Wednesday action, Lambert sacked

1. Aston Villa sack boss Paul Lambert
2. Willian deflected strike enough for Chelsea
3. FT: Man Utd 3-1 Burnley, Stoke 1-4 Man City
4. FT: Southampton 0-0 West Ham
5. FT: Palace 1-1 Newcastle, WBA 2-0 Swansea

That's a wrap from us for the night then - here comes Match of the Day online and on BBC One. Regional variations apply.

See 22:35.

Good night!

Tonight in the Premier League

A round-up of tonight's games:

Chelsea 1-0 Everton

An 89th-minute deflected strike from Willian gave Chelsea a victory over Everton that maintained their seven-point Premier League lead.

Man Utd 3-1 Burnley

Substitute Chris Smalling scored twice to help Manchester United overcome battling Burnley and climb up to third in the Premier League table.

Southampton 0-0 West Ham

West Ham had goalkeeper Adrian sent off but frustrated Southampton by holding on for a goalless draw at St Mary's.

Stoke 1-4 Man City

Sergio Aguero scored his first goals since December as Manchester City secured victory at Stoke.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Newcastle

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew earned a point in his first match against former club Newcastle as Fraizer Campbell's goal secured a draw.

West Brom 2-0 Swansea

West Brom moved four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone as goals from Brown Ideye and Saido Berahino secured victory over Swansea.

COMING UP

Match of the Day

Don't forget you can see all of the talking points from the last two nights on a midweek Match of the Day!

Brace yourself for these regional variations: 22:45-00:15 on BBC One and 23:10-00:40 on BBC One Scotland, with BBC One Wales at 23:10-00:40 and BBC One Northern Ireland 23:40-01:10.

No Lass for Hammers

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has also confirmed that the club's bid to sign midfielder Lassana Diarra will not go ahead due to administrative issues.

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Paul in Fulham: At the Chelsea game tonight. I have never seen an instantaneous standing ovation for a piece of skill such as that when Cech saved from Lukaku tonight. Particularly impressive as he was a near spectator for much of the game. Great to see.

John on the way home from Stamford Bridge: Chelsea dominated and had to put up with Everton's constant fouling. Fair red card and fair result!

Jay from London: I can understand why everyone is desperate for Chelsea's best players to be banned, but please stop talking up the Ivanovic incident. He was just one player in a moshpit out there, and the ref saw the whole thing. Do not ban.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Swansea are in 9th place in the Premier League table. Are they really not safe?

Manager reaction

Swansea manager Garry Monk:

"We were very poor, we had no tempo to our game. We made them look an amazing side, that's how poor we were.

"But credit to West Brom, they got their two goals and deserved their win.

"We can't approach a Premier League game with this type of intensity and tempo and expect to get anything out of the game. We huffed and puffed without creating anything.

"If we play like that in any league games coming up for the rest of the season then we will be in trouble.

"We lacked in all areas today. There wasn't too much in it in the first half but in the second half we didn't have the intensity."

Midlands football reporter Pat Murphy

5 live Sport

"Jurgen Klinsmann has always been associated with Aston Villa, even during the Doug Ellis reign. I also know that Randy Lerner really admires David Moyes, but could Moyes be lured away from Spain? But I'm not sure Lerner will still be there at the start of next season.

"Villa have a good squad of players and Paul Lambert deserves credit for having nurtured them with very little money at his disposal. They just need a good coach and if he can sort them out I think they'll be alright."

BBC Radio 5 live

West Brom manager Tony Pulis on 5 live sport: "Is that the real Neil Lennon there in the 5 live studio?? Hello, Neil.

"It was a good performance tonight. We're pleased, but it's small steps towards where we want to go. Lets keep our feet on the ground. But we looked like a team tonight and it's the best performance since I've been here. And Swansea are a good team. The lads have to take a lot from this but make sure they understand how difficult the upcoming games will be."

Former Scotland midfielder Stuart McCall

5 live Sport

"If the replays show something, questions will so straight back to Jose Mourinho."

Manager reaction

West Brom boss Tony Pulis:

"It is probably the best performance since I have been at the club, but it is only one game and we need to replicate that.

"We deserved the three points tonight and I don't think anyone can deny that.

"Ideye Brown is a good lad and he has got a good attitude. He has trained well and worked a hard. It didn't work out for him at first but we have given him his chance and he has taken it.

"Victor Anichebe is injured so we only have those two strikers to the end of season, they played well today and I'm very pleased they got the goals.

"But we have midfielders that can also get goals and would be looking for the defenders to contribute too."

Former England winger Trevor Sinclair

5 live Sport

"That wasn't good enough from Manchester United. Some better finishing from Burnley and if David De Gea wasn't on top of his game then Burnley really could have got something from tonight.

"And United's players have been working together for seven months now and they still look like strangers. They still look like they don't know where they should be on the pitch."

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who was last month fined £25,000 for saying there was a "clear campaign" against Chelsea, was not prepared to discuss the Branislav Ivanovic incident post-match or the possibility the Serbia defender would be banned.

Mourinho said: "I'm concerned with my reaction, because one more question I leave. The next question for that story I have to go."

Manager reaction

Newcastle caretaker manager John Carver: "It's another game unbeaten, that's one win, three draws and two defeats now, which is not bad in this league. We said before the game we knew we were up against a big physical side and the pitch was quite lively, so we knew it was going to be a bit of a battle.

"I stuck Papiss Cisse in. I was brave to play two strikers away from home, but he's a fox in the box and if he keeps scoring he has to be in the team.

"It's a bit strange [facing Alan Pardew] because I worked with him for four years but once I got off the bus I went into professional mode. After the game he said to me: 'Well done, you deserved the point.'"

Former England winger Trevor Sinclair

5 live Sport

"Very good goals from Man City tonight. They were each really good, well crafted, the crosses were of decent quality and the arrivals of the players into the box was excellent. Credit to City for creating so many chances."

MOTD COMING UP

Match of the Day

Don't forget you can see all of the talking points from the last two nights on a midweek Match of the Day!

Brace yourself for these regional variations: 22:45-00:15 on BBC One and 23:10-00:40 on BBC One Scotland, with BBC One Wales at 23:10-00:40 and BBC One Northern Ireland 23:40-01:10.

Manager reaction

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew: "I thought we should have won. We started well but the chances were few and far between. Newcastle only had one shot on target but scored. We struggled to break them down, but we scored a great goal - it was a really special cross and we deserved to get something out of the game.

"We had plenty of options on the bench and in the end the bench made a difference. Yannick Bolasie and Dwight Gayle came on and upped the tempo for us.

"It was nice to see my old team and my friends from the club. We took a point and we should be pretty pleased with that."

Getty Images

Did Branislav Ivanovic cross any lines in that late-match scuffle? I'll let you and the pictures decide...

Getty Images

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Steve Howes: Everton came to foul. They were lucky not to see reds earlier. Justice was done.

Daramola: Great goalkeeping from Cech tonight. He could have easily won my Man of the Match if not for Willian's late show.

Uday Tumuluri: Unfortunately for Burnley it's a results business. Everyone liked a Cinderella story, but there aren't many out there, and for a reason.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

How's stat?!

And here are some good stats from Old Trafford. Check out the final one:

• Chris Smalling scored with his first touch of the ball in this game; 22 seconds after coming on a substitute. This was the second fastest goal by a sub in the PL this season after Sammy Ameobi for Newcastle v Spurs (8 secs).
• Burnley have conceded a league-high 16 headed goals in the Premier League this season; six more than any other team.
• Since August 2013, Kieran Trippier has provided more league assists than any other defender in the top four tiers (17).
• Since 2010/11, Robin van Persie is the only player to have scored 10+ goals in each Premier League season.
• Manchester United became the 19th side to win a penalty kick this season in the Premier League - Aston Villa are the only side yet to win one this season.
• Wayne Rooney has still not had a shot on target in the Premier League in 2015 (in 540 mins).

Another big win for West Brom at home, and the Albion are now up to 14th in the Premier League, and more importantly they are now four points clear of the drop zone. How important that could prove to be.

How's stat?!

Here are some key stats from tonight's game at Stamford Bridge:

• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 20 Premier League home games against Everton (W11 D9 L0).
• Chelsea have won 34 of a possible 36 points (W11 D1) in their 12 home games this season.
• Everton have won one of their last nine Premier League games (W1 D3 L5).
• Chelsea have kept 16 clean sheets in their last 20 Premier League home games, conceding just six goals in that run.
• Everton have won just 27 points in 25 Premier League games this season - 18 points fewer than they had at this stage last season in Roberto Martinez's first campaign as manager at the club.
• No Chelsea player created more goalscoring chances (3) or attempted more crosses (10) against Everton than Juan Cuadrado (3).

Manager reaction

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal: "I didn't like this performance today. Of course, we have won and the result is fantastic. But after this match you cannot say that we are going up and I want to progress every match. Daley Blind has a headache and maybe tomorrow it is better. I don't think Blind will be out for next Monday's game. But for Phil Jones, I fear. I don't know. We'll have to wait and see tomorrow."

Manager reaction

Here's more from Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "Football can be very cruel. I think it's very clear that the home team are trying to influence the referee. From that point on it's unfortunate. We constantly see it here. We have to allow the authorities to look into it.

"I think we've shown good signs in our recent performance. We've been really solid. What pleases me today is that we were very cute, frustrated Chelsea and created the best chances. That needs a good balance, especially at the hardest place in the Premier League.

"It's been a difficult season but we're looking forward to the final third of the campaign and European football. The performance was dynamic, full of confidence."

Manager reaction

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "Big game, big game. We found a different Everton, it's a compliment. A defensive Everton, very well organised and compact, very dangerous on the counter attack. They made it difficult for us.

"We tried everything and the spirit was amazing. The pressure was strong and they were in trouble for the last 10 minutes. We scored a goal which the linesman disallowed very well but everyone was inside their box for the last 10 or 15 minutes.

