only had 11. So one side he had half a note pad and the other a sponge. Save to say the ref wasn't to impressed when there was pages everywhere. He called the kid over and pulled out a season's worth of team sheets

No sack race winner... yet

BBC Radio 5 live

Sunday Telegraph football correspondent Jason Burt tells BBC Radio 5 live: "I think the league is condensed with no-one cut adrift. Everyone who wants to be at the top is not too far away.

"I also think there is a lack of top candidates out there, Tony Pulis is the prime one waiting. Some have been under pressure and pulled it out of the fire. I don't think there is a team in such a state that they feel we have to make this change."

A transfer window for managers?

BBC Radio 5 live

No Premier League side has so far pressed the panic button and sacked their manager yet this season.

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy tells BBC Radio 5 live that is positive news: "Nobody wants to be the first.

"When one goes others may think it's their turn because no one will talk about them being the first. It's good for the English game and gives people like me hope. I think there should be a transfer window for managers as well. Teams would be stuck with the manager."

It's quite remarkable that we are deep into December and no Premier League side has sacked their manager this season. Yet.

The BBC Radio 5 live team were discussing that very subject last night...

The Saints, however, might fancy their chances today. Everton have only won twice in 15 Premier League visits to Southampton (W2, D6, L7) - and they scored two own goals last season in a 2-0 defeat. The Toffees' bogey side?

What's going on at Southampton? One minute they're talking about the Champions League, the next they're one defeat away from their worst run of results since 1957.

Not that manager Ronald Koeman is too concerned: "If somebody said to me in the pre-season 'after the middle of December you are the fifth in the list' I would have said 'give me the paper and I will sign it now'."

Just don't get Ronald onto the subject of Nigel Clough...

Join the debate on the MOTD Facebook page

Head on over to the MOTD Facebook page, where you will find a lot of funny stories of improvised kit, as requested by Danny Baker on Radio 5 live this morning, including this...

Anthony French: When I was 'manager' of a Sunday League Team, I had to referee a game with no whistle, allocated ref didn't turn up, we were the away team, home team only had 11 players... 1 linesman with a can of deep heat for a flag! In the same season, my goalkeeper turned up for a game with two left hand gloves and no right hand glove.... I was also at the game in 96/97 (I think?) when Chelsea had to wear Coventry City's away kit at Highfield Road due to either bringing the wrong kit/their kit not making it to Coventry.

Hit or Miss?

PA

Hit or Miss.

I'm not talking about an obscure board game which you need to get down from the loft in time for Christmas... but Robbie Savage's latest column in which he rates the success of the signings made by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers. All 24 of them.

Who might he be talking about here: "A big success. I am just surprised he has not played more in key games for Liverpool this season."

Go and have a read.

Get involved on the MOTD Facebook page

Your examples of improvised kit continue to flood in via #bbcfootball on Twitter and the MOTD Facebook page...

Andy Barnes: I remember one muddy Sunday the opposition goalie wearing sheepskin mittens. Needless to say he couldn't catch a thing.

Tash Holt: Turned up to play my first game for Exeter City girls team only to find out I was playing in goal, no gloves with me so I had to borrow my mates bright pink fluffy gloves!

Eric Cocoran: Our keeper forgot his shin pads so had to use nappies instead.

Fifa's troubles

So, what's next for Fifa and Sepp Blatter? BBC Sport's Richard Conway has put together an excellent and considered blog on that very subject. Read all about it here.

Fifa 'a farce'

Moving away from the Premier League for a moment, another big football story which is making the news concerns Fifa.

The governing body has now agreed to publish a report into claims of World Cup bidding corruption, after previously refusing to do so, while author Michael Garcia resigned as Fifa's independent ethics investigator over the body's handling of his report.

And former England captain Gary Lineker says the way Fifa is running world football is "a farce".

"It's hugely depressing for those of us who love the game," Lineker told the BBC. "I don't think there is any question that Fifa is at an all-time low."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

@MJMaxwell

Michael Maxwell: On a friend's stag we played football with Perry Groves & he did a great job in a pink lycra morph suit.

I'm assuming that's the stag wearing the morph suit, not Perry Groves?

'Liverpool should have changed for Carroll'

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy speaking on BBC Radio 5 live: "Liverpool have got into a pattern of buying people and then not adapting their style to fit. You saw it when they bought Andy Carroll. He was tearing up trees with Newcastle and their more direct style, but Liverpool wanted him to play a different system and the goals dried up.

"If you are willing to spend that amount of money on a player then you have to accommodate him."

Join the debate on the MOTD Facebook page

BBC

Head on over to the MOTD Facebook page, where you will find a lot of funny stories of improvised kit, as requested by Danny Baker on Radio 5 live this morning, including this...

Ruaidhri Campbell Laird: It was fancy dress in our rec league and I dressed as Batman but forgot my shorts so played with the most see through black tights imaginable and a black bin bag for a cape. Could barely see through the mask...

Thanks Ruaidhri, that gave me the perfect opportunity to dig out a picture of Delboy and Rodney dressed as Batman and Robin

Sterling a first-choice striker?

