Premier League reaction

1. Sherwood earns first points as Villa boss
2. Benteke scores dramatic late penalty
3. Latest: Hull 1-1 Sunderland
4. Poyet & Bruce involved in scuffle, Poyet sent off
5. Southampton beat Crystal Palace to move fifth

Scuffles, penalties and late late winners. Another night in the Premier League office.

See you tomorrow for even more action...

Tim Sherwood on BT Sport: "Christian Benteke is improving. I spoke to him before the game about what he would do if we get a penalty and he said he just waits for the keeper to move and then puts it into the corner. Easy as that."

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Sally Anders: Forget this Premier League lark...have you SEEN the top of the Championship table tonight?!?!

Curtis E. Bear: Can Bristol City get a mention? staring down the barrel of successive relegations xmas 2013, now 10 points clear at the top!

Sanj: If Norwich win two more, they're in the automatic spots. They've just come storming in the last few months, now probably favourites to win the league!

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OPEYEMI: I just wonder if Southampton will make it to the champions league next season, that's one English team out already..

Mungo Russell: With all the talk about Villa, nobody's noticed that Southampton are now right back in that Champions League dogfight!

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Manager reaction

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West Brom manager Tony Pulis:

"We scrapped away. First half they were better than us but second half we got into it.

"They had couple of long-range shots and we didn't look in any danger.

"Obviously Ben Foster will be disappointed with what happened at the end. It's very, very hard to take but Ben has been brilliant for us this season so I won't be criticising him.

"There is enough said about refereeing decisions without me getting involved. I haven't seen it (Alan Hutton and Saido Berahino) either.

"We are disappointed, we have dug in second-half and got the goal. Maybe we would have liked to have changed one or two things but we have got a few injuries so we have what we have.

"The aim is to get as many points as we can as long as we finish outside the bottom three.

"The FA Cup is another game to come here and play in a wonderful stadium. It's a brilliant club. We will enjoy it."

Manager reaction

Hull boss Steve Bruce: "We all get carried away with ourselves. I think I'll let Gus Poyet explain. What it had to do with me I'm not too sure. I'll let him speak to the cameras.

"Jack Rodwell dived, he's done a dive and the ref has seen it. It's part and parcel of the nonsense that surrounds us."

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Mark Fletcher: Biggest goal of the season for Villa. Onwards and upwards hopefully. I'm exhausted after that.

Mitch Mansfield: Benteke's pen is the first goal Aston Villa have scored in the last 15 mins of a PL game this season. Only their second in the last 30.

Emmanuel Tange: Ben Foster needs to forget about today, too many mistakes and he has cost his team the points.

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Poyet v Bruce - Grown men acting like children

Hull manager Steve Bruce on his scuffle with Gus Poyet: "The big contentious issue is Jack Rodwell running through and then from where I was standing he dived and the referee called it right. From Gus's reaction he thought it was wrong. You have to ask him why he came over to myself. I don't know what I was supposed to have done.

"These things happen in the heat of the moment. Grown men acting like a couple of children. They happen in big games. I don't mind being accused. I suppose I'm not flavour of the month. Let's go and have a glass of red."

Manager reaction

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet on Match of the Day: "I was sent off for kicking the bucket. The bottles coming out of the bucket didn't help me. I know it doesn't look good but it's nothing to worry out. I prefer that than saying something I would regret.

"I'm old fashioned. What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. There are no problems for me at all."

Manager reaction

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood:

"I think so (it's a turning point). We have conceded late against Stoke and it is a real body blow, but to score one late is an excellent feeling and I thought it was thoroughly deserved.

"We are improving every game and we are still alive and kicking. It's a massive football club and it is at the wrong end of the table.

"A Tony Pulis side is never dead. It was always likely to be a set piece.

"We kept at it and someone was looking down on us today. I'll try anything, we are at that stage.

"We hadn't won in 12 Premier League games and had to buck that trend. I think we deserved the three points and onwards and upwards.

"When you are at the bottom you have to grind out results, but today we showed by playing them... it was a great improvement.

"I don't think we can do it the old fashioned way with blood and thunder, we have to play through teams."

Manager reaction

Reuters

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet: "In football things happen. I have to convince the officials not to put any buckets of drinks around me. I have no regrets whatsoever. If that is a bad image for football I am sorry but I don't think it's something to worry about.

"I'm old fashioned. What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch."

Manager reaction

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman: "We didn't have that total confidence against Palace who were very organised. It was tough to create and score. It wasn't the best game we have played this season, we were more lucky than in the last few weeks but they deserved this result. It's not easy when you are struggling as a football player, I know that. Finally, it is three points that makes the situation a little more comfortable.

"It was crucial game to win today, now we have 10 days until the Chelsea game and it makes the situation a lot more comfortable and I hope they will get total confidence back and play like we did before."

The more I see Sunderland's equaliser the more obvious the handball from Jack Rodwell becomes. I think Sunderland were lucky to get away with that one.

Player reaction

Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie: "We were unlucky not to score in the second half. We deserved something from the game definitely.

"Southampton started quickly but we created a few chances in the second half. We were unlucky. Southampton are a good team and we have to look forward to the next game."

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"Aston Villa need everybody on board. You need every single fan behind you. I don't expect them to go on a fantastic run and cruise relegation, they are not that kind of team. It doesn't matter how it is won, Tim Sherwood wants to stay in this league to build for next season."

Manager reaction

Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew: "In the first half Southampton were by far the better side in a game they had to win. Second half we were the better team and had two great chances. We also should have had a penalty and it is so disappointing we have let in a soft goal.

"Our keeper Julian Speroni is big enough to hold up his hand but we should have stopped it before it got anywhere near there. Jose Fonte is over aggressive on Yannick Bolasie and I think we should be given that.

