Villa striker Libor Kozak has had a busy, bustling start up front on his own but the strugglers look porous at the back as Bakary Sako is played clean through - but he is just offside.

I'm not sure strugglers does Villa's plight justice to be honest...

Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC Two

"Newcastle have got to get these fans back on side and that's why a good start is vital. From a passing point of view, Newcastle can be content so far, while Manchester United are happy to sit back."

Wayne Rooney has his first touch in the Newcastle half after a very bright start from the hosts. Anthony Martial is shunted out wide on the right, Jesse Lingard on the left.

Image source, Getty Images

Both sides playing neat stuff, nothing to report yet.

Very decent atmosphere in the opening stages as Newcastle force, but then waste a corner.

Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, Getty Images

"It's been a desperately sad Christmas for many Geordies and Pavel's family. He was a 100 percenter. He would never let you down. Everyone, not just the fans, but the guys in the dressing room loved him. We are all going to miss him."

Almost the worst possible start for Aston Villa as Crystal Palace carve them open inside 20 seconds! Jason Puncheon finds Wilfried Zaha on the left of the penalty area and he flashes a shot across Mark Bunn and against the post!

And we are under way around the land...

There is a minute's applause at Newcastle for former goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek, who died before Christmas. Brother Milan is in tears as he leads the reception, wearing a goalie kit from circa 1996...

Image source, PA

Can Benik Afobe prove to be a canny investment for Bournemouth?

That will not be decided tonight but he can make a good start.

Aston Villa

Joleon Lescott may not be flavour of the month with the Villa fans but he's captain tonight as Villa come out to David Bowie's 'Heroes.'

What's the opposite of a fitting tribute? 

We want to know what your January transfer strategy would be? Do bargains still exist? Is it best to slap all of your budget on one key addition? Or spread it around with some loan signings and a mercenary or two? Here's one strategy...

I will endeavour to bring you the very best of tonight's three Premier League games but if you want to know about every throw-in, tackle and backpass from your team we have an individual page for each game.

For Aston Villa v Crystal Palace, join Neil Johnston here

For Bournemouth v West Ham, join Aimee Lewis here

For Newcastle v Manchester United, join Phil Dawkes here

You're not wrong Adam!

Cobblers boss Chris Wilder has thrown new signing James Collins straight in up front at Plymouth as...

Actually, 90% of you won't care about that. For shame.

You can follow Plymouth v Northampton here. I will be.

Newcastle United

Newcastle's new signings Henri Saivet and Jonjo Shelvey are paraded on the pitch at St James'. Saivet was a world beater on a certain Football Management game a few years back as I recall.

As Ibrahima Bakayoko can tell you though, that unfortunately often counts for nowt...

Pat Murphy
BBC Radio 5 live

"The Holte End is sparse and I think we'll be lucky to get 28,000 here tonight. When the team was read out there were pantomime boos for Brad Guzan and Joleon Lescott.

"The biggest cheer was for striker Libor Kozak who makes his first start in over two years."

Bournemouth

Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, who is out injured, on BBC Radio 5 live: "When I got injured Alan Shearer texted me. I didn't realise that he had the same injury and it's good to see he had the career he had after that."

On the Cherries signing two strikers: "There is always competition which is healthy for the team and with me out we need players scoring. 

"They are being welcomed in with open arms and, hopefully, we can get the goals to move up the league."

Wise move Gurj, wise move.

Would Alan Shearer even get picked by Louis van Gaal? I wonder.

As an aside, Shearer's incredible goalscoring record deserves revisiting. His mark of 260 is still 72 ahead of Wayne Rooney. And Rooney started playing in 2002...

Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 live

Asked if he would score in this Manchester United side: "Not as many as I would like to because they don't create that many chances. 

"We are used to Manchester United attacking with speed and power but that is not the case at present. We used to fear Manchester United but that fear is not there now. Teams believe they can now get something out of this team but that wasn't the case a few years ago.

"I'm just watching Wayne Rooney warm-up and his finishing looks spot on."