"In the end we got a very important goal.

"I don't have a view of the melee. In the first half Everton made lots of fouls, every attack was a foul. Gareth Barry could have been sent-off in the first half and Roberto Martinez at half-time replaced Muhamed Besic because he was afraid of the red card. At the end the emotion was high."

Manager reaction

Everton boss Roberto Martinez told BBC Sport: "We were in control. We had clear-cut chances, the best ones of the game - they needed world-class saves from Petr Cech. It's a shame we couldn't convert the chances. It's a huge disappointment. Our performance deserved a positive result.

"Every time a player loses a challenge it feels like the weight of the world is on the referee's shoulders and he feels he needs to react. To give Gareth Barry a second yellow card because of the reaction from Chelsea's players is disappointing. They surrounded the referee and their conduct was a real shame. It created a little bit of belief for Chelsea and the goal came as a consequence of that. It was a very scrappy goal - if you don't have the momentum often they don't end up in the net."

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Gareth: All the pessimism around Villa completely ignores the fact that a squad with class players like Benteke, Delph and Cole has quality in abundance and the next four games are eminently winnable. A smart managerial appointment to pep the squad up is all that's needed.

Dave: Some people are calling the Chelsea victory lucky. They had 21 shots versus only seven for Everton. Fully deserved the win!

Matt in Southampton: Mourinho delivering a title-winning performance tonight. Cagey 1-0 wins are what his champions are made of.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Manager reaction

Burnley manager Sean Dyche: "It's a tough business we are in and this game can sometimes kick you in the rear. The manner, energy and organisation... it was all on show tonight. But we have to turn performances into wins. I thought Danny Ings was terrific. But I could say that about the whole team."

Manager reaction

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, speaking to BBC Sport: "We returned to our normal performance, especially in the second half. We scored three goals in the second half and had more chances.

"It is important, not just the score, but also because it is not easy to score four goals at Stoke. They have been the difficult team for us to score against while I have been here. It is a tough place to come. The most important thing was to win and in the way we did today."

On Sergio Aguero's disallowed goal for handball: "Maybe he could not stop because he arrived running to the goal. It is difficult to understand."

Manager reaction

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes: "I was more than pleased with what we produced in the first half, in the second half there were factors that meant we were not able to get at them. You leave yourself open when you are chasing as the home side and that is what happened.

"We have done really well in the last nine or 10 games. We did really well in the first 45 minutes but City were able to take it away with their bit of extra quality in the second half."

Manager reaction

BBC Radio 5 live

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce on 5 live: "That's more than a good point. We had to cope with going down to 10 men, which was a very difficult decision to stomach. Our keeper was fouled, no doubt about that. And then Andy Carroll got injured again, and just had to stand up front as nuisance value.

"The defending was absolutely magnificent and that point feels like a win. We've given our travelling fans a lot of heart with that spirit and the way we defended.

"It's the same injury as before with Carroll. He was declared fully fit the other day, but it wasn't a dangerous challenge on him. It was a knock and it's caused him the same injury again, which is obviously a concern for us. That's a big blow, and we have a thin squad at the moment."

Manager reaction

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman: "If you play 30 minutes 11 against 10 then you have to score the goal but we didn't. Everybody was running and we didn't make the pitch wide to make the space. There were too many crosses and I think that is the easy way for them to defend.

"I think we had one or two shots from outside the box and lacked sharpness up front. I said at half-time if we kept the organisation, the front players have to win the game tonight but they didn't.

"You have to react and work harder and be sharp in the box. Maybe in one or two situations Graziano Pelle was a little bit unlucky but he was not on the level he can bring."

Midlands football reporter Pat Murphy

5 live Sport

"Paul Lambert wasn't at his best with TV. All the radio and press reporters will say he was good with us. He'd josh with us, give us gossip, be frank. He liked an anecdote about his time in Scotland or Germany. He was really good company, totally different from what you saw on the television. He used to sit and talk to us for 10 minutes before we even started. We'd give him pelters in terms of questions, but I respect him for never taking it personally.

"That Villa squad is not a bad one, and if they go down I'd suggest that was one of the better squads to have been relegated from the Premier League. They just need a good coach on the tiller. They need to unpick that goalscoring lock.

"Lambert loved Villa, loved the club. He was steeped in the club's history from day one. In his last game at Norwich they beat Villa 2-1 at Carrow Road. The Villa fans were chanting for him, and there was universal respect and approval for his appointment in 2012."

Manager reaction

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce on Andy Carroll's injury: "It was the same injury he has had before. He had a kick in the back of the knee and the injury has reappeared. He's done three days training and it obviously wasn't as good as we thought it was."

On the potential signing of Lassana Diarra signing: "That's not going to happen because of administration reasons, which is a real shame. Fifa regulations apparently, so after all the work we've done there and to get a player of his quality with a lot to prove would have been a huge bonus for us."

Everton have won just 27 points in 25 Premier League games this season - 18 points fewer than they had at this stage last season in Roberto Martinez's first campaign as manager at the club.

Manager reaction

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, talking about Adrian's sending-off: "It's a foul on the goalie. Sadio Mane had two hands around him. It's bizarre why they can't see it but this is what we have to stomach today and it nearly cost us dearly. It lost us the opportunity to win the game and we had to battle with nine in the end when Carroll got injured to get an unbelievable point.

"It shows the character and resilience to get a fantastic result. It's almost like a win and a fantastic performance. "

Player reaction

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech told BT Sport: "This game was all about the first goal - and we got it. We had a few dangerous moments going forward. Everton played very well, they were brilliant the whole game and made it difficult for us. We had to wait for our chance to come and it came right at the end."

I've still not seen a definitive replay of the melee at the end of the game. Will Branislav Ivanovic be facing some disciplinary action?

Player reaction

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic told BT Sport: "I think we did a great job. I would like to share my man of the match trophy with the other 25 players. We fought for each other for the 95 minutes. We won this game with our heart. This game showed that every game will be difficult, especially in this part of the season. We are a bit tired because of so many games. We will give 100%, we have to continue to play like we have been playing."

Manager reaction

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "It's beautiful to win in the last minute, and it's so sad to lose. They have to be very disappointed, they gave us a very difficult match. We are very very happy and we think we deserve it. We fought so hard to try and win the game.

"We risked a lot to try to win. It was a refereeing performance that in my opinion was very good. We had a goal which was fantastically well disallowed by the assistant referee. A great decision.

"Everton changed its DNA, they defend really well and made lots of fouls. What we can call intelligent fouls. But if the referee follows the rules it's yellow card, yellow card and they paid the price for that. This is not a criticism, but they foul, foul, foul.

"Did Branislav Ivanovic go in with his head? Don't make me laugh. Don't make me laugh."

Roberto Martinez not happy with referee Jonathan Moss - but Jose Mourinho was...

As it stands at the bottom

And now for the bottom half:

BBC

Manager reaction

Everton boss Roberto Martinez told BT Sport: "The result is hard to take. You believe you'll get what you deserve - we didn't.

"It was a performance full of spirit. Defensively we were very good and we created the best chances. There were a couple of world-class saves from Petr Cech.

"The second yellow card for Gareth Barry is very harsh. It's an unfortunate goal to give away, the ball goes through a players' legs. But it allows us to carry on with a good level of performance.

"My players were really upset about that [Branislav Ivanovic incident in the late melee]. It's the reaction of the Chelsea players you don't like. Ivanovic grabs James McCarthy by the throat. You need a strong referee for those matters. You have to take your chances. You don't want to see the incidents we saw at the end.

"I was disappointed with the manner in which the referee dealt with it."

As it stands at the top

Here's how the top half of the table now looks:

BBC

FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME

BBC Radio 5 live

5 live Sport has metamorphosised into the 5 live Football Social. Call 0500 909 693 if you want to get on and discuss anything from Paul Lambert's departure, Manchester United's frontmen and Chelsea's late winner, among many, many more topics.

Scottish Premiership latest

Fairly standard for Celtic at Patrick Thistle in the Scottish Premiership - they lead 3-0 with goals from Gary Mackay-Steven, Stuart Armstrong and Stefan Johansen.

You can follow the action on our Scottish live text.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Demola Oke: Manchester United are third. How that's possible, I really don't know...

Gamma: Pure luck for Chelsea. Mourinho has it down to a fine art.

Robin Smit: If Burnley played like they did for the first 60mins tonight for the majority of the season they would definitely be in the top 10.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Manchester City were pretty impressive tonight, with both David Silva and Samir Nasri linking up well and Sergio Aguero starting to look like his old self again. Of their 14 shots on goal tonight, eight were on target. Not a bad conversion rate.

GREAT SAVE!

Brede Hangeland header again! What a save from Tim Krul, superb from the Dutchman to deny Palace a second goal.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez calls defeat 'really hard to take' and calls Gareth Barry's red card 'very harsh'.

Full reaction to come from all of tonight's games.

A sophisticated stalemate.

opta

Palace attack brightly again but Fraizer Campbell takes a wrong turn and ends up down a cul-de-sac. Is there a winner in this one?

Former Burnley midfielder Paul Weller

BBC Radio Lancashire

"If Burnley perform like that every week their survival is possible. They work ever so hard as a team, they understand each other's games. But the same old frailties are on show every week, and it always costs them."

Southampton had 21 shots on goal tonight, but only seven were on target. The Hammers chanced their arm four times, with Fraser Forster making just one save.

Former Southampton manager Dave Merrington

BBC Radio Solent

"Over the season so far Southampton have had the rub of the green, but tonight it just didn't run for Saints. They could not find that extra bit of magic, flair or imagination."

A very solid night for Dougie Freedman and co. Wigan - it's looking like League One.