"The performance level was high. We are disappointed we haven't come away with a point, because we think we deserved it.

"We had little protection from the referee because the centre halves were coming through our strikers, which they do here."

Player reaction

Empics

Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor: "This result will give us confidence. We believe we can stay up and we're not going to look back now. Any point is crucial but to get all three...

"We've not had any luck all season but we did today with the late penalty."

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Dan Hayes: Wow I'm exhausted... That was emotional

Steve Mather: Unbeaten in March!! Great win, needed something to believe in and we got it tonight

Simon Murphy: Villa didn't win that game, Ben Foster lost it for WBA.

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DOWN AT THE BOTTOM

BBC

A huge win for Aston Villa. They are now three points clear of QPR - who do have two games in hand now.

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Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"There are big goals, then there are huge goals. Benteke's penalty was enormous."

Player reaction

Southampton match winner Sadio Mane: "It was so difficult the last two or three games. The win is good for the confidence and we keep going. Confidence was a little bit low. but today finally we win."

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A: YESSSSSSS!!! Been a long time coming for us villa fans! Scraped it but I'm feeling positive for the first time in ages!

Jon Evans: Get in, hopefully this is the turning point for Villa. Sherwood has a 50% win ratio at Villa in all competitions!

Tom Castle: Tim Sherwood questioned for his starting XI, tactics, and subs all match long ... but comes away the hero.

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Player reaction

PA

Sunderland defender John O'Shea: "There was very little in the game. Both teams went for the win and we had a couple of good chances to nick it. We showed great sprit and that's what we will need. We have stopped the rot now, but look, we know we have to battle."

Goalscorer Jack Rodwell: "It hit my arm but they all count! It happened so quickly, luckily the ref gave it."

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Villa fans - you've won a game! How do you feel?

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NathB: It's hard being a Villa fan! Well done lads!

Rich Lang: Get in there! That was just not allowed to be that cool from Christian Benteke. Confusing confidence!

Peter Collins: Feel good factor back? That could be the moment that saves Villa this year.

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FULL-TIME

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"The Aston Villa bench looked like they have won a cup tie. Even the fans, that is not just league win. They are back fighting in this league.

"Ben Foster did not too particularly well in the first half. If he let one through his legs in the first half, it would have gone viral. To do what he did at the end, unthinkable."

Aston Villa's first Premier League win since December 7th. You'd think they'd won the league, the way they are celebrating right now. But what a way to do it too, right at the end. The last kick!

FULL-TIME

Getty Images

Huge celebrations from Tim Sherwood and his players! Villa win for the first time in 12 games.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"Three mistakes in one set of play from Ben Foster. He hasn't covered himself in glory in this match so far anyway.

"Unbelievable for him to make so many errors in such a short period of time. Goalkeeping is a horrible job when you make ONE mistake, but three? It has cost his team a point."

FULL-TIME

GOAL

PA

How cool can you be? Christian Benteke takes his time and just rolls it in!

Getty Images

PENALTY to VILLA

Wow! Ben Foster makes a great save to keep out Fabian Delph but moments later he is the villain, sweeping down Matthew Lowton. Penalty!

INJURY TIME

Into added time. There are FOUR MINUTES of it at Villa Park...

West Brom corner - Brad Guzan flaps! Nobody there this time to take advantage. How are your nerves Villa fans?

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"Alan Hutton cannot go in there, he has put his studs up on Saido Berahino. That is unacceptable. As a player, you need to let the ball go down to a reasonable level."

YELLOW CARD

PA

Oooof! That's a nasty one! Alan Hutton catches Saido Berahino on the touchline, high? Very high? He almost cuts the striker in half! Both players are booked after the striker reacts.

FINAL FIVE

Into the last few minutes now. All of our games are on a knife-edge...

Next goal could be vital for either side. Jermain Defoe has a shot blocked...

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Villa Park

"For the first time tonight Aston Villa's fans are showing signs of frustration with their team. Saido Berahino's equaliser appears to have knocked their fragile confidence and the zip they demonstrated in the first 45 minutes has gone out of their play. Five minutes to rediscover it."

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lfcway: ‏Aston Villa need a Tony Pullis to save them, sadly there's only one Tony Pullis.

Mark Lightley: Am I the only fan who thinks Saido Berahino is better than Harry Kane?

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Saints are going back ahead of Liverpool as it stands. Can they see this one out? It's been a scrappy game, not one for the purists.

Football League Latest

Championship

Bournemouth take the lead through a Yann Kermorgant penalty against Wolves, 2-1 the score there now. Brentford are now 3-1 up against Huddersfield.

League One

Sheffield United take the lead through Matt Done against Peterborough, while Bristol City are now 3-1 up on Leyton Orient. Rochdale meanwhile are 2-0 up against Crewe.

League Two

York score two goals against Cambridge to take the score to 3-0. Dagenham and Redbridge further their league against Hartlepool, 2-0 they now lead.

GOAL

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Southampton lead! It's been a poor game but Saints forge ahead thanks to good work from sub James Ward-Prowse. He beats a man on the edge of the box and fires in left-footed, Julian Speroni should gather it in but can only cough it back into the dangerzone and Sadio Mane is there to dink a composed chip back over his head.

GREAT SAVE!

Hull almost take the lead back instantly! Dame N'Doye blasts in a header from point-blank range and somehow it is kept out!

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lfcway: Surely anything from now on will be a bonus for Southampton. They shouldn't be too disappointed.

Roger H: Some players are under rated. Bring Davis on for Southampton and they will be a much better side.

Noel Fitzpatrick: What's the point sending off a manager if he can talk to his assistant on the phone??

