Tuesday football as it happened

1. Hull win to send Villa into bottom three
2. QPR earn first away win of season
3. Balotelli earns Liverpool late win over Spurs
4. Italian scores first Liverpool league goal

The reaction is still incoming, and the best of the quotes will find their way on to the BBC Football pages shortly.

But we are off for the night here. See you tomorrow!

(Assistant) manager reaction

Liverpool assistant manager Colin Pascoe, speaking to BT Sport: "Brendan had to shoot off to catch a plane. Tottenham have been on a great run, it was two good teams but the way we came through was fantastic.

"Mario Balotelli has been working hard in training and for the last couple of weeks he's been ill so it's great that he scored the winner. Steven Gerrard felt his hamstring and felt he had to come off. It was important to win tonight, it was a great win and we deserved it."

Manager reaction

AFP

'You had me at hello'

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino: "We are disappointed with the result because I think one point would have been fair for both teams. It was a great game, we played well but this is football. The players are very disappointed, sad and tired but we have to accept football is like this.

"I am proud of the effort and we have to look forward. The only thing we need to improve, in the first half we gave Liverpool some chances and made some mistakes. We deserved more from this game."

BBC

Middlesbrough are the new leaders in the Championship. The second division always, always serves up an exciting finale. And this year is no different.

Pick your three promoted sides from that lot. Plenty of sides below Brentford who will fancy their chances too.

PA

Mario Balotelli scored his first Premier League goal of the season with his 48th shot. It was his first goal in the English top-flight since November 2012 (Man City v Wigan).

I know we've had a lot of stats about Aston Villa but here's another. Their haul of 12 league goals this season is the lowest total ever after 25 games in Premier League history.

MANAGER REACTION

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet: "It was not a great start. Everything was planed to start very fast, but we didn't find a way to do the right things.

"We went forward and we had crosses and we had chances and we had penalty appeals. The boys tried everything possible, but what we had done in the first 20 minutes was just too expensive and we paid the price. Rob Green had a fantastic game.

"It doesn't change my thoughts [about the relegation battle]. Anyone who thinks they are safe because they have 30 points already is very wrong."

That's a hat I see thrown into the ring...

MANAGER REACTION

QPR interim manager Chris Ramsey: "It's a very important result. It's been a long time coming. We have had some good away performances but we just haven't had the rub of the green.

"Rob Green was in fantastic form and our back four worked well together. The goals that we got were great and a good quick fast start was important for us. The boys kept the momentum up throughout the game.

"The club's been really good to me and I was really focussed on the job at hand and whatever's going to happen will happen. If the job's available and I'm the right man then I'll do it.

"It's nice from a visual point of view to see yourselves above the [relegation] line. We need to stick together and continue to perform like that."

Manager reaction

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We had some good moments in the game and a good spirit. We dropped in the second half and became a bit nervous. I'm surprised this team [Leicester] is bottom of the league. I knew that before the game. If they can keep believing in what they are doing I think they will get out.

"Alexis Sanchez does not look bad, a kick on the knee. Aaron Ramsey is a bit more worrying because it is a muscular injury but the fact he had to stop straight away is not a good sign."

MANAGER REACTION

PA

Paul Lambert on fans' banner calling for him to be sacked: "I was aware of it months ago. I try to do my best. It's a great football club with a massive fanbase and they want to see their team doing well.

"We've got to keep battling away and keep our heads up. We're certainly in a fight. You have to keep going and keep being positive.

"There's a fight, the lads know it. There's a lot of football to be played."

MANAGER REACTION

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert: "I thought we played well in a lot of parts of the game. There's that little area where we're not confident enough. We lost poor goals, especially the first one. The ball should never travel that distance.

"I've told the players they've got 13 cup finals. That's how they've got to look at it. I know they're more than capable of doing it.

"There's seven or eight teams in it. We just have to get ourselves out out it."

MANAGER REACTION

Hull manager Steve Bruce: "We took a bit of confidence from the weekend. It was nice to beat a team that was in and around us.

"Psychologically it's good for everybody. That was more like what I've been used to seeing for the last two and a half years. We've given ourselves as good chance."

Aston Villa in Premier League since September 20: LLLLLLDDDWWLDLDDLLLLL (P21 W2 D6 L13; 8 goals for, 33 against).

That spells relegation to me...

League Two round-up

Shrewsbury are the new leaders in League Two thanks to an astonishing late comeback at Carlisle. Micky Mellon's side were a goal down going into stoppage time, but Micky Demetriou equalised in the 93rd minute, before James Collins grabbed a winner in the 94th. "Town are just a side who don't give up on a game," yells the Shrewsbury Town Twitter account.

Burton drop to second after being held 0-0 at home by 10-man AFC Wimbledon, while Wycombe slip to third after seeing their 12-match unbeaten league run ended in a 2-0 defeat at home to Plymouth. Southend are up to fourth, beating Cheltenham 2-0.

Hartlepool have an awful lot of work to do to lift themselves off the bottom, but they'll feel hopeful after Marvin Morgan gave them a 1-0 win over a Northampton side who had won their previous five. Excellent work from next-to-bottom York too, who earned a 2-2 draw at promotion hopefuls Luton in a match that finished 10-a-side. In fact, Russ Wilcox's side will probably be feeling they should have won, having been two up at Kenilworth Road.

Manager reaction

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: "We've played very well again and I could argue we created a lot of chances but as I said, I don't want to talk in terms of us being unlucky. I want us to learn from performances like tonight and make sure from here on in if we replicate that sort of performance we still have a good chance of avoiding relegation.

"It's all well and good talking about performances. It's alright looking on the bright side of life but ultimately it's about winning games and we continue to be under scrutiny because of the position we are in.

"What pleases me is these players never hide and are not afraid to shoulder responsibility.

"I don't know if this keeps me off the back pages. I'm not an editor of a newspaper. My relationship with the owners remains very good. Professionally and on a personal level. He is our boss and I'm very pleased to be his manager. We have to work as hard a we can to alter our performances at this moment.

Did you feel you would lose your job on Sunday? "I think I have answered enough questions on that subject and I think I'm more than within my rights to move on from that situation now."

Random signing of the day

In his post-match interview Wolves manager Kenny Jackett has confirmed that striker Kevin Doyle is in talk with MLS side Colorado Rapids.

The MLS invasion continues!

Aaron Ramsey has a muscular injury which Arsene Wenger says "is a bad sign".

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his side 'dropped physically' in the second half and were hanging on in the end.

"I am surprised that this team is bottom of the league", he says about Leicester. He also backs Leicester to stay up.

Full reaction to come.

League One round-up

It's a very good night for Bristol City, who have moved four points clear at the top of League One thanks to a 3-1 victory over Port Vale, coupled with second-placed Swindon's 2-1 defeat at Oldham, who themselves move back into the play-off places.

