Saturday football as it happened

GOALFLASHES AND MAJOR INCIDENTS (all times GMT)

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action

To get involved use 606 or text us your views & comments on 81111. (Not all contributions can be used)

By Caroline Cheese

1932: Match of the Day, tonight, 2225 GMT on BBC One. I was planning to be back tomorrow for Bolton v Blackburn, Spurs-Wigan and Stoke-Portsmouth, but what with this impending cold, I might just get the great Darrell (see 1234) to step in. I'll bet he wouldn't accidentally write DW instead of KC. Have a lovely evening, everyone.

1928: See what I can do, Darrell, see what I can do. For now, you'll have to make do with the respect and adoration of literally hundreds of people. To be a proper Lawro though, you'll have to predict scorelines - and never, ever tip a team to win 4-0.

From Darrell, via text on 81111: "Hi Caroline, I am only 15, so can't put bets on games. Delighted that the games went as I predicted. Any chance of a face-off with Lawro next week?"

1925: Comfortable win for Manchester United and they go second, five points behind leaders Chelsea. Stand by, Darrell fans (see 1234), he's been in touch...

1924: FULL-TIME Man Utd 3-0 Everton

1920: Lovely move from Everton. Marouane Fellaini plays in Yakubu, who holds off the defender before laying the ball off to Jack Rodwell in space on the right. Fierce shot by Rodwell is heading for the bottom corner but Edwin van der Sar saves at his near post.

1918: Marouane Fellaini heads a corner over the bar. They've had chances in this half, that's for sure.

From West Ham Tom, via text on 81111: "The only thing Darrell (see 1234) was wrong about was the 'thrilling' remark, otherwise spot on!"

1914: All over at Portman Road where Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday share the points after a 0-0 draw. That's Ipswich's 10th draw of the season, they still only have one win and they're four points adrift of safety. I hope everyone's mobile phones are switched off for Roy Keane's press conference.

1912: A hat-trick of changes. Two for Everton: Tony Hibbert for Louis Saha, Jo for Tim Cahill. One for United: Darron Gibson for Michael Carrick.

1911: Is Darrell (see 1234) still reading? Did he put money on his predictions? The public demands to know.

1910: Lucas Neill's cross is headed back into the danger area - but Nemanja Vidic keeps the United sheet clean with a goal-saving block.

Man Utd goal: Paul Scholes lays the ball off to Antonio Valencia, whose right-foot effort clips Leighton Baines and loops over Tim Howard.

1905: GOAL Man Utd 3-0 Everton

1903: Gabriel Obertan is ready to come on. Who's coming off? It's Wayne Rooney - and the former Everton striker isn't best pleased about it either, but he appears to be cheered up by a thunderous chant of "Rooney, Rooney" from the home fans.

1900: United goalscorer Michael Carrick gets a booking for flicking the ball away. All a bit silly.

Man Utd goal: Distin's block gives United a corner from which Wayne Rooney has a shot, which flies across goal - but doesn't go out. Instead, it comes to Ryan Giggs, who sets up Michael Carrick to sidefoot into the corner. A super-cool finish.

1856: GOAL Man Utd 2-0 Everton

1855: Ryan Giggs' deft touch sends Michael Owen through, but he decides to shoot with his right foot and that allows Sylvain Distin to get the block in.

1854: Yakubu twisting and turning his marker Wes Brown and gets a shot away with his left foot - just wide of Edwin van der Sar's right-hand post. United's defence have had a lot more to think about in this half.

1852: So unlucky. Wayne Rooney's measured shot from outside the box brushes the top of the bar on its way through. Paul Scholes is on for Rafael.

1848: Ouch. Yakubu plays Tim Cahill in with a lovely through-ball, but Edwin van der Sar senses the danger and comes charging out. Crunching 50-50 between the keeper and the Everton midfielder. Van der Sar needs treatment.

1844: Michael Owen's first real sight of goal. He takes the ball past Tim Howard but it's a heavy touch and the angle is too tight. Moments later, Marouane Fellaini has the ball in the net - but he's offside.

1841: This is a bit better for Everton now as Johnny Heitinga has a go from distance, Edwin van der Sar bouncing it once before collecting. It's all very well you lot sending me messages confidently telling me the difference between a volley and a half-volley - but you're all saying different things. I don't know who to believe. Also, I'm already bored of the subject. I might phone Jeff Stelling. He'll know. (If only I had his number)

1839: Louis Saha's snapshot goes just wide. Er. That's it really.

