Saturday football - reaction

1. Leicester off bottom - Burnley now 20th
2. FT: Palace 0-2 WBA, - Morrison and Gardner
3. FT: Stoke 2-1 Saints, Everton 1-0 Burnley

Thank you and good evening

That is all from me for this afternoon. Remember you can follow the FA Cup semi-final and Chelsea v Manchester United elsewhere on the site. So get yourself on over to one of those right now. Bye.

Manager reaction

Stoke manager Mark Hughes: "We limited a very good Southampton side to few chances. I felt in terms of the momentum, certainly second half, we were very comfortable.

"They had a lot of possession but didn't cause us a lot of problems. In the second half we were excellent.

"You make your own luck. Charlie Adam has come on and effected the game for us. People will say it was important for Southampton but I'm not sure about that."

Manager reaction

West Brom boss Tony Pulis on whether he had different emotions against Crystal Palace: "No, I'm manager of West Brom, all my thoughts are with them. I had a great time here, I really enjoyed it and wish them all the best for the future.

"I was nervous as anything right to end, because they had a right go, it's a wonderful crowd here. I'm very pleased we should be that resilient, we concentrated for 60 minutes and got the result we deserved. I've said to the lads that 40 points is a good tally for us, that's what we should be aiming for and we have five games left to achieve it."

What's going on elsewhere

It is still 0-0 between Chelsea and Manchester United with just over 30 minutes gone at Stamford Bridge. However, there has been a goal in the FA Cup semi-final with Alexis Sanchez putting Arsenal 1-0 up against Reading.

Manager reaction

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew: "We are disappointed because our winning run comes to an end. We couldn't have done any more.

"The first goal [by James Morrison] was a case of an old manager coming back and knowing the areas to exploit. We dominated the game, we had great moments without getting on the end of it.

"I can't fault the team, we just came up against a team who do very well then when they get the lead."

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West Brom midfielder Craig Gardner tweeted: What a result today buzzing we got the 3 points the fans were top class again

Player reaction

Everton's Kevin Mirallas: "A lot of people have talked about my future. I like to play for Everton.

"I am in my best form of the season. When it is finished I will talk to my partner, the president, the trainer and manager.

"But I am confident here and I like to play for Everton."

Manager reaction

Burnley manager Sean Dyche: "I don't know how he [Kevin Mirallas] stayed on the pitch [for a high tackle]. You should be sent off for them. He is not a malicious player but I he should have been sent off.

"You try and do things in the correct manner [not surrounding refs and going down] and it doesn't work for you.

"People want to see people fighting in a fair and proper manner. We try to do that.

"The Mirallas one, I am amazed he stayed on the pitch.

"The loss leaves us fighting. Written off before the start, still being written off now. We have had plenty of knocks this season and bounced back. We will look to do that again against Leicester next week."

League Two review

Getty Images

Delight for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as his Burton side secure promotion to League One. Two goals from Lucas Akins (pictured) saw them beat Morecambe 2-1.

They are promoted as Wycombe only drew 0-0 at AFC Wimbledon, while Bury kept up their hopes of automatic promotion with a 1-0 victory at Portsmouth.

It was a terrible day for the three sides in danger of dropping out of the Football League. Bottom-placed Tranmere lost 3-0 at home to Oxford United,Cheltenham were beaten 2-0 at Northampton and Hartlepool suffered a 3-0 defeat at Luton.

Vote results

This afternoon's vote has now finished, in which we asked you which of the current bottom three will pull off the great escape? You won't be surprised to learn that Leicester's third win on the bounce has earned them 58.3% of your votes. Despite being bottom the table, Burnley have taken 24.2% against QPR's 17.5%.

One thing is for certain, Hull and Sunderland will not have been calm observers this afternoon.

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"Swansea have had a great season with 47 points but this afternoon was all about Leicester. They have been the better side from start to finish, they carried more of a threat in the final third. They were quicker and faster to the ball, took the lead and capitalised on it. They deserved the three points. Swansea were not that bad, they played in spells without carrying a threat.

"The atmosphere has been amazing, there is a feel good factor here. They have won three games in a row, all the pundits and experts had written them off but you would have to be a brave man to say Leicester will go down now.

"What a game it will be next week when Leicester go to Burnley."

Manager reaction

Swansea manager Garry Monk: "We probably got out-fought today which I haven't said too many times this season.

"We knew with the crowd and recent results that the intensity would be high in first 20 minutes and we didn't really get a grip of it.

"Nelson Oliveira had a great chance and he did well to stay on his feet. If we had got a goal then the atmosphere would have changed."

Manager reaction

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson: "To get three wins on trot in this division is very hard and doubly so considering the position we are in. We are delighted.

"We are now involved in a six game season and four of those are at home.

"It is still in our hands which is nice. Our fate is still in our hands which is how we want to keep it for as long as possible.

"The danger is people start believing the job is done. It is far from it. There is a long way to go.

"We have still got six games left and we have to get as many points as possible from them which is going to be a big challenge."

What's on, where...

Do you want to watch the FA Cup semi-final? You can. How about reading a text commentary on it? Yep, that too. But what about 5 live and local radio on the game? Those as well. Basically, if you want to see it, hear it or read it, we've got it covered.

If it's Manchester United v Chelsea that you're after, we've got that covered too, via the medium of text commentary.

If you stick around here, it is reaction to this afternoon's games all the way. Speaking of which...

League One review

Getty Images

Bristol City were already promoted. Now they are the League One winners after getting the point they needed in a 0-0 draw against Coventry City.

MK Dons moved one point behind second-placed Preston after a thumping 6-1 win over Leyton Orient, including two goals from Rob Hall, but Swindon in fourth suffered a shock 1-0 home loss to already relegated Yeovil.

At the bottom, Colchester conceded an injury-time equaliser to draw 2-2 against Scunthorpe, Notts County look in desperate trouble after losing 2-0 at relegation rivals Crawley, who move out of the bottom four, They are replaced in the relegation zone by Orient.

Championship review

PA

What drama at Bournemouth. They trailed 1-0 at half-time against Sheffield Wednesday and had defender Simon Francis sent off, but Eddie Howe's men moved 2-1 ahead after goals from Yann Kermorgant (pictured) and Matt Ritchie. But there was an injury-time twist as Chris Maguire 95th-minute penalty saw it end 2-2 to deny Bournemouth the victory that would have taken them top.

The Cherries' slip-up enabled Watford to go top after a 1-0 win against Birmingham, while play-off hopefuls Brentford dropped two points as they could only draw 2-2 at home to Bolton. Huddersfield were leading 3-1 and 4-3 but two goals from Tom Ince helped Derby claim a thrilling 4-4 draw.

At the bottom, Wigan survive. Well, for today at least. A 2-1 win against Brighton keeps their very slim hopes of staying up alive.

Manager reaction

PA

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman: "We were unlucky. I am happy how the lads played. We know it is a difficult place to come and if you control that 90 minutes like we did it is very difficult and painful to understand how we lose.

"It was a bad moment at 1-1, but the team showed a good reaction. The wind was influential in their equaliser so it is unlucky. Sometimes in life you need more luck.

"If you play at difficult place and control the game, we created enough but didn't score enough. Everyone is talking about Champions League, we didn't. We talk about playing good football and fighting for a European place. That is the key."

Much-needed win for Albion

It has been a big afternoon for West Brom, who are now eight points clear of the bottom three after their deserved win at in-form Palace. With a run-in from hell featuring games against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal (as well as Newcastle) they desperately needed the points today. And they got them courtesy of a cracking goal-scoring start to both halves.

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West Brom goalscorer James Morrison: "We worked hard during the week on being hard to beat and it worked today. We will try and get to 40 points, that is our target. We have a some good games coming up and we look forward to that."

Team News

Chelsea make two changes from the side who beat QPR last time out in the Premier League as Kurt Zouma and Oscar start with Ramires & Willian on bench.

Luke Shaw, Radamel Falcao and Paddy McNair are brought in for Manchester United, who are without the injured quartet of Michael Carrick, Daley Blind, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo. Striker Robin van Persie is included on the substitutes bench.

Chelsea XI: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta, Zouma, Matic, Oscar, Fabregas, Hazard, Drogba.

United XI: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, McNair, Shaw, Mata, Rooney, Herrera, Young, Fellaini, Falcao

Follow the game from Stamford Bridge in its own live page here.

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Matt, London: Palace in a nutshell. From achieving the seemingly impossible last week, to failing to achieve what should be relatively within their grasp this time around. West Brom are a respectable side but Palace should very much be able to compete with them if they are able to out-muscle and out-heart a team like Manchester City.

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FULL-TIME

The 10 men of Bournemouth thought they had this game won. But Chris Maguire's penalty has denied them a win and top spot in the division. This twisty, turny Championship promotion chase takes another swerve.

GOAL

More drama. Atdhe Nuhiu goes down in the area to give Sheffield Wednesday one last chance to ruin the Bournemouth party. Chris Maguire steps up and slots home the resulting spot-kick. The Cherries were top. They are not anymore.

Battle at the bottom

The battle at the bottom is turning into an almighty tussle. Leicester's win today (meaning they have won three top-flight games on the spin for the first time since 2000) has taken them off the bottom for the first time since November. They are now level on points with 17th-placed Hull and only in the bottom three on goal difference (one goal to be precise) and are just a point behind Sunderland.

Burnley's defeat to Everton means they replace Leicester at the foot, with QPR 19th. Both the bottom two have 26 points.

Full-time scores

FULL-TIME

PLAYER REACTION

PA

Leicester City striker Leonardo Ulloa: "I am happy because it is a very good result but now we need to think about the next game.

"It is a very important result. We believe and the fans believe we will stay in the Premier League but we have to go from game to game."

FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME

Burnley are bottom of the league for the first time since November thanks to Leicester's win.

Championship update

Mark Mitchener at the Goldsands Stadium

BBC Sport

"The sun is shining on Bournemouth today, in all senses.

"Minutes after losing defender Simon Francis to a second yellow card, the Cherries won a free-kick 25 yards out and it was tapped to Matt Ritchie who fired an unstoppable rocket into the top corner.

"If Eddie Howe's men can hold on for five minutes plus stoppages, they're going back to the top of the table."

Football League update

Championship: What a big goal for Bournemouth. Huge. They only have 10 men, but a wonderful strike from Matt Ritchie has put them 2-1 in front against Sheffield Wednesday. The Cherries, who have never played in English football's top flight, are heading top of the Championship.

Toby Alderweireld leaves the field on a stretcher, he needed oxygen too. A nasty one. We think it was a heavy landing which did the damage. Saints down to 10 men for the finale.

PA

We are into injury time at Selhurst Park. Palace are pushing for a goal but it would take a miracle for them to claim even a point here. Glenn Murray has a pop but puts his shot high and wide.

A long, long stoppage as Saints defender Toby Alderweireld needs treatment. A fairly innocuous clash at first viewing but the stretcher was called for and he's still down.

FULL-TIME

Chris Sutton

Former Norwich, Blackburn and Celtic striker, Final Score

"Fair play to Leicester, over the course of this game they deserve this."

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

Getty Images

"There was a fumble from Fabianski from Cambiasso's free-kick and Andy King was the first to react. It looked to be an easy save, it wasn't. There was pace on the ball, it bounced two or three in front of Fabianksi and King got his goal. It's 2-0 and that should be game over."

Football League updates

Championship: Bournemouth will go top with a win, but it is currently 1-1 at the Goldsands Stadium. But Eddie Howe's side will have to play for the last few minutes with only 10 men after full-back Simon Francis was sent off for a second bookable offence.

A hat-trick from Rudy Gestede has taken Blackburn 3-2 in front against Nottingham Forest.

