Brentford

Brentford defender Mads Roerslev, speaking to Sky Sports: “I’m very happy. It’s a great feeling. You can see it means so much to the crowd. Every point is crucial in this league and I’m very happy to help the team.

“The first part of the second half was not ideal, but we know we’re good at defending as a unit in a low block. We know that if we do what we can do, the chances will come. That was actually exactly what Thomas [Frank] said at half-time.

“The fans were amazing as always, from start to finish. It always raises you a bit. It’s a very unique feeling.

“We’re only half way through [the season], so everything can change. Every point is so important for us if you want to be looking upwards.”

On his goal and assist: “Mine could have looked a bit better, but a goal is a goal. Everybody knows [Yoane Wissa] has the finish in him. I knew when he got the perfect touch that he’d find the far corner.”

Pat Nevin
Former Chelsea winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

It sounds like Thomas Tuchel has had to make a stand [on Romelu Lukaku].

The times through history managers have had a difficult period and a big moment has come with big players...this may well be Tuchel's big moment where he says 'I'm the gaffer, what I say goes and if you want to do it some other way, you won't be in my team.'

James McFadden
Former Everton forward on BBC Radio 5 Live

If you look at Liverpool and the fact they are going to lose Salah and Mane [to African Cup of Nations], then on reflection it is a must-win. Liverpool will go into these games thinking they need as many points on the board as possible, knowing those players are leaving. They are huge players, Salah in particular. Mane has been off the boil a little, but they have to get as many points as possible. Chelsea have probably had their problems with the squad, they'll be looking to get stronger again and they could strengthen again in the window. I don't see Liverpool spending the money to add to their attack.

Leeds United

Leeds midfielder Stuart Dallas speaking to Sky Sports: "Brilliant. It’s relief more than anything, we didn’t start so well, they caused us some problems. We got into the game then and we dominated. We got ahead – we’re disappointed with giving away the free-kick, it's a great finish, but we got back into the game then."

On his goal: "I saw a wall of players coming towards me, you put your head down and smash it and it’ll probably hit one of them, so I tried to curl it in.

"We knew this was a huge game coming in to today. We don’t use it as an an excuse but we’ve had a number of issues in the club throughout the festive period. So huge credit to the staff here for getting the players out on the pitch today.

"We’ve tried to rediscover some of the form we’ve been missing this season. People talk about Burnley being a long-ball team, but there’s a method to the way they play, they’re difficult opposition."

So this is the situation.

Manchester City are 11 points clear at the top. Chelsea's game in hand is this one.

Liverpool, who are 12 points off the top, have another game in hand after today.

But the winner of this match can probably keep their title challenge hopes alive. The loser, probably can't. A draw would suit Manchester City.

Image source, BBC Sport

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Stamford Bridge

There is no doubt what the big story is here at Stamford Bridge and that is the complete exclusion of record £97.5m signing and main striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea's team and even the bench following his outspoken interview with Sky Italia.

Opinions behind the scenes here vary from applauding Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel for his strong discipline and leadership to the belief he has used a sledgehammer to crack a nut and needlessly weakened his team.

Either way it's a huge call and increases the pressure on Tuchel to get a result in a game where defeat would leave both Chelsea and Liverpool with a huge task to haul in leaders Manchester City.

Mark: Brentford are everything teams like Everton aren’t. Limited resources yes, but no shortage of application and pride in the shirt.

Michael Brown
Former Leeds midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

Leeds have had the better of Burnley. Burnley have given some silly passes away, some silly mistakes.

It's a good, solid performance from Leeds. The pressure was increasing at Leeds so this is a huge result for them.

Thanks guys, top effort.

We could be in for a good evening. It's a biggy. Just over half an hour to go...

Image source, Getty Images

Right, that's it from your afternoon crew - Emma Sanders is jumping into the hot seat for the big one as Chelsea and Liverpool face off in a massive battle at the top of the table.

All yours, Em!

Michael Brown
Former Leeds midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

The reaction of the manager hugging his staff, realising what this goal means.

Mateusz Klich has the ball on the right, I'm thinking game management, don't cross... Dan James arrives at the back post. The celebrations at Elland Road are incredible.

Image source, Getty Images

All over and Leeds celebrate a HUGE win.

They've not been at their best at times this season but that performance was like the Leeds of old.

There's the final whistle.

Brentford score late on to take the points, Villa will be left wondering how they got nothing from the game.

All over and the boos ring out again around Goodison.

A fine win for Brighton.

Mahmoud Trezeguet is down in the box, but that is a very dramatic fall.

It looks like he's been snipered in White House Down.

Referee Craig Pawson hands him the best actor trophy and tells him to get on his bike.

All Everton in these final few minutes as they desperately chase an equaliser but the Brighton defence is holding firm...

Douglas Luiz's corner sails just over the head of Emiliano Martinez and Alvaro Fernandez punches clear.

Villa work it into the box and earn another corner.

THE GOALKEEPER IS GOING UP!!

Last chance for Villa to lump one into the Brentford box.