Burnley can be proud of their effort tonight. They took the game to Manchester United, but just switched off at two set-pieces before that late penalty sealed the result. On the positive side though, I saw a poll today which said Burnley were the best looking team in the Premier League. Every cloud...

opta

Big scenes of celebration from the Chelsea players at full-time, they know that last-minute goal could prove very important come May. What exactly happened with Gareth Barry? I'm not so sure - I'll try and see some replays now.

FULL-TIME

Southend manager Phil Brown

at Britannia Stadium for 5 live Sport

"A massive win. Stoke had a foothold in the game in the first half but after the interval Man City showed their class. They scored four and it could have been more."

CLOSE!

Palace close to a second as Brede Hangeland sees a header deflected onto the roof of the net. Can the Eagles get a winner now?

FULL-TIME

Guy Mowbray

BBC Match of the Day commentator at the Britannia Stadium

"It was a bit of a breeze in the end for Manchester City, but there was plenty of incident along the way."

FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME

Good performance by Manchester City.

Former Scotland midfielder Stuart McCall

5 live Sport

"I thought Everton had rode their luck for the day, but despite the fact they dug in as a team Chelsea have enjoyed all the play and deserve their goal."

Branislav Ivanovic was heavily involved in that melee which saw Gareth Barry dismissed. He certainly had a bear hug on an Everton player.

SUBSTITUTION

The game is petering out now, and Stoke take the opportunity to give a debut to 17-year-old Oliver Shenton. His appearance comes in the same week of the funeral of his mother, Mandy, who sadly died of cancer.

What a few minutes at Stamford Bridge! Nemanja Matic thought he had scored, it was ruled out, Gareth Barry was dismissed in the melee afterwards and then Willian squeezes in a deflected effort. Chelsea look like keeping a seven-point lead at the top.

GREAT SAVE!

Jose Fonte has a dig from range and his shot is turned round the post by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Former Tottenham striker Clive Allen

at Stamford Bridge for 5 live Sport

"Gareth Barry's trip was obviously intentional and he's been sent off. There then followed so much heaving and shoving.

"And absolutely incredible scenes straight after. The hallmark of champions is winning games ugly and when you don't play well. I don't see 10 man Everton responding to this."

CLOSE!

United almost get a fourth but Tom Heaton saves Angel Di Maria's shot before the follow up from Adnan Januzaj is cleared off the line by Jason Shackell.

GOAL

Brown Ideye and Saido Berahino combine again for West Brom and this time it is the latter who fires home from 12 yards from his strike partner's cut-back. The new partnership appears to be blossoming.

Getty Images

GOAL

Chelsea do find a way through! And it's deflected again! Willian meets Tim Howard's punch out with great technique to strike the ball on the half volley and it deflects into the corner.

Getty Images

Southampton are throwing the kitchen sink at West Ham now, but Graziano Pelle can't get a shot away and is crowded out in the penalty area. Maya Yoshida then heads over.

RED CARD

There's a right old melee in the aftermath of that goal being disallowed and in the dust-up Gareth Barry is shown a second yellow card. I didn't see exactly what he did but he's off.

Reuters

Join the debate on the BBC Sport Facebook page

Christopher Mears: I'm surprised that the club have sacked him. I thought they would have kept him at least until the end of the season. But it makes the chairman a scapegoat because he refuses to put 'real' money into club as he still wants to sell to a buyer.

Colin Carberry: Randy Lerner's utter ineptitude comes to the surface again. Most sensible people knew a year ago that Lambert was totally out of his depth, but Lerner signed him on a lucrative new long-term contract. Now Villa will have to pay him millions in compensation, just like McLeish before him. If Villa had spent half as much on players as they have on compensation, they'd be in the top half of the table, rather than fighting relegation season after season.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

GOAL

Alan Pardew goes big! A huge celebration on the sidelines as substitute Fraizer Campbell pokes in an equaliser for Crystal Palace. He reaches well to meet a cross from the right and toes it into the net.

Getty Images

West Ham are effectively down to nine men now, with Andy Carroll pulling up injured. Big Sam tells him to play on, but he's in clear pain.

DISALLOWED GOAL

Controversy! Chelsea think they have scored as Nemanja Matic's shot is deflected in - but the flag is up. Branislav Ivanovic is offside and the ball struck him on the way in!

More good work from Brown Ideye wins a corner on the left of the box. Perhaps he is a confidence player after all and may well come good for the Albion?

Former Burnley midfielder Paul Weller

BBC Radio Lancashire

"Frustrating. Arfield dived in and he didn't need to. The ball was travelling down a blind alley.

"Burnley have not picked up men at corners and have dived into challenges within the area, and it's asking for trouble. And it's such a shame because Burnley have been good. They have certainly not been outplayed and in certain areas have made Manchester United look very ordinary."

SUBSTITUTION

Yannick Bolasie - back from the Afcon - and Dwight Gayle are now both on for Crystal Palace. The hosts need them to fire.

GOAL

Easy as you like, Robin van Persie sends the keeper the wrong way and Manchester United put the seal on a likely three points.

Reuters

PENALTY FOR MAN UTD

Scott Arfield brings down Angel Di Maria in the area. Penalty all day long.

A fan invades the pitch at St Mary's, with play going on temporarily while he runs about the turf waiting to get tackled by a steward. When play is suspended, the man is caught and bundled down the tunnel.

FINAL TEN

Into the last 10 minutes at our 19:45 kick-offs. Any late drama?

SUBSTITUTION

Ronald Koeman gives a debut to new signing Filip Duricic, who replaces Sadio Mane.

Palace have been very flat this evening. Disappointing stuff for Alan Pardew to watch.

PA

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Onipede Bamidele: Why are the Man Utd players so lethargic?

Edward Taylor: Van Persie is the problem at United. Out of form, but still being played and forcing others to play out of position. Get Rooney up front.

Cameron Laws: Really feel for Falcao. He's not been great but we didn't create a single chance for him, not one. Our style of play is awful.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

PENALTY APPEAL

Manchester City might be cruising but Eliaquim Mangala continues to look a liability as he goes shoulder to shoulder with Mame Diouf and the striker goes tumbling in the area. Referee Lee Mason says it's not a penalty, though. Looked 50-50 to me. The visitors, meanwhile, have brought on Frank Lampard for David Silva.

CLOSE!

The more Chelsea push on for a winner, the more they leave chances at the back. Kevin Mirallas picks the ball up for Everton 25 yards out and whistles a shot over the top. Surely this can't end 0-0?

West Ham are defending bravely and Aaron Cresswell makes a superb block to deny Nathaniel Clyne.

Former Man City player Fred Eyre

BBC Radio Manchester

"A great individual goal from Nasri. He started on a mazy run, wondered how far he could go, it took him into the penalty area and after a quick look up he hit a right-footed drive into the back of the net, and that's 4-1.

"People all over the world will pick up the papers in the morning and see this scoreline, and think Stoke have been pasted. But that hasn't been the case at all. This has been a really hard-fought Man City win."

Former Tottenham striker Clive Allen

at Stamford Bridge for 5 live Sport

"Roberto Martinez's ploy now is to collect a point, and a well-earned point. And John Stones has been really solid at the back, alongside Phil Jagielka, against one of the best frontlines in the country."

GOAL

Manchester City are heading for their first Premier League victory at Stoke thanks to Samir Nasri, who scores his side's fourth when he runs across the box before planting a low shot into the opposite corner and beyond Asmir Begovic.

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GOAL

Two in two for West Brom record signing Brown Ideye, and this is a really tidy finish indeed, swivelling on to a loose ball and firing low and into the corner. It's not been a good game, but the hosts are in charge now.

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Not much happening at Old Trafford in terms of chances, but Burnley are still fighting hard and should not be ruled out. Have a look at Wayne Rooney's touch map below. Too deep?

opta

Midlands footballer reporter Pat Murphy

5 live Sport

"Randy Lerner is nothing if not obdurate - billionaires can afford to be so, can't they? He was determined to ride out the storm and with Paul Lambert he had the best relationship he had had with any Villa manager.

"Two weeks ago the club were bullish. But I think what's happened involved yesterday's remarkable TV rights deal. That will have played on Randy Lerner's mind.

"I still believe he'll sell up during the summer. He still wants to sell, and to a certain extent he's protecting his investment here. He'll be terrified about Villa going down, who have not been relegated since 1986-87. But the way they've been playing they look as if they could. I don't believe they will - they have a very good squad of players. They just need some sophisticated, modern coaching."

Into the last 20 minutes. On the one hand Everton should be dead and buried, but on the other they could easily be ahead. How Romelu Lukaku failed to score that chance is a mystery to everyone inside Stamford Bridge.

SUBSTITUTION

Sergio Aguero won't have a chance to go for his hat-trick. He's heading off for an early bath, to be replaced by Edin Dzeko.

Southampton are making hard work of breaking down West Ham's 10 men. It must be something to do with Big Sam's sophisticated tactics. Graziano Pelle has not brought his shooting boots and blazes over from just inside the area.

Former Man City player Fred Eyre

BBC Radio Manchester

"Cameron could have tackled Silva but he tried to nick the ball but Silva was too tricky for him. It was a definite penalty, but it seems from Stoke not making an earlier challenge. Manchester City have never won here in the Premier League, but tonight looks as though that's all going to change."

SUBSTITUTION

Two subs for Chelsea, Didier Drogba and Cesc Fabregas on, Loic Remy and Juan Cuadrado off.

Text us on 81111

Chris, Hull fan on the Wirral: Reminds me of when Hull sacked Phil Brown and appointed Iain Dowie at completely the wrong time, we went down needless to say.

Ben Wilkinson, UK: RE: Lambert Sacking. Theoretical question - When are players going to be made accountable: for poor performances in getting "Sacked" by their clubs? Player Power.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

GOAL

Sergio Aguero scores these with his eyes closed. He steps up, opens his body and guides the ball into the corner.

EPA

GREAT SAVE!

