Leandro Bacuna's headed intervention in the box is all that prevents Mata and Memphis having a pop at goal from inside the box as United continue to press forward.

Lots of possession for Manchester United against Aston Villa but zero chances created so far. Rooney has been getting stuck in, trying to make up for lost time.

Swansea, decked out in that garish green and blue hooped change strip, are hogging all the early possession. The visitors force an early corner, Newcastle partially clear to the edge of the box, Jack Cork lurks. The Swans midfielder skies one into the Gallowgate.

Image source, Reuters

Sunderland have done their bit. Over to you Newcastle. The game is under way at St James' Park, as are the matches at Old Trafford, Goodison Park and the Hawthorns.

Image source, Reuters

Matt Price: Villa already down. Newcastle to join them. Norwich in the final weeks. Sunderland have shown they have the fight yet again  

Northampton could win the League Two title today if they beat Exeter away, and if results for Oxford and Accrington go in the Cobblers' favour.

At the other end of the table, Dagenham & Redbridge will go out of the league today if they lose at Leyton Orient and if results for the sides just above the relegation zone go against the Daggers. 

Kevin Kilbane
Former Everton and Republic of Ireland winger on Final Score

"The first thing Sam will mention is that they did not concede, in such a crucial game."

Dion Dublin
Former Leicester and Aston Villa forward on Final Score

"Sam would not care if they scored one goal from one shot. They had to win, regardless how they did it, and Sunderland had a little bit more quality and experience. Sunderland showed today they could do it."

Some interesting, er, pre-match 'entertainment' at St James'. An enthusiastic male singer (who looks like he just returned from a three-month stint on a cruise ship) belts out Geordie anthem Blaydon Races in an attempt to get the crowd pumped. Few join in, even fewer look interested. The teams are in the tunnel...

Leaders Wigan, four points clear, are at struggling, relegation-threatened Doncaster while second-placed Burton hosts playoff-spot-chasing Barnsley.

Colchester, one place above already-relegated Crewe, have a crucial home meeting with Peterborough while Blackpool, fourth from bottom in the drop zone, travel to Rochdale.

They might be on the verge of dropping out of the top-flight but that isn't stopping the Villa fans enjoying themselves at Old Trafford. They are currently blowing up claret and blue balloons to knock around the away end as they dance and sing.

In true English football fan fashion, I'm pretty sure they'll find some dark humour in their situation throughout the afternoon. 

Image source, Rex

It could be a significant day in the Championship, following on from Brighton's 5-0 thrashing of Fulham, and Hull's last gasp victory over Wolves, both of which took place last night.

Middlesbrough are currently four points clear after Jordan Rhodes' two goals (the second in injury time) gave them a 2-1 win over Bolton in the 12:30 kick-off. Third-placed Burnley are at Birmingham and will leapfrog Brighton if they win.

Derby are at Charlton, who could be relegated today if results go against them. Sheffield Wednesday, in sixth, are at home to Ipswich.

Image source, Getty Images

Hope the Everton and Southampton fans have remembered their sunnies today. Blazing sunshine on Merseyside. Even the Goodison sprinklers have been switched on as both sets of players go through their warm-up drills. 

This would be perfect weather for trunk-wearing Toffees supporter Speedo Mick (you must have seen him on your television screens). But the fundraising fan is out walking - to Wembley...

Image source, Reuters

Aston Villa acting manager Eric Black: "I know people will say they are probably not the Man United of five years ago. But they a top, top football team.

"They have a lot of good players and it's a huge, huge task for us on Saturday. But I have to be honest - watching our players out there in training - I am relishing it.

"Let's surprise a few people."

Terry Butcher
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

"It wasn't the most complete performance. Sunderland had opportunities and took them, they looked stronger as the game went on. 

"It is a nervous time in Norfolk, they have got to dwell on this for two weeks."