Preston, in fourth, are now just three points behind third-placed MK Dons as top scorer Joe Garner takes his total for the season to 14 with both goals in a 2-0 win at play-off rivals Chesterfield, who had defender Sam Hird sent off in the first three minutes. Sheffield United are up to sixth after beating Colchester 4-1.

At the bottom, Marcus Tudgay's late equaliser denies Scunthorpe boss Mark Robins victory on his return to Coventry, in a match that ends 1-1, while Crewe beat Yeovil 1-0. There's misery for next-to-bottom Crawley, walloped 5-0 at home by Doncaster.

Nigel Pearson refuses to answer whether he felt he was about to lose his job on Sunday. He remains very polite and calm throughout - but firm.

Liverpool are now a point behind Tottenham with just three points separating them in seventh from Southampton in third.

FULL-TIME

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson says his relationship with the club' owner 'remains very good.'

Championship round-up

All change at the top of the Championship tonight. Middlesbrough's late 2-1 win at Blackpool, secured by Spanish striker Kike, sees them leap from third to first, with erstwhile leaders Bournemouth and Derby both dropping down a place after drawing 2-2 with each other at Goldsands Stadium.

Ipswich climb to fourth by coming from a goal down to beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1, while sixth-placed Watford come from a goal down to win 2-1 at play-off rivals Brentford despite Troy Deeney having a penalty saved. Odion Ighalo scores twice for the Hornets to take his tally to 11 goals in eight games. It's harsh on Brentford, who played more than half the game with 10 men after Jake Bidwell's red card.

PLAYER REACTION

Hull captain Michael Dawson: "It was massive. The two boys up front set the tone and we couldn't have asked for any more.

"We've got big games coming up and if we perform like that on a weekly basis, we'll be OK.

"We've shown grit and determination and when we get the ball into those two up front, they're unplayable."

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson says he is tired of 'being an unlucky side' after defeat to Arsenal.

He's right too. The Foxes were excellent in the second half and could well have nicked at least a point.

Full reaction to come.

Into the last few minutes at Anfield. Spurs have Roberto Soldado on. What price for he and Mario Balotelli to bag in the same night?

If you only want coverage of Liverpool v Tottenham, follow the live page here.

PLAYER REACTION

Hull striker Dame N'Doye after scoring on his full debut: "It's exciting to play in the English league.

"It's good for my confidence and my partner [Nikica Jelavic] was working hard. It was a good performance.

"He's a good player and I enjoyed playing with him."

Down at the bottom

BBC

Here's what tonight's results have done to the foot of the table. Leicester are now five points away from safety, with Burnley and Villa making up the bottom three.

Sean Dyche's men have the chance to get out tomorrow night when they face 'long-ball' Manchester United at Old Trafford.

GOAL

That's all he needed - a moustache and he's a new man. A goalscoring hero!

Mario Balotelli scores what might be the winner when he sidefoots home from six yards after being teed up by Adam Lallana's low cross. Never in doubt. It's his first Premier League goal for the club.

If you only want coverage of Liverpool v Tottenham, follow the live page here.

Getty Images

BBC Sport commentator John Acres at KC Stadium: "We want Lambert out is the chant from the Villa fans. A banner is out with LAMBERT OUT in big black writing."

Aston Villa have now gone eight hours and 28 minutes without an away Premier League goal.

John Roder

Match of the Day commentator

"Hull move above Aston Villa in the table and problems are mounting for Paul Lambert.

"It is just two goals in 10 league matches without a win for them now. This could be a massive result for both sides."

A big night of action at the foot of the table then as Aston Villa end up the big losers.

At Anfield there is still around 15 minutes left.

If you only want coverage of Liverpool v Tottenham, follow the live page here.

FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME

A big win!

GREAT SAVE!

What a strike! Completely out of context with the game Ashley Westwood pings an absolute beauty from 25 yards, Allan McGregor beats it out and then somehow gets up to turn over Christian Benteke's follow-up. It's not your day Villa. Not your season. Not your era...

Championship latest

It's all happening at Bloomfield Road. Middlesbrough go ahead as Jonathan Woodgate - making his first start since August - heads his first goal since November 2012 to put them ahead at Blackpool. But an own goal from his central defensive partner Ben Gibson equalised, before Spanish striker Kike puts the visitors 2-1 up. With leaders Bournemouth drawing 2-2 at home to second-placed Derby, Middlesbrough are going top of the Championship as it stands.

Arsenal seem to have tempered Leicester's waves of attack. The Gunners look like hanging on for all three points after all.

Getty Images

Speaking of drives home, most of the Sunderland fans have long since left the Stadium of Light. QPR picking up their first points on the road all season.

FINAL FIVE

Into the last five minutes of our three 19:45 kick-offs. Villa need a four-goal swing to get out of the bottom three. It's not going to happen. A bad drive home for Paul Lambert and his team - and the fans.

League Two update

An intriguing night at the top of League Two, where none of the top four are winning. Leaders Burton are being held 0-0 at home by 10-man AFC Wimbledon, who lost Mark Phillips to a second-half red card. Wycombe, in second, are set to lose a 12-match unbeaten league record as they trail 2-0 at home to Plymouth, while third-placed Shrewsbury are 1-0 down at Carlisle.

Game of the night, though, involves fourth-placed Luton, who have come from two down to 2-2 at home to York, thanks to two Mark Cullen goals. York - next to bottom at the start of play - are also a man down after Jake Hyde's sending off.

Paul Lambert looks very twitchy in his dugout. Villa have had a slight go tonight but they've had two efforts on target all night. Not good enough really is it? Especially if you concede two goals.

SUBSTITUTION

Aaron Ramsey has not been on long himself but he's already injured, limping off to be replaced by Mathieu Flamini. A potential worry for Arsene Wenger. His main one at the moment is seeing out this game.

It's not Sunderland's night, though Ricky Alvarez has made a difference. He was excellent the other night at Fulham and has been lively here too, lashing a drive across goal and there's nobody there to turn in.

League One latest

Leaders Bristol City are cruising to victory over Port Vale, with Joe Bryan and Matt Smith striking in quick succession to add to Jay Emmanuel-Thomas' first-half goal to give them a 3-0 lead. As it stands, they will go four points clear at the top, although second-placed Swindon have pulled one back at Oldham through Massimo Luongo, and now only trail 2-1.

There's a heck of a comeback on at Walsall, where Rochdale conceded three goals in the first 22 minutes, but are now back to 3-2. Peter Vincenti got the first, and Olly Lancashire is being credited with the second, although there seems to be an element of dispute about that. Doncaster are on course for the night's biggest win in the Football League, as they lead 4-0 at next-to-bottom Crawley. Sheffield United look fairly comfortable as they lead Colchester 3-1.

Three 1-0 scores to update you on: Preston still lead play-off rivals Chesterfield, while Scunthorpe are beating Coventry and Crewe are winning against Yeovil in the night's two big relegation battles.

Chance! The Arsenal defence is left short as Leicester hit them on the counter, new man Andrej Kramaric is played in, David Ospina comes out - and the striker presses the wrong button!