That was the chance for Everton! He has to score!

Bryan Oviedo whips the ball in from the left, Romelu Lukaku is free no more than six yards out, makes a decent connection and somehow Petr Cech makes a brilliant save with his left foot. The keeper gets a standing ovation for that. A rare sight.

Lukaku should score really. But a great save.

PENALTY FOR MANCHESTER CITY

David Silva spins away from Geoff Cameron who grabs at the playmaker's shirt. Penalty.

Manchester United are beginning to pen Burnley in a little bit. The Clarets' defence looks well drilled though and is hard to break down.

GREAT SAVE!

Chelsea still probing away but Everton have been resolute in defence thus far. And that's another good save from Tim Howard, down to his left to push out a Willian curler.

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Championship latest

Henri Lansbury, 3-0.

All going swimmingly for Dougie Freedman on his first home game in charge at Forest. Free flowing almost, with Lansbury's goal adding to goals from Britt Assombalonga and Chris Burke.

Get Freedman in at Villa.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Jb73: Big Ron should be in with a shout!

Stuart Knight:‏ I'm not one to advocate the sacking of a manager however I do believe Villa have made the right decision, but at the wrong time.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

PENALTY APPEAL

Angel Di Maria jinks into the penalty area and goes down, but is told to get back up by the ref. No penalty.

GREAT SAVE!

Nemanja Matic lines up a free-kick from 25 yards out, and Tim Howard makes a flying one-handed save to keep it out. Great display so far from the returning veteran.

Former Southampton manager Dave Merrington

BBC Radio Solent

"I cannot understand what gets into the goalkeeper's minds! The mist must just come down! West Ham have to make some serious changes now."

SUBSTITUTION

Jussi Jaaskelainen is Adrian's replacement in the West Ham goal. Carlton Cole is the fall guy.

KICK-OFF

Our two 20:00 kick-offs are back under way.

Eden Hazard skips away from a man to get a shot in but Tim Howard deals with it easily enough. It's looking like Chelsea will need either a moment of genius or a defensive error to find a way through tonight.

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RED CARD

A turning point at St Mary's? Hammers goalkeeper Adrian tries to beat Sadio Mane with some nifty footwork but stumbles and, in his panic, dives on the ball outside the penalty area. Got to go.

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Former Man City player Fred Eyre

BBC Radio Manchester

"This game is definitely not over, and I don't want it to be. This is a great contest! Both of City's goals have been brilliant, each in their own right."

Adnan Januzaj with a low shot which takes a deflection but Tom Heaton gets down well to save.

PA

Chelsea's lead at the top of the standings is currently down to five points after that Manchester City goal. Title race on?

Southend manager Phil Brown

at Britannia Stadium for 5 live Sport

"Milner has substance, hasn't he? He can play in all sorts of positions and he ghosted into the penalty area. A great finish with his head."

CLOSE!

The game opens up as Graziano Pelle fluffs an effort - it's practically an air shot - at one end and West Ham race on a counter attack which ends as Stewart Downing sees a shot deflected wide.

Andy Carroll is on for Diafra Sakho. Some firepower. He partners Carlton Cole up front. Put it in the mixer...

Paul Lambert sacked

Aston Villa

Former Aston Villa striker Peter Withe: "I think it was inevitable. I thought with the way results were going with the club not scoring goals, the football was a good passing game but they were not creating chances.

"Lot of names have been bandied around - and I am sure they have not done this on a whim.

"Paul Lambert should have brought in someone who had more feeling for the club and I think that has cost him really, someone else to bounce ideas off. Once Roy Keane left he has not had anyone to do that.

"The most important thing is to get someone in who is right until end of season, they have to get someone with a feeling for club and who can bring the fans back and inspire them."

Copa del Rey result

Reuters

Barcelona recorded their 10th victory in a row by beating Villarreal in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.

The hosts dominated the first half but did not lead until the 41st minute when Luis Suarez set up Lionel Messi to sweep home from 16 yards out.

Manu Trigueros levelled soon after the break but Andres Iniesta restored the hosts' lead.

Gerard Pique added a header but Neymar had a penalty saved that would have put Barca three goals clear.

GOAL

Manchester City shrug off that failed penalty appeal and take the lead instead - Samir Nasri putting a nice ball into the box and James Milner is unmarked to head home.

Reuters

Getty Images

Brian Little was Villa manager between 1994 and 1998. Is he a serious contender?Why not Graham Taylor again?

PENALTY APPEAL

Sergio Aguero is one-on-one with Philipp Wollscheid in the Stoke penalty area, and is tripped by the centre-half. Penalty... surely... referee Lee Mason says no. Manchester City can't believe it.

Who's next?

Midlands footballer reporter Pat Murphy

5 live Sport

Empics

"It could be Tim Sherwood. If he reined in one of two of his tenancies that irritate chairmen, he could very very good, because he knows all about youth teams and academies. I feel they need a modern coach - look at the top three teams in the Championship.

"There are only 13 games to go, and the key thing is to keep Villa up. Former boss Brian Little is only 61 and lives in Stafford. They need someone who can hold the fort, who knows the DNA of the club... why not Brian Little?"

Chris Burke has put Nottingham Forest 2-0 up at home to Wigan. Forest look like a good side for the first few games of each manager's reign...

Getty Images

It's too slow from both sides, but Everton are so deep, they have 10 men inside their own penalty area at times. It negates the threat of Eden Hazard getting behind their defence but when they do get it back, Romelu Lukaku is incredibly isolated.

PA

CLOSE!

Where would Manchester United be without David De Gea? The Spanish keeper makes another fine save, this time to deny Danny Ings from six yards out after a mistake in the Reds defence.

I wonder if Chelsea's players know that Manchester City are being held at Stoke? This could be a chance to grow their lead by two more points. Chelsea have lost their early flow.

CLOSE!

There's's been plenty of chances in this game, and Manchester City have another when Aleksandar Kolarov races through down the left but his shot is tame and straight at the keeper. Sergio Aguero wanted a square ball.

EPA

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

KICK-OFF

Time for more action in our 7.45pm kick-offs. West Ham have made a change at Southampton - sending on Matt Jarvis for Enner Valencia.

Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini appeared to be struck by an object from the crowd as the visitors celebrated their opener.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Pam Nash: Roy Keane can go back to Villa now, as manager.

Jonathan Funnell: Come on Villa, take a punt on Eddie Howe. Young, good football and we need a fresh start, not the usual names.

Ronan Sully: I reckon Lambert must be Tony Fernandes' man for QPR then...

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

A changing tune

Aston Villa

Just a couple of weeks ago Aston Villa chief executive Tom Fox told told BBC Radio 5 live's Pat Murphy that the club were fully behind manager Paul Lambert - and that he remained important to owner Randy Lerner.

Fox told BBC Sport sacking Lambert mid-season would be like "flipping a coin".

"When things aren't going well, fans bay for that type of blood," Fox said.

"That's not the way that I or the owner are going to make a decision. It's a false narrative."

It ain't false no more.

GOAL

An excellent 'number nine' goal as John Carver takes the lead against Alan Pardew.

Newcastle right-back Daryl Janmaat does all of the donkey work down the right, beating his man and digging out a great cross for Papiss Cisse to hammer into the roof of the net. He didn't have to jump, the cross was that good.

It's against the run of play but Newcastle lead.

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Coming up

Match of the Day

Match of the Day is on tonight.

Brace yourself for these regional variations: 22:45-00:15 on BBC One and 23:10-00:40 on BBC One Scotland, with BBC One Wales at 23:10-00:40 and BBC One Northern Ireland 23:40-01:10.

Burnley had 10 attempts on goal in that first half, compared to Manchester United's three. The scoreline doesn't reflect it though.

Stat attack

opta

Midlands football reporter Pat Murphy

5 live Sport

"Paul Lambert never, ever ducked anything. He never ducked a press conference, in all his time at Aston Villa, before or after a game, and to the best of my knowledge he never held anything against me. I just asked him straightforward questions.

"He's a tough Glaswegian, he can look after himself. And he'll get over this one. In certain areas I don't think he did a bad job, but that's a heretical observation for many Aston Villa fans."

It's well, er, pretty dull at The Hawthorns. Neither side particularly close to a breakthrough at the moment.

Text us on 81111

James, Manchester: Disgraceful first half. Worse than anything under Moyes. Completely bossed by the team bottom of the table at home. Send Falcao back now.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Former Burnley midfielder Paul Weller

BBC Radio Lancashire

"So frustrating. Burnley have been absolutely brilliant but two crosses, two goals conceded and they've gone into half time 2-1 down. Nobody went in with Smalling. Wrestle him, tackle him, do anything but don't give him a free header. Criminal from Burnley."

DISALLOWED GOAL

Fraizer Campbell heads Palace into the lead - with a deft touch - but he is a yard offside. Palace still on top.

Getty Images

HALF-TIME

Burnley have put up a great show... but it's counting for nothing at the moment.

Former Man City player Fred Eyre

BBC Radio Manchester

"Sergio Aguero used his hands and deserved to be booked. I called it immediately. I'm sad to say that he knew it was handball straight away. He helped it into the net after the ball popped up off his foot. It might have been instinctive."

HALF-TIME

Simon Brotherton

Match of the Day commentator

"Southampton have been frustrated by West Ham. Bags of endeavour, just not much by the way of end product so far."

Still relatively even at The Hawthorns, with Swans midfielder Jonjo Shelvey firing over the top from 25 yards.

HALF-TIME

West Ham had little time to prepare for this game according to manager Sam Allardyce but they have been organised and resolute, restricting Southampton to just one clear-cut chance when Sadio mane saw a shot hacked off the line.

HALF-TIME

Guy Mowbray

BBC Match of the Day commentator at the Britannia Stadium

"A frantic first half at the Britannia Stadium. Sergio Aguero got one and thought he had two, instead he is the only player with his name in the referee's notebook. Stoke 1-1 Manchester City."