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GOAL

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That could be massive! First of all, it's a belting first touch from Patrick Van Aanholt to chest it past his man in one fluid movement. The Dutchman then dinks in a wonderful cross on the run which lofts over the head of Hull keeper Allan McGregor, it may well be going in but Jack Rodwell is there right on the line to force it in. Did it hit his hand as he headed it in? Inconclusive.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"West Brom are the better side, they are the ore confident side and have more of the possession. They are getting into better areas on the field."

Reuters

Jermain Defoe has his first real effort of the night as he squeezes off a left-footer from 20 yards but it's a routine stop for Allan McGregor.

BBC Radio Newcastle

Former Sunderland captain Gary Bennett at KC Stadium

"It looks like one or two tired legs for Sunderland now, but the longer it stays 1-0 to Hull, it means Sunderland are still in the game."

They're not happy campers, Sunderland. Danny Graham is the latest to give referee Mike Dean a rocket after a tussle in the corner.

Sunderland have 20 minutes to salvage this one.

CLOSE!

West Brom almost take the lead! Villa have a corner, it's cleared and they leave the back door open. Saido Berahino picks the perfect pass to send in James Morrison, he's clean through. He could shoot but elects to square it for Brown Ideye and Jores Okore just about clears.

At the other end sub Jack Grealish then volleys straight at Ben Foster.

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Villa Park

PA

"Villa can't say they had not been warned. Another perfect West Brom dead ball situation for Saido Berahino's equaliser and now the home fans are feeling the tension. The worry for them was that Villa had not made the most of overwhelming first-half superiority and now it is West Brom who have the momentum."

CLOSE!

It's not Southampton's day. A great chance as Maya Yoshida reaches a corner at the far post but steers it two feet wide.

It's not often you call a goal like that but it was very evident that West Brom were banging on the door and Villa had gone to pieces. A test of character now. Villa really need a win...

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"Saido Berahino cannot miss that one, it was the easiest one in the world.

"He has done almost nothing in this game. Brad Guzan has not had a save to make. It is heartbreaking for a Villa player, thinking they have three points and moving up the league. They must be fearful now.

"Joleon Lescott's celebration was to stand stationary in front of the Villa fans."

GOAL

Getty Images

There you go. It really was coming. West Brom level as Joleon Lescott heads a corner back into the goalmouth and Saido Berahino converts from four yards out. He could not miss.

Can West Brom now go on to win from here?

What's that you smell in the air at Villa Park? Beneath the Bovril and the meat and potato pies, that's fear. Fear and anxiety. West Brom are having the better of this now and those heady first-half memories of chance after chance are fading fast...

SUBSTITUTION

Sensible management from Sunderland as Lee Cattermole is replaced moments after picking up a yellow. He is off, Ricky Alvarez on.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

PA

"Aston Villa have not played that badly considering they have a new manager. If Tim Sherwood can get all three points, it will provide a big boost but they need to get over the finishing line. Another goal would be great for them."

SUBSTITUTION

Will we get a goal in this one? Nathaniel Clyne is bleeding from his nose after a tussle but Saints have lacked any cutting edge up top so far. They have though brought on Dusan Tadic.

Getty Images

It's kicking off again - on the pitch this time. Referee Mike Dean is a busy man, a classic 'arms by the sides' stance from the official as he takes his time to sort out this melee. Lee Cattermole is summoned, and booked. It was a poor challenge too, he just kicked David Meyler in the Achilles and triggered some pushing.

Football League latest

Championship

Cardiff step up their game putting three goals past Rotherham in the space of 10 minutes. Wolves get a goal back against Bournemouth to level the score through striker Benik Afobe, Huddersfield also go square against Brentford through Harry Bunn. Charlton take back the lead to go 2-1 up at The Valley. Goals from Patrick Bamford and Kike make it 2-0 for Middlesbrough against Millwall.

League One

Rochdale score from the spot from Ian Henderson against Crewe. Gary McSheffrey pulls a goal back for Scunthorpe just before half-time in their game against Fleetwood, while MK Dons lead Chesterfield.

League Two

Accrington get a goal to put them level with Shrewsbury. Northampton, Morecambe, Dagenham and Redbridge, York, Carlisle and Bury are leading 1-0.

CLOSE!

Gus Poyet on his phone high up in the stands is almost out of his seat as John O'Shea flicks a header wide. Hull instantly counter and Nikica Jelavic finds Dame N'Doye inside the box. Finish it - No! N'Doye hits it - I would estimate - 80 feet over the bar. Complete mishit.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"A great chance. A superb delivery from Chris Brunt and it should have been 1-1. Welcome to the game West Bromwich Albion."

CLOSE!

Big chance for Albion! Craig Dawson get away from Jose Okore to meet a wonderful delivery from Chris Brunt at the near post, and he heads over! Tony Pulis does a Tim Sherwood impression, decking it to his knees.

He has to hit the target there. Has to!

HITS THE WOODWORK

Reuters

Palace should be ahead! First Yannick Bolasie gets clear and hits a tame shot right at Fraser Forster, poor effort, and then seconds later Wilfried Zaha skims a low shot against the far post!

Jose Fonte could have cleared his lines but took far too long and allowed Zaha to get the ball down and get a shot away.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"Gabriel Agbonlahor has been like a terrier, he has put it in all the way through the night. He chased down a ball from about 40 yards away and the only way Joleon Lescott would have stopped him is by fouling him."

YELLOW CARD

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A bit of confidence and Gabriel Agbonlahor is a new man, skinning three defenders with a powerful run, slaloming past two before Joleon Lescott is booked for taking him out. Ashley Westwood bends the free-kick over the top.

