Kevin Kilbane
Former Republic of Ireland player on BBC Football Focus

"This summer Newcastle spent £50m – they had to spend at least that to get them back to a level they were at five or six years ago. But they’re nowhere near that level. A few of their foreign signings won’t have experienced what it’s like to play at St James’ Park when they’re losing."

Brendan at the Bernabeu? 

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood, who revealed he is neighbours with Brendan Rodgers with their Spanish properties, thinks the Liverpool boss could have gone on to manage Real Madrid had they won the title two seasons ago.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino speaking to BT Sport about Harry Kane: "Always in football you need to have patience, trust and belief. Harry knows he needs to try and try and try and work hard.

"We believe in him and we hope he will score today. This period will be great for him as a player in the future."  

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini speaking to BT Sport: "Joe Hart had an injury problem in the week so that's why he couldn't play. He just worked one day before the game so it is better not to take a risk. 

"We have 15 points from 18 which is a good start. We will try to recover from the defeat last week. Tottenham is a difficult team but it is important to continue playing the way we have so far."

Kevin Kilbane
Former Republic of Ireland player on BBC Football Focus

"I feel overall with Brendan Rodgers, with how he started – with that documentary – and how he talks before and after the games, he doesn’t endear himself to me. It’s almost like a stage show."

Mark Lawrenson
Former Liverpool defender on BBC Football Focus

"There was no atmosphere at Anfield on Wednesday. Carlisle's fans went mad, but the Liverpool fans were apathetic, and it's as though they can't make their mind up about the team. It was a Simon & Garfunkel record - the sound of silence.

"You don't want to say it's a crossroads game for Brendan Rodgers against Aston Villa, but it is."

Image source, PA

Are Liverpool missing Steven Gerrard? For his leadership in the dressing room, if not his ability on the pitch?

Kevin Kilbane
Former Republic of Ireland player on BBC Football Focus

"If there was one player that could help Brendan Rodgers in the Liverpool dressing room, it’s Steven Gerrard. He should still be at the club. If they had sent out the right message and offered him a contract early, he’d still be there now."

Just 20 minutes to go until kick-off in the day's early game now. The sun is out, Son is playing, will there be goals on display? Got to be... 

Image source, BBC Sport

A cracking game on the cards at the King Power Stadium this afternoon as in-form Leicester host Arsenal.

Leicester have made a bad habit of going two goals down in recent weeks and they can't keep that up.

Surely?

Fancy yourself as the new Lawro?

Now's your chance to shine as you can make your predictions. 

Lawro reckons that Manchester City will beat Tottenham 2-0 this lunchtime. What do you reckon?

Click here to enter your scores. 

Mark Lawrenson
Former Liverpool defender on BBC Football Focus

"It just depends what Blatter has done, but if he's found guilty people will want him to go to prison.

"They will all sing like canaries, it's a house of cards."

Kevin Kilbane
Former Republic of Ireland player on BBC Football Focus

"How many more within Fifa? I think we’re expecting more people to get unearthed from this investigation. How is Sepp Blatter still in charge? He should be suspended."

If one man has dominated the Premier League agenda, one organisation continues to dominate the global agenda.

The Fifa crisis rolls on. If you missed the news last night, Swiss prosecutors say they are investigating Sepp Blatter.

Where do we go from here?

Image source, Getty Images

One man has dominated the Premier League agenda this week - but what makes Diego Costa tick? Why does he attract so much trouble? And is there another side to his personality?

Journalist Andy West has been following the Chelsea striker's career for several years during his time at Atletico Madrid.

Beginning with his street-football fighting youth in Brazil, read West's feature here.

Image source, BBC Sport

Sergio Aguero has been shy in front of goal so far this season, just the one in the Premier League so far. But he loves a goal against Spurs...

Earlier we heard from Justin who broke both legs chasing a friend for Panini '85 football stickers (see 11:44).

He's been back in touch to tell us more about how it happened.....

Thanks Justin, glad the story has a (relatively) happy ending too.

If you've got an injury watching football let us know - tweet in using #bbcfootball, external or post a comment on the Match of the Day Facebook page., external

You can also text us from UK mobiles on 81111 - but don't forget to include your name.

Good afternoon everyone! We are all set for a blockbusting day of sport. Where better to start than White Hart Lane?

Man City goalkeeper Willy Caballerois out going through a rigorous warm-up. A rare start for him - it's the first game that Joe Hart hasn't started in the Premier League since January. 

Football Focus

Don't forget that you can watch Football Focus for a preview of the weekend’s action on BBC One from 12:10 BST. Kevin Kilbane and Mark Lawrenson are on the sofa today, where I'm sure Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers may be a topic of discussion.

You can watch reaction as all the goals go withFinal Score, live on BBC One from 16:00, except for viewers in Scotland, who can watch Sportscene from the same time.

And of course later there’ll be Match of the Day – today it’s on at 22:30 on BBC One.