Looking good for Barca

All looking good for Barcelona in their Copa del Rey semi-final against Villarreal - they are now 3-1 up in the first leg of their tie, the goals coming from Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique. Twenty minutes left in that one.

Hmm, that said, Neymar has just had a penalty saved.

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GOAL

Make Chris Smalling's a double. The substitute puts Manchester United back in front against the run of play when he rises high to plant home Angel Di Maria's corner.

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DISALLOWED GOAL

Controversy at the Brit. Manchester City think they've retaken the lead when David Silva crosses for Sergio Aguero who converts from close range. However, the goal is chalked off because the linesman saw a handball. And Aguero is booked.

Reuters

HALF-TIME

It's suddenly all gone a bit flat at Stamford Bridge. The first-half has petered out but Chelsea were looking very dangerous for the first 25 minutes or so.

Tricky trees on top

Britt Assombalonga has put Nottingham Forest 1-0 up against struggling Wigan in the Championship. Good news for Dougie Freedman in his first home game in charge.

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Great chance for Manchester City but Fernandinho sidefoots wide from eight yards.

Join the debate on the BBC Sport Facebook page

Del Fitzsimons: Lambert never had the support of the fans, so it was about time.

Robert O'Donnell: Lambert showed at Norwich he is a great manager, just couldn't repeat that at Villa. He is a great Championship manager, just not Premier League quality.

Jonathan Collins: I feel sorry for the man. It is the players to blame for not playing well - they shouldn't blame the managers. Shame on the players, they should get their wages taken off of them. They've made a great manager get sacked.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

CLOSE!

Still all Burnley at Old Trafford and Michael Kightly plays in Ashley Barnes on the inside but the striker's first-time shot is hooked wide.

With Daley Blind going off injured, Wayne Rooney has dropped into the holding midfield role. He'll end the season in goal at this rate.

SUBSTITUTION

Yaya Sanogo is injured for Crystal Palace, the striker limps off and Fraizer Campbell is on. Can he bring a goal with him?

There's more happening at The Dell than St Mary's tonight. Both sides cancelling each other out.

Aston Villa

The very early odds have Tim Sherwood and Jurgen Klinsmann as the early favourites for the Aston Villa job.

Former Man City player Fred Eyre

BBC Radio Manchester

"It had to happen. Peter Crouch has been unstoppable. It was a beautiful cross, absolutely perfect height, trajectory and curve, right onto the head of Crouch. And believe me, there is no better head for a ball to fall onto. It was a 'good morning' ball. Nod your head, 'good morning', and it's a goal."

SUBSTITUTION

This has been a first half to forget for Manchester United. Now Daley Blind is coming off injured, with Ander Herrera making an earlier than expected introduction from the bench. Burnley are still on top.

Getty Images

MOTD's Guy Mowbray at Britannia Stadium

"That was the cross of the season from Marko Arnautovic. He celebrated like he'd scored it, and I don't blame him."

Lambert sacked by Villa

Aston Villa

Paul Lambert thought he had 13 cup finals left alongside his players, but it turned out he had none…

After Tuesday's defeat against Hull, Lambert admitted he was aware of fan discontent and said his team's remaining Premier League fixtures were "13 cup finals".

Villa have not won in 10 Premier League matches and dropped into the relegation zone after the 2-0 defeat.

Some fans held up 'Lambert Out' banners, and the Birmingham Mail called for the manager's sacking.

Lambert said: "I was aware of [the discontent] months ago. I've told the players, they've got 13 cup finals."

But they will have to get through those without Lambert.

Time to bring Roy Keane back?

GOAL

He seems to save his best for Manchester City. Peter Crouch, who scored that absolute worldy against the Blues a few years ago, draws Stoke level when he heads home Marko Arnautovic's stunning cross from the right.

Getty Images

Former Tottenham striker Clive Allen

at Stamford Bridge for 5 live Sport

"Juan Cuadrado looks a real talent with explosive pace. Whenever he gets on the ball he's looking to get in behind people and he looks like a valuable addition to this Chelsea squad."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Ismail Bawa: Can't believe Burnley are playing like Real Madrid and Man Utd are playing like Bury.

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West Brom winger Callum McManaman has had a shot over the top from a wide angle as the hosts continue to look for a breakthrough.

Not too many goals around tonight.

Southend manager Phil Brown

at Britannia Stadium for 5 live Sport

"I can see what people meant about City missing Toure. He offers quality, linking up with the strikers. Aguero has been feeding off scraps but he's managed to get a scrap, run against the centreback and bury it into the corner. A fantastic finish. That was a goal from nothing."

CLOSE!

Brilliance from Tim Howard! The veteran makes a sprawling save to keep out Branislav Ivanovic's piledriver before somehow hooking it away from the onrushing crowd with his toes.

GOAL

Sheer willpower from Sergio Aguero. James Milner hoofs the ball up field in the general direction of the little Argentine who shrugs off a slip while tangling with Marc Muniesa to drive forward from the halfway line and eventually drill a low shot past Asmir Begovic.

Reuters

Manchester United only look a threat when they go long tonight. Hit the big man, LvG. Leave the pretty football to Sean Dyche.

Former England winger Trevor Sinclair

5 live Sport

"It doesn't surprise me that Paul Lambert has gone. He's been trying his best to turn that team around, but Christian Benteke hasn't scored all season and Darren Bent is scoring for fun on loan at Derby. And they're at the bottom of the league and really struggling."

Bolton boss Neil Lennon

5 live Sport

"Burnley look like they are going to score at every attack. The game is just so open, and Manchester United are being forced to play on the counter-attack at home to Burnley!"

The snap's missing from Manchester City's play once again. This time Sergio Aguero shoots well wide from 30 yards out. Get Paul Lambert in.

AFP

Joe Ledley heads over the top from a Jason Puncheon free-kick on the left. Palace still on top at Selhurst Park.

Reuters

Southampton winger Eljero Elia gets to run at the Hammers defence and cuts in on his right foot but drags the ball across goal and wide of the far post.

Getty Images

CLOSE!

West Brom defender Craig Dawson flicks on a corner and Swansea just about scramble it clear from right on the line. Almost.

That silver strip Burnley are wearing resembles a knight's armour as they throw their bodies in the way of everything. They are really up for this one.

CLOSE!

Branislav Ivanovic blazes a sitter over the bar! But his blushes are somewhat saved by a flag as the ball had crept out of play at the far post.

Chelsea are all over Everton now.

Text us on 81111

Steve Huish in Surbiton: I think its really good timing by Villa as it gives a new manager a chance and time to stay in the Premier League. Lambert should have been sacked a long time ago.

Will: Villa can have Nigel Pearson if they are looking for a manager for the Championship.!

Nick, Pontefract: When clubs sack a manager do they just copy and paste "x would like to place on record it's thanks and take this opportunity to wish him every success in the future". I strongly suspect they couldn't care less.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

First Phil Jones went off injured, now Daley Blind is receiving treatment for a gashed head. He should be fine... but Manchester United are quickly realising they are in a real battle this evening.

Getty Images

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Tim Warwood: Which manager is brave enough to drink from the poisoned chalice that is Aston Villa?

Graham Last: Lambert's gone. Feel a bit sorry for him considering he's had no money to spend for years

Uday Tumuluri: Let the circus begin. Sherwood, Hoddle, Laudrup, Redknapp, Pearce and Clement will all be linked with Villa - all so predictable.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

This one's heading for the back of the Match of the Day pecking order at this rate. Very little quality on show.

It's a familiar tale at The Hawthorns as Swansea enjoy the lion's share of possession but create little with it.

Southend manager Phil Brown

at Britannia Stadium for 5 live Sport

"That was a bit of quality (20:05), the shot was on target, Joe Hart spilt it and Crouch was there to finish it. But unfortunately for him he was just slightly offside."

CLOSE!

Stoke are rampant and Joe Hart is having a bad night. Steven N'Zonzi's low shot is beaten clear and Victor Moses' follow-up flies just wide with the City keeper appearing beaten.

CLOSE!

Loic Remy drags another shot wide from a tight angle as Chelsea really turn the screw.

Getty Images

DISALLOWED GOAL

Stoke have scored... nope, they haven't. Joe Hart is a lucky boy. The England keeper spills a shot and Peter Crouch bundles home from six yards but is offside.

Alan Pardew present start well against Alan Pardew past as Wilfried Zaha has a shot saved for Palace.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Ben Stephenson: Lambert sacked. Hardly a shock.

Nathan: Paul Lambert should've been sacked a long time ago. It might be too late for Villa to survive relegation.

David Simpson: Tim Sherwood for the Villa job?

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

CLOSE!

Is this Burnley or Brazil? Ashley Barnes curls a glorious effort wide from 25 yards out. David De Gea was beaten.

Former Scotland midfielder Stuart McCall

5 live Sport

"It was a huge result last night when Villa were beaten by Hull. Knowing Paul, I was hoping Villa would get back into it, but it's not a surprise that he's gone because they've just dropped into the bottom three."

CLOSE!

Burnley are really getting stuck into Manchester United and, from their second corner in succession, Danny Ings drives in a low shot which is blocked by Marcos Rojo. The Clarets are the better team.

Bolton boss Neil Lennon

5 live Sport

"First of all, I'm very sad. Paul is a good friend of mine and was a great teammate of mine at Celtic. Villa had been on a horrendous run and he'd had his hands tied for a long time in terms of financiers.

"But ultimately you're judged on results. It's significant that they've just dropped into the bottom three and the very next day Paul's gone."

KICK-OFF

Under way at Selhurst Park and at West Brom v Swansea.

CLOSE!

It's all a bit scrappy at St Mary's, but Southampton almost go ahead when Sadio Mane bursts through on goal but his effort is cleared off the line by Carl Jenkinson. The Sophisticated One breathes a huge sigh of relief.