BBC Radio 5 live

Reuters

Former Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy, speaking on BBC Radio 5 live: "It certainly looks like Raheem Sterling is Liverpool's first-choice striker. His two goals against Bournemouth in the League Cup are more than the other strikers have scored, so he deserves to stay in that role.

"Mario Balotelli is talented but his head is not in the right place. Rickie Lambert has played OK, and got a few goals but he has not got enough to dig Liverpool out of the hole they are in."

'Sterling warming to striker role'

Jason Roberts

On BBC Radio 5 live

"Raheem Sterling is not yet a striker, and you could see some of that with the chances he missed against Manchester United - but he looks like he is warming to the role with Liverpool.

"I think that the bigger problem is how Liverpool are playing. They don't have the same pace up front, the same urgency from the first whistle.

"Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert are more targetmen than players who will run in behind. You have to look at the buys that Liverpool have made and they don't fit their style."

Both Lawro and Olly Murs reckon Liverpool will draw tomorrow, in their big game against Arsenal at Anfield. That clash promises to be one of the games of the weekend. Naturally, it was the subject of plenty of discussion on 5 live's Friday football show...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Danny Baker has asked for your tales of improvised kit. And you've responded in numbers via Twitter...

Alan: We piled into a carpet fitters van to away games, anyone that forgot shin pads was supplied with underlay.

Ian Brown: The goalie of the Haydock High school team once wore wellies.

Lawro's predictions

PA

Managed to check out Lawro's predictions yet? We don't let the great man have Christmas off, you know. In fact, this week we've pitted him against Olly Murs.

Murs, from Essex, is a Manchester United fan. He is backing United to extend their six-game winning run when they play Aston Villa on Saturday, but says he is not getting carried away with talk they are in the title race.

"I think we have got a chance of challenging," he said. "But let's take it one step at a time with Van Gaal's philosophy - it might take another two years for him to get the right players in and, for me, getting back in the Champions League is the priority."

Get involved on the MOTD Facebook page

Getty Images

Danny Baker has clearly hit on a goldmine of a subject by asking for your improvised kit tales. Here are some more, shared via the medium of Facebook...

Neil Seach: I had to use two Norwich City football programmes as shin pads one Sunday morning, made all the more insulting by the fact I am an Ipswich Town fan. Scored the winning header but there was no way I was going to consider them lucky, never forgot my shinnies again though!

Tom Newey: We had our house football last week, one kid forgot his shin pads so he had a hymn book and a colander to use as protection.

'I'm not Paul Dickov'

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy, on Hatem Ben Arfa's problems at Hull (10:12): "The work you have to put in to the English game you don't realise when you come from abroad. You think watching you will be able to skin this player or that, but it doesn't happen.

"When I came to Blackburn and was told about 'running in the channels', I'd never heard this expression. I couldn't understand. Do you want me to run or score goals? 'I'm not Paul Dickov I once told Mark Hughes.'"

Ben Arfa played just eight times for Hull but Newcastle boss Alan Pardew says he will not return to the Magpies - his parent club.

Hatem's on his bike

BBC Radio 5 live

Hull City boss Steve Bruce this week told reporters Hatem Ben Arfa's career at the club is over.

"I'm disappointed more than anything," Bruce told BBC Radio Humberside. "We brought him in on a wave of publicity and there has been no fall-out or slanging match. His views of the game are different to mine."

Getty Images

Manchester City might be without a recognised striker, but Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has to make do without eight of his players this afternoon. That's not ideal when you are playing a Manchester United side who are unbeaten in their last 18 league matches at Villa Park since a 3-1 defeat on the opening day of the 1995-96 season (W12, D6).

That, incidentally, is the longest unbeaten away run in any fixture in top-flight history. The goal-scorers in 1995? Ian Taylor, Mark Draper and Dwight Yorke for Villa, with David Beckham netting late on for United.

Get involved on the MOTD Facebook page

Here are some more of your improvised kit tales, fresh from the MOTD Facebook page

Ron Jansen: I know a guy who forgot got his shorts and wore a plastic garbage bag for shorts... It eventually fell off and he played in his undies...

Ian Jenkins: Picked the plastic bag up out of the garage with my boots in only to find it was the wrong bag. Turned up with 5lb of potatoes.

AP

Manchester City get us started today, when they host Crystal Palace in the Premier League's early kick-off. The Blues are without a recognised striker and there is talk that James Milner might start up front for them. Is there any position Milner can't play?

City had a similar striking crisis in the nineties, and they put centre-half Michel Vonk up front. Vonk was like Tony Adams without the footballing ability. Needless to say, it didn't work out.

Get involved on the BBC MOTD Facebook page

Danny Baker is clearly on to something with his request for examples of improvised kit as your stories are flooding in via Twitter and MOTD Facebook. Here are some quality examples from the latter...

Phillip Dean: I'm a football referee and forgot my watch. So lucky for me there was a church near the pitch with a massive clock and I had to use that keep track of the time.

Jordan Horne: Wore a black goalie top once and ref told me I had to take it off because I might confuse him wearing same colour top as him. He was being serious to.