He goes for the sneaky chip but doesn't get enough on it and Ospina easily catches it. We've all been there, the temptation to chip is so strong. He needed to press the 'sidefoot' one and put it in the corner.

YELLOW CARD RECORD

QPR midfielder Joey Barton has just been booked for his seventh consecutive Premier League game. That's a record.

Getty Images

GOAL

Don't nip to the toilet... you might miss a goal. It's now 2-2, and parity is deserved.

Christian Eriksen's wonderful, curling free-kick is beaten clear at his near post by Simon Mignolet. Harry Kane picks up the rebound and scuffs it back into the six-yard box where Mousa Dembele bundles home.

If you only want coverage of Liverpool v Tottenham - and it's turning into a cracker - follow the live page here.

EPA

SUBSTITUTION

A potentially bad injury for Leroy Fer. The QPR man has to come off on a stretcher and is replaced by Mauro Zarate.

GOAL

That could well be that. Hull edge towards a very big win in the bottom three as Dame N'Doye scoops in his first goal in the Premier League. Ahmed Elmohamady's cross from the right is helped on. N'Doye's first effort is saved by Brad Guzan but the big man is able to lift the loose ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

Getty Images

Championship latest

An equaliser in the big match at Goldsands Stadium. Simon Dawkins gets down the left for Derby and cuts the ball back for Darren Bent to fire in against Bournemouth. It's Bent's fourth goal in five games for the Rams since arriving on loan from Aston Villa, and it's 2-2. This match really is living up to its billing - a terrific game.

Watford have equalised at 10-man Brentford, with Odion Ighalo scoring his 13th goal of the season with a simple near-post header. It's 1-1, and it's fair to say that one's been coming.

Ipswich now lead 2-1 against Sheffield Wednesday - a thumping header from captain Luke Chambers. Norwich lead 2-1 at Charlton, Wolves 3-1 at Huddersfield. Bolton and Fulham are locked at 1-1.

CLOSE!

It has been primarily Villa since the break but now Hull are almost in for number two, Robbie Brady the spare man on the left of the area, driving wide with his right foot. Brad Guzan was a spectator.

CLOSE!

Leicester are having a right go! Almost brilliant form Riyad Mahrez again, driving right at the heart of that Arsenal back four and curling inches wide from 20 yards.

That debate about Arsenal needing a defensive midfielder may need to restart. That was far too easy.

Getty Images

GREAT SAVE!

Sunderland have been slightly better since the restart and only another brilliant stop from Rob Green keeps them out. Sub Ricky Alvarez is allowed to travel down the right, he cuts in onto his left peg and hammers in a swerving drive which Green gets a wrist too and turns away!

The ex-England man is having the sort of night he wanted to save for USA in 2010...

GOAL

A skilful, slaloming run in the box from Daniel Sturridge is ended by Danny Rose's outstretched leg. Penalty. All day long.

And Stevie G doesn't miss those. He strides up, opens his body and sidefoots into the left-hand corner of Hugo Lloris's goal.

If you only want coverage of Liverpool v Tottenham, follow the live page here.

EPA

Stand by in Sydney - as Leicester go close to a second! Great ball in from the left and David Ospina just about does enough to punch clear. The Foxes are on the hunt.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Josh: Talking about global, following my Leicester from Sydney! 8am and I've just gone nuts on the train. Come on you foxes!

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

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

A few nerves from the Hull fans as they try and contain Aston Villa's resurgence. I say resurgence, that's laying it on a bit thick, but Villa are having more and more of the ball.

We have around 25 minutes left.

We are back under way at Anfield by the way.

If you only want coverage of Liverpool v Tottenham, follow the live page here.

Championship latest

Brentford are showing some terrific spirit against the odds at the top of the Championship. First there was the speculation that manager Mark Warburton might be leaving ahead of tonight's match against play-off rivals Watford, then they lose Jake Bidwell to a harsh first-half red card - and yet the Bees lead through Andre Gray. Even then, the fates seem to be conspiring against them as Watford are awarded a penalty, but David Button saves Troy Deeney's kick, and it stays 1-0. Incredible.

Alan Dunne has given Millwall's bid to escape the bottom three a boost - they lead 1-0 at Birmingham. Wolves are 3-0 up at Huddersfield, while Ipswich have pulled level at 1-1 against Sheffield Wednesday thanks to the Championship's top scorer, with Daryl Murphy getting his 19th of the season. Bournemouth still lead Derby 2-1 in the meeting of the top two.

Two tweets from Canada in a few minutes? We've gone well and truly global. Next we'll hear that Mark Draper is a pundit in Luxembourg...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Luke Sandle: Unfortunately, Danny Dichio isn't a blast from the past for me. Here in Canada he confuses locals with his insightful punditry

Ashley out: Danny Dichio's a pundit on Sportsnet here in Canada and he's also a Toronto FC cult hero - he scored their first ever goal

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

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

GOAL

And there we go! Andrej Kramaric fires Leicester back in with a shout and it's no more than they deserve for an enterprising spell. The build-up is scrappy but Esteban Cambiasso keeps a lost cause found inside the box - with a potential handball - he spins it out to Riyad Mahrez on the right and his cross ends up at the feet of Kramaric, and he thrashes in his first goal in England right in front of the away end.

Can they get another?

Getty Images

GREAT SAVE!

Leicester are having a real go of it now. New boy Andrej Kramaric goes for pure power as he is played in on goal with his first effort, David Ospina saves it well, and he then goes for a deft chip with his second effort! Well floated and Per Mertesacker heads over the top.

SUBSTITUTION

This is what you call a roll of the dice - Villa swap Scott Sinclair for Joe Cole. Can he find the way through?

SUBSTITUTION

Danny Dichio! A blast from the past. Matty Phillips has now come off by the way, Shaun Wright-Phillips on in his place.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Opta on Twitter: 2 - Matthew Phillips is the first QPR player to assist two goals in a PL game since Danny Dichio v West Ham in April 1996. Sharp.

Chance! Matty James is free for Leicester- he falls over. Any sort of touch and he surely would have scored. Arsenal have been sloppy since the restart.

Aston Villa at least injecting some energy and effort into life at the start of this half. Carles Gil is a bag of tricks but Christian Benteke has been anonymous again. Villa need him firing on all cylinders if they are to get out of strife.

Getty Images

Leicester's new signing Andrej Kramaric thuds a shot into the arms of David Ospina in the Arsenal goal. The Foxes have made a bright enough start to the second half but can you see them scoring twice? Nope.

Getty Images

Steve Harper, who taught Shay Given all he knows about being a sub keeper, shares a joke with his old team-mate. And it's Hull who will be laughing all the way to the bank tonight if the result stays the same.

HALF-TIME

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"It's been really fast and free flowing from both sides. Liverpool should be in front, they just hit the post 20 seconds before half-time, and they have edged the chances. But Spurs are also playing very, very well."