GREAT SAVE!

Chelsea continue to push on hard and Loic Remy is the latest to go close - his header is well saved by the fit-again Tim Howard.

Aston Villa

Here is the statement in full from Aston Villa:

"Aston Villa Football Club has parted company this evening with manager Paul Lambert.

"First-team coach Scott Marshall and goalkeeping coach Andy Marshall will continue to prepare the squad for Sunday's FA Cup tie with Leicester City at Villa Park.

"The club would also like to place on record its thanks to Paul and take this opportunity to wish him every success in the future.

"The club will announce a new manager in due course.

"There will be no further comment from the club at this stage."

Former Burnley midfielder Paul Weller

BBC Radio Lancashire

"Di Maria gave the ball back to Burnley and what a ball in from Trippier! He fed it behind Smalling, who was caught absolutely nowhere, and that stooping header has found the corner. What a ball in, what a goal and what a comeback from Burnley."

BreakingPAUL LAMBERT SACKED

Aston Villa

Breaking managerial news from Aston Villa - Paul Lambert has been sacked.

More to come on that one.

GOAL

There's no stopping those. Burnley are level with a goal right out of the top drawer - Kieran Trippier whips in a beautiful cross from the right and Danny Ings times his run into the box to perfection and buries the header past David De Gea. Game on.

Getty Images

Chris Smalling had been on the pitch for just 22 seconds when he scored. No messing about.

Michael Kightly could level for Burnley... he's through on goal but his shot is beaten clear by David De Gea. Got to be taking those.

GREAT SAVE!

I said a goal was coming - and it almost comes for Everton! A cracking break started by new man Aaron Lennon, he finds Ross Barkley in the hole and his pass is perfect into the run of Romelu Lukaku. The one-time Chelsea man has to hit it early and does, but Petr Cech saves well with his ankles, kicking over the top.

Thirty seconds later Juan Cuadrado fires one across Everton's bows. A cracking game so far.

PENALTY APPEAL

Manchester City had the game's first chance, but Stoke are looking lively now and have two good efforts in quick succession. First, Victor Moses forces an unconvincing save out of Joe Hart with a dipping effort from distance, before Peter Crouch's header is cleared off the line by James Milner. Strong claim for a penalty, with replays showing the ball hit Milner's arm, but nothing given.

The highlight of this game so far? A Victor Wanyama shot which went for a throw-in. Not a classic. Yet.

Former Burnley midfielder Paul Weller

BBC Radio Lancashire

"It's the usual frailties for Burnley, who just cannot defend set pieces. They never get enough heads on the ball. No-one was marking Smalling, and who should have been? I know he had just come on, but he was a straight replacement for Jones. He just rose above everybody and headed it in."

CLOSE!

Chelsea have started like a side who are well on top of the league. They look imperious. Willian is the latest man to get space 25 yards out and he whips a lovely strike inches past the top corner.

A goal is on the way.

GOAL

Chris Smalling? He's not even on the pitch! Well, actually he is... he's an early replacement for a hobbling Phil Jones and his first act is to rise high at a corner and head the ball home. Is that some sort of record? He's been on the pitch for a matter of seconds...

Getty Images

CLOSE!

Leave it to Sergio! Sheer persistence sees David Silva break into the box and both Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero go for the same ball and the Argentine is put off and ends up scuffing tamely from 12 yards.

PENALTY APPEAL

Juan Cuadrado's first shot in a Chelsea shirt is blocked, and as the ball ping-pongs around Steven Naismith seems to use the very top of his arm to shovel it clear.

Chelsea should have had a penalty there. Seconds later Mo Besic is booked for a crude challenge on Eden Hazard.

Getty Images

Phil Jones is limping, meaning Manchester United might need to make an early substitution.

CLOSE!

Burnley take the attack to Manchester United from the start and Phil Jones has to be alert to put the ball out for a corner, whcih is then swung into the box and Michael Keane heads wide from close range. What a chance.

Lovely feet from Nemanja Matic in the Chelsea midfield as he gets away from two men and then fires over the bar. Is there an argument that he has been Chelsea's best signing?I'm willing to make one...

Copa del Rey latest

Getty Images

Lionel Messi gives Barcelona the lead in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Villarreal - goal number 34 of the season for the Argentine.

Luis Suarez intercepted the ball 25 yards from goal, ran into the box and squared it to Messi, who steered home from 16 yards out.

Moments later, Messi plays Suarez in but the Uruguayan drags his shot wide.

KICK-OFF

We are under way at Chelsea, at Old Trafford, at Southampton and at Stoke...

Burnley are wearing some weird silver number tonight. Remember the colour of the bottle tops on full fat milk? Like that.

Science Photo Library

LvG signings

Bolton boss Neil Lennon

5 live Sport

"We are seven months into the season and Louis van Gaal has spent £150m. I'm not convinced he's bought well enough. Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Daley Blind are all much of a muchness for me. Angel Di Maria is the pick of his buys, probably. Radamel Falcao needs balls played into him but he's not getting then. Why bring a player like him in if you want to play a certain way?

"Van Gaal really needs a striker with pace who can get in behind. I'd have thought they'd have spent their money on a real dominant centre-half and a centre-forward who can score those goals."

Here's another area of recent improvement - Chelsea turn off all of the lights before the teams come out.

They did this in the Six Nations last week. But in the last game I went to when the lights went out, it took an hour for them to warm up and come back on!

Not a problem now. One switch and boom. Let there be light.

Chelsea captain John Terry shakes hands with every member of the Everton team in the tunnel, a mere minute or so before he has to do so again out on the pitch. It's deathly quiet in there, not much chat between the sides.

Eminem blares out over the Brit PA system. Lose yourself in the moment. Incidentally, Manchester City are in their purple away kit tonight.

The new TV deal may be pumping in a frightening amount of dosh into the Premier League but the dividends are there to be seen. The pitch at Stamford Bridge is a lush carpet. Groundsmen these days do a remarkable job.

Twenty years ago the pitches at this time of year were a disgrace.

Here's a sophisticated stat for you... West Ham have 37 points from 24 matches, their best tally at this stage of a top-flight season since 1985-86 (48pts), when they finished third. Well, kind of sophisticated.

Marouane Chamakh is starting up front for Crystal Palace tonight - complete with 'phantom of the opera' style mask. Think Gazza in the early 90s.

He and Yaya Sanogo were excellent together in the FA Cup tie at Southampton a few weeks back. More of the same for the Eagles?

'Big Sam is a genius'

Southend manager Phil Brown

at Britannia Stadium for 5 live Sport

"Sam Allardye gets almighty stick from all comers. The throwaway comment that got up Big Sam's nose was what Graeme Souness said, probably 15 years ago, that Liverpool in a game found it hard to play against "this long-ball rubbish". These days Sam is enjoying himself.

"And remember, Sam was the first manager in England to embrace ProZone - he is well into his stats. He may have dyslexia but he's not thick. I think he's a statistical genius. I think he's as good as Arsene Wenger, if not better."

Quarter of an hour to go until kick-off in our four 1945 matches. Juan Cuadrado has just been officially presented to the Chelsea crowd - will he have more of an impact than Andre Schurrle?He was pretty good I thought.

Oscar being injured may be more of an issue for the Blues. He's been flying of late.

Text us on 81111

Getty Images

Pam: Short corners are the biggest waste of a scoring opportunity.

Gian in Stafford: I'd ban managers claiming that they 'didn't see' the incident that showed one of their players in a bad light.

Ben in Northumberland: I would ban everyone from players to spectators to pundits from criticising referees - especially at grassroots - unless the individual expressing said disagreement is prepared to step in and referee the game themselves. Basically, if you're not prepared to do the job yourself, shut up.

Lower league love-in

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

If it's Football League action you crave, then 5 live sports extra is the place for you this evening. It features the one Championship clash, Nottingham Forest v Wigan, and coverage begins at 19:30 with kick-off at the City Ground at 19:45.

Bolton boss Neil Lennon

5 live Sport

"I still think Manchester United have got problems defensively and goalkeeper David De Gea has been outstanding this season.

"I love Louis van Gaal's interviews - he's prickly, he likes to confront the press, but he does it with authority. But I don't like how he keeps trying to educate us about football, because his United is not the free-flowing side of old."

Former Scotland midfielder Stuart McCall

5 live Sport

"Angel Di Maria set off really well at United but he seems to be in the middle of a bit of a blip. But I still look at that United team and expect them to score one more than the opposition. Plus, they have tightened up their defence.

"I like Wayne Rooney when he plays anywhere, but I'd play him further up front."

Money, money, money

BBC

Imagine winning the lottery. It'd be brilliant, wouldn't it? A million quid, maybe more. Straight to Vegas.

It's a dream to many of us, but for Premier League footballers it's a reality. And ex-Arsenal striker John Hartson believes we could seen see players earning £1m A WEEK!

Hartson, who began his career on £29.50 a week in 1991, told BBC Sport: "There will be a player one day earning £1m a week, I have no doubt about that.

"In 2020 the money will rise again. That's the way it's going."

Eye-watering.

Two up for TP

West Brom manager Tony Pulis:

"We will work with Brown Ideye and Saido Berahino together as we did against Burnley. We did much better when the two played together. We know it will be difficult against Swansea but we have to have a go at this.

"At Burnley we came back so that shows the players have character, but we want a fast start, especially at home."

Southend manager Phil Brown

at Britannia Stadium for 5 live Sport

"I don't think this Man City team is a one man team. Look at their bench tonight, it's so strong. And their midfield tonight should have enough footballing ability to provide chances tonight for one of the best strikers in the league, Sergio Aguero. I think City will take Chelsea right down to the wire this season."

Swansea manager Garry Monk:

"Jefferson Montero comes in as Modou Barrow's foot is a little bit sore. Jeff is coming back from injury himself so more minutes on the pitch will do him good.