Josh Galer: Not so much personal kit but, we had to use plain flour to mark the the full football pitch out for a Sunday league game a few years ago because we couldn't access out storage cupboard. Actually didn't look too bad!

A wonderful Christmas time

PA

Had a look at the festive fixtures yet? Managed to digest it all? No need... BBC Sport's Mike Henson has done it all for you. In summary, Manchester City have the perfect chance to make up more ground on Chelsea, United manager Louis van Gaal is not happy about leaving the family at home to visit Tottenham and Leicester have got it tough. Have a gander.

Oh.. and feel free to send in examples of festive football wear like the Manchester City jumper (above).

I like that from Benni McCarthy (see below): "People don't give you as much stick as they normally do". See... even football fans get gripped by Christmas cheer.

'Not as much stick as normal'

BBC Radio 5 live

So this weekend marks the start of a hectic run of Premier League fixtures with four games arriving between now and New Year's Day.

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy tells BBC Radio 5 live: "From coming from the Continent to here it was completely different.

"You really feel a change in atmosphere, a festive one at the ground and I think people don't give you as much stick as they do normally. People are more cheerful at football games.

"I used to think it was too many games in a short space of time."

Hammers in Europe?

Carl Jenkinson, on loan at West Ham from Arsenal, is convinced that a place in Europe for the Hammers next season is very much theirs for the taking. Speaking to the Guardian, he said: "European football would be fantastic. That's the goal and everyone's just working hard to achieve that. But it's not unrealistic."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball & BBCMOTD Facebook

On his show on Radio 5 live this morning, Danny Baker is asking for examples of improvised kit. Here's an early taster of what clobber some of you guys have come up with out of desperate necessity...

James Layton-Hill: I was at a year 9 school match where one of the opposition players had maths exercise books down his socks instead of shinpads

Adrian Smith: Played in goal in a Sunday League game once and they promised me all the kit but I had to play in gardening gloves

Ian Collins: At Uni. Had to use someone's Lycra shorts & rugby shirt. Scored with a perfectly executed overhead bicycle kick!

Sticking with Michael Carrick for a moment, the England midfielder has been made vice-captain at Manchester United by manager Louis van Gaal.

Carrick, 33, has returned from an ankle injury to start all six games in United's current winning run.

"I have three captains," said Van Gaal. "You have a sequence: Wayne Rooney is one, Carrick is two, Fletcher three. He brings a lot of experience but also a lot of composure. He can transfer my philosophy on to the pitch."

A wise move by LvG?

Carrick's warning

PA

Meanwhile, Michael Carrick, speaking in the Daily Telegraph, has sounded an ominous warning that Manchester United are not content with third place in the Premier League table. "I don't want to say we are going to win the league, but certainly at this point, it is what we are aiming to do. We are not just looking to be happy for top three or top four."

'Diving not on the increase'

There's a good interview with former Premier League and World Cup final referee Howard Webb in the Independent. He does not think that diving is on the rise in football, but admits that it's an "emotive" subject that is gaining more notoriety. "It's not getting worse from what we see," he said. "There seems to be a bigger negative reaction to it."

Daily Star

Meanwhile, the Daily Star has a large image of Mario Balotelli on the back page of their newspaper. The Italian has vowed not to get into any more trouble after being handed yet another suspension by the Football Association as punishment for his Super Mario post on social media.

Surely Mario saying he'll behave carries as much weight as a two-year-old saying they won't throw a single tantrum all day?

Mirror

All Saturday mornings are best started with a leaf through the morning papers. So, let's do just that.

Starting with the Mirror, they report that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is striving for perfection - and that he is not satisfied purely with good results. A subject on which he disagrees with Sir Alex Ferguson.

"When I speak with Sir Alex he says 'no problem, you have won', but for me it's also the performance that's important, because when you perform well you shall win more," said Van Gaal.

Get involved - improvised football kit?

As is now usual on a Saturday morning, the BBC Sport website is working in tandem with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live to plumb the murky depths of your footballing memories. The title of this week's abstract is: "Forgetting a piece of sports kit and so having to borrow or improvise."

Have you ever had to rustle up a pair of shin pads from thin air at the eleventh hour? Perhaps you've played in plimsolls in the snow?

Let us know using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text us on 8111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the MOTD Facebook or Google+ page.

Football all the way

Getty Images

So, whether you're recovering from 'mad Friday' or bracing yourself for a last-Saturday-before-Christmas trip to the local shopping centre, we'll bring you every goal, red card and festive blooper from today's footballing action.

Hop aboard, everyone. The football special is leaving the station.

It's Christmas time...

BBC

This time next week, you will bristle if somebody offers you another turkey-based food product.

You'll go cold at the sight of sprouts, and you'll be sick to the back teeth of chocolates. Especially the coffee ones.

Between now and next Sunday, there will be 2,610 minutes of Premier League football. But will you be sick of that?

No chance. That's what Christmas is for, right?

So in the words of the Wealdstone Raider... you want some football? We'll give it ya!