Albion have been below average, a long way below so far, but when there's one goal in it you fear for Villa.

Getty Images

Gus Poyet has taken an executive view for the second half from high up in the posh seats. Can his side show the same fighting spirit as he did in this half? They've created nothing, Sunderland so far.

Palace have a shot on target - it's their first one! Yannick Bolasie crosses from the left, Jason Puncheon twists out of a tackle to get a shot off and Fraser Forster stands up strong to punch it away. Better from the visitors.

A few of you are tweeting in to ask for a penalty when Ben Foster half saved that earlier chance from Gabriel Agbonlahor - but where is Foster supposed to go?

KICK-OFF

And last, but not least, back under way at Hull.

KICK-OFF

Game on at Villa Park.

KICK-OFF

Back under way in Southampton.

Photo gallery

Check out the best Premier League photos on Facebook, including Steve Bruce v Gus Poyet...

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"Leave it Steve! He's not worth it!"

AS IT STANDS

BBC

Aston Villa are on track for a first win in 12 Premier League games, and are on track to climb out of the bottom three too. A big second half coming up.

Bruce v Poyet

BBC Radio 5 live

Reuters

Alistair Yeomans at KC Stadium: "It was quite bizarre. Jack Rodwell went down in the box and referee Mike Dean booked him for simulation. The Sunderland drinks cabinet was knocked over and there was water everywhere. Mr Poyet said too much and suggested Mr Bruce had involvement in his booking. There was then a coming together between the two and had to be separated."

What's happened to Southampton's early-season pep? A dismal first-half at St Mary's, really drab stuff.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"If it was 2-0, I do not see how West Brom could have come back. they have offered very little going forward. This is a relegation dogfight and West Brom cannot afford to get complacent.

"There was a deadness around the place at Villa Park. They needed something new. Quite often that is not the fault of the manager. Any number of manager's can come in and lift the place. It did not happen straight away but has done in this game."

HALF-TIME

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Hull lead at the break - Gus Poyet has been sent-off for Sunderland and Steve Bruce almost joined him after this tussle...

HALF-TIME

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Villa Park

"Aston Villa fully deserve that half-time lead - and should be ahead by more. Tim Sherwood's side have been far more positive than West Brom, who have failed to get any supply to either Brown Ideye or Saido Berahino. Manager Tony Pulis will be relieved to have reached half-time just one behind so he can inject some life into his team."

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

HITS THE WOODWORK

Getty Images

Lovely effort! Villa captain Fabian Delph works some space from the left of the area, on to his right foot, and bends a beautiful strike past Ben Foster but against the base of the post. That was some hit.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"As the game has gone on, I think Tim Sherwood will be disappointed. They have been worthy of a second goal and what a cushion the second goal would have been."

Tim Sherwood's blood pressure still through the roof as Christian Benteke is close to a teasing cross from the right. Don't forget that Villa were leading at home to Stoke in their last game at Villa Park but threw it all away.

GREAT SAVE!

Good stop! Southampton almost ahead as Eljero Elia lashes in a low shot but Julian Speroni is down well to make the save.

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Babajide Fadoju: Agbonlahor could have scored 3 goals in less than 30 minutes, unlucky him.

Yanis Gbl: Aston Villa look completely reformed, Agbonlahor on fire!

Simon Bidwell: How is that not a penalty against Agbonlahor? Foster completely misses the ball and takes out the player?

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BBC Radio Solent

Former Southampton manager Dave Merrington at St Mary's

"When I see Sadio Mane playing like this, it is so exciting for Southampton. Crystal Palace are working their way back into the game now."

YELLOW CARD

Getty Images

Gus Poyet has been sent off for Sunderland - and it's all gone off! Steve Bruce has to be restrained by the fourth official as he tries to get at Poyet! There could be repercussions about that.

Poyet walked across to Bruce and tried to shake his hand and Bruce was not happy at all. What triggered the incident originally was Jack Rodwell being booked for a dive when clean through, with Poyet convinced that there was contact.

Another keeper mistake! Fraser Forster this time, gets it all wrong to drop a Yannick Bolasie cross and Wilfried Zaha should take full advantage. Zaha closes in on the loose ball but Forster just about gets back to scoop it clear.

West Brom haven't had a shot yet...

Football League latest

In the Championship, Watford lead Fulham 1-0 to take them above Middlesbrough to second place. Bournemouth and Brentford both lead at home, while Charlton and Nottingham Forest are tied with a goal each. The rest of the games remain goalless.

In League One, Preston are winning 1-0, taking them to second place in the table. Leaders Bristol City are ahead against Leyton Orient, while Bradford and Fleetwood are both in front at home.

In League Two, Shrewsbury and Wycombe pile the pressure on leaders Burton, both are leading 1-0. Bury, Dagenham and Redbridge, Northampton and Morecambe all lead.

Getty Images

You could happily spend the full 90 minutes watching a Tim Sherwood camera. I've seen some premature celebrations in mu time but Sherwood was so early cheering that second Gabriel Agbonlahor effort. He was up giving it both arms before Joleon Lescott got back to clear. Rollercoaster stuff for Sherwood...

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Villa Park

"Simple but effective from Aston Villa so far using the power of Christian Benteke and the pace of goalscorer Gabriel Agbonlahor - and the home fans are revelling in some long-overdue good news. Aston Villa's fans demand a wave from manager Tim Sherwood. He not only waves but then demands they turn up the volume even further."

Hull continue to keep up the pressure but there's been little quality in the final third.

Follow a full live page on that game here.

CLOSE!

Gabby Agbonlahor again! Off the line again!

The Villa forward has found a yard of pace from somewhere and gets n behind the Albion defence, Ben Foster comes out and gets a piece of his shot, Joleon Lescott then recovers well to clear away.