"It's a difficult game for us. We have always had good games against West Brom. It will be a tough evening but one we are ready for.

"We are winning games and picking up points so we have no issue with scoring goals."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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Gregory P: Ban players having anything but their surname on the backs of shirts. Having their first name or full name just looks stupid.

Gavin Dellman: I would ban goal music from football. The fans should create the atmosphere.

Zulfikar Ali: I would like to ban players running back onto the pitch after they've been taken off hurt. They should wait for the next stoppage.

Agree. Agree. Agree. is someone taking notes?

Scottish Premiership action

Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic make the short trip across Glasgow to take on Partick Thistle knowing a win will lift them three points clear of Aberdeen.

Deadline day signings Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong make their debuts for the visitors as the ninth-placed Jags aim to avoid a hat-trick of defeats.

You can follow all the action on our Scottish live text commentary.

Midweek MOTD treat

Match of the Day

What's this coming over the hill? It's a midweek Match of the Day! Of course it is, with four Premier League results from yesterday and six matches tonight to chew over.

Brace yourself for these regional variations: 22:45-00:15 on BBC One and 23:10-00:40 on BBC One Scotland, with BBC One Wales at 23:10-00:40 and BBC One Northern Ireland 23:40-01:10.

Got that? Good.

Do fans of every team in the Premier League think they are always last on MOTD?

You'll have another chance to be peeved tonight as we have a midweek edition.

Lambert out?

AFP

Stepping aside from tonight's action for one minute, the Birmingham Mail have written an editorial calling for Paul Lambert to be sacked as Aston Villa manager.

"This great club is now on its knees and the Holte End is hurting - and we can no longer stand by and watch that happen," the statement reads. "No progress has been made under Lambert. In fact, this once mighty club is now staring relegation in the face.

"Dropping down a division would be a disaster financially, and one from which Villa may never recover. The poor, and too often dull, performances mean the team is last on Match Of The Day nearly every week - and at this rate destined for an even later Saturday night slot on the Football League show next season.

"That's why Villa must act now - before it's too late."

Agree, Villa fans?

Former Scotland midfielder Stuart McCall

5 live Sport

"It'll be good to see Aaron Lennon involved tonight, playing with Romelu Lukaku up front. That could be a wonderful combination for Everton."

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman speaking to BBC Sport: "It will be a battle in the midfield today and I think we need energy and to be aggressive in the midfield. It's the same defence as last Saturday so Maya Yoshida will play on the left and it's a strong team.

"I think they will play a little bit different than last Sunday because of who is in the line-up, maybe a 4-3-3 system. We know that and have to handle that. If we do what we are doing the whole season then we can have a good result today."

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce talking to BBC Sport: "Mark Noble had a bug yesterday and Kevin Nolan has a bruised instep. We find ourselves a little thin but we've juggled the team and shape to try and suit those available. It makes the game a bit more difficult as we haven't had any real practice with those available.

"Injuries and recovery time wise, Southampton have had a bit longer. It's hopefully a game where the energy levels are good so we many need to make some changes later in the game."

Spot the ball!

BBC

There's no such thing as an original idea. But there's also no denying that spot the ball is brilliant.

Our friends at CBBC have revived the classic format and have some from last night for you to have a go on. It looks easy - but you'd be surprised.

Have a play and share this around.

Team News

West Brom boss Tony Pulis hands a start to record signing Brown Ideye following his goal against Burnley and goes with two up top with fellow striker Saido Berahino, who came on as a sub at the weekend, also coming in with Victor Anichebe out injured. James Morrison also comes in to start in midfield.

Swansea manager Garry Monk makes one change to the side that drew 1-1 with Sunderland at the weekend with Ecuador international Jefferson Montero coming in for Modou Barrow in midfield.

West Brom XI: Foster, Dawson, Lescott, McAuley, Brunt, McManaman, Yacob, Fletcher, Morrison, Ideye, Berahino

Swansea XI: Fabianski, Naughton, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor, Ki, Cork, Shelvey, Dyer, Montero, Gomis

Bolton boss Neil Lennon

5 live Sport

"Seven points at the top of the table is not a huge lead, but Chelsea and Manchester City won't play each other again this season. So it's nice for Chelsea, but it could be eaten up inside a month."

The Chelsea players are out warming up at Stamford Bridge, with Juan Cuadrado sporting a snood alongside his new team-mates. Gary Cahill is left out again tonight - I think his days as a first-choice may be coming to an end.

Former Tottenham striker Clive Allen

at Stamford Bridge for 5 live Sport

"Juan Cuadrado is a player Chelsea have added to their already fantastic array of talent that Jose Mourinho has to select from.

"Gary Cahill has struggled recently and has had a couple of indifferent performances, and Jose will like Kurt Zouma's pace alongside John Terry in the centre of defence."

Team news

Southampton are still without the injured Morgan Schneiderlin but name new signing Filip Djuricic on the bench after his work permit was cleared.

Matt Targett's injury and Ryan Bertrand's suspension present a problem at left back, so Maya Yoshida will play there for the second successive game.

Harrison Reed is the only change from their win at Queens Park Rangers, he replaces James Ward-Prowse in midfield and the Saints opt to go with just six substitutes on the bench.

West Ham replace Kevin Nolan with Carlton Cole and Morgan Amafitano comes in for Mark Noble who has a virus.

Southampton XI: Forster, Clyne, Fonte, Gardos, Yoshida, Wanyama, Reed, S. Davis, Mane, Elia, Pelle.

West Ham XI: Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Kouyate, Cresswell, Song, Amafitano, Downing, Valencia, Sakho, Cole.

Howard back

Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "It's been phenomenal to see Joel Robles performing so well against Palace and Liverpool. On the other side, Tim Howard is fully fit, he's our number one and his experience is important. We're very proud of the two keepers we have."

Tim Howard has spent his time off growing his beard to even more impressive levels.

Team News

Crystal Palace recall Marouane Chamakh, who has been out with a broken nose, but Yannick Bolasie only makes the bench after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Captain Mile Jedinak is again absent having returned from the Asian Cup with an ankle injury.

Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote is sidelined with an ankle injury picked on international duty with Ivory Coast.

Vurnon Anita drops to the bench after starting Sunday's draw with Stoke.

Crystal Palace XI: Speroni; Ward, Delaney, Hangeland, Kelly; McArthur, Ledley, Puncheon, Zaha; Sanogo, Chamakh.

Newcastle XI: Krul; Janmaat, Coloccini, Williamson, Haidara; Colback, Sissoko; Cabella, Perez, Gouffran; Cisse.

KICK-OFF

Our first game of the night is under way. Can the Yellow Submarine shut down Lionel Messi and co?

Close friends get to call him TP

Reuters

The Tony Pulis effect is well and truly kicking into gear at The Hawthorns and Swansea captain Ashley Williams expects a tougher game as a result tonight.

Pulis, 57, led Crystal Palace to safety last season and he replaced Alan Irvine at the Hawthorns on 1 January.

The Baggies have lost one of the seven games since the Welshman took charge.

"Tony Pulis is there now and we all know what sort of manager he is, so we know it's going to be a tough game," Williams said.

"What you know with his sides is that they're going to be organised and very difficult to beat.

"I'm sure he's trying to implement that there, and it's about us trying to break them down. But they're at home so they should come out a little bit and hopefully it's a good game."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Getty Images

Fahad Khan: They should ban the two-team scarves or, even better, ban the Mickey Mouse supporters wearing them!

Chris O Siadhail: Things that should be banned include players wearing gloves, players wearing long sleeve shirts, coloured boots...

Sajid Qureshi: I would ban the belittling handshakes before the final whistle.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Team news

Juan Cuadrado is handed his first Chelsea start alongside Loic Remy in attack. Cesc Fabregas is only deemed fit enough for the bench, but Oscar is not even in the squad. Kurt Zouma is preferred to Gary Cahill as John Terry's central defensive partner.

Tim Howard returns to the Everton goal following a calf injury, while Ross Barkley and Aaron Lennon replace Kevin Mirallas and James McCarthy.

Chelsea XI: Cech; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Ramires, Matic; Cuadrado, Willian, Hazard; Remy

Everton XI: Howard, Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Oviedo, Barry, Besic, Barkley, Lennon, Naismith, Lukaku.

Want more? It's Final Score!

BBC Final Score

Tune in now! Midweek Final Score, 19:00-22:30, BBC Red Button. 'Nuff said.

Long ball or long passes?

It's never dull at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal, is it? Unless you've spent the last 24 hours in a darkened cave, you'll know all about his tactics dossier which disputed the Reds' long-ball tactics against West Ham. The charges were levelled by Big Sam, who should have got the dossier in the post today, providing LvG paid for a first-class stamp.

You can watch LvG's entertaining news conference. But what we really want to know is, is Van Gaal cracking up? Or was he right to take Big Sam to task?

BBC

Statistical analysis given out by Manchester United

Team news

Manchester United make two changes to the side that started the 1-1 draw at West Ham on Sunday, Paddy McNair and Jonny Evans replacing Luke Shaw, who is suspended, and Antonio Valencia. Midfielder Juan Mata is again on the bench.

Burnley make one change, Michael Kightly replacing injured midfielder Dean Marney.

Is Rooney a midfielder?

Where do you stand on the Wayne Rooney debate? Is he better deployed up front or in midfield?

Captain Rooney, 29, has not scored in eight games in all competitions since being played in midfield, prompting criticism from some fans.

Will he be played there every week now? Not according to Louis van Gaal: "It can change every week," said Dutchman Van Gaal. "It is dependable on the circumstances."

Team news

Peter Crouch returns to the starting line-up for Stoke. The striker was on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Newcastle last time out but came on to score the late equaliser and he replaces Jon Walters, who misses out because of a knee injury. Meanwhile, Stephen Ireland and Marc Wilson also start.

