Jurgen Klopp bounds out of the Anfield tunnel like an eager greyhound being released from the traps. A little hand-clap from the German for good measure. He's ready. And he is 45 minutes from his first win as Liverpool manager...

Chris Bevan
BBC Sport at Etihad Stadium

Unlike in Sunday's Manchester derby, City's attacking is definitely better than their defending in this game - and goalkeeper Willy Caballero did not exactly inspire confidence either with the way he pushed a low cross into Joe Ledley's path just after his side had gone 2-0 up.

Palace have looked to threaten on the break and have not done a bad job of it, but they have only forced Caballero into one proper save and the visitors will have to be far more clinical after the break to get into this tie.

Danny Mills
BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

Image source, Reuters

United need an attacking threat, they need some spark and creativity. They need a player who can run in behind.

We're having some problems with our stats at the moment so believe us when we tell you it is half-time in our three 19:45 GMT kick-offs, and that Manchester City are 2-0 up.

Image source, Reuters

Ah Middlesbrough so close to taking the lead at Manchester United as Stewart Downing fires in a drive from 25 yards, always rising, and Sergio Romero does well to tip it over.

We might can this live and concentrate on the Phil news, but back in the footballing world Middlesbrough continue to impress as we drive towards half time. 

John Hartson
BBC Radio 5 live sports extra at Anfield

"Bogdan has been excellent in the Liverpool goal, he has made three fantastic saves. Liverpool have been exciting going forward - a far cry from the weekend. But Bournemouth have had their chances."

Image source, Getty Images

I was trying to think of a witty and relevant way to break this news to you all, but I'm just going to put it out there:

Phil Collins has come out of retirement. Someone tell Stevie G the good news...

Danny Mills
BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

Louis van Gaal must be thinking about making changes at half-time. There are players out there who won't want extra time. He will tell substitutes such as Juan Mata or Anthony Martial to go and attack Middlesbrough.

Chris Bevan
BBC Sport at Etihad Stadium

Kelechi Iheancho has won plenty of admirers already in his short City career and the plaudits are likely to increase after his contribution to his side's second goal - first for exchanging passes with Wilfried Bony and Pablo Zabaleta and running clear, and then for looking up as he ran into the right-side of the area, choosing to square the ball to the unmarked Kevin de Bruyne, rather than going for goal himself, and giving the Belgian a simple finish.

So far so good for an unfamiliar-looking Liverpool side. Nathaniel Clyne's first goal for the Reds is the difference between the two Premier League sides at the break.

Jordon Ibe has quicker feet than Danny Zucko. The Liverpool winger dances into space on the right byeline, dinks over to the far post where the ball eventually finds Joao Carlos Teixeira. But he skews his left-foot shot into the side-netting.

Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter tears into a couple of meaty challenges, drawing anger from some of the home fans. Nothing wrong there, according to referee Mike Jones. Heading into two minutes of stoppage time...

Image source, Getty Images

In the Copa del Rey, champions and La Liga heavyweights Barcelona failed to break down third division Villanovense in the first half of the first leg of their last 32 tie. The club from the town of Villanueva de la Serena have hit the woodwork. It is 0-0 at half-time.

In Serie A,Roma look set to replace Inter Milan at the top after taking a 2-0 lead at home to Udinese. Champions Juventus, in 12th, are struggling once more - they are 1-0 down and down to 10 men at Sassuolo. 

Adam Williams
BBC Sport at St Mary's

Rudy Gestede almost breaks the deadlock before the interval as he wins a header at the far post from a corner.

Maarten Stekelenburg is able to parry away a tricky effort which bounced down just in front of him.

Danny Mills
BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

Image source, PA

Boro have come here to defend, be organised and frustrated Manchester United. They haven't shown much intent and you would expect that from a Championship side.

United are lacking zip and a threat up front. No-one is running in behind and that makes it easy to defend against.