Agbonlahor could have had a hat-trick. Will those near-misses haunt Villa though?

PENALTY APPEAL

Reuters

A faint penalty appeal for Crystal Palace is waved away as Dwight Gayle takes a tumble under a challenge. No dice.

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Sam Harden: Aston Villa have actually scored! Not just that, it was Agbonlahor!

Robert Thompson: We're Aston Villa, we score when we want!

oletuM M R: Come on Villa. They're surely just to good to go down.

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Aston Villa have now scored 10 goals at home this season. Value for money stuff!

I mentioned earlier how I don't like it when managers don't celebrate a goal. You could never, ever say that about Tim Sherwood. A 45-yard sprint with double fist-pumping all the way. He must practice those in his garden.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"That is what Gabriel Agbonlahor used to be good at but he does not do it often enough. It is a flick-on from the big striker Christian Benteke and Agbonlahor is calm when he gets into the box. The noise was extraordinary when the goal went in.

"This game might be decided by the two sets of centre forwards. The Villa pair have just linked up and given their side the lead."

GOAL

Getty Images

Big! A big goal! This one has crossed the line for sure. A classic route one goal, Brad Guzan lumps it downfield, Christian Benteke up early to flick the ball on and Gabriel Agbonlahor gets away from Joleon Lescott to thread the ball between Ben Foster's legs.

Tim Sherwood erupts. A Barry Fry-style run down the line!

Getty Images

Text us on 81111

Andy in Armagh: How did we cope before goal line technology. It's a brilliant addition to the game.

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BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Villa Park

"Big relief for West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster there after fumbling Gabriel Agbonlahor's shot but rescuing it right on the line. Villa's fans thought it was the break they needed but at least it has livened things up here at Villa Park."

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Hull are currently seven points clear of the relegation zone after that fine goal from Dame N'Doye, who is doing his best to pay off his transfer fee in double-quick time.

Sunderland have offered very little thus far.

Read a separate live page on that game here.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"Embarrassing does not tell the half of it. That would have been a horror show for the West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster. 80% of the stadium would have turned away thinking he had the ball, before it squirmed beneath him."

Reuters

I've just seen another, better replay of the Gabriel Agbonlahor-Ben Foster incident. I'd say about an eighth of the ball had not crossed the line. Technology strikes again. Correct call.

BBC Radio Newcastle

Former Sunderland captain Gary Bennett at KC Stadium

"Surely Sunderland need to have a player there? That is just basic defending. Stop the ball from coming in. I cannot believe that. I am still trying to work out their formation, I have not got a clue what they are doing."

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Villa Park

"More animation in the technical area than on the Villa Park pitch at the moment. West Brom boss Tony Pulis has been pacing around showing signs of frustration with his team and Villa counterpart Tim Sherwood has been demanding greater urgency from his players. File this one under "scrappy" so far."

GOAL

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What a finish!! Hull take the lead through a wonderful touch from Deadline-Day signing Dame N'Doye. The striker backheels in Tom Huddlestone's cross with a deft touch. Kanu-esque.

Read a separate live page on that game here.

CLOSE!

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GOAL-LINE TECHNOLOGY!

So close! A howler from West Brom keeper Ben Foster as he fumbles a shot from Gabriel Agbonlahor, right through his legs, and the former England man somehow gets back to scoop it away from off the line. It looks, very, very close to a goal but the technology says no...

Reuters

BBC Radio Solent

Former Southampton manager Dave Merrington at St Mary's

"When was the last time Southampton forced a goalkeeper to tip a long-range shot over the bar? You look at the first half an hour of each match and ask, how many times have we tested their goalkeeper? Could we have done more?"

Villa get on the wrong end of two dubious decisions and the Tim Sherwood touchline show is well up and running. He's so animated, I worry about his long-term health...

CLOSE!

Best chance of the night so far! Victor Wanyama shanks a 25-yard strike right into the path of Filip Djuricic, his first touch kills the bal dead but as he leans back to reach it he hammers a shot over the bar. He was 15 yards out there - a great chance...

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Hull coming into the game after a slow start but a flurry of crosses are all well defended by the visitors. Not exactly thrill a minute...

Text us on 81111

Dan in Mumbai: You've got to love Tim Sherwood... It's like watching Mike Bassett: England Manager (other, mostly dreadful) football based films are available

Josh Gibbons: Two best players, Gil and Sinclair (and those that have scored our most recent goals) on the bench. I have faith in Sherwood but unless we pull it off tonight it will be sorely tested

Jonty Banks: I am a loyal Aston Villa supporter, however since the start of the season and through out my loyalty has seemed to have died, this game is so important. I may cry if we lose, why is N'Zogbia playing?

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.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"Goalfest is not a word that comes to mind when you think of this game. West Brom's organisation and structure since Tony Pulis took over has been excellent. They have not conceded many goals."

West Brom's tactics are simple but effective - hit the two men over the top. Chris Brunt is playing at left-back and every time he gets it he chips into the channels for Brown Ideye and Saido Berahino to chase. Turn them round.

Eljero Elia with the first shot of the night for Southampton - but it's way, way over the bar. Miles too high.

Alan Green

BBC Radio 5 live

"Aston Villa's league record is shocking. Three points from their last 11 games. Shocking!"

Villa vote - players the Villains

Earlier we asked you who is to blame for Aston Villa's problems on the pitch.

Of those who voted, 39.5% said it's the players who need to take most responsibility for their current decline.

So there is something Villa's players have won this season...

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Low-key start on the south coast, it's been a low-key few weeks for the Saints to be honest.