PENALTY APPEAL

Arsenal do not look like they will deal Leicester a reprieve early in the second half and Alexis Sanchez puts up a big shout for a penalty. His cross seems to strike the hand of Leicester defender Danny Simpson. Nothing doing from the referee.

QPR force an early corner but almost get done themselves on the break, forcing too many men upfield and almost getting done.

KICK-OFF

We are back in play at Sunderland, at Hull and at Arsenal.

And across the Football League.

HALF-TIME

All square at the break at Anfield.

SUBSTITUTION

When in doubt, turn to Christian Benteke. Villa have their main man on at the break.

League Two latest

Rory Donnelly has given relegation-threatened Tranmere a 1-0 half-time lead at managerless Newport. Donnelly touched in Jennison Myrie-Williams' cross in the seventh minute of first-half stoppage time - with the game held up by a bad injury to Newport's Lee Minshull.

At the other end of the table, second-placed Wycombe trail 2-0 at home to Plymouth, while leaders Burton are goalless at home to AFC Wimbledon, as are third-placed Shrewsbury at Carlisle. Southend lead Cheltenham 2-0, Cambridge are 1-0 up at Exeter and Morecambe are beating Mansfield 2-1.

SUBSTITUTION

Ricky Alvarez is on for Sunderland. Can he spark a comeback?

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"Liverpool should be in front, they have had several good chances in good positions but the final ball has not quite been good enough.

"Liverpool have to win, it is very attacking team, but Spurs have not been in awe."

Follow a full live page on Liverpool v Tottenham here.

Ian Wright and Lee Dixon are being interviewed on the pitch at the Emirates, they will be pleased enough with that first-half showing from the Gunners. Arsenal are up to fourth again as it stands.

League One latest

Bristol City are on course to go four points clear at the top of League One tonight. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas's ninth goal of the season has given them a 1-0 half-time lead over Port Vale, while second-placed Swindon trail 2-0 at Oldham.

Fourth-placed Preston - six points behind MK Dons in third at the start of play - could halve that gap, as they lead 1-0 at 10-man Chesterfield thanks to Joe Garner's header.

Walsall lead Rochdale 3-0, while in the two key relegation clashes of the night, Scunthorpe are 1-0 up at Coventry, and Crewe lead Yeovil by the same score.

'Lambert Out' is emblazoned on a banner held aloft in the away end at the KC Stadium. Aston Villa were last in the second division in 1987-88. They could be about to be setting the Sat Nav for Swindon...

Harry Kane has scored another very tidy goal this evening in a fairly even game at Anfield. There is still around 10 minutes of the first half left in that one.

Follow a full live page on Liverpool v Tottenham here.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Richard J Moir: Arsenal have a stranglehold over Leicester at the moment. Ironically, stealing Nigel Pearson's plans

Let us know. You can get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Niall McGuinness: It feels like #AVFC have accepted relegation. There is little to no fight in the squad aside from Gil. We're a disgrace.

Tom Castle: You can't find a team above #AVFC that you would say is weaker. The writing is on the wall and it says Championship.

Let us know. You can get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

John Roder

Match of the Day commentator

Nikica Jelavic may be struggling for full fitness but he has put the Tigers ahead in this basement battle. Villa started brightly but it's Hull who end the first game on top.

Championship latest

Leaders Bournemouth are back in front in the Championship's battle of the top two, and it's the in-form Callum Wilson who has made it happen with his 17th goal of the season. Wilson thunders in a right-foot shot after Yann Kermorgant chases the ball down the right, and it's 2-1 at half-time against Derby.

There's been a controversial red card in the contest between play-off contenders at Griffin Park. Brentford's Jake Bidwell has been dismissed for a strong challenge on Watford's Miguel Layun - a straight red card seemed a harsh decision. It's 0-0 there. Lewis Grabban has given Norwich a 2-0 lead at Charlton, while Craig Conway has given Blackburn a 1-0 half-time lead against Rotherham. Half-time leads too for Wolves and Sheffield Wednesday.

All change in the key positions. As it stands Arsenal are up to fourth, Villa are into the bottom three, and Hull and QPR are both rising clear of the drop zone.

Six-pointers everywhere you look...

Text us on 81111

Will in Loughborough: Nigel Pearson should have been sacked at Christmas. His head's gone!

Alan, Manchester: Aston Villa mirroring the Man City of the 80s. Thought they were too big to go down. Before they knew it they were playing third-tier football. Beware.

Let us know. You can get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

GOAL

Pick that one out! What a goal, what a goal by Robert Zamora! Unstoppable.

It's another right-wing cross from Matty Phillips, into the penalty spot where Zamora, tightly marked, hooks in a cracking strike, right into the top corner. His surprised celebration tells you everything about the quality of that one...

Getty Images

Leicester's backline is starting to look very fragile as Arsenal carve them open twice in a matter of seconds. On the first occasion Theo Walcott's ball from the right is not good enough before Mesut Ozil loses the ball in a good area. If the Foxes aren't careful this could get ugly...

League One latest

Preston's man advantage has told in the battle of the play-off rivals at Chesterfield. North End's top scorer Joe Garner, only just back from a tendon injury, scores his 13th goal of this season to make it 1-0. Chesterfield, remember, had Sam Hird sent off in the third minute.

It's been a good night so far for leaders Bristol City. They lead Port Vale 1-0 thanks to Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, while second-placed Swindon are 2-0 down at Oldham. MK Dons, in third, lost 2-1 at Bradford last night. Elsewhere, Crewe lead Yeovil 1-0 in a key relegation battle, Nicky Ajose the scorer. Sheffield United, Scunthorpe, Fleetwood, Doncaster, Notts County and Walsall also lead.

GOAL

Who else? The boy's on fire.

It's a lovely worked goal to bring Spurs level, with Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela linking up on the edge of the box and the latter playing through a cute ball. It's too clever for Mamadou Sakho who gets in a tangle and falls over, allowing Harry Kane time to pick his spot and bury the ball past Simon Mignolet from 12 yards. All square.

Follow a full live page on Liverpool v Tottenham here.

AFP

GOAL

Mesut Ozil has come back a new man hasn't he? After a long-term injury he is now back up and running, firing in a shot which is parried out by Mark Schwarzer and the eager beaver Theo Walcott is on it in a flash, arrowing the loose ball back into the corner.

AP

No sign of a fightback from Aston Villa as of yet, Hull still looking the most threatening. Could Villa be on their way out of the Premier League this season?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Martin Griffin: Save of the season by Rob Green

Jay: Rob Green has just the two gears - extraordinary & calamitous

Let us know. You can get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

Great stuff again from Leicester's Riyad Mahrez. I'd wager that he'll be in the Premier League next season, with Leicester or without them.

He weaves into space from the left and has a shot just wide. Can he find a way back into the game?

