Summary

  • Newcastle and Aston Villa both lose

  • Sunderland grab vital point at Southampton

  • Swansea beat Norwich 1-0

  • West Ham beat 10-man Everton 3-2

  • Watford v Leicester (Kick-off 17:30 GMT)

  1. Postpublished at 11:37 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Tottenham v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)

    Martin Keown
    Former Arsenal defender on BBC One

    "I'm not about to hammer Arsene Wenger but Arsenal have an opportunity to level the points on Tottenham on Saturday.

    "They shouldn't be thinking about anything else. The other night I saw players who were desolate, lying on the floor. I would break a game down to my battles, winning tackles, headers. Just do your job and the game will look after itself.

    "You have to install responsibility into your players. That is part of management. You have to be demanding. It is a whole set of qualities that make you a champion, not just talent. 

    "It might be game management, getting around the referee, some shouting on the pitch. You have to have those characters and somebody needs to develop that." 

  2. Postpublished at 11:32 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Tottenham v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)

    Our man at White Hart Lane, chief football writer Phil McNulty, is close to the action. No excuses for any Arsene Wenger-style "I didn't see it" allowed from Phil today.

    WHLImage source, #bbcfootball
  3. The biggest ever north London derby?published at 11:28 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Tottenham v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)

    Gunners midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is out injured again - this time for about seven weeks.

  4. Derbies galorepublished at 11:24 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Championship preview

    ChampionshipImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    It is Sean Dyche v Paul Lambert as Burnley take on Blackburn

    There's not just one massive derby happening at lunchtime, because in the Championship Burnley host east Lancashire rivals Blackburn. 

    There is plenty of history and needle between the two, but it is the Burnley fans who have enjoyed the bragging rights for a number of years. 

    The Clarets are are unbeaten in five league encounters with Rovers, winning the last two, and a win today will send them to the top of the table.

    As if we didn't already have enough derbies there's another one at 12:00 GMT as Bristol City host Cardiff in the Severnside derby.

    Watch out for live text commentary on both games online later.

  5. 'Goal difference could be key'published at 11:21 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Tottenham v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)

    David Pleat
    Former Tottenham boss on BBC Radio 5 live

    "There hasn't been a player who hasn't improved under Mauricio Pochettino. He has devised a system which suits the whole team, with Eric Dier as a holding player. 

    "When they lose the ball they seem to be able to take up position so quickly and stop the opposition. The team who wins the title often has the least defeats. 

    "Leicester have only lost three, Spurs four which have all been 1-0. That means that you can add a point on for Spurs because of their goal difference, and that could yet prove crucial."

  6. Crooks v Keown: Who dares wins in derbypublished at 11:17 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown says he would settle for a draw at Tottenham on Saturday.

    Read More
  7. Get involvedpublished at 11:15 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Tottenham v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)

    Biggest North London Derby ever???. Surely that was Monday 3rd May 1971 when Arsenal went to White Hart Lane knowing that a win or goalless draw would give them the title and the first half of the double. Spurs fans will not want to be reminded that a Ray Kennedy goal three minutes from time gave their rivals the spoils.

    Don Tate

    Text us on 81111 (UK only - with your names on please) or tweet us at #bbcfootball

  8. Postpublished at 11:10 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    BBC Radio 5 Live

    Mark Pougatch is presenting Saturday 5 live Sport from now until 18:06 at White Hart Lane. Here's what's coming up...

    12:45 Tottenham v Arsenal (John Murray with Danny Murphy)

    15:00 Manchester City v Aston Villa (Ian Dennis with Chris Waddle)

    17:00 Sports Report

    18:06 606 with Darren Fletcher and Robbie Savage

    Mark PougatchImage source, #bbcfootball
  9. 'Derby has never been bigger'published at 11:06 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Tottenham v Arsenal (19:45 GMT)

    Martin Keown
    Former Arsenal defender on BBC One

    "It is so not Arsene Wenger to change his system, and I don't think he has the players available. West Ham went three at the back which worked against Spurs but I don't see it.

    "This derby has never been bigger, Arsenal have had their foot on Tottenham's throat for many years but this could all change. 

    "This Tottenham team is as good as I can remember. The crowd and the club are at one. All the players know what they are doing. 

    "Spurs are the best team in the league, the best-oiled machine but there is a chance for Arsenal to cause what I would see as an upset now."

  10. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 11:02 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    #bbcfootball

    I'm sensing a lot of excitement around the north London derby....

  11. Postpublished at 10:59 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Tottenham v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)

    BBC World Service

    LaurenImage source, Getty Images

    Former Arsenal defender Lauren has been talking to the BBC World Football Show about his former side's title bid. He says...

    • That Arsenal lack a “strong, winning mentality in that dressing room”.
    • If he was working with Arsene Wenger, he would have “turned the dressing room upside down” in frustration.
    • That strikers used to be scared of the old Arsenal defence... and says they would have kicked Manchester United's Marcus Rashford out of the game in the first five minutes.

    Listen to the show here.

  12. Postpublished at 10:56 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Tottenham v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)

    Less than two hours until kick-off in Spurs v Arsenal - and we're going to turn our attentions to that game now.

  13. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 10:53 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Sunday League controversies

    The world of Sunday League football is clearly a very painful place.