Shaky stuff at the back from Villa almost allows Saido Berahino a run in on their goal but the men in Claret just about sort it out. Tim Sherwood huddles in his dugout for now. He'll be up and at it soon enough.

Looks like a full house in Hull. Both sides in the relegation mixer still, three points tonight would do very nicely.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

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"The difference a few minutes before kick-off was startling. Aston Villa have been stood in a circle for a couple of minutes, shivering. It is bitterly cold at Villa Park. West Brom have been doing shuttle runs, zipping from one side to another keeping warm."

KICK-OFF

Game on at Villa Park, under way at St Mary's, up and running at the KC.

Here we go then. Who wants it?

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"Tim Sherwood is looking for that 1% from somewhere in his team, he is looking for that and it could be the difference. One extra point could mean so much at the end of the season.

"He needs to get every bit of information about every single player. Sherwood wants to know all the capabilities of people who may have been out of favour in the past."

Pictures of you

Reuters

If it is true that a picture paints a thousand words, Tim Sherwood produces a work of airport fiction every game.

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He cannot keep his emotions in check can he? Not even for a second.

Reuters

Inspiring stuff on the touchline? Or a wreck of a man? Only time will tell.

He is a refreshing change though. There's nothing worse than seeing a manager react to a big goal by making notes or calling over his left-back for some tactical reshuffle. Enjoy it man!

LINE-UPS

Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Okore, Clark, Hutton, Cleverley, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor, Benteke, N'Zogbia. Subs: Bacuna, Sinclair, Weimann, Sanchez, Gil, Given, Grealish.

West Brom: Foster, Dawson, McAuley, Lescott, Brunt, Gardner, Yacob, Fletcher, Morrison, Ideye, Berahino. Subs: Wisdom, Olsson, Baird, Myhill, Pocognoli, Mulumbu, Sessegnon.

Referee: Jonathan Moss (W Yorkshire)

LINE-UPS

Hull: McGregor, Dawson, Bruce, McShane, Elmohamady, Livermore, Huddlestone, Meyler, Robertson, N'Doye, Jelavic. Subs: Figueroa, Davies, Hernandez, Harper, Aluko, Ramirez, Quinn.

Sunderland: Pantilimon, Vergini, O'Shea, Brown, Reveillere, Larsson, Bridcutt, Cattermole, Rodwell, Graham, Defoe. Subs: Van Aanholt, Fletcher, Wickham, Gomez, Alvarez, Coates, Mannone.

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)

LINE-UPS

Southampton: Forster, Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Bertrand, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Elia, Djuricic, Mane, Pelle. Subs: Kelvin Davis, Gardos, Long, Steven Davis, Tadic, Ward-Prowse, Alderweireld.

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Ward, Dann, Delaney, Kelly, Ledley, Zaha, Puncheon, McArthur, Bolasie, Gayle. Subs: Mariappa, Hangeland, Hennessey, Ameobi, Boateng, Gray, Souare.

Referee: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire)

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Michael Hobson: Why is N'Zogbia playing and not Gil. He's been the best player since we brought him. He should be playing.

Shohidur Rahman: Carles Gil was by a million miles Villa's best player before Lambert was sacked and now he can't get a game. Don't get it.

Ed C: Tim Sherwood is giving a lesson on how not to manage in the Premier League.

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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.

Follow each game in full

Tonight - as well as this work of art - there is a separate live page for each game. Saints fans who don't want to hear about how the Villa are getting on rejoice!

Follow these links to bespoke pages, or stay here for the 360 view.

Aston Villa v West Brom

Southampton v Palace

Hull v Sunderland

Close him down!

The Tigers have conceded 11 goals from outside the box this season, the most in the division.

Aston Villa have fired in the fewest shots on target in the Premier League this season (72) and have the lowest conversion rate (6.6%).

Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood: "From the word go we need to get the crowd on our side. We have been trying to make sure the lads hit the back of net as much as possible in training."

Asked about Charles N'Zogbia's inclusion, Sherwood added: "Hopefully he can nick us a goal."

Kick-off time closing in at a still empty Villa Park. Will the crowds return en masse to get behind their team in the run-in?

West Brom manager Tony Pulis: "There's been a change in form but we've still got 11 games to go. There's no complacency here because the Premier League is relentless.

"What we've done so far is very good and I'm pleased. But we are far from where we want to be."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Simon Jones: Disappointed with Tim Sherwood's line-ups so far, hasn't tried anything Paul Lambert didn't persist with every week.

Tom Sharpe: Why why why why why is Charles N'Zogbia playing?! He's garbage, he could score a hat-trick today and it wouldn't change my mind.

Chris Rootkin: Villa need to stop relying on people saying we're 'too big a club to go down'. Tonight we need to prove it.

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.

It looks like a wet and windy night at all three of our Premier League grounds, hopefully it will rain goals too. Who will the night's big winners be?

Hull City

Hull manager Steve Bruce: "One thing you cannot do [with injured players] is take a risk, and if we had then Nikica Jelavic and Dame N'Doye could have missed four to six weeks more.

"They are fresh and raring to go and the last time they came here they both scored, so let's hope they can repeat that. It's a big game. If we can win it, we can go seven points clear of the relegation zone, with 10 games to play."

Striking recovery

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Villa Park

"The big news for West Brom is that in-form strike partnership Brown Ideye and Saido Berahino have recovered from injuries and play - and for Aston Villa so much rests on the broad shoulders of striker Christian Benteke. Manager Tim Sherwood needs him to rediscover the goalscoring touch that has deserted him in this desperate season.

"Aston Villa's official Twitter feed is attempting to reflect the requirements of the occasion with the hashtag #fightlikelions."