League Two latest

There's an upset on the cards at the top of League Two. Second-placed Wycombe, who are unbeaten in 12 league matches, trail 2-0 inside half-an-hour at home to Plymouth - with Lewis Alessandra and Peter Hartley the scorers. Southend, in fifth, lead third-from-bottom Cheltenham 2-0, while mid-table Morecambe lead struggling Mansfield 2-1. And as far as goals go, that's your lot so far in England's fourth tier. Plenty of time yet, though.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

jas mander: I've always maintained that once #avfc dropped into the bottom 3 they would stay there, tonight could be the night that happens

Davey (james) Cooke: I've given up being disappointed, no saving us now, AVFC

Let us know. You can get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

GREAT SAVE!

Extraordinary goalkeeping from Rob Green! How on earth has he kept that one out?!

Green makes a blinding one-handed save to push Connor Wickham's header onto the crossbar, it bounces back on the line and Green is able to scoop it clear from the onrushing attackers.

Brilliant keeping...

Alexis Sanchez is left in a heap after a heavy tackle. The man from Chile has had a pretty quiet night so far.

Championship latest

What a start Tom Ince has made at Derby. The forward, on loan from Hull, scored twice on his debut against Bolton on Saturday, and he's struck again at Bournemouth to bring the visitors level in the Championship's battle of the top two. A good finish by Ince from Darren Bent's cross, and it's 1-1.

CLOSE!

Really good game at Sunderland, it's very open and Jermain Defoe has gone close to an equaliser for the hosts, squeezing a shot wide.

League One latest

Scunthorpe boss Mark Robins has made a good start on his return to former club Coventry - taking a 1-0 lead over the relegation rivals thanks to Gary McSheffrey, a former Sky Blues winger.

Walsall are cruising at home to play-off hopefuls Rochdale, leading 3-0 after just 22 minutes. It's misery for bottom club Leyton Orient, without a win in four matches, and 1-0 down at home to Notts County. Barnsley and Fleetwood are locked at 1-1 at Oakwell.

GOAL

Liverpool have lift-off. It's all a bit route one, but the Reds don't mind.

After Harry Kane is robbed in the penalty area, Simon Mignolet launches a long goal-kick forward and Daniel Sturridge controls it but loses it under pressure from Jan Vertonghen. The loose ball runs to Lazar Markovic who drives towards the edge of the box and puts a low shot across Hugo Lloris and into the back of the net. Should the keeper have saved it? Possibly.

Follow a full live page on Liverpool v Tottenham here.

AFP

HITS THE WOODWORK

So close! Leroy Fer can't get much closer to this without scoring as the Dutchman plants a low shot against the base of the post, it goes right across the line and away.

QPR deserve a second.

Arsenal are up to fourth as it stands.

QPR are continuing to pose a real threat down the right-hand side. Mauricio Isla is the latest man to make inroads and he sends over a good cross which Matt Phillips heads over under pressure. The visitors are well on top at the moment.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

NathB: I don't even raise an eyebrow anymore. We're going down! #AVFC

Harry Wates: QPR fan and hoping this will really be our day, not counting my chickens yet but it's been a solid start, top goal by Leroy.

Let us know. You can get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

GOAL

Arsenal lead! Mesut Ozil forces Mark Schwarzer into a cracking save and from the German's corner, Laurent Koscielny evades his marker to sweep home on the bounce.

AP

Championship latest

In the Championship's big match of the night, Bournemouth are still leading 1-0 at home to Derby, who have lost striker Chris Martin to an early injury, with Darren Bent coming on. The visitors are making a decent fight of this, though, with Will Hughes and Bent both denied by home keeper Artur Boruc.

Three away goals to tell you about: Norwich lead at Charlton, Wolves are in front at Huddersfield, while fifth-placed Ipswich trail at home to Sheffield Wednesday - all 1-0.

CLOSE!

Hull's front two are causing Villa all manner of problems as new boy Dame N'Doye leads them a merry dance. He has loads of time to meet a cross from the right but has a composure loss and heads wide first-time.

Hull going above Villa as it stands. Villa in the bottom three as it stands...

League Two latest

Joe Pigott has struck the first blow in the League Two promotion race this evening, giving fifth-placed Southend a 1-0 lead at home to relegation-threatened Cheltenham. One other goal to tell you about - Morecambe lead Mansfield 1-0, with Paul Mullin the scorer.

Banter in the stands

If Nigel Pearson - as widely reported but later shot down by Leicester City - faces the sack, he is taking it awfully well.

The Foxes boss has taken up his usual position in the stands tonight and since this picture, chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has sat in front of him.

The pair have been exchanging many a giggle so far. No story here then...

Getty Images

On the field, his side have had the better of this. Riyad Mahrez twice going close as Leicester police Arsenal's attacking threats well with a tight back five.

GOAL

A big goal for Hull City! Route one, as new signing Dame N'Doye kills a goal kick with his instep before sending in strike partner Nikica Jelavic on goal. The Croatian takes his time before shooting left-footed, and the ball takes a huge deflection off the challenge from Ciaran Clark and loops in. Lucky - but a potentially huge - goal.

Reuters

Robert Huth with some powerful defending on his Leicester debut, shrugging Theo Walcott aside down by the corner flag. Leicester will be pleased with their start so far.

CLOSE!

Hull enjoy their first period of sustained pressure but it ends with Tom Huddlestone skewing his 20-yard shot wide after Jake Livermore's lay-off.

That goal for QPR sees them ahead of Hull in the table for the time being.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

MattMUFC: To be Fer, I never expected that

League One latest

A significant couple of goals at the top of League One, where second-placed Swindon are 2-0 down at Oldham - who are looking to climb back into the play-off places after being displaced by Bradford last night. Michael Jones and Conor Wilkinson are the scorers at Boundary Park. Sheffield United have taken an early lead against Colchester too.

A word of sympathy, meanwhile, for Chesterfield defender Sam Hird, who lasted less than three minutes of their meeting with play-off rivals Preston before being sent off for bringing down Joe Garner. It's barely worth having a bath for that, Sam. Goalless at the Proact Stadium.

GOAL

QPR lead away from home! Do not adjust your sets! It's a goal that club legend Les Ferdinand would be proud of too, Leroy Fer meeting a fine cross from the right from Matty Phillips with a powerful downwards header into the corner.

It's the first time away fans have seen QPR take the lead all season.

AFP

GREAT SAVE!

Magic feet from Mesut Ozil, who picks out a gem of a pass through the middle to free Theo Walcott. He's in on goal but his shot is well saved by Mark Schwarzer. The old man has still got it...

KICK-OFF

We are up and running at Anfield.

Follow a full live page on Liverpool v Tottenham here.

Championship latest

A big goal in the night's biggest Championship game, as leaders Bournemouth go 1-0 in front against second-placed Derby. Matt Ritchie scores with a stylish finish after Yann Kermorgant pushes the ball into his path, and the Goldsands Stadium goes wild.

CLOSE!

Leicester's bright spark in the early stages has been Algerian Riyad Mahrez, and the winger goes very close to an opener at the Emirates. He beats a square line to race clear down the left, works into the box and his low shot nutmegs David Ospina in the Arsenal goal but skims the far post! Inches away!