Sitter!

Two sitters in one game! Steven N'Zonzi missed an open goal in the first half and now Peter Crouch joins the club. Stoke break as Saints pile men forwards, Jon Walters lays it on a plate for Crouch and he quite literally has the entire goal to aim at. He slides it wide!

GOAL

Getty Images

A big goal. A huge goal. A massive goal for Leicester. Esteban Cambiasso hits a free-kick from the edge of the box towards goal and when Lukasz Fabianski parries it, Andy King is on hand to side-foot in and spark an almighty celebration in the King Power. Leicester are coming off the bottom of the table for the first time since November courtesy of a third win in a row.

Conor McNamara

BBC commentator

"Leicester have not won three games in a row in the Premier League since 2000."

Football League updates

Championship: Wigan need to win to stay up. They may just survive to fight another day. It is 2-1 at the DW Stadium thanks to a vital goal from James Perch.

What a sensational game at Huddersfield. Tom Ince has linked up with Darren Bent and scored his second of the game. The score there. Huddersfield 4, Derby 4. Leeds were winning. Now they are losing. Yoni Buyens's penalty takes Charlton 2-1 ahead.

League One: Colchester have turned it around against Scunthorpe. The U's were 1-0 down, now they are 2-1 up. MK Dons lead 6-1 against Leyton Orient.

Palace have the ball in the net as Yaya Sanogo taps in from Papa Souare's cross. But the flag is up for offside against the striker. It is Sanogoal.

Burnley are still in the game somehow and Danny Ings has a chance to level it up! A free header seven yards out - and he puts it over. If you want to play for a top side you need to be bagging those...

Championship update

Mark Mitchener at the Goldsands Stadium

BBC Sport

"Yann Kermorgant has raised the roof here on the south coast, deftly heading Matt Ritchie's cross past Chris Kirkland to level for Bournemouth - minutes after the home fans were howling at referee Paul Tierney for not awarding a penalty.

"Kenwyne Jones is on for the Cherries, who have three up front - stand by for a grandstand final 20 minutes."

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"This could be the most important five minutes of Leicester's season."

PA

Leicester knocking on the door again as Riyad Mahrez cuts inside from the left and fires a low shot that is creeping in to the bottom corner until Lukasz Fabianki dives down to save. Five minutes to go.

GOAL

PA

Charlie Adam grabs a late goal to put Stoke ahead! Ryan Shawcross was possibly offside in the build-up but after Jon Walters had a shot blocked, Adam brings the loose ball down with a fine touch before hitting a bobbling shot into the ground and into the net.

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"Ashley Williams has not got any of the ball. Vardy goes over, there is a little bit of a push, I have seen them given, Swansea got away with that one."

Getty Images

Around 10 minutes to go at the King Power. Leicester could, and probably should, have this game wrapped up. But there is a nervousness about them now every time Swansea come forward. They are so close to a potentially huge win. Of course they are going to be a bit nervous.

Football League updates

Championship: Charlton have equalised against Leeds thanks to a goal from ex-Celtic striker Tony Watt. 1-1. It is a seven-goal thriller at the John Smith's Stadium. Huddersfield were 3-1 up, Derby pulled it back to 3-3, but Nahki Wells has put the hosts 4-3 ahead.

Massive - Yann Kermorgant has levelled for Bournemouth in their home game against Sheffield Wednesday - it is 1-1 there.

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Martin Jones/Twitter

Martin Jones: This sums up the second half at Ewood Park. They were there for 15 minutes.

Spotting two birds is the highlight of a game with four goals? Must have been a brilliant first half...

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PENALTY APPEAL

Leicester feel they should have a spot-kick as Jamie Vardy breaks into the box and tumbles after nipping the ball past Ashley Williams. The referee, though, waves away the appeals.

PA

Still Everton can't put Burnley away. Leighton Baines' free-kick goes through to Gareth Barry but he miscues an effort on goal. Tame. Saved.

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"Leicester missed a few chances at the beginning of the second-half and they might have gone two or three in front. Swansea are now on top and feel like they are still in the game."

The second goal has completely deflated Palace. It is clear at the moment that West Brom need this win more than the home side. The Baggies are taking all that palace can throw at them with ease. At the other end, Julian Speroni has to be quick off his line to save a shot from Saido Berahino.

Football League / Conference updates

PA Wire

League One: Steve Cotterill's Bristol City are currently on course to get the point they need to win the League One title. It is goalless in their game against Coventry.

League Two: Tranmere are bottom. They are staying there as they trail 3-0 at home to Oxford United.

Conference: It is could be a double celebration in Bristol. Bristol Rovers are heading top of the Conference as they lead at Dover, while Barnet, who started the day in first position, are 1-0 down at Kidderminster.

Team News

Kurt Zouma starts in midfield for leaders Chelsea in the late game, while Radamel Falcao gets a rare start up front for an injury-hit Manchester United. Wayne Rooney goes into midfield.

Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Matic, Oscar, Fabregas, Hazard, Drogba

Man Utd: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, McNair, Shaw, Mata, Rooney, Herrera, Young, Fellaini, Falcao

GREAT SAVE!

A glorious chance for Leicester to all but seal the three points is spurned, largely thanks to Swans keeper Lukasz Fabianski. Jamie Vardy tears away and up to the edge of the Swansea box with the ball, which he lays off to Riyad Mahrez, who is denied by quick movement and even faster reflexes from the away keeper.

Latest scores

Reuters

A loan move is as good as a rest, as the old saying goes. Aaron Lennon looks a new man in an Everton shirt, he's had more shots this afternoon than in his last few seasons at Spurs combined. Another good drive from 20 yards is gathered in by Tom Heaton. Everton still only one up though against the 10 men.

Southampton need a win today to keep up their hopes of a top-four spot, and Stoke are there for the taking. Can they find a winner in the final 20 minutes?

SUBSTITUTION

Goalscorer Leonardo Ulloa is withdrawn and replaced by Riyad Mahrez. Ulloa gets a warm embrace from his manager. No wonder, as his goal is currently winning this game for the Foxes.

Football League updates

Championship: Derby were 3-1 down at half-time, now it is 3-3 in their game at Huddersfield. Jesse Lingard, on loan from Manchester United, makes it all square at the John Smith's Stadium.

League One: A day to forget for Leyton Orient fans, as their side are being thrashed 5-0 at the moment. Thirty minutes left for MK Dons to score some more.

League Two: Lucas Akins has scored twice to put Burton 2-0 in front at Morecambe. Burton will go up if they win and either Wycombe or Bury fail to do so. Bury are 1-0 up at Portsmouth, but Wycombe's game at AFC Wimbledon is still goalless.

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"What an unbelievable save by Kasper Schmeichel. I have said before he is a chip of the old block. How many times did we see his dad Peter do that."

GREAT SAVE!

Leicester could really do with a second if they want to seal another key win. They ride their luck as Nelson Oliviera jinks into the box and into a position that leaves him with just Kaspar Schmeichel to beat. In typical Schmeichel style, the keeper spreads like a big starfish and blocks the shot to preserve the home lead.

Leighton Baines to hit one! Great strike from the England left-back, true and hard but Tom Heaton makes the stop.

Championship update

Kalika Mehta at Vicarage Road

BBC Sport

"Substitute Ikechi Anya provides a perfect cross and Craig Catchart hit the ball on the volley over his shoulder and into the back of the net to put Watford ahead.

"An almighty release of nervousness, frustration and tension and jubilation as the Hornets finally take the lead after an afternoon of domination."

Getty Images

Palace need something fast if they are to get back into this game. Substitute Papa Souare almost provides it as his cross loops wayward of its intended target and threatens the goal before dropping on to its roof.

SUBSTITUTION

Everton still looking for the second goal their dominance merits, and they bring on record signing Romelu Lukaku up top. Not what you want to see as a Clarets defender.

Burnley have now gone six hours without a goal.

Football League updates

Championship: Watford started the day third, but could end it top of the table. With Bournemouth losing 1-0 at home to Sheffield Wednesday, Watford have just gone in front against Birmingham thanks to a volley from Craig Cathcart.

League One: Too-little, too late for already-relegated Yeovil, who lead 1-0 at promotion-chasing Swindon through James Berrett's goal.

CLOSE!

Sadio Mane has been brilliant for the Saints today and he almost has the visitors ahead again, skipping away down the right and rounding Asmir Begovic before picking out Dusan Tadic in the middle. Tadic has two defenders on the line to beat and he can't do it, a tame effort really kicked off the line.

Latest scores

Football League updates

Championship: A thrilling game at the St John's Stadium. It is Huddersfield 3-2 Derby. Simon Dawkins has pulled one back for the Rams. Wigan have conceded an equaliser against Brighton, which could be the goal that takes the Latics down. In other scores, Leeds lead 1-0 at Charlton, and it is 2-2 in the match between Blackburn and Nottingham Forest.

League Two: Carlisle are heading towards League Two safety. Billy Paynter's goal makes it 2-0 against Plymouth. But it is worrying times for bottom-placed Tranmere. Kemar Roofe's goal early in the second half gives Oxford a 1-0 advantage, which is instantly doubled to 2-0 with Danny Rose adding a second.

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"Three chances in the first ten minutes of the second-half for Leicester but they have failed to take any of them. They should be out of sight here."

PA

Leicester go close to a second goal. Jamie Vardy provides the cross and Leornardo Ulloa loops a header on to the roof of the net.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Oh, what a good chance for Palace to hit back straight away, and Dwight Gayle misses it! A cross is swung in superbly from the left. It is missed by Glenn Murray at the near post and looks certain to be tucked in by Gayle from six yards but somehow he lifts his shot against the bar and over.

CLOSE!

That should be 2-0! Aaron Lennon again does well for Everton down their left this time, he puts it on a plate for James McCarthy - who side-foots wide from sic yards. A gimme.

FA CUP semi-final

The teams have just been announced for this afternoon's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

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Kevin Mirallas can count himself lucky to still be on the field. Burnley can count themselves lucky to still be in the game. Arouna Kone should at the very least hit the target after more good work down the left, he swivels and lashes over the top.

Chris Sutton

Former Norwich, Blackburn and Celtic striker, Final Score

"That's a leg-breaker from Mirallas. It is a disgraceful challenge. The referee has bottled it. I don't know how he can give it as a yellow card if he has seen it."

GOAL

PA

As in the first 45 minutes, West Brom strike early. Craig Gardner latches on to a loose ball following a corner and unleashing a peach of a drive from 25 yards that beats the diving Julian Speroni and finds the net. This could be a huge win for the Baggies, who will move eight points clear of the bottom three. Palace have a mountain to climb.

Former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane

Final Score

"Kevin Mirallas should be sent off. That's a really bad tackle and it should be 10 against 10. Poor refereeing."

YELLOW CARD

It's not your day Burnley! A miscued corner goes right through the six-yard box, hits Phil Jagielka on the back and pops up into Tim Howard's hands. Anywhere else and it is a goal!

Kevin Mirallas is then booked for a very poor challenge indeed. He is high and wild on George Boyd. That could very easily be a red card. Nasty, nasty foul.

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"If Leicester can get three points today and results go their way, they can climb out of the bottom three. Three points mean more for Leicester than Swansea today."

Andrej Kramaric has not exactly set the league on fire since joining Leicester for a weighty fee in January but he is a yard or two away from making it 2-0 at the King Power as he strides forward with the ball, cuts on to his right foot and then curls an effort just past the post.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Reuters

Everton close to a second as Arouna Kone extends a leg to divert a Kevin Mirallas cross against the base of the post via the feet of Tom Heaton. A second Everton goal would surely signal game over. Burnley down to 10 men remember.