Sunderland

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet: "We needed strength and experience, it's a massive game and we need to compete. The players starting the games are the best ones for that. It is a big game. We were so close to putting together a run of winning games, but we have put ourselves in this situation.

"Now we need to go somewhere to win a few points that we lost at home. We cannot play not thinking about not to lose, because for 45 minutes against Manchester United we were good and then we dropped too much. Always something happens against Hull, so I am looking forward to a normal game."

Christian Benteke scored 28 times for club and country in the 2012-13 season. Last year he managed 11 and this year it's just three so far.

Yes, he's had injuries, but even so that's a dismal return.

Reuters

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke: "Everybody is concentrating, we all know that we have to win tonight. It's time to take some points. Since I came here I have a lot of pressure on me to score but this is not a problem for me.

"It's a derby game. There are no excuses."

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

"All the pressure is on Villa tonight, 100%. It has not been a happy hunting ground for themselves and the goal scoring has been abysmal this season. They have not got the lift they needed with the new manager Tim Sherwood. As an old manager of mine used to say, 'Everything in their favour is against them'.

"Everywhere Tony Pulis goes, he puts down a marker. He dropped Saido Berahino at the start, he said he wants things done his own way. He built up the defence and they have gone on from there."

'We were done'

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Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew on Mile Jedinak's suspension: "Every pundit had made their minds up before it got to the FA so we were done. It's a shame because he is not like that but we have a good replacement in Joe Ledley.

"Southampton's season is on the line a little bit so we know it's going to be a tough game but we have good momentum so we are in good shape."

Team News

Ronald Koeman makes two changes to his side as Dusan Tadic drops to the bench and is replaced by Serbian Filip Djuricic. Eljero Elia comes in for Florin Gardos. For Crystal Palace, Joe Ledley and Dwight Gayle replace the suspended pair of Mile Jedinak and Glenn Murray. James McArthur is also in for Jordon Mutch.

Southampton XI: Forster, Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Bertrand, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Djuričić, Elia, Mané, Pellè.

Crystal Palace XI: Speroni, Kelly, Delaney, Dann, Ward, McArthur, Ledley, Zaha, Puncheon, Bolasie, Gayle.

The race for the Champions League

BBC

Southampton have been in the hunt for a place in the Champions League all season and could still be in the running at the death. A win tonight would lift them back above Liverpool - temporarily at least...

Villa on the front foot

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Villa Park

"No talk of dress rehearsals for this weekend's FA Cup quarter-final between these fierce Midlands rivals here at Villa Park - too much is still riding on tonight's Premier League meeting.

"New Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood is still seeking his first win since succeeding Paul Lambert having opened his reign with defeat at home to Stoke City then away to Newcastle United. He is promising "front foot" football tonight and knows his new side cannot leave it too much longer before starting to reverse a dismal run that has left them without a win in the Premier League.

"West Bromwich Albion have been revived under their own new manager Tony Pulis - and would like nothing better than to put the skids under their near neighbours and plunge them further into relegation trouble."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Conor McNamara

BBC commentator

Winter is officially over. We're back to using WHITE BALLS in the Premier League.

Twitter

League Two preview

Shrewsbury can leapfrog Burton Albion and move top of League Two with a win over Accrington, while promotion hopefuls Bury and Luton meet.

Bottom-side Hartlepool are six points off safety and can close the gap if they beat Dagenham & Redbridge and if Carlisle fail to win against Cheltenham.

Wimbledon play Southend, Cambridge host York and Oxford entertain Morecambe.

League One Preview

Leaders Bristol City can extend their eight-point advantage at the top of League One with victory over struggling Leyton Orient, but second-placed MK Dons will be looking to close the gap by collecting three points against Chesterfield.

Preston and Swindon both have a chance to move into the automatic promotions spots if results go their way as they face Doncaster and Gillingham respectively.

Elsewhere, Bradford host second-bottom Crawley, Rochdale play Crewe and Barnsley face Coventry.

Team News

Hull bring defender Andrew Robertson and strikers Nikica Jelavic and Dame N'Doye back into the side, with Sone Aluko, Gaston Ramirez and Maynor Figueroa dropping out.

Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell returns to the starting line-up for the first time since January, while Ricky Alvarez returns after missing Saturday's game with Manchester United, and Danny Graham starts up front ahead of Connor Wickham. Wes Brown starts after his weekend red card was rescinded.

Hull XI: McGregor, Dawson, Bruce, McShane, Elmohamady, Robertson, Huddlestone, Livermore, Meyler, Jelavic, N'Doye.

Sunderland XI: Pantilimon, Reveillere, Vergini, Brown, O'Shea, Cattermole, Bridcutt, Rodwell, Larsson, Defoe, Graham.

Vote - Who is to blame for Villa's struggles?

It wasn't meant to be this way for Aston Villa.

The Villains sit in the Premier League relegation zone, having just scored 13 goals all season, and with a new manager who is yet to taste victory.

But who is to blame for the mess they are in? Have your say by voting on the right-hand side of this page, or by using the voting tab on your mobile or tablet.

The vote will close at 19:40 GMT and we'll bring you the result soon after. Full terms and conditions can be found here.

BBC

Team News

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood hands Charles N'Zogbia his first Premier League start since December as he makes one change to the team that lost 1-0 at Newcastle on Saturday, with Scott Sinclair dropping to the bench.

West Brom boss Tony Pulis sticks with the same side that beat Southampton 1-0 at the weekend after top scorer Saido Berahino and strike partner Brown Ideye passed late fitness tests.

Aston Villa XI: Guzan, Hutton, Okore, Clark, Lowton, Westwood, Delph, Cleverley, Agbonlahor, N'Zogbia, Benteke.