QPR - who have lost every game on the road remember - have been on top in the opening 10 minutes or so but they haven't created a single clear chance. Story of their season.

Arsenal haven't been at their fluent best in the opening stages but Leicester are now beginning to get camped in their own half. Leicester still hoping to use their pace on the break.

New signing Dame N'Doye has made a lively start up front for Hull as the Tigers look to hit the early ball over the top. Twice N'Doye has got in behind the Villa defence but he hasn't beat the offside trap yet.

Getty Images

Every bone in my body is telling me that this game is destined to be goalless but I'm sure the 22 men on display can prove me wrong! No action to report as of yet though...

Like their manager on a trek in Romania, Leicester come out fighting. They force an early corner and see a shot from a tight angle well blocked.

Good start from QPR as Niko Kranjcar has a shot deflected wide.

KICK-OFF

Under way at Arsenal, Hull and Sunderland, and across the Football League...

Here we go then - the teams are out at our three 19:45 GMT kick-offs. All set?

BBC Sport commentator John Southall on Twitter: Appears Tim Sherwood didn't get assurances about #QPR future so out of the running. Michael Laudrup?

The stands are filling up nicely at the KC. Definitely a full scarf/hat/gloves/thermals night on Humberside.

Rule one: never leave a Simple Minds gig. Ever!

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Jason Garner: 1986 - left a Simple Minds concert just before they came on to get home and watch World Cup 1/4 final, fell asleep on the sofa - missed the lot including the Hand of God and Diego's mazy goal too!!

Alan Kay: May 28th is my mum's birthday and is also my wife's birthday but instead of enjoying their birthdays I decided to watch my beloved Man Utd lose 3-1 to Barca in the Champions League final. Bad result in more ways than one.

What is the biggest sacrifice you've made to watch live football?

Let us know. You can get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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

Stat attack

QPR have become the first team to lose their first 11 away games of a top-flight season since Liverpool in 1953-54.

Jermain Defoe has already scored more Premier League goals for Sunderland (2) in three appearances than the man he replaced, Jozy Altidore, scored in 42 PL apps for the club (1).

Stat attack

Hull City have the worst record at home in the Premier League this season with just nine points from 11 games.

Aston Villa have scored just six goals in their last 19 Premier League away games and it is now six hours and 58 minutes since Christian Benteke netted their last away goal.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Deep Ghosh: Went 200 miles up to Boston on a badly sprained foot to watch Man Utd play NE Revolution. Foot took three months to heal.

Tom Castle: Rerouted our Italian honeymoon to Nuremburg when I got last minute tickets to USA v. Ghana in 2006 WC. Still married.

Craig Ormsby: I delayed moving into my 1st home so I could watch Villa v Chelsea cup final in 1999, girlfriend now wife not pleased

What is the biggest sacrifice you've made to watch live football?

Let us know. You can get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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

BBC Radio 5 live

Stoke chairman Peter Coates on the new TV deal: "The distribution system flows down to everyone and that will continue. It is an awful lot of money but we have a responsibility to football as a whole and I am sure we will exercise that responsibility.

"The clubs and Stoke too do lot of things in the community and if you go in the Stoke-on-Trent area, you will get the same feedback.

"It is vitally important [to lower ticket costs]. The stadia need to be full especially with away support and we need to maintain that. The lower and average incomes need to be facilitated.

"We will certainly want our supporters to benefit from the money we get from TV rights. We have already done that and I am sure other clubs will do the same.

"It is important we attract international talent, but it is also important we develop our own talent. Our technical skills are improving and we are spending a lot of money on that.

"It is a market situation. Football has a huge global attraction and we can attract that sort of money because we can offer the product. It is a bit over the top to call it obscene."

If you're just tuning in for the night's football you may have missed the blockbusting news that Sky and BT Sport have paid a record £5.136bn for live Premier League TV rights for three seasons from 2016-17.

The figure represents a 70% increase on Sky and BT's current £3bn deal. Wow...

Tottenham

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino:

"I think that we have improved a lot since the beginning of the season, when you implement new ideas and a new philosophy it's not easy. But you see now how we worked from the start of season. I'm happy for the latest results but we have to look forward.

"We need to try always hard on the training ground and now maybe the work pays off at the present. But we have to be careful to keep working and looking forward as we have a lot of tough games and Liverpool is a very, very tough game.

"Harry Kane is still young but a very great person. We must keep going and we need to be focused and ready to compete tonight."

Follow a full live page on Liverpool v Tottenham here.

Rio Ferdinand, Joey Barton, Bobby Zamora and Karl Henry all start for QPR tonight. An element of going back to basics? Get the experienced heads in.

Michael Laudrup is the bookies' favourite to be new QPR boss by the way. I don't know how anyone could interview Laudrup and not give him the job. Oozes charisma and class.

Whether he's the right man for a relegation fight is another matter...

Liverpool

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "Daniel Sturridge has been back in training for a couple of weeks, but we are having to get his fitness in games. Tonight is a good night for him to start.

"Raheem Sterling picked up an injury in the bottom of his foot and it has been really painful. He had to come off in the derby game.

"Lazar Markovic will be playing in a way of working he knows well. He has done very well since he came into the team.

"Young Jordon Ibe is a very relaxed kid as you saw from his performance in the derby match. It will be his first home start this season and he will be looking forward to it.

"Sturridge clearly has everything as a top European striker and if we can get him on field he will show that. Harry Kane is terrific talent and it shows if a home grown player is given the opportunity he can do it."

Follow a full live page on Liverpool v Tottenham here.

Half an hour from kick-off in three of our four games. QPR have yet to pick up a single point on the road all season - a ridiculously bad record.

Is tonight the night? And who is this mystery new manager QPR have got lined up?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Charlie Fairbank: I once went home "ill" at 11 from school for an away game on a Wednesday about three years ago. Shame I got on the TV cameras...

Robbie Andrews: Left the Mrs at the airport with luggage so I could get a taxi to my favourite pub for Liverpool v Everton FA Cup semi-final while she made her way home

What is the biggest sacrifice you've made to watch live football?

Let us know. You can get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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

Let us all remember the night when we saw Scott Sinclair start a Premier League game. He's out warming up with his new team-mates at the KC - can he guide his side to a big win tonight?

Hull will go above Villa with three points.

Team News

Eddie Howe names an unchanged Bournemouth side as the Championship leaders seek a third successive win tonight. It means that striker Tokelo Rantie, back from representing South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations, remains on the bench.

Just one change for second-placed Derby: Cyrus Christie comes in at full-back for Ryan Shotton. Tom Ince, who scored twice on his debut as Bolton were beaten 4-1 on Saturday, retains his place.

Bournemouth XI: Boruc; Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels; Ritchie, Arter, Surman, Pugh; Kermorgant; Wilson.

Derby XI: Grant; Christie, Keogh, Buxton, Forsyth; Mascarell, Hughes, Hendrick; Ince, Ward, Martin.