1834: Everton are making a change: Yakubu replaces Dan Gosling and will give Louis Saha some much-needed support up front. United kick off the second half.

1830: Crikey. Not even Yahoo Answers knows the answer to the difference between a volley and a half-volley. And if they don't know, we're all doomed.

1826: Incidentally, I'm not sure I really care that much. It was an excellent goal though. Of that we can agree. Right?

1823: Unseemly debate has broken out here in BBC Sport Towers. Was Darren Fletcher's goal a volley, a half-volley or neither? It bounced up in front of him, hip-high, and he smacked it. You decide.

1818: HALF-TIME Man Utd 1-0 Everton

1814: Louis Saha does brilliantly to control the ball and dart away from marker Nemanja Vidic but he's surrounded by United players and Darren Fletcher is there to mop up. Frustrating for the former United striker.

1811: Darren Fletcher rolls over four or five times after being caught by Marouane Fellaini. Referee Steve Bennett comes over to the Everton midfielder, points to several other indiscretions, and brings out his yellow card.

1809: Johnny Heitinga leaves the field to receive treatment on a cut above his right eye. I must confess I didn't see what happened. He's back on now though.

Man Utd goal: Sensational strike - by Darren Fletcher. Patrice Evra's left-wing cross is headed back across goal by Antonio Valencia and Fletcher, standing in the 'D', lets it bounce before smacking a swerving half-volley into the top corner as Old Trafford erupts.

1805: GOAL Man Utd 1-0 Everton

1802: United have had 71% of the possession apparently. The Everton defence is standing up well so far though, Leighton Baines particularly impressive.

1757: Rafael impetuously hauls down Louis Saha as the Everton striker looks to make progress down the left and that's a yellow card for the Brazilian.

1754: Jack Rodwell gives away a corner. It comes back to Rafael, who crosses, but Joseph Yobo heads clear.

1750: There's Everton's best effort so far. Louis Saha, with nine goals already this season, shoots on the turn but Edwin van der Sar gathers.

BBC 5 live analyst Jimmy Armfield: "If I was David Moyes, I'd be worried about Manchester United's midfield superiority. They're bypassing players, and they're always running at United's back four."

From Sir-Ryan-Of-Giggshire on 606: "Re 1726: Cheesy, that little mascot fella was on the local news in Gloucester earlier, suffering from a rare form of cancer which killed his cousin a few months back, positive little chap who when asked if he would be nervous replied of course not... brought a tear to my eye..."

1745: Beautifully-timed challenge by Leighton Baines on Antonio Valencia in the box, the Everton defender completing the clearance too. Moments later, Wayne Rooney shoots well wide from the edge of the box.

1744: Marouane Fellaini tries to run through two Manchester United midfielders. United still enjoying the majority of the possession.

1740: Republic of Ireland fans will be delighted by this. Delighted. Patrice Evra has reportedly told L'Equipe newspaper: "When I think that certain politicians want to replay the match... They don't even know if the ball is round or oval and they would be the first to come and drink champagne in South Africa. The replay, I'll do it when you want on a PlayStation."

1737: Lively start by United. Darren Fletcher passes to Antonio Valencia on the right and chases into the box for the cross - but it's too high for him.

1733: Michael Owen tries to play in Antonio Valencia but Leighton Baines is in with the challenge, and the ball goes behind for a corner. Nothing from it.

1731: Off they go at Old Trafford.

1727: United have lost two of their last three Prem games - but they're up against a side they have a great record against. Everton have lost 26 of 34 Premier League encounters with United.

1726: Manchester United's mascot has cheered me up no end. Purposeful little fella who's almost dragging United's skipper Ryan Giggs onto the pitch.

From anon via text on 81111: "Absolutely gutted about Arsenal losing, we shouldn't be losing games like these. On the bright side, good to see Walcott back, good few minutes from him."

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce: "We've played well of late and today it's always nice to beat Arsenal because they're such a good team. We had a gameplan to match them in the middle of the park - and the lads have run a million miles to do that. Jordan Henderson has got a big future. He was up against a world-class player in Cesc Fabregas and the kid's stepped up to the mark."

1705: Six points, five points. Same thing innit? Wonky maths at 1656 now corrected. I think I've got a cold coming on. That's why I keep making mistakes. Not because I am prone to mistakes.