SUBSTITUTION

Leicester have also had to make a change as Ritchie de Laet on for Marcin Wasilewski. It doesn't halt the flow of the game though, which is heading firmly in the direction of the Swansea goal. Marc Albrighton turns in the box but drags his shot a yard past the post.

Former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane

Final Score

"You can't take any chances with that. You just want Kelvin Davis to tip it over the bar but he hasn't done his job. Mame Diouf reacted well to finish it to be fair, but it's poor from Davis."

Chris Sutton

Former Norwich, Blackburn and Celtic striker, Final Score

"You can argue the Southampton defenders could have reacted better, but they would have expected their goalkeeper to do better."

SUBSTITUTION

Palace boss Alan Pardew clearly feels his side need something different as he makes a double change. On come Dwight Gayle and Pape Souare for Joe Ledley and Mile Jedinak.

GOAL

PA

It's a terrible goal for Kelvin Davis to look back on as Stoke level instantly! Steven N'Zonzi chips a hopeful ball into the box, Davis in the Saints goal misreads it and the ball hits the top of the crossbar and bounces back into the goalmouth. Mame Diouf latches on to it and cracks it in on the bounce.

KICK-OFF

We are back under way in the Premier League...

SUBSTITUTION

Charlie Adam on at half-time for Stoke. He'll definitely shoot from wherever he gets the ball...

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge

"West London is bathed in glorious sunshine and thousands of fans are already milling around outside Stamford Bridge ahead of Premier League leaders' Chelsea's meeting with Manchester United.

"Jose Mourinho may be the master now as Chelsea hold a seven-point advantage over Arsenal at the top of the table with a game in hand but his one-time mentor at Barcelona Louis van Gaal may just think the door to the title has been pushed slightly ajar if United can win here and reduce the gap on Chelsea to five points."

Chelsea

Don't forget there are two rather large games still to come this afternoon...

Championship update

Mark Mitchener at the Goldsands Stadium

BBC Sport

"Kieran Lee's headed goal for mid-table Wednesday threatens to put a dampener on Bournemouth's promotion hopes.

"It needed the goal to kick the hosts into gear - Harry Arter then had a fierce shot tipped over by Owls replacement keeper Chris Kirkland, while Eddie Howe's side finished the half well. In the six minutes of stoppage time, they forced three corners and had a penalty appeal waved away.

"Bournemouth will take heart from Easter Monday, when they roared back from 2-0 down to beat Birmingham 4-2. But it was a 4-2 Wednesday win exactly a year ago today which ultimately derailed last season's play-off push. Can lightning strike twice?"

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Plenty of views on Ashley Barnes' red card...

Aidan Williams: The first yellow was rubbish. Fair enough on the second. Shouldn't be off the pitch though, well except for half time.

Tokunbo: Stupid tackle just before half-time. Game management skills = 0!!

Sarah Morgan: Kudos to the referee who finally knows Ashley Barnes red card offence when he sees one - got away with two this season!

Munch Veevers: Burnley should be in the running for England's Unluckiest Team. Mirallas's goal, Barnes sent off whilst Barkley remains safe.

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It has the feel of and-of-season dead rubber at Stoke, but Saints are just two points behind Manchester City and fourth place as it stands.

Saints in the Champions League?

Football League updates

Championship: Derby were leading, but are now 3-1 behind at Huddersfield. Mark Hudson headed in a corner for Huddersfield's second before Reece James added a third. It is also a lively match at Brentford. The hosts were 1-0 up versus Bolton, but were pegged back by a goal from Adam Le Fondre. But the scores were only level for three minutes as Brentford captain Jonathan Douglas restored their lead. 2-1 to Brentford.

League Two: Mansfield are not safe just yet. And two goals from Sullay Kaikai sees them 2-0 down at Cambridge. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's promotion party may be delayed. A Bury win would mean Hasselbaink's Burton would have to wait to secure promotion, and Ryan Lowe's goal just before half-time has put the Shakers 1-0 up away at Portsmouth.

Former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane

Final Score

"Burnley have had a couple of chances to get back into the game and Gareth Barry has made some important challenges. But Everton are on top really, they've been causing Burnley problems."

At the bottom

Just to clarify, as it stands Leicester are up to 18th in the Premier League table, in the drop zone only on goal difference. Hull are the side watching on nervously.

Burnley are going to the bottom of the table, with QPR the meat in a relegation sandwich.

Half-time scores

HALF-TIME

Burnley a goal down and a man down. Down?

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

MOTD's Simon Brotherton at the King Power

"A standing ovation for the home side. A strong performance from Leicester, with the fans and players singing off the same hymn sheet. It is a lead the home side richly deserve. There was not much for Swansea to enjoy in the first half apart from the sunshine."

RED CARD

Reuters

Stupid, stupid stuff. Ashley Barnes is on a booking and slides in on Seamus Coleman on the halfway line, it's a red card all day long.

There was no need to slide in. It's one thing defending from the front but a wise head needed.

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"Leicester want to get into half-time in front, they deserve the lead, for the first 25 minutes they were absolutely outstanding. Swansea started to come back into it. The next goal will be absolutely pivotal."

HALF-TIME

Palace are still plugging away in search of an equaliser. The ball falls for the bearded Mile Jedinak on an angle in the box but his shot goes flies over the bar.

SITTER!

What a miss! The Potteries need to open up and swallow Steven N'Zonzi, who has just missed an absolute sitter.

The hosts work a neat free-kick, it's headed on and the midfielder is unmarked three yards out. Pretty much any contact and it's a goal but the ball rolls off his ankle and goes wide. He hangs his head in shame.

Football League updates

Getty Images

Championship: Brentford's Alex Pritchard converts from Andre Gray's cross to put the Bees ahead against Bolton. But bad news for another play-off hopeful as Derby have conceded an equaliser at Huddersfield, where it is now 1-1. Bournemouth will go top with a win. But they will have to come from behind to do so as Kieran Lee (pictured) has put Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 ahead.

League One: Leyton Orient have collapsed. They trail 4-0 at MK Dons, with all four goals coming in a 15-minute spell.

League Two: Carlisle are fighting to stay in the Football League, Plymouth aiming for three points to stay in the play-offs. But it is going to be an unhappy, long journey home for the Argyle fans if this stays the same. They trail 1-0 after Gary Dicker's goal for the hosts.

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"Swansea are coming back into the game and are enjoying longer spells of possession. Sigurdsson and Shelvey are trying to probe. I would like to see more from Oliveira."

Leicester fancy a second before the break. Wes Morgan, of all people, pops up on the right and finds Marc Albrighton, whose cross is swung in but met by a desperate defensive header from Ashley Williams. The home crowd roar their approval. Leicester have been very good this half.

"Four four two" shouts Nigel Pearson. Four four two, he repeatedly brandishes with his fingers. I think he wants his team to play four four two.

PA

Danny Ings appears to have an injury for Burnley, that would be bad news. But he's back on his feet and fashions an opening for Ashley Barnes, who is closed down by a brilliant sliding tackle from Gareth Barry.

Ings is not 100%, but maybe a 60% fit Ings is better for the Clarets than anyone else?

Former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane

Final Score

"Tony Pulis has been a master of defending deep at all the clubs he's been to over the years. West Brom are doing well but Glenn Murray just set up a great chance (see 15:34) for Crystal Palace."

Championship update

Kalika Mehta at Vicarage Road

BBC Sport

"Vicarage Road erupts in jubilation as the crowd are convinced Matej Vydra has scored but the striker's shot into the ground in fact thunders off the crossbar.

"The nerves of the crowd are clearly evident and they are almost trying to will the ball into the net. Watford are on top but Birmingham are keeping plenty of men behind the ball and thus far protecting their goal well."

Getty Images

Swansea have steadied the ship a bit at Leicester. It would have been a big ask for the home side to keep up the frantic attacking pace they set in the opening quarter. However, Garry Monk's side have yet to really test Kasper Schmeichel.

Sadio Mane is the best player on the park and the Saints frontman spins out of one challenge and perfectly plays in right-back Nathaniel Clyne. Clyne gallops into the box but he's well closed down and can only slice over.

Moon-like at the Britannia today. No atmosphere.

Palace are trailing but they are doing all the attacking at Selhurst Park. Joel Ward's cross is flicked on by Glenn Murray and acrobatically hit by an overhead kick from Yannick Bolasie, but saved. Much more of this and the home side won't be trailing for long.

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"It was a fast start from Leicester, they came out flying, surprised Swansea and got the all important goal. Swansea are now probing to see if they can get back into the game before half-time."

Football League updates

Championship: Wigan are clinging on to their Championship status. Tim Chow, on his full debut, has scored for the Latics against Brighton. Wigan will be relegated if they fail to win, but at the minute they are leading 1-0.

League One: Will Grigg has made it 3-0 to MK Dons against Leyton Orient, who have conceded three goals in seven minutes. Next-to-bottom Colchester trail 1-0 at home to Scunthorpe, Theo Robinson the goalscorer.

League Two: It could be promotion for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink today. His Burton side have missed a penalty in their game at Morecambe, but Lucas Akins (pictured) has put Hasselbaink's men ahead.

PA

Latest scores

What a chance to equalise! Burnley now break through but Dave Jones puts his shot on the run way over the bar. Great chance.

Football League updates

League One: Two goals in three minutes for MK Dons in their vital game against Leyton Orient. The O's will drop into the bottom four with a defeat, while MK Dons are aiming to move within one point of second-placed Preston. Dean Bowditch put MK Dons ahead before Lewis Baker, on loan from Chelsea, added a second.

League Two: An eventful day for Accrington. A player sent off, then they took the lead, now they have conceded a penalty, which Stevenage's Simon Walton converted to make it 1-1.

A break in play allows Nigel Pearson to give his team some instructions on the touchline. His swipes his arms, he points and leaves them in no uncertain terms what he wants. On the Pearson anger-o-meter it's a calm 3.

Former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane

Final Score

"Kevin Mirallas was so lucky it's unreal (see 15:28). It came off his shin, off his knee, but came back into his path and it's a simple finish in the end."

Former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane

Final Score

"I don't think that's a penalty (see 15:26). Craig Gardner tuned his back on the ball but Wilfried Zaha is waiting for the foul. He has to go after the ball."

GOAL

Reuters

Everton now do take the lead and it's no more than they deserve. Seamus Coleman pulls the ball over from the right, Arouna Kone runs over the ball and Kevin Mirallas slams it home from close range. He air-kicks his first shot but has time to let the ball bounce and fire it in.

John Hartson

Former Wales striker

"This Leicester run is a statement for the board members and chairman who made a big decision to keep Nigel Pearson when they were under all sorts of pressure. They showed a lot of patience and they are on the verge of a massive turnaround. They look like they are not going to get beat the way they have started here today."

PA

Stoke now coming back into the game after a dominant spell from the hosts. Plenty of huff and puff but not much in the way of quality.

Palace are seeking parity at Selhurst Park. Yannick Bolasie, who scored a hat-trick last week, turns and shoots but Boaz Myhill saves. Moments later, Craig Gardner appears to foul Wilfried Zaha in the box as a ball is swung to the back post but the referee doesn't agree with the home fans' screams for a spot-kick.

Swansea's first real attack sees Jonjo Shelvey blaze over from range after Gylfi Sigurdsson's shot from the edge of the box is blocked.

Former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane

Final Score

"It's Morgan Schneiderlin's goal (see 15:21). It was an underhit corner but Jose Fonte made something of it by attacking the ball. His header was on target but it's definitely Schneiderlin's goal."

Championship update

Mark Mitchener at the Goldsands Stadium

BBC Sport

"Bournemouth are looking for the win which would take them back to the top of the Championship - but the visitors have lost two players to injury before a quarter of an hour was played.

"Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, named on the team sheet, is presumed to have picked up an injury in the warm-up as he was replaced by substitute Chris Kirkland before kick-off - while midfielder Sam Hutchinson limped off with an apparent hamstring strain in the 14th minute. Hot and sunny here, but no clear-cut chances at either end."

YELLOW CARD

When is a tackle not a tackle? Burnley forward Ashley Barnes is booked for a sliding tackle from behind on James McCarthy, he is nowhere near making contact with the midfielder but is booked anyway. For intent I presume.

Football League updates

Championship: Steve McClaren's Derby side are aiming to secure a play-off spot, and a stunning Tom Ince's long-range strike has given them a 1-0 lead at Huddersfield.

League One: Rochdale are hoping to reach the League One play-offs. It is not going to plan though, as they trail to Bradley Dack's goal for Gillingham. Crewe and Peterborough are also 1-0 ahead against Walsall and Barnsley respectively. Crawley lead against fellow strugglers Notts County, Kelly Youga the goalscorer.

League Two: They are down to 10-men, but that has not stopped Accrington. They are 1-0 up versus sixth-placed Stevenage. It is a miserable day for Hartlepool. They are 2-0 behind at Luton.

Leicester have drawn Swan blood and are going in for the kill. Marc Albrighton cuts in from the right and curls a left-footed shot just past the far post.

GOAL

Getty Images

Great goal poaching! Jose Fonte heads on a corner from the right, it's on its way in but Morgan Schneiderlin can smell a goal bonus and stretches in to tap it over the line from inches out. Saints into a deserved lead.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Tokunbo: Why is Leighton Baines not taking the penalties?

Andy Boland: Seriously what are Everton playing at? Continually ignoring one of the best penalty takers in the league.

IAMstan: Everton players should just let Baines take them. He's one of the best from the spot.

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PENALTY APPEAL

A vociferous penalty appeal from West Brom players as Mile Jedinak appears to haul Victor Anichebe down but referee Jonathan Moss waves it away.

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"Really big goal for Leicester. Centre back Wes Morgan playing like a centre forward was big and strong and touched the ball into Ulloa's path who smashes it past Fabianksi from eight yards out. Morgan was excellent, he played like a big target man."

CLOSE!

Everton looking really dangerous now, Aaron Lennon has impressed since arriving on loan from Spurs and he goes close to another goal in the blue shirt. Again he drives at the heart of the Burnley defence and lets off an early shot, low and hard and just wide.

Leicester are up to 18th as it stands courtesy of that Leonardo Ulloa goal. QPR are currently bottom of the table, with Burnley sandwiched between the two. Only goal difference is keeping Hull out of it and Sunderland are only a point clear of points parity with the Tigers and Foxes. What a battle at the bottom this is shaping up to be.

Former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane

Final Score

"Leicester have got the goal and now they are absolutely flying. It's suited them playing against a team of Swansea's style today."

CLOSE!

Southampton beginning to settle down and they craft a nice move, Sadio Mane feeding the ball through to Graziano Pelle who is on the move, he gets ahead of his marker and shoots into the side-netting.

Chris Sutton

Former Norwich, Blackburn and Celtic striker, Final Score

"It could be a massive result for Leicester. But they deserve to be in the lead as they have started the match with so much aggression."

Leighton Baines did not get the chance to score from the spot but he goes close from open play, smashing in a shot from the angle which Tom Heaton has to push over his head, volleyball style.

Latest scores

Football League updates

Championship: Well, Blackburn's lead did not last long. Michail Antonio has equalised for Nottingham Forest to make it 1-1, with two goals inside the first seven minutes at Ewood Park. Fulham will take a big step towards safety if they win at Blackpool. Matt Smith's eighth-minute header has put the London side in front.

League Two: Shrewsbury are pushing for promotion and a Mark Ellis header has put them ahead against York City.

GOAL

PA

It was bound to happen. Leonardo Ulloa was only drafted in at the last minute to replace David Nugent, who was injured in the warm-up. And he latches on to a loose ball in the box in a flash after Wes Morgan shields it from Ashley Williams. The striker sprints over to celebrate with the bench. It is a deserved goal for Leicester, who have started this game looking every inch a side who have won their last two games.

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Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"Everton once again wisely ignoring the claims of one of the Premier League's finest penalty takers in Leighton Baines. Is it decided by stone, paper, scissors?"

PENALTY APPEAL

Southampton's first meaningful attack of the match and they are left shouting for a penalty as Sadio Mane goes down on the edge of the area after being bumped by Stephen Ireland. A tight call whether it was in or out but it doesn't matter as play is waved on.

Former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane

Final Score

"Justice is done. Dave Jones' tackle was outside the box, Aaron Lennon's momentum took him inside. What a great save it was though (see 15:10). I don't know why Leighton Baines isn't taking the penalties."

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Mohamed Khalaf: It's almost as if Palace enjoy coming back from behind. They seem to always start the game sleeping.

John Pierce: Mirallas looks totally unbothered. Not impressed.

Dom: Palace to come back and win 10-1.

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Crystal Palace are trying to respond after the shell-shocking opening of going behind so early. James McArthur turns neatly inside on to his left foot but can only curl a tame shot into the hands of Boaz Myhill.

MISSED PENALTY

PA

Leighton Baines does not take the spot-kick and Everton will wish he had! Ross Barkley strikes the penalty and hits it firmly but it's not in the corner and Tom Heaton makes a diving a save. Burnley will feel justice was done.

PENALTY to Everton

Aaron Lennon on a driving run, Dave Jones puts a tackle in and the referee gives the spot-kick! A yard outside the box for my money.

Football League updates

Championship: Rudy Gestede's header has given Blackburn an early lead against Nottingham Forest.

League Two: Nicky Hunt has been sent off for Accrington inside the first five minutes for violent conduct in their game at home against play-off hopefuls Stevenage. Sullay Kaikai's goal has given Cambridge an early lead against Mansfield, while fellow strugglers Hartlepool are 1-0 down at Luton thanks to a goal from Cameron McGeehan.

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"Swansea's problem is they can't get out of their own half. They need an out-ball and can't find it right now. They can't settle. The first five minutes have been all Leicester, Swansea have hardly had a touch."

It remains all Leicester against Swansea. Jordi Amat's booking puts him in a tricky predicament against the elusive Jamie Vardy. He daren't put in a tackle and allows the cross to come over but thankfully for the away side a man in the middle is able to head clear before Leonardo Ulloa can get there.

Steven N'Zonzi has piled a shot well over the top in the early stages for Stoke, while Southampton look to settle into their usual pattern of play. Both full-backs pushing well up.

Chris Sutton

Former Norwich, Blackburn and Celtic striker, Final Score

"It was Jason Puncheon, who is not renowned for his defensive qualities, at fault as Morrison ran off him for a free header."

Former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane

Final Score

"There was nobody in the area to head clear for Crystal Palace. James Morrison gave Jason Puncheon the slip and it was a free header. An easy goal for West Brom (see 15:01)."

Leicester have started in fifth gear. Jordi Amat is booked for a foul that allows the home side to swing in a cross that is met by Leonardo Ulloa but not with sufficient power to direct it goalwards. Soon after, Esteban Cambiasso turns well but is blocked before he can get away a shot on the edge of the box.

Getty Images

A very lively start from Ross Barkley: Tackles, neat touches and now a good run and shot from 22 yards, but the England man drags it wide from range.

Stoke forward Jon Walters is playing in a protective face mask and he's already had it pulled off in a very physical confrontation with Ryan Bertrand. Watch this space.

Former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane

Final Score

"Leonardo Ulloa would have been gutted he wasn't down to start the game, so it'll be interesting to see his reaction. They've started really brightly though Leicester, they're straight on the front foot."

Ulloa was a late addition to the Leicester line-up, after David Nugent suffered an injury in the warm-up.

GOAL

Getty Images

What a start for West Brom. The Baggies are bouncing as a corner is allowed to reach James Morrison completely unmarked in the box to head home from eight yards out. Awful defending. Simple finish. That is a goal.

Ross Barkley lets them know he's there early doors! A really heavy challenge in midfield and he's lucky not to be booked inside 25 seconds. Maybe he is the new Gazza after all.

Monk for manager of the year

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"Swansea manager Garry Monk has been outstanding. For me he is right up there for manager of the year especially when you look at the resources he has at Swansea. I'm sure they will give it to Jose Mourinho but Garry should be right up there and spoken about. Swansea have already got a record-equalling 47 points but they will want to push on here today at Leicester."

Getty Images

Leicester aren't hanging around. In the first 10 seconds, Jamie Vardy makes a charge at the Swansea box and is halted just before he reaches it by a tentative tackle from Federico Fernandez.

KICK-OFF

And we are under way in the 3pm kick-offs in the Premier League and up and down the country in the Football League. This show is very much on the road.

Chris Sutton

Former Norwich, Blackburn and Celtic striker, Final Score

"Roberto Martinez has used the fact Everton were in the Europa League as an excuse for their poor league form, but they have not been good enough this season. If you want to be a top manager you play in Europe and get on with it.

"I like the job Sean Dyche has done at Burnley. They have to win an away game some time, so why not today?"

Teams are leaving dressing rooms and making their way towards grass across the country as I type. The next 90 or so minutes could go a long way to sculpting the battle at the bottom of the Premier League over the remaining weeks of the season. It promises to be a gripping afternoon. In short: go nowhere.

Chris Sutton

Former Norwich, Blackburn and Celtic striker, Final Score

"West Brom have a really tough run-in, so they need a point or two to be safe.

"Tony Pulis did a fantastic job at Crystal Palace and I was sad to see him go from there."

Former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane

Final Score

"West Brom have been so dreadful and wide open in their past few games, which you don't expect from a Tony Pulis side. All of a sudden that has put them back into the mire, but I do think they'll still be OK. The bottom three have got too much to do to catch them up."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Carl: Can anyone not see West Bromwich Albion getting sucked in with their run in?

Barry Martin: I'm an Aston Villa fan and I'm sure we're safe. Sunderland have no fight when they go behind. No miracle this year, guaranteed to go.

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Lots of positives to take from season

BBC Radio 5 live

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: "If you just look at the results it has been a disappointing season. But I think there will be an awful lot of positivity taken from the season. The club is in a better position than one or two years ago, there has been a steady improvement. I get irritated from all the negativity, I find negative people to be particularly nauseating."

It's a rare day when you can go to Stoke in short sleeves. But today is that day. Belting weather at the Britannia.

MOTD's Steve Bower at the Britannia

"Mark Hughes' Stoke team have taken only one point from the last 12 and are on their longest winless league run of the season. However, Hughes will be determined for the season to not just fade away.

"It can be difficult for players mentally in a situation of total safety. That's why managers continue to set targets. In Hughes' case, he wants to better last season's record Premier League points total of 50.

"Whatever the outcome of Southampton's season, it has been a success, but Ronald Koeman is challenging his players to mark it with a European place."

MOTD's Alistair Mann at Goodison Park

"With the three teams immediately above them in the table not in action this weekend, Burnley could even climb as high as 16th before their rivals play again.

"In order to achieve this enticing target however, they must do something no team has managed in 2015 and beat Everton at Goodison Park.

"The Toffees are in their best form of the campaign, typified by their disappointment in leaving Swansea last weekend with just a point rather than a fourth successive victory they felt they deserved. The 10 points they have gathered in less than a month has quickly dispelled the unlikely threat of relegation."