    After a mazy run from the halfway line past a few players I hit a shot into the top corner from 20 yards, one of the best goals I've ever scored, the ref blew his whistle and I jogged back to the centre circle. Unfortunately he had blown for a free-kick because my socks had fallen down whilst I ran and my shinpads were showing!! I still hold a grudge against that ref!!

    Jamie Loftus

    Ref for a Sunday game didn't show, so I as a sub was coerced into it. No whistle, wearing a goalie top, sworn at by my own team, and ended up having to award a penalty against my best mate in goal. Should have sent him off but didn't have any cards! Remains the only time he's ever conceded a penalty.

    Jason, Norwich

    Text us on 81111 (UK only - with your names on please) or tweet us at #bbcfootball.   

  14. 'Biggest derby ever?'published at 10:51 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Tottenham v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)

    Guy Mowbray
    BBC Match of the Day commentator

    "The biggest north London derby ever? In league terms, it is in my lifetime and I'm sure that I'll never have heard White Hart Lane like it.

    "The key will be to play as title-chasing teams rather than it being about a local duel, but the fervour around the ground will make that difficult and play havoc with mental focus.

    "Arsenal seem to have lost theirs in recent games, backed up by an alarming confession from Alexis Sanchez that they 'lack hunger'.

    "On form you have to fancy ravenous Spurs, but the Gunners' tendency to be like Forrest Gump's 'box of chocolates'* could be a positive this time."

    *You never know what you're gonna get.

  15. 'Leicester all smiles'published at 10:49 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Watford v Leicester (17:30 GMT)

    Steve Wilson
    BBC Match of the Day commentator

    "Watford were very unfortunate to lose at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

    "Suddenly they're struggling to score, only two goals in the last five league games - and one of those was a penalty.

    "Odion Ighalo is finding it particularly tough; he could have had a hat-trick in Manchester but the last of his 15 goals came in January. He looks anxious.

    "Anxiety never seems to touch Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri's expressive face.

    "Two points dropped against West Brom on Tuesday night looked more like one gained by the time their title rivals had all lost 24 hours later.

    "When the pressure is really on, some managers get angry, some get sacked,some simply fall over; most have a moan. Ranieri, it seems, never groans - only grins..."

  16. 'Norwich deperate for a change'published at 10:47 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Swansea v Norwich (15:00 GMT)

    Mark Scott
    MOTD commentator

    "Francesco Guidolin had one eye on Norwich's visit to south Wales when he named a much-changed team in midweek, so to win at Arsenal was all the more of a boost.

    "Guidolin missed the Arsenal game because of illness and he won't be back in the dugout on Saturday. But the side will be in safe hands, with Alan Curtis' shuffling of formation in midweek coming up trumps.

    "Alex Neil said he felt 'like a broken record' after Norwich made it eight without a win, the familiar tune being calls to take their chances and cut out silly mistakes.

    "Given that most of their upcoming games are against teams in and around them, they desperately need that soundtrack to change soon."

  17. 'Sunderland wounded animals'published at 14:41

    Tony Husband
    MOTD commentator

    "A black cat has taken up residence at Southampton's training ground and is often seen patrolling the complex., external

    "No doubt if the club's feline friend had stumbled upon any inquests into Tuesday's abject performance at Bournemouth, it would have run for cover as Ronald Koeman vented his anger.

    "The black cat has reinforcements coming this weekend with Sunderland heading south.

    "Several of Sam Allardyce's side played in the humiliating defeat at St Mary's last season, including goalkeeper Vito Mannone.

    "Allardyce had targeted four points from a block of three games ending with this fixture, which leaves Sunderland needing a win - but Southampton may well feel like a wounded animal."

  18. 'Frustration in the stands'published at 10:44 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Newcastle v Bournemouth (15:00 GMT)

    Martin Fisher
    Match of the Day commentator

    "Suddenly, the runners and riders in the relegation battle appear to have reduced to three from four and Newcastle are looking increasingly vulnerable.

    "Wednesday's defeat at Stoke made it six in a row on their travels in the league, heaping more pressure on them to pick up results at home.

    "There will be another packed house at St. James' Park but that's not always an advantage. Frustration in the stands can increase tension on the pitch.

    "Bournemouth, boosted by their recent improvement which sees them eight points clear of the drop zone, can play with comparative freedom and are well equipped to pile on the misery for their hosts."

  19. Sport Relief five-a-sidepublished at 10:43 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Team Shearer have just scored their 500th goal in the Sport Relief five-a-side epic. Watch it all, with live text commentary, here.

  20. 'Pride at stake for Villa'published at 10:40 Greenwich Mean Time 5 March 2016

    Man City v Aston Villa (15:00 GMT)

    Steve Bower
    Match of the Day commentator

    "Whilst the Capital One Cup is back in the cabinet and the Champions League is looking encouraging, there's no hiding from Manchester City's domestic league frustrations.

    "To win the title after eight defeats is unheard of, although this season is anything but a usual one.

    "First and foremost, they have to make sure Pep Guardiola has Champions League football to look forward to.

    "As they look to get back on track, there is surely no other fixture they would have picked.

    "The list of adjectives to describe Aston Villa's woes has virtually run out. They look beaten in the tunnel and now have to at least show they care and try and salvage some pride.

    "I watched them somehow take a point off City earlier in the season; a repeat would be up there with the shocks of the season."