For Manchester City, Sergio Aguero leads the line while Eliaquim Mangala and Aleks Kolarov return to the starting line-up.

Pressure? What pressure.

Is Manuel Pellegrini under pressure? Diego Simeone has been touted as a possible replacement this week, but the City manager says he is not feeling any extra heat despite his side slipping to seven points behind Chelsea in the title race.

"We are in a normal position, we are involved in the Champions League and if we win at Stoke we will be one point less than we had last season," said Pellegrini. "We have more important things to think about than pressure."

Next question.

'We don't sell garbage'

Tonight sees Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku back at Stamford Bridge after completing a permanent move to Everton last summer.

PA

The 21-year-old made just 10 appearances in the Premier League for Chelsea - he was never really given a chance - but has bagged 39 in the last three seasons for West Brom and Everton.

Jose Mourinho said: "He proves every weekend that he's a good player. Nobody has doubts at Chelsea that he's a good player. We know Romelu is a good player.

"We don't sell garbage; we sell top players. We sell top players, we get top fees. Without top fees we don't sell them, we keep them.

"That's football. That's life. That's the market. The player wishes sometimes to be in clubs where they become clearly the first option.

"If he's happy, that's good. He wanted to play all the time."

Cuadrado starts

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho on new signing Juan Cuadrado - who starts tonight: "I would like to give him more time to adapt, to play 15-20 minutes, to learn how to play football in this team, but because we are having some problems in this moment, his time to start a game arrived at an early stage.

"Let's see what he can do for us."

Feast of football

BBC Radio 5 live

As there's such a smorgasbord of footballing action in store, 5 live Sport goes around the grounds this evening, in the company of former England winger Trevor Sinclair, ex-Scotland midfielder Stuart McCall and Bolton manager Neil Lennon.

At least, we think it's Neil Lennon...

It's all going on from 19:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 live - listen live at the top of this page, on the BBC iPlayer Radio app, the BBC Sport app, digital radio and television or on 909 or 693 medium-wave.

Pardew 'unfairly judged' at Newcastle

Alan Pardew opens up about his Newcastle time in his Crystal Palace programme notes, saying he felt his time was 'unfairly judged'.

"Much was muttered and written during my time in the North East," Pardew wrote. "As this is the first chance I have had to talk directly to the Newcastle supporters and the players who worked so hard for me since my departure, it is a great opportunity to reflect on a period that was much discussed and unfairly judged in my opinion.

"If you look at the net spend we had in my time at Newcastle, you can only conclude it was a successful period because the club I left are established in the Premier League with a platform to go to the next level. It is a legacy that I am proud to have on my record."

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You can't ban drop balls Chris! I want more drop balls if anything.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Ah, well done everyone. We asked you for what in football you would ban, and you're all coming up trumps:

Antony Potts: I would ban that ridiculous heart shaped hand gesture that Bale, et al do. It's rubbish.

Chris Morgan: It's got to be drop balls and the 'additional referees' in Champions League games!

Kaspar Larsen: Ban players wailing about in agony, only to be perfectly fine after a trip to the sideline. It's disgraceful.

Keep 'em coming, folks...

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Call the Pulis

PA

He may be known as one of the wiliest football managers in the Premier League, but West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis has been outwitted by a player from Northern Ireland's third division.

Limavady United midfielder Blain Morrison hoodwinked Pulis with an impersonation of fellow countryman and Bolton Wanderers boss Neil Lennon during a prank call.

When the Welshman returned his phone message he coaxed him into believing Lennon was making a loan bid for Northern Ireland international defender Gareth McAuley.

During the call, Pulis was not in the mood for letting the Larne man leave The Hawthorns however, describing him as a "top lad".

LINE-UPS

Stoke: Begovic, Cameron, Wollscheid, Muniesa, Bardsley, Nzonzi, Whelan, Arnautovic, Diouf, Moses, Crouch. Subs: Palacios, Adam, Sidwell, Butland, Dionatan, Wilkinson, Shenton.

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Fernando, Milner, Silva, Nasri, Aguero. Subs: Sagna, Dzeko, Caballero, Jesus Navas, Lampard, Demichelis, Jovetic.

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)

LINE-UPS

Man Utd: De Gea, McNair, Jones, Evans, Rojo, Blind, Rooney, Januzaj, Di Maria, van Persie, Falcao. Subs: Mata, Smalling, Ander Herrera, Valencia, Fellaini, Valdes, Wilson.

Burnley: Heaton, Trippier, Keane, Shackell, Mee, Kightly, Arfield, Jones, Boyd, Barnes, Ings. Subs: Lafferty, Duff, Wallace, Vokes, Reid, Jutkiewicz, Gilks.

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)

Dougie to the rescue?

Getty Images

Dougie Freedman takes charge of his first home game as Nottingham Forest manager tonight (19:45 GMT) when they face Wigan Athletic.

The ex-Forest striker said: "To walk out in front of the fans at the City Ground will be such an honour. I have to pinch myself when I think that I'm the manager of Nottingham Forest but it is a moment that I've worked very hard for over the years."

Forest have slipped from top of the table to mid-table (and seven points above the relegation zone), causing Stuart Pearce to be sacked and Freedman hired.

"Oh for a problem like Forest's," Wigan fans will be thinking. Less than two years after winning the FA Cup, the Latics are eight points adrift of safety in the Championship.

Boss Malky Mackay could hand a debut to on-loan Hull defender Harry Maguire, while Liam Ridgewell returns to Portland Timbers after the match.

Get some rest, Dusan

We could all do with a boss like Ronald Koeman. The Saints gaffer prescribed some time off to Dusan Tadic this week, because he thinks the Serb playmaker is working too hard.

"I appreciate that quality, that personality, but on the other side you need sometimes a rest to be really 100 per cent and that's something difficult for Dusan," said Koeman.

Get your feet up in front of the TV, Dusan. Break out the box sets.

'The Sophisticated One'

Getty Images

Move over the Special One, we need to make room for the 'Sophisticated One'. Seriously have you seen Big Sam's claims?

"I don't think there is any coach more sophisticated than me any more," said Allardyce. "That's not trying to criticise any other coaches.

"But there is only Arsene Wenger who has done it longer than me. I'm just as good as everybody at this stage."

Allardyce then retired to the reading room where he quaffed champagne and ate truffles.

The best of times, the worst of times...

All eyes will be on Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew tonight as he comes up against his former club.

Getty Images

Pards says he is proud of his work at Newcastle. He accused Newcastle fans of "mass hysteria" in September after they criticised a poor start to the season.

"I thought I did a good job and walked out with my head held high, and so I'm looking forward to the game," he said.

"I'm not expecting or hoping for any reaction from the Newcastle fans.

"We had some great times together. It was not so great the last year, but on the whole my experience there was great."

We've all had relationships like that...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

A bit of news from today sees car drivers in England banned from smoking if they are carrying children as passengers.

But what would you ban from football if you could? Anything accepted, both on and off the pitch.

Thinkstock

Smoking will be banned if under-18s are in the car

I'll get you started. I would ban short corners. Rubbish.

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.

Rule the Britannia

The last thing Manchester City probably need right now is a trip to the Brit. Stoke are unbeaten in six Premier League home matches against Manchester City (W1, D5). Bogey side.

And Potters manager Mark Hughes is looking forward to taking on his former club: "We are looking forward to the game with City.

"You want to be going into a game against one of the top teams with good confidence and that's where we are.

"We are very excited by what's ahead of us. We are not going to get to the 40-point mark then just ease off. That's not what we are about. We didn't do it last year and we don't intend doing it this year.

"We are playing really well at the moment and it's a good run (one defeat in nine) we are on."

Copa del Rey

Getty Images

"We want 10," Barcelona fans might chant - albeit in Catalan - tonight as they take on Villarreal in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg (19:00 GMT).

Luis Enrique's side have won nine games in a row - including beating tonight's opponents in the league - since losing to David Moyes's Real Sociedad on 4 January.

Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia Toral admits even "if we were to win 2-0 tonight, the tie would still be open. They are clear favourites because we are up against the best Barca of the season".

Barcelona's city rivals Espanyol play Athletic Bilbao in the other semi-final first leg at 21:00 GMT.

The second legs are on Wednesday, 4 March.

We will have team news for all of our Premier League games arriving in the next 15 minutes or so. Stand by.

Wednesday's schedule

Big games at both ends of the Premier League table, a home debut for a new manager in the Championship and Messi in Spain. Here's all of tonight's key games:

Chelsea v Everton (19:45 GMT)

Man Utd v Burnley (19:45 GMT)

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Southampton v West Ham (19:45 GMT)

Stoke v Man City (19:45 GMT)

Crystal Palace v Newcastle (20:00 GMT)

West Brom v Swansea (20:00 GMT)

Nottm Forest v Wigan (19:45 GMT)

Barcelona v Villarreal (19:00 GMT)

Top of the shops

After last night's developments in the relegation zone, tonight we are focusing on the picture at the top of the table.

Four of the top five are all in action, with Chelsea hoping to open up a 10-point gap at the top. Would that be an unassailable lead?

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Title won by Valentine's Day?

Title hopes, top-four chokes?

Getty Images

Whisper it quietly, but there are just 102 days left of the Premier League season.

In a touch under 2450 hours we will know exactly who has won the league, who is in the Champions League, who will be playing every Thursday night for the foreseeable and who has dropped into the second tier.

Getty Images

Last night was an evening of movement at the foot of the table as Hull and QPR took potentially significant steps forwards, while Aston Villa's woeful form continued as they slid into the drop zone.

Tonight, it's all about the men at the business end. If the results seesaw was to tip one way, Chelsea could practically book the open-top bus tour and Southampton could seriously begin to countenance a berth in the Champions League.

But should the night's action take us the other way, Manchester City may be thinking of retaining the title after all and Manchester United could be as high as third in the league.

Which way will it go? Let's find out...