MOTD's Jonathan Pearce at Selhurst Park

"Selhurst Park will be throbbing. Tony Pulis kept Palace up last season with 38 points from 26 games, while Alan Pardew has saved them this campaign with 25 points from 12 matches after they had picked up just 17 from the previous 20 games.

"Both are heroes at the Holmesdale Road end, both deserve rich praise.

"My head says the Palace run must continue. But you can never rule out a Pulis side when they're in trouble. They need one more win, it wouldn't surprise me if they get it here in a shock victory."

Pearson has got best out his players

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"They have started to win games, when you start to win games it gives the club a lift, suddenly the training ground is a nice place to be. I like Nigel Pearson, he is really passionate, a real man and treats his players right. He has found a way to get the best out of his players, they are on a great run and win today it will be three in a row."

It seems the release of the new Star Wars teaser trailer has prompted a few fans to claim the characters are fans of their own club. There is a Palace colour-adorned stormtrooper and Chewbacca hanging out together at Selhurst Park. Reminds of those scarves you see outside grounds claiming Harry Potter supports your team. This country, as Alan Partridge would say.

Former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane

Final Score

"Swansea were off the pace last week without Bafetimbi Gomis, who remains out injured of course. Leicester have to go out and attack the visitors today, which in truth they've been doing throughout the season, even against the bigger sides."

MOTD's Simon Brotherton at the King Power

"Things have suddenly got interesting in the East Midlands.

"Written off by many in the fight for Premier League survival, Leicester City could conceivably move out of the bottom three this weekend with a win over Swansea.

"It would take a three-goal margin of victory for them to do it, along with Burnley failing to win at Everton, illustrating how quickly things can change at the bottom."

Late change for Leicester

Leicester City

Everyone hates an injury in a warm-up! Poor show.

Leicester have to make a change 20 minutes from kick-off as Leonardo Ulloa replaces the injured David Nugent. Tom Lawrence is added to the bench.

Chris Sutton

Former Norwich, Blackburn and Celtic striker on Final Score

"The last two games for Leicester have been critical. They are a team with confidence and belief. It is a winnable game for Leicester today. They now have goals in them."

Championship preview

Getty Images

Wigan Athletic fans will be remembering the good old days and will be wondering what has happened to their club. Two seasons after beating Manchester City to win the FA Cup at Wembley, Wigan could today be heading down to the third tier of English football.

Gary Caldwell's side will be relegated if they fail to win at home against Brighton. Millwall, five points adrift of safety, travel to Cardiff City. If Millwall lose, Fulham and Brighton can secure safety with wins at already-relegated Blackpool and Wigan respectively.

At the other end of the table, Bournemouth will return to the top if they beat Sheffield Wednesday, although a slip-up from the Cherries could see Watford end the day in first, as long as they defeat Birmingham. With Wolves and Ipswich drawing 1-1 in the earlier game, Brentford will move one point off the play-offs if they beat Bolton. It has been a strange season at Leeds. And it has continued with six players mysteriously withdrawing because of "injury" for their game at Charlton.

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

John Hartson

Former Welsh striker John Hartson has tweeted this picture of Leicester's King Power Stadium ahead of their match against Swansea.

League One preview

PA

What a season it has been for Bristol City. Winners at Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final, already promoted after a 6-0 win at Bradford on Tuesday and on course to become League One champions. One point from their home match against Coventry will be enough for Steve Cotterill's side to take the title.

MK Dons and Swindon are hoping to join Bristol City in the Championship next season and need three points from their home games today against Leyton Orient and already-relegated Yeovil respectively. Rochdale need to win at Gillingham to keep their hopes of reaching the play-offs alive.

There are two big games at the bottom. Colchester entertain Scunthorpe, while Crawley play fellow strugglers Notts County.

'Foxes on the up'

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"There's a real energy to Leicester's play at the moment, which is a great thing to have at this stage of the season. They are on the up, but today have a massive test against a Swansea side who we love watching for their football. Leicester have to go out there and carry on their momentum. If they can get the first goal the crowd will take them through."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Stephen Shaw: I'd love Burnley / Leicester to survive. Trouble is I'm a Sunderland fan. Sorry, I hope you go both down if it means we survive.

Jarvis Whiteley: I'd like to see QPR go down to be honest, as an Arsenal fan I wouldn't mind Wenger trying get Leroy Fer off them! Because he's Premier League standard!

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Foxes sniffing three wins in a row

Leicester must be pretty tired of propping everyone else by now. Well, today they have their best chance in a while of leaping off bottom spot and further towards Premier League safety. If they hammer Swansea this afternoon and results go their way, they could even be out of the bottom three. There is no bigger incentive than that. Their fate could depend on how on-loan striker Nelson Oliviera does for Swansea. With no Bafetimbi Gomis (who has three goals in his last three league appearances), he is the main man for the Swans in attack.

Two weeks ago I thought we were finished

BBC Radio 5 live

Leicester striker David Nugent: "Two weeks ago I would have thought we couldn't stay up but winning the last two games has given us massive belief. It is hard to get back to back wins in the Premier League. Teams around us are having a blip of form. We need these teams to keep slipping up. We have the best run-in and we have to use it to our advantage."

League Two preview

Getty Images

It could be a great day for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Burton Albion. The former Chelsea, Leeds and Middlesbrough striker, could be celebrating promotion today.

His side will be certain of League One football next season if they win at Morecambe and fourth-placed Bury fail to beat Portsmouth away from home. Elsewhere, second-placed Shrewsbury take on York City with Wycombe in third at AFC Wimbledon.

Two sides will be dropping out of the Football League and the bottom three clubs are only separated by two points. Tranmere, without a win in six, are currently bottom and face a must-win clash against Oxford United.Cheltenham and Hartlepool, the two other sides in relegation trouble, are both on their travels, at Northampton and Luton respectively.

Team News

Everton

Everton boss Roberto Martinez names striker Romelu Lukaku on the bench after the Belgian returns from a hamstring injury. The only change from last weekend's draw at Swansea is the recall of Kevin Mirallas in favour of Leon Osman, who was ruled out with a groin injury.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche names an unchanged line-up as his team look to gain only their second Premier League away win of the season. They have only won once at Goodison Park in their last 12 visits.

Everton XI: Howard, Baines, Jagielka (c), Stones, Coleman, Barry, McCarthy, Mirallas, Barkley, Lennon, Kone.

Burnley XI: Heaton; Trippier, Duff, Shackell (c), Mee; Boyd, Arfield, Jones, Barnes; Vokes; Ings.

Pressure is on Arsenal

BBC Radio 5 live

Reading manager Steve Clarke: "We have to play the perfect game with no mistakes and find a way to score a goal. We have to find a way to be more creative. When we get into a good positions we need to produce moments of quality to score.

"We go into the game with a bit of freedom, the pressure is on Arsenal. Everyone expects Arsenal to go though."

Team news

Stoke City

Mame Biram Diouf starts in attack for Stoke as one of three changes from last weekend's draw with West Ham, with Victor Moses out injured for the rest of the season. Stephen Ireland and Erik Pieters also come into the side.

Southampton make two changes for today's visit to Stoke from their win over Hull last time out in the Premier League as Nathaniel Clyne and Dusan Tadic start. Midfielder Victor Wanyama is suspended after receiving his 10th booking of the season.

Stoke XI: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Wollscheid, Pieters; Nzonzi, Whelan; Walters, Ireland, Arnautovic; Diouf.

Southampton XI: K. Davis, Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Yoshida, Bertrand, Schneiderlin, S. Davis, Tadic, Mane, Pelle.

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown

Football Focus

"Alan Pardew is maturing as a manager, he is the happiest I have seen him he is comfortable at Selhurst Park. What he has been saying to the media is solid, he is stable at the place he want to be and the team are benefiting from that."

Team news

Leicester City make three changes from the side which beat West Brom last time out. Defender Marcin Wasilewski, midfielder Andy King and forward Andrej Kramaric replace Ritchie De Laet, Matty James and Leonardo Ulloa.

Swansea are forced into two changes following last week's draw with Everton. Jordi Amat comes if for suspended left-back Neil Taylor, while Benfica loanee Nelson Oliveira replaces injured striker Bafetimbi Gomis.

Leicester XI: Schmeichel, Wasilewski, Huth, Morgan, Albrighton, King, Cambiasso, Schlupp, Nugent, Vardy, Kramaric.

Swansea XI: Fabianski, Rangel, Fernandez, Williams, Amat, Cork, Ki, Shelvey, Sigurdsson, Routledge, Oliveira.

Team News

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew makes just one change to the side that started last week's hammering of Sunderland, with Joe Ledley replacing Pape Souare, who was named on the bench as the Eagles look to equal a top-flight record of five successive wins.

West Brom boss Tony Pulis makes his first return to Selhurst Park since leaving Palace just 48 hours before the start of the season. He makes one change, with Victor Anichebe returning in place of Brown Ideye. Callum McManaman is named on the bench after being ruled out with heel and foot injuries since 7 March.

Crystal Palace XI: Speroni; Ward, Delaney, Dann, Ledley; Bolasie, Jedinak, McArthur, Zaha; Puncheon; Murray.

West Brom XI: Myhill, Dawson, McAuley, Lescott, Brunt, Gardner, Fletcher, Yacob, Morrison, Berahino, Anichebe.

Former England defender Stuart Pearce

BBC Radio 5 live at Molineux

"A really frustrating tie for the two managers. They were just trying to summon that little bit more out of their players in those closing stages. Over the 90 minutes Wolves showed a bit more cutting edge but neither team deserved to win, a draw's a fair result. How will that influence the play-off places? Well we'll know in two games' time."

FULL-TIME

Game over. And potentially season over for Wolves. They huffed and puffed but Ipswich's house was well set out and built of brick. There was little between these two sides over this 90 minutes but, crucially, there remains three points and the play-off cut-off line between them with two games to go.

Four minutes of injury time is being played at Molineux. There are some nails getting furiously chewed. And there are heads in hands as Nouha Dicko is just inches away from getting his head to a mis-hit shot inside the box.

'Leicester's mini-fortress'

Football Focus

BBC Sport

Leicester first-team coach and former player Kevin Phillips: "If you had come to our training ground from the start of the season till now, you would have never thought we were bottom of the league. There has been a good spirit and morale and after two wins it has got even bigger.

"We are coming up against a Swansea team who can really hurt you if we get it wrong. You have to pick the right system and players for each game,. we have done that in each game over the season and for the last two weeks they have done the job. We hope the lads we pick today can get us a result.

"We have four home games left and we have to turn this place into a mini-fortress. When we looked at the fixtures at the start of the season we looked at the last ten games and felt if we got to this stage of the season and were still in it we would have a fantastic opportunity."

Former England defender Stuart Pearce

BBC Radio 5 live at Molineux

"Both managers now can see the game is starting to get stretched. Now it's all about who can keep their shape better, and who can take that chance when it comes. If anybody looks more likely to nick a goal at the end of this it's Ipswich."

Injured Swansea striker Bafétimbi Gomis, tweeted: "My body isn't with my team because of my injury but my mind and my heart our with my team mates. I wish them to win come on Swansea!!"

They have been on the back foot for most of this half, but Ipswich nearly nick it at Molineux as Chris Wood charges forward down the left and cuts inside but curls his shot a few yards past the far post.

Tommy Smith comes to the rescue for Ipswich with a strong bit of defensive shepherding to hold back Nouha Dicko and allow a long ball forward to run through to his keeper. As it stands, Town are seeing this game out to maintain their three-point advantage over Kenny Jackett's boys.

Battle at the bottom

Getty Images

Action at the bottom end of the Premier League table means there's sure to be some nervous members of our audience today and few more so than Steve Bruce (we're sure he's a regular reader).