Full coverage of events at Anfield

The teams are out at Anfield - but don't forget that there is a separate page just for that game. You can get your Harry Kane fix.

Click here for wall-to-wall Liverpool v Spurs.

Team News

Liverpool

As expected, Daniel Sturridge starts for Liverpool in place of Raheem Sterling. Jordon Ibe, Steven Gerrard and Lazar Markovic are also in the starting eleven. Tottenham are unchanged.

Liverpool XI: Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Sakho, Moreno; Gerrard, Henderson, Markovic, Coutinho, Ibe; Sturridge

Tottenham XI: Lloris; Walker, Rose, Vertonghen, Dier; Lamela, Dembele, Eriksen, Mason, Bentaleb; Kane

Pearson wants bullish Foxes display

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson speaking to Premier League TV: "I want a positive performance from us tonight. At places like this it's about discipline and concentration levels but we need to be brave enough to be positive as well.

"We are getting to the stage of the season now where we have to make things happen for ourselves.

"There is expectation from ourselves and whatever other people think about our games, what is important is we set high standards and go into this with aspirations of winning it."

Allan, you're winning so far. That is tremendous dedication!

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Allan Thomas Woodward: I got sacked from my job for the Liverpool vs West Ham FA Cup final... I don't even support either team but I was annoyed that I was unable to get the day off to watch it. Managed to get to the pub for the second half.

What is the biggest sacrifice you've made to watch live football?

Let us know. You can get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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

Wenger concerned with Foxes break

Leicester held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season, a point which kicked the Foxes on to wins against Stoke City and Manchester United.

Tonight they face the Premier League's highest scorers in home fixtures. The Gunners have 26 goals in front of their home fans but manager Arsene Wenger is concerned with the threat Leicester pose on the counter attack.

"They gave us a tough time at Leicester," says Wenger. "They are very physical and focused. We expect that again and they are good on the break as well, so it is about attacking well and not leaving space for them to counter."

Due a win?

A Leicester win tonight would really kickstart their fight against relegation. The bad news is that the Foxes haven't won at Arsenal since 1973.

PA

One of Leicester's better results at Arsenal: A 0-0 draw in December 1974

And they haven't won any of their last 17 Premier League matches against London clubs. And they have won none of their last 18 matches in all competitions against Arsenal.

And Arsenal have won the last seven home Premier League matches against the Foxes in a run of 21 home matches in all competitions unbeaten (W15 D6 L0).

And Arsenal have lost just one of their last 29 Premier League games at the Emirates.

But, you know. Stay positive.

League Two preview

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's magic touch is working nicely at Burton, who climbed to the top of League Two on Saturday and are looking to extend a 10-match unbeaten run when they host AFC Wimbledon this evening. Shrewsbury, who dropped from first to third at the weekend, visit a Carlisle side who have won their last two matches, while Wycombe - unbeaten in 12 and lying second - are at home to Plymouth.

York, who dropped into the bottom two on Saturday, face a tough night at fourth-placed Luton. The only team below the hapless Minstermen are Hartlepool, who face the prospect of taking on bang in-form mid-table Northampton in a thick fog at Victoria Park. That mist can hide a multitude of sins, lads...

League One preview

It looks like two from three for the League One automatic promotion spots, but MK Dons missed the chance to go top by losing 2-1 at Bradford last night, giving leaders Bristol City and second-placed Swindon the chance to pull away this evening. Steve Cotterill's City host Port Vale, while Mark Cooper's Swindon go to Oldham.

Fifth-placed Chesterfield host fourth-placed Preston. The winners get to keep Kevin Davies.

Two big games at the bottom; Crewe host relegation rivals Yeovil, while Scunthorpe boss Mark Robins returns to his former club Coventry.

5 live & Final Score

BBC Radio 5 live

The TV and radio coverage for tonight's action will begin at 19:00 GMT. There's a Midweek Final Score on the BBC Red Button, while BBC Radio 5 live have build-up to all the matches.

The big Premier League game of the night sees Liverpool take on Tottenham at Anfield as both sides vie for a Champions League spot. Coverage on BBC Radio 5 live of the match begins at 20:00 GMT.

Join in with BBC Radio 5 live's Football Social at 22:00 GMT for reaction on all the night's action.

Team news

Hull City

New signing Dame N'Doye starts for Hull City as Steve Bruce makes two changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Manchester City on Saturday. Fellow striker Nikica Jelavic starts, as Sone Aluko and Gaston Ramirez drop to the bench.

Scott Sinclair starts his first match since 21 December 2013 as Aston Villa look for their first league win this year.

Tom Cleverley and Christian Benteke are among the Villa substitutes.

Hull City XI: McGregor, Bruce, Meyler, Huddlestone, Brady, Livermore, McShane, Jelavic, Dawson, Elmohamady, N'Dyoe.

Aston Villa XI: Guzan, Hutton, Okore, Clark, Cissokho, Westwood, Delph, Gil, Sinclair, Agbonlahor, Weimann.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Duncan Amitola: Escaped from work, went to the nearest bar to watch the opening fixture of Man Utd vs Swansea. Upon taking my seat and sipping my beer, right next to me was my immediate supervisor. It was a horror. But was so determined that I continued. Almost lost my job the following Monday.

Jack Knightley: Was told it was Arsenal or my girlfriend. Needless to say I still go to the Emirates....

What is the biggest sacrifice you've made to watch live football?

Let us know. You can get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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

Team news

Arsenal

Arsenal welcome back top scorer Alexis Sanchez after the Chile international missed two games with a hamstring injury.

He looks set to play as a striker as both Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck are on the bench, as is Aaron Ramsey as the Gunners make three changes from defeat at Tottenham. Mesut Ozil makes his 50th start for the club.

Leicester hand a debut to Robert Huth and visit Emirates Stadium without a win in 16 league meetings with Arsenal.

Arsenal: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Rosicky, Walcott, Cazorla, Ozil, Alexis.

Leicester City: Schwarzer, Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Upson, Konchesky, Mahrez, Cambiasso, James, Schlupp, Kramaric.

Warburton not toast

Getty Images

Another manager coming under pressure - bizarrely - appears to be Brentford boss Mark Warburton.

A report in the Times on Tuesday said Warburton would be dismissed by owner Matthew Benham even if the Bees win promotion to the Premier League.

The west London club, who were promoted from League One last season, are currently fourth in the Championship but say he will stay.

Despite confirming Warburton's status, a Bees statement also said they "plan for various possible eventualities".

The 52-year-old was appointed Bees boss in December 2013 following a two-and-a-half-year spell as sporting director.

He has won 33 of his 59 games in charge of the team and is currently on a rolling one-year deal at Griffin Park.

Brentford in the top flight? It could happen...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Matt Strachan: Once left an exam half an hour early, so I would make it home in time for an England game on TV.

