Fifa shadow at Stamford Bridge.

Annoying.

(That's a computer game reference for those scratching their heads).

Image source, Getty Images

Much like Alvaro Morata for Chelsea, I am ploughing up top on the live text on my own today.

Wouldn't mind a lack of goals, tbh.

Not a cloud in sight. Glorious.

Off we go at Stamford Bridge and The Hawthorns.

Conor McNamara
MOTD commentator

"It's been a strong start from West Brom, who look in the mood to improve on their top-10 finish last season.

"Gareth Barry's arrival has offset the departure of Darren Fletcher to Stoke. Ahmed Hegazi looks a good fit, especially should Jonny Evans leave. Oliver Burke and Jay Rodriguez could be shrewd acquisitions.

"Tony Pulis hasn't lost a league game against Stoke since leaving the club. Yet, if this is a highly-charged game for him personally, it is arguably even more so for Saido Berahino, who would love to grab a long overdue first goal for Stoke against his old club."

Guy Mowbray
Match of the Day commentator

"The fall of the fixtures hasn't done Everton many favours for this one.

"They haven't won at Chelsea for nearly 23 years as it is, and now go to Stamford Bridge straight from their successful trip to Croatia.

"Add in Monday at Manchester City and this rounds off a hectic week for a club whose competitive season started before anyone else's in July. No wonder Wayne Rooney's called time on England duty!

"Meanwhile, Chelsea looked reinvigorated in beating Spurs last week following their "wake up call" against Burnley.

"Only another three points will do for the champions. One would be lovely for the visitors. Any goal as good as Gylfi Sigurdsson's first for Everton this week would suit the rest of us!"

Here are the commentators ahead of kick-off...

That is 13 at West Brom and 15 at Stoke. Against Arsenal in the previous game, Saido Berahino provided his first assist in 57 league games.

Of Tony Pulis' 31 Premier League wins as West Brom boss, 15 have been by a 1-0 scoreline.

John Murray
BBC football correspondent at Anfield

Having seen him twice this season in the games against Hoffenheim, Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet hasn't done much wrong.

So the timing before the international break, and with such a big game against a rival like Arsenal, it is a surprise not to see him in the side.

Image source, Reuters

John McEnerney: Imagine Roger Federer in the Hoops with his style and class, which we haven't had since Henrik Larsson. We'd do some damage in Europe.

Elliott Almqvist: Rambo could do a shift upfront for Crystal Palace. We need someone who knows how to shoot!

He's no sportsman, Elliott. Mind you, I wouldn't say that to his face.

Henry Winter
Chief Football Writer for the Times on MOTD2 Extra

Simon Mignolet made some good saves against Hoffenheim. If he's being rested today I think that's a very strange decision, as he's building an understanding with his defence.

Juliette Ferrington
BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

Image source, Rex Features

We're trying to fathom the reasons for Simon Mignolet reportedly not being in Liverpool's starting line-up this afternoon. Loris Karius is set to take his place against Arsenal today.

That's the big talking point among fans outside the ground. They're as confused as Mignolet no doubt! We'll find out for sure when the team news is announced at Anfield.

John Murray and I are led to believe that Mignolet was told he wouldn't be involved yesterday.

Some surprising early team news to bring you from Anfield, where Liverpool host Arsenal later today...

Andrew Cole
Former Manchester United striker on MOTD2 Extra

Image source, Getty Images

Looking at today's defences... well, as a retired striker I'd love to be playing these days!

I see the chances that come about in each and every game, and I know I'd enjoy this.

Andrew Galloway: Fab Fabregas comes in!

Stuart Blake: The usual park the bus and get a lucky goal? That's Chelsea. Boring Champions. United look so much better - goals, clean sheets, attacking and entertaining football.

Harry Foxley: Seven English players for Everton. Boss, that.

Chelsea have not drawn a competitive home fixture with Antonio Conte as head coach (won 21, lost three).

The reigning champions of England's top division have never lost their opening two home fixtures of a top-flight season.

Image source, PA

MBA: I would love to have 'Iron' Mike Tyson in the Liverpool team. Would add much needed bite... excuse the pun!

Steve McClaren
Ex-England manager on Sportsweek on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, PA

A massive decision from Wayne Rooney to retire from England football at 31 years old.

I think we should watch this space regarding his England future. If he gets his form back at Everton, scoring regularly, then selection might come again. It would not surprise me if he gets the call ahead of the next World Cup and decides to come back.

Stranger things have happened in football - in this game you have ups and downs, but now he has a new start at Everton and as far as I'm concerned he still has a lot to contribute for England.

In 10 years we'll look back on Wayne Rooney for England as we do with Jimmy Greaves and Bobby Charlton, as a legend. In a decade we'll see that what he's achieved has been remarkable.

Martin Keown
Former Arsenal defender on MOTD2 Extra

Image source, Reuters

Wayne Rooney is now playing for a manager who believes in him, and he's back with a vengeance. He is only 31 - I think he's a great signing for Everton.

But of course Everton are being linked with more strikers, including Jamie Vardy and Diego Costa? If the Toffees chase Vardy then that's a huge statement of intent, because he's looked very sharp at the start of this season.

Andrew Cole
Former Manchester United striker on MOTD2 Extra

I am one of Wayne Rooney's biggest fans. I could never understand it when people criticised him. He's back at Goodison Park and I'm really enjoying him doing what he loves to do, which is scoring goals.

What is football about? Enjoying yourself. If players can't do that as players then we shouldn't be doing what we're doing.