Liverpool's exploits in the FA Cup mean his Hull City team do not play until Tuesday, by which point the Tigers could be in the bottom three.

Burnley can move to a season-high position of 16th if they beat Everton today and even bottom-placed Leicester can move above Hull on goal difference if they can beat Swansea by a three-goal margin at the King Power Stadium.

Who can make the great escape?

Leicester. Burnley. QPR. The bottom three clubs in the Premier League are facing relegation back to the Championship at the first attempt.

But which of the current bottom three could pull off the great escape? Have your say by voting at the top of the page or tweeting using the hashtag #bbcleicester, #bbcburnley or #bbcqpr?

Former England defender Stuart Pearce

BBC Radio 5 live at Molineux

"Ipswich look as though they are short of a player who can go past people. They are very well organised and have some good experience in the side, but as a team they are lacking a player like Bakary Sako, who gives Wolves that extra dimension."

We are into the final 15 minutes at Molineux. The home side need something big to keep their promotion dream fully alive and kicking. They are playing with urgency, but it is being matched by a solidity and commitment from Ipswich to the defensive cause. Christophe Berra has taken on The Thing levels of rock-like stability at the back.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Samuel Small: Leicester are staying up just and I think going down will be Hull, QPR and Sunderland.

Gav: Think Leicester, Burnley and Hull to go down this year. Think teams above them have a bit more quality.

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Hughesy, we're home

Stoke City FC

'Nick a goal'

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Radio 5 live

"The way the Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho goes about these bigger games is that he would take a 0-0 draw. If he can nick a goal then he will sit on it. I can't see him playing open expansive football in this match."

Strange reasons for leaving a game early

Getty Images

As is usual on a Saturday, we've been teaming up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live. Today's topic for conversation is: Strange or stupid reasons for having to leave a match early.

Patrick, London: Left the away end of the Madejski with Arsenal trailing 4-2 in stoppage time two seasons ago, just so that I could catch an earlier train. Tried to get the bus driver to let me off as we sped away from the stadium as the equaliser went in two minutes later. He was having none of it! Watched a bonkers game finish 7-5 after extra-time in a pub next to Reading station with several other disbelieving Gooners. Won't make the same mistake today.

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Kevin Kilbane

BBC Radio 5 live

"Ander Herrera can play in a holding midfield position which is an option. He has even played Wayne Rooney in that position. It doesn't make them tick like Michael Carrick does, of course, and we all recognise how good they have been with him in the side.

"You are probably looking at someone like Herrera because when you are limited and have no options you probably have to play someone who is most suited to the role.

"Marouane Fellaini has not been suited when he has played a bit deeper. He doesn't move the ball quick enough and he has been playing a lot better further up the pitch."

Premier League title is Chelsea's to lose

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown

Football Focus

"Last week's goal at QPR was a big goal. Chelsea are a bit bare at the top of the team, with Costa injured they need Remy back and Drogba is nowhere near the player he once was.

"There are so many points ahead, they need to be professional now and it is their's to lose."

Wolves have been unable to build on the momentum of getting the equaliser at Molineux. They are trying mighty hard, though. Ipswich are having to dig in like a middle order England batsman in the World Cup.

'Carrick injury a blow for Arsenal'

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy

Football Focus

"Manchester United will do well to get a result at Stamford Bridge today, with all the players they have out injured. Michael Carrick is the main man out, it's a huge blow for them. And for Arsenal too because I think that swings the title firmly into Chelsea's path."

Strange reasons for leaving a game early

As is usual on a Saturday, we've been teaming up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live. Today's topic for conversation is: Strange or stupid reasons for having to leave a match early.

Lee, Abingdon: Dislocated my shoulder celebrating a Brentford goal against Tranmere a couple of seasons ago. Wouldn't leave the game as B's were playing well, so got St Johns Ambulance and club doctor to relocate it. Only missed 15 minutes of the game but spent the rest of it in agony.

Commitment to the cause, Lee.

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Top of the table tussle

Lest we forget, there's a pretty big game at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea host Manchester United. United are in red-hot form but troubled by some pretty significant injuries. Chelsea are on course for the title. Their last home defeat in the Premier League came almost exactly a year ago, against Sunderland on 19 April. In keeping with today's wrestling theme, it's like Hulk Hogan v Ultimate Warrior at Wrestlemania VI.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Younus Bendame: Leicester to just make it along with Burnley, and Hull Sunderland, and QPR to get relegated.

Martin Tibbetts: Leicester ease clear of trouble over next five games. Burnley, Sunderland QPR to go. Foxes to beat all three, could send latter two down.

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Former England defender Stuart Pearce

BBC Radio 5 live at Molineux

"The way Wolves have come out to approach this second half, it's obvious Kenny Jackett has got into them at half-time. Now they have to keep that momentum going, push for that second goal. It was a one-touch finish in the six-yard box - that is where real goalscorers get their goals from."

GOAL

Credit to Wolves, they have started this second half in superb fashion. And they have been rewarded with an equaliser. Dave Edwards' forward pass is picked up Rajiv van La Parra, whose shot from inside the box is blocked but loops up to Benik Afobe to fire home. Molineux erupts.

Reading's knockout punch

Former Arsenal & Reading defender Martin Keown

BBC Radio 5 live at Wembley

"Yes Steve Clarke the Reading manager has talked about the perfect performance, saying that they need to keep tight, but they also need to make sure they threaten on the counter. If you think of a boxer that covers up for the whole fight, you have to have that knockout punch as well.

"Reading fans see this as a great opportunity. They haven't been here since 1927 - there are generations of players who just don't play here. And the way the FA Cup has gone this year, they can draw a lot of confidence from that."

Wolves almost make the perfect start to the second half as Nouha Dicko, in acres of space, rises at the back post to meet a free-kick but weakly head wide. He should have at least hit the target. Big chance.

KICK-OFF

Right Wolves, what have you got? 45 minutes to save the season. Game on.

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Crystal Palace striker Glen Murray, who spent six months at Reading on-loan, tweeted: "Good luck to all the Reading boys today and everyone involved with the club. Hope it's an enjoyable one."

'Why not? Shocks can happen.'

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy

Football Focus

BBC

"Reading have got good pace on the counter, which could work well for them as of course we think Arsenal will dominate possession. In midfield Nathaniel Chalobah has looked good, he's a good passer of the ball, but ultimately the question will be whether Reading can get enough of the ball to cause problems. On a hot afternoon they don't want to be chasing all day.

"But they have got a great opportunity, and why not? Shocks can happen."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Matt Winkle: Leicester to survive by the skin of their teeth with a last day victory over QPR, sending QPR, Burnley and Sunderland down.

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'Flexible Welbeck on form'

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy

Football Focus

BBC

"Danny Welbeck has played more at Arsenal than he did at Manchester United, and he's had good form even if his goal scoring has not quite been up to the level you'd expect. The fans have taken to him.

"He is very flexible, and his goal at United was such a sweet moment for him. I'm glad he celebrated it. Arsenal have such an array of fantastic attacking players but he is still contributing more than he was at Old Trafford."

'Inter-changing in a three-man attack'

Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck: "It's no secret that I prefer to play down the middle.

"But the formation we play at Arsenal you are playing on the left or right, we are always inter-changing in a three-man attack and it is much easier doing that than playing on the left wing of a four man midfield."

Former Arsenal and Reading defender Martin Keown

Football Focus

"It's bittersweet to lose in an FA Cup semi-final. For me I think of Ryan Giggs' goal, it was a tremendous goal and I was proud to be involved in that match but it hurts.

"Today the players need to conserve their energy, enjoy the occasion, turn up and go for it. I feel Reading have a real fighting chance today."

HALF-TIME

Wolves managed to steady the ship after going behind but barring Dave Edwards' shot that hit the post they have not looked like hurting Ipswich. There are a few boos at the break from the home crowd. I'm not sure who they are directed at. Maybe the referee? Its usually a safe bet. Regardless, Wolves have 45 minutes to essentially save their season.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Which teams are going to claw their way out of bother? Who has the most in their locker to deal with a scrap? Which players are going to make the difference?

Liam: I think Leicester City will stay up, and either Hull or Sunderland will go down, the third I'm not sure about.

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'A cool state of mind'

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy

Football Focus

"In the build-up to games like these you're not thinking too much about the game. You'll be calm, chatting to your team-mates and trying to keep yourself in a good frame of mind.

"For Reading, the question is whether their players can deal with the huge crowd? They're not used to playing in big games and that could be a major factor today."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Former Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell, who spent four-and-a-half seasons with the Royals, has tweeted his support ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal.

Steve Sidwell

Why you need to watch the FA Cup semis

It is the first of the two FA Cup semi-finals today as Arsenal take on Reading in a game with just a touch of David v Goliath about it. Of course, the FA Cup has served up mis-matched semi-finals before, not least of all in 1990 when Crystal Palace played Liverpool and Oldham took on Manchester United. We've put together a little nostalgia piece covering both those games and some others as a bit of a teaser trailer for this weekend's matches. Unfortunately, there's no Han Solo at the end of it.

HITS THE WOODWORK

The Wolves are stirring. And they have a bit of bite in their attack all of a sudden. Dave Edwards lets a ball drop on to his right foot for a volley from 20 yards that clips the outside of the post before going wide.

Strange reasons for leaving a game early

As is usual on a Saturday, we've been teaming up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live. Today's topic for conversation is: Strange or stupid reasons for having to leave a match early.

David Lewis: I had to leave the VIP area at Fratton Park as I had to get the hovercraft to the Isle of Wight. I missed Jermain Defoe's appearance as man of the match.

Hovercraft to the Isle of Wight? Quite possibly the most impressive tweet we've had.

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BBC

No response yet from Wolves. They're huffing and puffing but the Ipswich house remains firmly un-blown down. You can sense the tension amongst the home crowd as a few passes go astray. However, they trailed to Leeds in the first half of their last home game and still managed to come away with the three points. Just.

'Pinch of salt'

AP

Stoke boss Mark Hughes has had to deal with questions concerning the future of keeper Asmir Begovic in the build up to today's game against Southampton.

Begovic is out of contract in 2016 and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

"There will be a lot of stories bandied about, but I would take that one with a pinch of salt to be perfectly honest. I don't think that is true," said Hughes.

"We are scheduled to have talks with Asmir's people in the next few weeks I think. Both parties have stated that probably at the end of the season those talks will come to a conclusion, and we are very hopeful Asmir will stay here."

Former England defender Stuart Pearce

BBC Radio 5 live at Molineux

"It was just a flighted ball onto the edge of the six-yard box. Both players challenged but the ball just looped up and into the goal. What's been unusual for me is that so far neither team have had players defending on the post at set-pieces today."

GOAL

Now that is a sucker punch for Wolves. They have been by far the most proactive of these teams but they trail as Ipswich capitalise on a corner (as they have done so often this season) with defender Tommy Smith rising and challenging Richard Stearman, who heads into his own net. Town have held the home team at the length of one arm and dug them in the kidneys with the other.

Join the debate on the MOTD Facebook page

AFP

Imagine leaving the Nou Camp early before Sheringham and Solskjær's injury time goals won Manchester United the European Cup in 1999

As is usual on a Saturday morning, we're teaming up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live. Today's topic for conversation is: Strange or stupid reasons for having to leave a match early.

Stephen Kirk: My uncle left the game early, he had to catch a flight from Barcelona to Manchester, so he could fly to Florida with his family. It was the 1999 European Cup Final Manchester United v Bayern Munich.

Get involved on Twitter using #bbcfootball or post a comment on the MOTD Facebook page.

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With Liverpool focused on the Cup, Southampton can move up to fifth if they take at least a point against Stoke.

