Everton very close to an opener twice in a few seconds, First Arouna Kone gobbles up the ball after a poor defensive header but his shot is turned away by Adam Federici. From the corner Federici then makes a fine stop to claw out Romelu Lukaku's powerful header. The Cherries look stretched. 

Martin Ling has got struggling Swindon motoring since taking over as manager in early November, and he is on course for a third win in four league games as they lead 2-0 at Chesterfield thanks to goals from Nicky Ajose and Louis Thompson. 

High-flying Burton surprisingly trail 1-0 at home to a Colchester side just above the drop zone, while Walsall – who began the day in fourth – lead sixth-placed Bradford 1-0. 

Elsewhere, Port Vale, Peterborough, Millwall and Crewe all lead, while Blackpool are 1-0 up against neighbours Fleetwood in the Fylde coast derby.

Kevin Kilbane
Former Everton winger on Final Score

"There was a handball that should have been a penalty that diverted the ball behind, but from the resulting corner City scored. So maybe justice has been done."

The Saints may need an early response to get back into the game and they almost have one - Virgil van Dijk with a stunning hit from 25 yards which cannons off the top of the crossbar, showering the photographers with a spray of collected rainwater.

Classic Newcastle for Palace's second goal. A ball rolled across the penalty area - which Fabricio Coloccini fell  over trying to stop - and Yannick Bolasie smashes home.

Image source, Opta

Aston Villa should be level. The ball comes into the penalty area and, just yards from goal, Jordan Ayew takes the ball down but screws his shot wide. He should score.

Kevin Kilbane
Former Everton winger on Final Score

"Villa are a bit unlucky, but Richardson is playing Ighalo onside and is four or five feet too deep. He's trying to get back in line with his defence but he failed to do so, and Ighalo finished it well."  

So close for Sunderland as Jermain Defoe strikes low and inches wide of the far post.

Oooh that looks like a pen! Fernandinho's header is blocked on the line by Steven Davis, on his elbow, but he gets away with it. Another corner.

Paul Lambert’s home debut as Blackburn manager is off to the best possible start. Hope Akpan has headed in Craig Conway’s corner to put them 1-0 up against League Cup quarter-finalists Sheffield Wednesday.

Bad news, though, for under-pressure Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman, whose side trail 1-0 to Matej Vydra's goal for visitors Reading.

Elsewhere, Adam Clayton has lashed in his first goal for promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough to give them a 1-0 lead against his former club Huddersfield. Managerless Fulham, meanwhile, trail to Joe Garner’s early goal for Preston, while Rotherham lead Bristol City.

Image source, Reuters

Gavin in Redcar: Re 15:03, Cabaye is not being booed for joining PSG but for going on strike prior to that. Great player, but that was poor.

Mitch: Yohan Cabaye booed? Wow, it's not as if he went on strike to try and force through a move to Arsenal... oh, wait...

Tom from Kent: Villa v Watford is the biggest game of theday. If Villa lose then that's curtains for them and halfway to safety for Watford!

Let us know your thoughts on all of today's matches via Twitter #bbcfootball, external or text us 81111 (UK only and don't forget to include your name and where you're texting from).  

A bit of a chat going on about the state of the ball at the Stadium of Light. Is it soft? No, apparently not. Game goes on.

Sunderland getting into the match after a nervy start.

Maya Yoshida really cost Southampton when he squandered possession and Raheem Sterling took advantage to find Kevin de Bruyne.

Image source, Opta

Dion Dublin
Former Aston Villa striker on Final Score

"Cisse is onside, he gets himself in a great position, between the two centre-halves and it is a great finish."