Nikica Jelavic is just stretching off on the KC Stadium sidelines. He is on in place of Gaston Ramirez, who was particularly ineffective in the first half.

MOTD's Steve Bower at St James' Park

"What a difference a year makes - last season this was a clash of two upwardly-mobile sides in touching distance of the Champions League spots.

"This time round, given the recent poor runs of both these teams, this game has taken on a real added importance."

Right then. Two games down, six more are about to enter the second half with one to come at 16:15 GMT. Let's keep this train chugging.

Image source, Opta

An instantly forgettable first half at Villa Park. Play parked firmly in the centre third.

Ben Hoare:, external Why are loads of people getting on Pardew's back? They were calling him a brilliant boss only a month ago when he was winning!

Tony Stewart:, external Never known such fickle from any fans other than Newcastle about Pardew. Fans want him out, he produces miracles like Moses.

Ross P Martell:, external If Pardew goes to Palace I genuinely pity whoever takes over at Newcastle with some of the fans they have.

Barry Rose:, external Can we just call off second half and put us out of our misery now with a 0-0? This #avfc #safc is a borefest

Two points dropped by Chelsea? Jose Mourinho will certainly think so. If Manchester City complete the job against Burnley, they will go within a point of the leaders. Hotting up.

Chelsea free-kick, 25 yards out. Glanced away by Jose Fonte.

Burnley left-back Ben Mee started his career in the Manchester City youth ranks, going on to make one first-team appearance.

He won't have enjoyed his return to his former club so far. Jesus Navas been scorching turf for City down the right and has got in behind several times.

City have been funnelling their attacks down that wing.

Championship leaders Bournemouth are cruising at lowly Millwall as they aim to move four points clear. Two goals in the final 15 minutes of the first half from Yann Kermogant and Harry Arter - who scores for the fifth successive match - puts them in command.

With nearest rivals Ipswich and Derby not playing today, fourth-placed Middlesbrough could pile the pressure on that pair - but they are still goalless at Blackburn.

Big turnaround at Cardiff. Watford net twice in the final few minutes, through Adlene Guedioura and Odion Ighalo, to lead 2-1 at the break. Huddersfield level for 1-1 against Bolton, while Reading and Wolves still lead against Norwich and Brentford respectively.

Chris, Woodford: Having seen the performances on Boxing Day, and so far today, this has to be the worst crop of Premier League referees ever!

Matt: About the Song disallowed goal, I think an offside player in the six-yard box should always be considered "interfering with play".

Peter in Gatwick: If Arsenal move up to 4th next week, how many weeks will it have been since The Big Four last shared the top 4 places in the league?

Join the conversation on Twitter using #bbcfootball,, external send us a text on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, external or Google+ page., external

Chelsea, for the second time in as many minutes, flash the ball across the Southampton six-yard box but Didier Drogba can't quite connect. Nervy times.

Chelsea attacking, Southampton countering. Lots of intent at St Mary's as we enter four minutes of time added on. Is there a sting in the tail?

It's all square between QPR and Crystal Palace at the break, in a game featuring two relegation-threatened sides.

We've been asking you whether anyone can save Palace from the drop following the sacking of Neil Warnock, and 53.4% of you believe they do have a chance of avoiding the drop.

Thanks for voting.

MOTD's John Roder at Villa Park

"Plenty to work on for both managers in the half-time team talk, neither Paul Lambert's team nor Gus Poyet's team have threatened to take the lead in a lacklustre first half."

MOTD's Steve Wilson at Etihad Stadium

"Burnley have had their chances early in the game but nearly crumbled after Fernandinho's goal. They make it to the break just about within touching distance of the champions."

Southampton down to 10 men, Morgan Schneiderlin picking up a second yellow card. Not sure what for, but Chelsea have brought on Loic Remy for the final two minutes.

What's going on here then? There's a fella down on one knee. There's an enagagement ring. There's a lady in tears. There's a yes. There's cheers.

MOTD's Dan O'Hagan at the KC Stadium

"Hull have been a long way from their best to be quite frank. They have been woefully inept in terms of attacking. The bottom team Leicester have been the better team so far. It is a happy return for Hull so far for the former Tigers manager Nigel Pearson."