The Saints have not won away since 7 February but are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Stoke. The Potters are also without a win in their last four Premier League fixtures - their longest run without a win in the top-flight this season.

So, at the moment it is a bit of resistible force versus a moveable object.

As you'd expect, Wolves are doing much of the pressing in the game at Molineux. They're the ones who need this game. The power front trio of Sako, Dicko and Afobe are looking to cause mayhem, but so far Ipswich's arm is holding them at a length.

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett on Sky Sports: "This game is our season."

'We need to win them all'

Getty Images

Southampton are five points off fourth place and a Champions League spot and manager Ronald Koeman believes his side will have to win their six remaining games to stand any chance of getting into Europe's elite competition.

"You never know, but it's all about to win the last six to have really a good chance to be one of the top four teams," said Koeman.

On Stoke, he added: "It is a difficult one. We have that experience this season two times we play Stoke, one time at home and one time away for the League Cup.

"Both games we won but in both it was difficult because we know the qualities of them."

Finish on a high

Before I dive headlong into the bottom of the table shenanigans that are taking centre stage from 3pm onwards, I'll deal with one mid-afternoon encounter with a more optimistic slant: Stoke v Southampton. With Manchester City stalling, the Saints have a renewed hope of speeding past them and into the Champions League. Five points separate the two with six games to go.

Meanwhile, Stoke are on a poor run but have 43 points to their name. That is three more than they had at this stage last season when they went on to reach their highest-ever Premier League points tally of 50.

KICK-OFF

We are under way at Molineux. Updates to follow on all the major action in a game that could have a big bearing on the make-up of this season's play-offs.

Wolves are chasing back-to-back promotions and their first return to the top flight since 2009 when they were under the tutelage of current Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy.

To get promotion, they have to do it through the play-offs. They are three points, and two places, behind sixth-placed Ipswich with three games remaining. Victory at Molineux this afternoon will give them a great chance, while a win for the Tractor Boys will mean that Wolves' promotion challenge will be hanging on a knife edge.

Let's get ready to rumble

The teams are on their way out at Molineux. Our first taste of football action this Saturday is just moments away.

Coming up on BBC radio

BBC Radio 5 live

BBC Radio 5 live begins its coverage of Saturday's football programme with commentary from Wolves v Ipswich, a 12:15 BST kick-off.

That'll be followed by coverage of the 15:00 match between Leicester and Swansea, plus updates from around the grounds as the goals go in.

Then it's off to the FA Cup semi-finals and Arsenal and Reading at Wembley, a 17:20 start - that one's also live on BBC One of course.

Plus later this evening you can have your say on the big football stories on 606 with Kevin Kilbane and Kelly Cates, on today at the later time of 19:20.

Strange reasons for leaving a game early

As is usual on a Saturday morning, we're teaming up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live. Today's topic for conversation is: Strange or stupid reasons for having to leave a match early.

Lee, Abingdon: Dislocated my shoulder celebrating a Brentford goal against Tranmere a couple of seasons ago. Wouldn't leave the game as B's were playing well, so got the St John's Ambulance and club doctor to relocate it. Only missed 15 minutes of the game but spent the rest of it in agony.

Neil Birkbeck, Basingstoke: My first ever football match was with my dad, sister and her friend. Doncaster Rovers v Darlington. Rovers were six up at half-time but we had to go home as the girls were bored, Rovers went on to win 10 nil their record score.

Get involved on Twitter using #bbcfootball or post a comment on the MOTD Facebook page.

You can also text us in the UK only on 81111 - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Top of the Premier League table matters kick in a bit later today, but first we have some relegation affairs to deal with, in the shape of four fixtures featuring some of the teams in trouble. But which teams are going to claw their way out of bother? Who has the most in their locker to deal with a scrap? Which players are going to make the difference? Get in touch with us via the usual channels to tell us why you think a certain team will avoid the drop? In short, we want your survival manifesto 2014/15.

Get involved on Twitter using #bbcfootball or post a comment on the MOTD Facebook page.

You can also text us in the UK only on 81111 - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Coming up on BBC TV

Football Focus

BBC Sport

BBC

Dan Walker and guests begin the build-up to the weekend's football in a special edition of Football Focus, live from Wembley on BBC One from 12:10 BST.

Not for viewers in Scotland however, where there's live coverage of the Scottish Cup semi-final between Hibernian and Falkirk from the same time.

You can hit the Red Button to follow Final Score from 14:30 or tune into BBC Two from 16:30.

Live coverage of the FA Cup semi-final between Reading and Arsenal from Wembley begins at 17:05 on BBC One.

And later there's highlights from the day's five Premier League matches on Match of the Day at 22:30, to be followed by the best action from the lower divisions in the Football League show from 23:40.

What is happening and where?

Thanks Mandeep, a sterling effort sir. You are very much the Marty Jannetty to my Shawn Michaels. Courtesy of m'colleague's fine efforts this glorious Saturday morning, you've got the low down of who is playing and when. What I can add to that is who is covering what and where here at the BBC.

Myself and Mr Tom Rostance are going to look after the English league action, starting with Wolves v Ipswich from the Championship before focusing on the four 3pm kick-offs in the Premier League, with updates from the Football League. If it's Scottish Cup action you're after, you can find it in our separate text commentary.

Later, we'll have separate live coverage for Chelsea v Manchester United, the FA Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Reading and Real Madrid v Malaga from La Liga, which I'll link you to as and when they get under way.

In dedication to wrestler Wade 'Bad News' Barrett, it's time for me to tag out to Phil Dawkes, who will see you through a top day of footie action when we will also have separate live text commentaries on the FA Cup semi-final between Reading and Arsenal as well as Chelsea v Man Utd. Enjoy.

'Massive belief'

Getty Images

Leicester striker David Nugent: "We've won the last two and it has given us massive belief. It's very hard to get back-to-back wins in the Premier League and we've done it.

"The teams around us are on a bit of a blip in form. Hull have got a tough fixture list and Sunderland are struggling to score. They're the teams that we need to keep slipping up.

"We've probably got the best run-in and, hopefully, we can use that to our advantage."

Strange reasons for leaving a game early

As is usual on a Saturday morning, we're teaming up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live. Today's topic for conversation is: Strange or stupid reasons for having to leave a match early.

Jack Beardwell: I walked out of Turf Moor in 2010 against Manchester City. Just couldn't handle seeing my team lose 6-1!

Ben Turner: Left the Southampton v Arsenal League Cup game in September after two minutes because my dad forgot to book the tickets...

Get involved on Twitter using #bbcfootball or post a comment on the MOTD Facebook page.

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Scottish football latest

At Hampden, Hibernian meet Falkirk in the first of this season's Scottish Cup semi-finals. These two sides met at the same stage of the competition back in 2013 when Hibs recovered from a 3-0 half-time deficit to win 4-3 in extra-time. The sun was splitting the sky in Glasgow that day and it looks like being another sunny afternoon at the national stadium but will there be the same glut of goals? Follow our live television, radio and text coverage to find out on our separate Scottish live text.

Monk plays down Hammers link

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Garry Monk has led Swansea to a record-equalling 47 Premier League points with six games left this season and that has led him to be linked with taking over from Sam Allardyce at West Ham.

"West Ham have a fantastic manager in place," sais Monk.

"For them to be looking elsewhere - if they are - I think they've already got the manager there who's had a fantastic season.

West Ham have done exceptionally well this season, progressed again, and that's what you want from a club."

'Keep focus'

Getty Images

Leicester City seem destined for the drop recently but wins against West Ham and West Brom have reignited their survival hopes.

They could move out of the relegation zone for the first time since November if they beat Swansea by three goals at the King Power Stadium on Saturday and Burnley drop points at Everton.

"It is really important that we keep our focus," said Foxes boss Nigel Pearson. "If you can use it (being underdogs), great.

"It really is about dealing with the situation that you are in and then allowing the players to go out there without pressure. There is pressure, of course, but when the players take the field, they have got to go out there and perform."

Foxes hopes reignited

Back-to-back victories have ignited Leicester's survival mission after a run of eight matches without a win but ending the day outside the bottom three might be a bit of a tall order.

The Foxes would need to win by three goals, something they have not managed since they beat Barnsley 3-0 on their way to the Championship title last season.

Swansea arrive in the East Midlands with two wins and a draw from their last three matches.

Strange reasons for leaving a game early

Getty Images

As is usual on a Saturday morning, we're teaming up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live. Today's topic for conversation is: Strange or stupid reasons for having to leave a match early.

Ben Osland, Greater London: My uncle and cousin left the Chelsea v Manchester United match in the Capital One Cup a few years ago. Chelsea were 3-2 down, when it was about to end, my uncle told him to get up, because "Nothing else will happen." My cousin protested but my uncle said "Nothing will happen. I bet £50 nothing else will happen." Chelsea got a penalty, but having left the stadium, they weren't let back in. They had to go to a pub to watch Chelsea win 5-4 in extra-time. My cousin was soon £50 richer!

Get involved on Twitter using #bbcfootball or post a comment on the MOTD Facebook page.

You can also text us in the UK only on 81111 - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Team news

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett makes two changes to the side that lost to Middlesbrough last Tuesday. Scott Golbourne replaces Kortney Hause in defence, while forward Nouha Dicko is in for midfielder Jack Price.

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy, formerly of Wolves, makes one alteration. Jay Tabb comes in for Stephen Hunt in midfield.

Wolves XI: Ikeme, Iorfa, Batth, Stearman, Golbourne, Van La Parra, McDonald, Edwards, Sako, Afobe, Dicko.

Ipswich XI: Bialkowski, Parr, Mings, Chambers, Smith, Berra, Skuse, Murphy, Tabb, Sears, Bishop.

BBC

'We have to win games'

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Gruff-voiced Burnley boss Sean Dyche has won plenty of admirers this season and he says his side need to concentrate on themselves rather than the opposition today.

"When the whistle blows, we have a plan and are more looking at how we are going to operate," he said.

"We've done a lot of work to be where we are after being written off so heavily. We're certainly in the pack.

"Performance-wise I've been pleased but we have to win games, of course. That's the nature of the business."

Strange reasons for leaving a game early

As is usual on a Saturday morning, we're teaming up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live. Today's topic for conversation is: Strange or stupid reasons for having to leave a match early.

BBC

Andrew Griffin: My mate left a Cardiff game at half time a few years ago because he wanted to buy a phrenology head before the shops shut.

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Battle for play-off spot

Wolves and Ipswich are both vying for a Championship play-off place and their game will get under way in just under an hour.

We'll have team news soon and keep you updated on the game right here.

Everton's home comforts

Right, back to the game at Goodison Park. Everton have picked up 10 points from the last 12 available to keep the relegation battle at arm's length.

Burnley would love to do the same but go to Merseyside to play a Toffees side which, along with Arsenal and Chelsea, is unbeaten at home in 2015.

The Clarets have picked up a league-low six points over the last 11 games and are without a league goal in four hours and 59 minutes since George Boyd's winner in the 1-0 victory over Manchester City.

Bad news for Lawro

BBC

Just to diverge a minute. Lawro's predictions always make for interesting reading and more so this week if only for the picture above.

This week Lawro is taking on WWE wrestling star Wade 'Bad News' Barrett.

Barrett is a lifelong Preston fan who has trained with the team and invited some of their players along to the WWE Live show in Manchester last weekend.

Coming up on BBC radio

BBC Radio 5 live

BBC Radio 5 live begins its coverage of Saturday's football programme with commentary from Wolves v Ipswich, a 12:15 BST kick-off.

That'll be followed by coverage of the 15:00 match between Leicester and Swansea, plus updates from around the grounds as the goals go in.

Then it's off to the FA Cup semi-finals and Arsenal and Reading at Wembley, a 17:20 start - that one's also live on BBC One of course.