1701: TEAM NEWS Man Utd v Everton
Manchester United striker Michael Owen starts, as centre-back Nemanja Vidic returns from a calf injury and Rafael comes in at right-back. Johnny Evans, John O'Shea and Anderson are the trio to make way as United look to get back on track after their defeat to Chelsea last time out. Everton boss David Moyes makes one change from the win over West Ham as defender Lucas Neill replaces Tony Hibbert. Winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is suspended but Tim Cahill plays despite a groin problem.

Football League Danny: "Late, late drama in the Championship. Carl Dickinson has scored a last-minute winner for Barnsley, who beat Cardiff 1-0. And Andy King has done the same for Leicester, who beat Plymouth 1-0."

1657: At the bottom, a topsy-turvy match at the KC Stadium ends in a 3-3 draw, which is enough for Hull and West Ham to climb above Bolton - but the Trotters don't host Blackburn until tomorrow.

1656: What a day this is turning out to be for Chelsea. The Blues have an eight-point lead at the top after their 4-0 thrashing of Wolves and that defeat for Arsenal. Manchester United could cut it to five with a win over Everton in the 1730 GMT kick-off.

1655: FULL-TIME Hull 3-3 West Ham

1654: FULL-TIME Sunderland 1-0 Arsenal

1653: Shouts for a penalty from the visiting fans at the Stadium of Light as Carlos Vela goes down - but the Arsenal players don't make much of it.

1653: FULL-TIME Burnley 1-1 Aston Villa

1651: FULL-TIME Birmingham 1-0 Fulham

1649: FULL-TIME Chelsea 4-0 Wolves

1648: Football League Danny has just pointed out that Heskey's last Prem goal was against West Ham - who play in claret and blue.

Villa goal: You'll never guess who scored this... Brian Jensen comes through a crowd to punch the ball, but only to James Milner, who pumps the ball back in for substitute Emile Heskey to head in his first Premier League goal since 18 April.

1645: GOAL Burnley 1-1 Aston Villa

1644: TEAMS Man Utd v Everton
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva, Brown, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney, Owen. Subs: Kuszczak, Anderson, Scholes, Welbeck, Obertan, Gibson, De Laet.
Everton: Howard, Neill, Yobo, Distin, Baines, Gosling, Rodwell, Heitinga, Cahill, Fellaini, Saha. Subs: Nash, Hibbert, Jo, Yakubu, Coleman, Duffy, Baxter.

1641: Shooting chance for Bolo Zenden... not got his shooting boots on. Sunderland bring on Anton Ferdinand for John Mensah. Eight minutes remaining at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland on track for the shock win predicted by Darrell all those hours ago (see 1234 GMT).

1637: Shortly after giving the ball away, Andy Reid is hauled off by Sunderland boss Steve Bruce. Bolo Zenden is the man coming on.

Football League Danny: "All square in that big League One match now - Southampton 2-2 Norwich. Millwall are losing 2-0 to Wycombe, by the way. In the Championship, Robert Earnshaw has equalised for the visitors and it's Middlesbrough 1-1 Nottingham Forest."

1635: That Sunderland goal was greeted with a huge roar at Stamford Bridge. As it stands, Chelsea lead by eight points from Arsenal.

1633: Time to call for the cavalry. Arsene Wenger sends on Carlos Vela and Theo Walcott for Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo. Meanwhile, Fulham have brought on Damien Duff.

Sunderland goal: Well, well. Another corner, another goal. Darren Bent's flick-on reaches Fraizer Campbell and it comes off his knee for Bent to ram home the opening goal.

1631: GOAL Sunderland 1-0 Arsenal

West Ham goal: Left wing corner comes in and the ball is briefly loose before Manuel Da Costa pounces and makes it all square against the 10 men of Hull. Still 20 minutes remaining.

1629: GOAL Hull 3-3 West Ham

Football League Danny: "Doncaster now 2-0 up on QPR in the Championship, which is a blow to Rangers' play-off hopes. Meanwhile in the big 'it was a Premiership fixture a few years ago honest' clash in League One, it's Southampton 2-1 Norwich."

1625: Fraizer Campbell coming on for Sunderland now, replacing Steed Malbranque. Carlo Ancelotti really showing off his squad now as 21-year-old Nemanja Matic steps in for Florent Malouda.