Omar Aborida: My ex-girlfriend never forgave me for making her drive 1,000 km in France to see Arsenal play Montpellier in the Champions League.

What is the biggest sacrifice you've made to watch live football?

Let us know. You can get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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

Getty Images

Away from the meeting of the top two, Middlesbrough will be hoping to take advantage of a draw there by winning at bottom of the league Blackpool.

Play-off rivals Brentford and Watford meet at Griffin Park, Ipswich entertain Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich will try and keep pace with the top six with a win at Charlton.

At the bottom, Leeds need a win at Reading in the music festival derby, Brighton are away at Cardiff and Millwall are at Birmingham.

TEAM NEWS

Sunderland

Sunderland welcome back striker Connor Wickham from a calf injury, but Lee Cattermole remains sidelined by a knee problem and Jack Rodwell misses out with a groin injury.

QPR striker Charlie Austin misses the game with a bruised foot picked up against Southampton on Saturday. Adel Taarabt drops to the bench after starting Saturday's match.

Sunderland XI: Pantilimon; Reveillere, Vergini, O'Shea, van Aanholt; Bridcutt, Larsson, Gomez, Johnson; Wickham, Defoe.

QPR XI: Green; Isla, Caulker, Ferdinand, Yun; Phillips, Barton, Henry, Kranjcar; Fer; Zamora.

Controlling the chimp

Derby were play-off losers last season but could be set for promotion this time around, perhaps thanks to a ban on swearing and a change in approach.

BBC

The Rams 'try not to swear if we possibly can' and look to control the "inner chimp" which sports psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters talked about in his book 'The Chimp Paradox'.

Peters, who has worked with Liverpool, the GB cycling team and many other sports stars, including snooker's Ronnie O'Sullivan, uses the term to describe the section of the brain that deals with emotion and sets out the theory that people can learn skills to manage those emotions in order to achieve success.

Coach Paul Simpson said: "We are always talking to the players about keeping control of your chimp and not let it take over your head and rule your decision-making during a game.

"The days of ranting and raving and swearing at each other are long gone and we need to be a bit calmer about the way we go about things, and that's what we are trying to do."

A tough night ahead

What do you need when you've been bottom of the league since November and your manager was reportedly sacked - though in the end he wasn't - on Sunday?

A trip to the Emirates would be near the bottom of that wish list.

Arsenal are in fine form at home this season, with just one defeat and could record a sixth-straight home win tonight.

Arsenal

The Gunners love a good bit of passing too don't they? Slick pitch by the look of things tonight.

Can they dampen spirits at Leicester City further? (See what we did there...sorry).

The mystery man (or woman)

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes says he has got his "dream manager" to replace Harry Redknapp, who resigned last week. But who is it?

The 50-year-old businessman said no announcement was imminent and that it would "take a while" to complete.

Tim Sherwood was contacted about the job, while Derby boss Steve McClaren and Real Madrid assistant Paul Clement were also in the frame - links apparently dismissed by Fernandes.

"Still a bit to go but I'm very happy," the Malaysian said on Twitter.

"Think I have got my dream manager. Not what anyone thinks. Press all wrong."

Who could that be?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

It's Christmas Day in the Premier League offices and agents, players, pundits and club secretaries around the land are celebrating the bumper TV deal which was announced this afternoon.

Sky and BT Sport are shelling out a trouser-busting £5.1bn on the Premier League rights for three seasons from 2016-17. That's £5,100,000,000. Don't deliver it in coins, please.

Reuters

Ever missed a holiday to catch a live match? Was it worth it?

But what is the biggest sacrifice you've made to watch live football? Sold your drum kit? Split up with your partner? Jacked in a job? Missed a holiday?

Let us know. You can get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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

The battle for promotion

While the bottom five of the Premier League fight to stay up, the race to be in the top flight next season is heating up.

And it doesn't get much hotter than the top two meeting. Leaders Bournemouth host second-placed Derby at Dean Court, with Cherries manager Eddie Howe even managing to resist the usual cliché...

"I can't downplay it and say it's just another game," the 37-year-old told BBC Radio Solent.

"We're playing one of our rivals. For us it's about the performance - we want to give the best account of ourselves."

Only goal difference separates the two sides, with Middlesbrough only a point behind. It's going to be some run-in.

Where's Wilshere?

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he has no idea when Jack Wilshere will return to full fitness.

The England midfielder, 23, has not played since November when he damaged his ankle ligaments in the 2-1 Premier League defeat by Manchester United.

He was ruled out for three months and is scheduled to return to training.

But before tonight's match Wenger told a news conference: "We have to monitor him daily. I don't know when he'll return."

The fight against the drop

So bottom side Leicester are away at Arsenal, but those just above them are also in action on a busy night of football.

Here's the full rundown of fixtures (19:45 GMT kick-off unless stated):

Arsenal (6th) v Leicester (20th)

Hull (18th) v Aston Villa (16th)

Sunderland (14th) v QPR (19th)

20:00 GMT: Liverpool (7th) v Tottenham (5th)

There is a separate live text commentary of the game at Anfield. You can follow that one from 19:00 GMT, while we focus on life at the bottom here.

Up for the scrap

Getty Images

With four wins all season, it has been a tough season for Leicester. But if ever there was a manager up for the fight against the drop, it is Nigel Pearson. This is a man who once fought off a pack of wild dogs in Romania.

I'm not making that up by the way. Check out this brilliant paragraph from the Telegraph's esteemed Henry Winter:

"Pearson was walking alone when confronted by the pack. One dog went straight for him, trying to occupy his attention while the other four circled behind, looking to bite his legs. Pearson blinded a couple with his walking pole, then fended the others off before diving into stinging nettles. The dogs loathe these because of their sensitive noses."

Do you think he's scared of a trip to the Emirates?

Nothing wrong with this...

Nigel Pearson has made light of the events of the weekend, and the Leicester boss will not be charged by the Football Association over his clash with Crystal Palace's James McArthur.

Getty Images

But the FA has written to Pearson to remind him of his responsibilities.

The Foxes manager grabbed McArthur by the throat after being knocked over on the touchline by the midfielder in Leicester's 1-0 defeat on Saturday.

Getty Images

Pearson described the altercation with McArthur as "light-hearted"

He then helped McArthur up before preventing the player from returning to the field by grabbing his shirt.

The match officials saw the incident and it is understood the FA decided to take no action after contacting them to clarify their understanding of what had happened.

Will Nige be on his best behaviour this evening?

'You're not fired'

Talkback

It's been a funny old weekend for Leicester manager Nigel Pearson.

A costly home defeat by Crystal Palace which left his side bottom of the league, an ugly tangle with an opposition player and a Sunday night scattering of speculation that he had been fired.

The Foxes belatedly confirmed that Pearson had not been sacked - not that the manager was bothered, he was out in Sheffield watching some Canadian folk music.

Of course he was!

Relaxed and refreshed, can Pearson steer his side to an unlikely victory at Arsenal tonight? With four of the bottom five in action, it could be a big one...