Plus later this evening you can have your say on the big football stories on 606 with Kevin Kilbane and Kelly Cates, on today at the later time of 19:20.

Coming up on BBC TV

Football Focus

BBC Sport

Dan Walker and guests begin the build-up to the weekend's football in a special edition of Football Focus, livefrom Wembley on BBC One from 12:10 BST.

Not for viewers in Scotland however, where there's live coverage of the Scottish Cup semi-final between Hibernian and Falkirk from the same time.

You can hit the Red Button to follow Final Score from 14:30 or tune into BBC Two from 16:30.

Live coverage of the FA Cup semi-final between Reading and Arsenal from Wembley begins at 17:05 on BBC One.

And later there's highlights from the day's five Premier League matches on Match of the Day at 22:30, to be followed by the best action from the lower divisions in the Football League show from 23:40.

'No fear of relegation'

Reuters

Everton manager Roberto Martinez was involved in more than the odd relegation battle with his former side Wigan and his words will give Burnley hope of beating the drop.

"I don't think there is any fear of relegation and that is the biggest difference Burnley have over other teams who are not in the relegation zone who are starting to think they have something to lose," he said.

"Burnley have shown to every team they play on the front foot.

"Physically they do not show they have been involved for nine months in this competition; it is the opposite as they are getting used to the demands of the Premier League and they look a strong team physically."

Burnley's away struggles

It's time to move to the game at Goodison Park now and beating Everton might be easier said than done for Burnley.

Sean Dyche's team have kept themselves within touching distance of safety but they haven't won an away match this year.

Their last victory on the road came at Stoke on 21 November. The Clarets have not won at Goodison Park since 1976 but they have beaten the Toffees in the Premier League era - a 1-0 win at Turf Moor in August 2009.

'Crock'n roll'

Daily Star

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is without the injured quartet of Michael Carrick, Daley Blind, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo for today's match against Chelsea. But the Dutchman is a man with his glass half full, rather than half empty.

"It's the worst scenario," said Van Gaal. "But other players can take profit."

What is going on at Leeds?

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The goings on at Leeds haven't made pretty reading for a while now and the latest turn of events has the sudden withdrawal of six players for the game against Charlton today.

Mirco Antenucci, Giuseppe Bellusci, Dario Del Fabro, Marco Silvestri, Souleymane Doukara and Edgar Cani all told manager Neil Redfearn they were injured.

Five of the six were signed by banned club president Massimo Cellino.

According to Press Association Sport, Redfearn and United's physio were not aware of any injuries.

Strange reasons for leaving a game early

As is usual on a Saturday morning, we're teaming up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live. Today's topic for conversation is: Strange or stupid reasons for having to leave a match early.

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Sue, Southampton: England v Finland Wembley 1976, broke my elbow. Was wheeled to ball-boys changing room where St John's Ambulance guys stuck arm in a sling. Back in Southampton spent week in hospital after op to put a screw in elbow. Saw the first goal and nothing else!

Get involved on Twitter using #bbcfootball or post a comment on the MOTD Facebook page.

You can also text us in the UK only on 81111 - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Upset o'clock

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Let's get back to the FA Cup a minute. You might think it will be an Arsenal v Liverpool final with the teams playing reading and Aston Villa respectively in the semi-final.

But you might want to think again.

History shows that when underdogs rub up against more celebrated names - with the final just an upset away - you can expect anything but the routine.

BBC Sport has rolled the clock back to six FA Cup semi-finals where the form book was thrown out of the window. Read more here.

'Ings can only get better'

The Independent

Where will Burnley's Danny Ings go next season? Liverpool? Manchester United? Or even Spanish club Real Sociedad? He's been linked with all three clubs. The England Under-21 international striker is hot property following a great season with the Clarets.

"One thing I don't want to do is go somewhere and, not rot, but all of a sudden disappear for a while. [Somewhere] you don't really get a look-in," the 22-year-old tells The Independent.

Strange reasons for leaving a game early

As is usual on a Saturday morning, we're teaming up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live. Today's topic for conversation is: Strange or stupid reasons for having to leave a match early.

Giannina Caraceni: At Liverpool v Aston Villa last season and boyfriend realises at half-time he's got an essay due the next day. Wasn't happy.

Get involved on Twitter using #bbcfootball or post a comment on the MOTD Facebook page.

You can also text us in the UK only on 81111 - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

'None of your business'

West Brom boss Pulis won manager of the year by guiding Crystal Palace to 11th last year after taking over when they were second bottom.

But he quit 48 hours before the start of the current campaign and, when asked why he left, he said: "I had a great 10 months there and it's none of your business.

"If you want to talk about negative things I'm not here to do that.

"I think Stoke will always sit with me as the main job because of the time I spent there but as a short-term position I don't think I'd ever better what went on at Palace."

'Tremendous ability to strangle a team'

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew believes Tony Pulis has a "huge advantage" when the former Eagles manager takes his West Brom side to Selhurst Park.

"He knows us," said Pardew. "It is more or less all of the players he had here who will be starting, with the exception of Wilfried (Zaha) and James McArthur, everyone else was here.

"He has a tremendous ability to strangle a team, he knows how to knock the stuffing out of a team and no-one could be worse to play than us and the position we are in.

"We respect them and we respect what he will do and we will try and get the win with all that in mind."

Strange reasons for leaving a game early

As is usual on a Saturday morning, we're teaming up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live. Today's topic for conversation is: Strange or stupid reasons for having to leave a match early.

Dave, Salford: Had to leave an away game early once because I broke my wrist slipping on a banana skin on the way down to my seat after half-time. My mate who had to take me to hospital wasn't happy either!

Get involved on Twitter using #bbcfootball or post a comment on the MOTD Facebook page.

You can also text us in the UK only on 81111 - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

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Pulis back at Palace

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Crystal Palace fans might feared the worst when Tony Pulis left them in the summer after his heroics last season.

The Welsh boss helped saved the Eagles from relegation last season but left under a cloud just before the new campaign got under way.

The Selhurst Park outfit endured a difficult start to the season under Neil Warnock before Alan Pardew turned their fortunes around so the reception Pulis will he get today should be interesting.

The 57-year-old returns to Palace for the first time since his departure with his Baggies side having suffered three successive defeats.

FA Cup rewind

Barry Davies

Match of the Day Commentator at Maine Road

"This is the stuff of schoolboy comics! Roger Palmer brings Oldham level again! Marvellous stuff!"

FA Cup rewind is just coming to an end over on BBC Two and online now...

Pardew power

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When it comes to heroes, Crystal Palace fans might believes manager Alan Pardew deserves that title after his exploits at the club.

The 53-year-old, who was a player at Selhurst Park, took over as Eagles manager in January and has led the side to 25 points from his 12 games in charge.

Palace can equal a top-flight club record of five successive wins if they beat West Brom, who just happened to be managed by ex-Eagles boss Tony Pulis.

'Don't sack Pell'

BBC Sport

The Sun's back page

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is under pressure but has received some support from an unlikely source. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says it would be "criminal" for City to sack his counterpart Pellegrini. Rumours are abound that the man who helped City to to the title last season will be given the chop in the summer, with the club currently fourth in the table - 12 points behind Mourinho's men at the top of the pile.

City play West Ham on Sunday.

Strange reasons for leaving a game early

As is usual on a Saturday morning, we're teaming up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live. Today's topic for conversation is: Strange or stupid reasons for having to leave a match early.

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Adam Kennett: Leeds 2 Walsall 2 after 90 minutes, my first Leeds match and mum makes me go home as I have school next day. Missed a Phil Masinga treble in extra-time.

lexBudda: Me and a friend left Scarborough v Aldershot at half-time the season Aldershot went bust. It was his birthday the night before and he was so hungover. It was a terrible game and we lost 1-0 or 2-0. That season points against Aldershot were null and void so, Scarborough actually went up a place or two. It was a shocking game.

Get involved on Twitter using #bbcfootball or post a comment on the MOTD Facebook page.

You can also text us in the UK only on 81111 - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Boro edge Norwich

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The Championship is one of the most dramatic races for promotion in recent history and rivals Norwich and Middlesbrough played each other last night.

Boro came out on top thanks to an Alex Tettey own goal to move back top of the Champo but could be back down to third if Bournemouth beat Sheffield Wednesday and Watford earn three points against Birmingham today.

"For us it's amazing," said Boro boss Aitor Karanka.

"Once again they showed when they play their best they can beat everyone. I told them after the game if there is a team who deserve to be in Premier League it's them."

FA Cup rewind

John Motson

Match of the Day commentator at Villa Park

"And it's gone in! Alan Pardew! 4-3 Palace! The flick on by Any Thorne made all the difference. Liverpool are caught out again from a set-play, and Palace are at Wembley. They have beaten Liverpool, whose dream of the double is destroyed, in what is surely one of the most amazing matches in the recent history of the FA Cup."

You can watch FA Cup rewind on BBC Two or online now, with Manchester United v Oldham still to come...

No laughing matter

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Let's start with Raheem Sterling. Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling has been taking up plenty of column inches after being photographed using a shisha pipe and appearing to inhale nitrous oxide.

His manager Brendan Rodgers has had a word in his shell like and ex-Reds defender Jamie Carragher says the 20-year-old's off-the-field behaviour has become a "distraction".

"Even if you don't talk about it, it is in the background," said Carragher, 37.

"Rodgers is asked the day before a game, when he should be talking football he's thinking about Sterling."

Turn over to BBC Two - quick

Mandeep Sanghera

Alan Pardew might have the visit of West Brom on his mind today but, with it being FA Cup semi-final weekend, he might want to take a moment to reflect to one of his most memorable days as a player at the same stage of the competition in 1990.

The scene is Crystal Palace against Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park and none other than Pards got the winner in a 4-3 thriller.

You can see how it unfolded on BBC Two's FA Cup rewind show right now or watch it right here on the iPlayer. Believe me, it's worth a watch.

What's the scenario?

Just like doing your stretches before a workout at the gym, you need to limber up for a day of football with some proper build up and we are here to help on that front.

It's not quite E=mc2 but it not a bad formula for some Saturday morning footie chat. We'll have a look at the back pages of the national press, go through some of the big stories making the news, analyse today's games in more detail and relive some FA Cup memories.

Danny Baker's football topic

BBC Radio 5 live

BBC

As is usual on a Saturday morning, we're teaming up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live to ask you a question.

Today's topics is: Strange or stupid reasons for having to leave a match early.

Get involved on Twitter using #bbcfootball or post a comment on the MOTD Facebook page.

You can also text us in the UK only on 81111 - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Saturday's games

So, let's go through today's schedule. We have four top-flight 15:00 BST kick-offs in the form of Crystal Palace v West Brom, Everton v Burnley, Leicester v Swansea and Stoke v Southampton.

Then the FA Cup semi-final between Reading and Arsenal kicks off at 17:20 BST before in-form Manchester United will be aiming to upset the title charge of Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Plenty of games for players to write their names into folklore for clubs playing at Wembley, fighting for the title or to avoid the drop.

Welcome and good morning

When Bonnie Tyler belted out her tune 'holding out for a hero' I'm not sure she had a weekend of FA Cup semi-final and Premier League action in mind.

The lyrics below obviously aren't exact either but, on a massive weekend of footie action and heading into the final straight of the season, what better words eh?

'Holding out for a hero'

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero who will win me an FA Cup semi-final

He's gotta be strong

And he's gotta be fast

And he's gotta be fresh from the fight

I need a hero

I'm holding out for a hero who will get me three Premier League points

He's gotta be sure

And it's gotta be soon

And he's gotta be larger than life

BBC