And here he is, in the press box...

Now, now - listening to Alan Shearer on the radio, he sounds very up for this evening.

Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"Newcastle are now out of the FA Cup. This game should be a very good occasion for them, and we know they will be in trouble if they don't get something from tonight."

Only one place to start in League Two, where the top two meet at Home Park.

Can Plymouth go six points clear at the top? Or will Northampton move level on points with a game in hand?

A massive fixture.

In the other game it's Morecambe in 14th v Exeter in 17th. Exeter held Liverpool just a few days ago. Back to earth with a bang...

Could he make the difference?

Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, Reuters

On Newcastle signing midfielder Jonjo Shelvey: "The first thing I would say is that he has ability. The thing I would question is that Swansea are in a desperate position and why would they let him go to a relegation rival? There must be something wrong with his attitude.

"If Steve McClaren can change that then he will be a good buy but the jury has to remain out on him. 

"The one thing I can say to him is that if he produces the goods here the fans will love him. On the flip side you have to perform and produce the goods because the fans will work you out."

Image source, Getty Images

There are two big games in the third tier this evening too.

I don't want to worry you Aston Villa fans but there's a good chance you could be playing both Coventry and Walsall next season. Think of the money you'll save on away trips! No? Oh well.

Fourth-placed Coventry host the third-placed Saddlers in a fight of the promotion chasers, while Wigan and Sheffield United, who meet at the DW, are both also hoping to be in the mix too.

Let us 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?

Is Daniel Levy the transfer window master? He's certainly got one fan.

Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC 5 live

"I wish I could play here tonight. The lights are on and the atmosphere is starting to build. 

"Newcastle have struggled to score goals. They have had chances and they just haven't taken them and they have been punished. Conceding goals has also been a problem for them as well.

"For Manchester United, we all know what has been said about the team by past players and pundits and no-one can argue with that. Manchester United over the years have entertained us, even if you are a Geordie and it has hurt us. This side is very methodical. 

"Manager Louis van Gaal has set positions he wants his players in and that has cost them in terms of scoring goals. It will be interesting to see if there are any changes tonight."

These are dreamy times for Bournemouth fans.

Image source, Getty Images

The Cherries have lost just one of their last eight league games - against league leaders Arsenal.

Steve Bower
BBC football commentator at St James' Park

"Two clubs struggling for goals and finding it difficult reaching their respective expectations.

"Manchester United have had luck on their side in recording back-to-back home wins that have still raised more questions than provided answers. I watched them beat Swansea, where at least there were more positive steps taken. Now they will look to rediscover some form away from Old Trafford.

"Newcastle, despite having lost their last four matches 1-0, haven't performed badly but it's now increasingly all about the result. They'll hope this game can act as their springboard.

"This fixture over the years has provided a deluge of goals; these are different times and for both it's the victory that is paramount."

Alistair Bruce-Ball
BBC Radio 5 live commentator at the Vitality Stadium

"Bournemouth have boldly spent big on Benik Afobe, hoping his goals will keep them in the league, in turn earning them far more than they've splashed out. Speculate to accumulate...

"Afobe couldn't be arriving at a better time with the team having failed to score in their last three league games.

"West Ham have coped brilliantly with a long injury list recently, keeping it rock solid at the back while Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio have taken their chance to show what they can do. Five of their next six games are against teams in the bottom half so there is a good chance to push on from here."

Alistair Mann
MOTD commentator at Villa Park

"Without a league win since the opening day of the season, or a home victory all campaign, it's difficult to anticipate Aston Villa's fortunes changing against a Crystal Palace side whose away record is the envy of most in the Premier League.

"Alan Pardew's men have only lost twice on their travels and demonstrated in the FA Cup at the weekend that they are away day specialists.

"A section of the Villa faithful vented their frustrations at Wycombe as the team left the field after yet another winless expedition.

"It's going to take something extraordinary to restore their faith: home victories against Palace and then Leicester on Saturday would be an encouraging - unexpected - start."

Image source, .

Does it matter who gets the goals?

Image source, pa

We are into week two of the transfer window. and it's hotting up.

Here's a little update in case you have missed anything over the last few days:

Steven Caulker [QPR-Liverpool] Loan

Jonjo Shelvey [Swansea - Newcastle] £12m  

Lewis Grabban [Norwich - Bournemouth] About £7m

Henri Saivet [Bordeaux - Newcastle United] Undisclosed

Benik Afobe [Wolves - Bournemouth] Undisclosed - reported £10m

Ivo Pinto [Dinamo Zagreb - Norwich] Undisclosed

Hmm, now you put it like that.....

Image source, .

Remi Garde rings the changes as Aston Villa hunt their first home win of the season. Forward Libor Kozak makes his first Villa start in the Premier League since the match against Palace at Villa Park on Boxing Day 2013. There are five other changes from the side that lost 3-1 at Sunderland on 3 January. Keeper Brad Guzan and defender Micah Richards are among those dropped.

Aston Villa XI: Bunn, Bacuna, Okore, Lescott, Cissokho, Veretout, Westwood, Gueye, Gil, Kozak, Ayew.

Image source, .

Yohan Cabaye returns to the Crystal Palace side - one of three changes from the side that last appeared on the Premier League stage on 3 January. Midfielder Joe Ledley and Bakary Saho are also back.

Crystal Palace XI: Hennessey, Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare, Cabaye,  Ledley, McArthur, Zaha, Puncheon, Sako.