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

Southampton

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman: "There is always room to improve for players and the whole team but we still believe in the way we play football and it's always about scoring goals and the energy you need to win games.

"It's all about ability, spirit and confidence but the best medicine for confidence is to win games."

'If we fail, fail trying...'

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Tim Sherwood was swiftly chosen as the man to succeed Paul Lambert at Villa but despite performing a minor miracle and seeing Scott Sinclair score twice, he has so far failed to deliver a league point.

The man himself has targeted six wins from the remaining 12 league games to avoid relegation - no mean feat when they have won five out of 26 so far.

"We have won five [league] games of football all season; we need to win six to stay in the division," he said.

"Is it a bigger challenge than I thought? No. If we fail, we will fail trying, that's for sure."

No Jedi for Palace

Crystal Palace midfielder Mile Jedinak has been banned for four matches after accepting a Football Association charge of violent conduct for elbowing West Ham striker Diafra Sakho on Saturday.

Jedinak, 30, elbowed Sakho near the end of Palace's 3-1 victory at Upton Park.

The incident was missed by the match officials but caught on video, allowing the FA to take retrospective action.

Jedinak's ban begins immediately.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Getty Images

Aston Villa in the second tier. For most football fans it's a concept that is hard to imagine, like goalkeepers being able to pick up backpasses or going to a game for a fiver.

But as Villa fight against the drop, Manchester United continue to linger below rivals City and my team Northampton prepare to host Portsmouth in League Two, what unlikely scenario could we see in the future?

For example, will Cambridge ever make it to the top flight? Will Wimbledon ever win the FA Cup again? Could we see Liverpool or even Chelsea 'do a Leeds' and end up in the third tier?

Let me know.

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

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

Team news from our Premier League games is on its way - who would you like to see in?

Text us on 81111

From Andy: Absolutely massive game for Aston Villa tonight. If they are to get themselves out of trouble they have to start performing and they have to start scoring. Christian Benteke to finally have a big game up front?

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.

Coming up

BBC Radio 5 live

5 live are at Villa Park tonight and will have all the build-up from tonight's matches from 19:00 GMT.

Their commentary game sees Aston Villa take on West Brom in the West Midlands derby. Alan Green is alongside Pat Nevin for the game which kicks off at 19:45 GMT.

BBC

Saturday's 3-1 success at West Ham means Crystal Palace have won all five away matches under Alan Pardew - including a 3-2 victory at Southampton in the fourth round of the FA Cup in what was the club's first ever win at St Mary's.

Stuck in the relegation zone when Pardew arrived, the Eagles are now eight points above the bottom three.

More joy tonight?

The blame game

Aston Villa are having a rotten time of it - but let's cut to the chase. Who's to blame?

The chairman? The players? The management? Let's hear it.

You can vote now at the top of this page. Democracy in action.

Crystal Palace have won all five away games under Alan Pardew. That is a magnificent statistic, it really is.

Can Pards keep up his remarkable record against another of his former clubs tonight? Southampton look a long way short of their early-season form right now but maybe the return of an ex-boss can kick them back into life.

A win tonight could send the Saints above Liverpool and into fifth.

Sunderland have only won once since Christmas and have been dumped out of the FA Cup by League One side Bradford City. Add in the arrest and subsequent suspension of winger Adam Johnson and it's safe to say all is not well with Gus Poyet's side.

At least they will have Wes Brown available tonight though - after his red card against Manchester United was rescinded.

Championship preview

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When you've been galloping along at the top all season it's imperative you don't Devon Loch it at the final furlong.

So Bournemouth (5th) need to address a dire run of five games without a win tonight when they host Wolves (8th). Unfortunately for the Cherries Wolves have been rattling along at a fair pace of late, and a win tonight could send them into the play-off places.

Leaders Derby are at strugglers Brighton while second-placed Middlesbrough host even bigger strugglers Millwall. Watford have won five of their last six and a win at home to Fulham tonight could even send them top.

As ever, it's a crazily tight division at the top with five points covering the top six.

At the bottom it's looking bleak though for Blackpool, Wigan and Millwall. Set for League One?

See all of tonight's fixtures here.

Tonight's games

Aston Villa's fight against the trapdoor is tonight's headline-grabber, but it's one of three games on this busy Premier League midweek schedule.

Here's the full rundown.

Aston Villa v West Brom

Hull v Sunderland

Southampton v Crystal Palace

Plus eight Championship games. More to follow on those...

Firing blanks

PA

You're never too good to go down, and Aston Villa may just be too bad to stay up this season.

They've scored 13 goals all season, just nine in front of their own fans. Their top scorers have managed three apiece in the league.

Christian Benteke - a man who scored 28 goals in his first season in England - has bagged twice.

Wherever you look the statistics paint a horror story. Can Tim Sherwood steer them to survival?

May, 1987.

MPs had just voted against the restoration of the death penalty, income tax of 25% was mooted by chancellor Nigel Lawson, Starship topped the charts with Mannequin classic 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now' and Steve Davis reigned supreme at the Crucible.

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A great month in many ways. But not for Aston Villa fans.

May, 1987 was the month the former European champions were relegated from the top flight. Villa finished rock bottom of the First Division, below Oxford United, Luton, Wimbledon and Coventry. A long way below in some cases.

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Villa went down in 1987. But what a kit. What hair from Simon Stainrod...

Villa picked up a miserable 36 points from 42 games. Mind you they did score 45 goals. Prolific. And look at that kit! Magnificent.

Tonight sees the Villa once more facing up to the prospect of relegation. The most miserable season in a generation has left Villa in a world of trouble.

Can they climb out the bottom three with a win over West Brom? Or will the Baggies take more bounce out of their rivals?