From CantonasCollar79 on 606: "Ramsey looks great for Arsenal and Wales when Fabregas doesn't play, but alongside the little wizard, seems overshadowed. Perhaps the natural replacement for when Spanish millions become irresistible?"

1620: Michael Essien clatters the cross bar for Chelsea, who have scored 14 goals in their last four league games.

1619: Andy Reid shoots over for Sunderland, who have come into the game against Arsenal a bit more in this second half. Arsene Wenger makes his first change: Aaron Ramsey off, Andrey Arshavin on.

From Cush via text on 81111: "Yeah, soft pen for us v West Ham. But it's one of those strange ones where if it's outside the box no-one would've complained, why should it be different when in the area?"

Football League Danny: "Looks like game set and match to West Brom, who are now 4-0 up against Bristol City thanks to Louis Carey's own goal and Simon Cox's finish. They're heading back to the top of the Championship. Alphabet fans will note that fellow 'W' team Watford lead 3-0 against Scunthorpe thanks to my fellow Football League Danny, Danny Graham. And Coventry are level against Crystal Palace, with Leon Best scoring."

1616: Gael Kakuta gets a rapturous reception from the home crowd at Stamford Bridge as he replaces Nicolas Anelka.

Hull red card: Phil Brown's men down to 10 after Bernard Mendy brings down Scott Parker as the West Ham skipper bears down on goal. He can't really have any complaints.

Chelsea goal: Good work from Nicolas Anelka on the left, squaring for Salomon Kalou, who touches the ball back for Joe Cole to unleash a low shot which squirms under Wayne Hennessey's body. Not the best day for the Wolves keeper - but Cole doesn't care. That's his first goal since 5 October 2008.

1614: RED CARD Bernard Mendy (Hull)

1613: GOAL Chelsea 4-0 Wolves

1611: Tyrone Mears' free-kick goes about a yard wide for Burnley, still one up against Villa, who hit back straight away with Gabby Agbonlahor forcing Brian Jensen into a fingertip save.

1608: Chelsea defender Alex cushions a volley straight into the arms of Wayne Hennessey from Florent Malouda's cross. Should have done better. Still driving rain in west London.

1605: And the other four games have caught up. Gael Kakuta is warming up at the Bridge. Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti said of the 18-year-old: "At that age I have never seen a player with this talent. His technique is fantastic. He has a left foot which is technically very good."

1603: The game at Stamford Bridge is back under way.

1602: The as-it-stands table makes happy reading for Chelsea fans. If scorelines stay the same, the Blues will have a seven-point lead over Arsenal - although Manchester United could cut it to five with a win over Everton later. West Ham, Wolves and Portsmouth fill the bottom three.

From LondonsFinestClub on 606: "Chelsea look like a cat playing with a mouse, but to be fair to Wolves they are trying to play football and have created three very good chances. I think McCarthy is a purist and tries to play total football, but you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. No disrespect intended to anyone."

1554: And yes, it was Craig Fagan who was pushed by Julien Faubert. Sorry again. Any more? Actually, don't answer that.

1552: In my excitement over the thriller at Hull, I got my stadiums with two letters for a name muddled up. Sorry - and well done you for noticing. Gianfranco Zola looked a little lost on the touchline as he watched his team fall apart there. Still not sure about that penalty though.

Football League Danny: "Half-time chat for you. And while it's been a goal frenzy in the Premier League, it's a drought in the Champ. Palace are 1-0 up at Coventry and Sheff Utd lead Peterborough 1-0. It's Boro 1-0 Nottm Forest, Watford 2-0 Scunthorpe and crucially West Brom 2-0 Bristol City. The Baggies very much on course to go top tonight. In League One, it's Leeds' day. They're 2-0 up at Brighton and their main rivals Charlton are down to 10 men and 1-0 down at Yeovil."

1549: HALF-TIME Hull 3-2 West Ham

1549: HALF-TIME Sunderland 0-0 Arsenal

1547: HALF-TIME Birmingham 1-0 Fulham

1547: HALF-TIME Burnley 1-0 Aston Villa

1546: HALF-TIME Chelsea 3-0 Wolves

Hull goal: ...Hull win a penalty. Looks like a soft one as Mark Clattenburg penalises Julien Faubert for pushing Craig Fagan on the edge of the box as a long ball comes in. Jimmy Bullard drives the penalty high into the net. Great pen.

Hull goal: It's a thriller at the KC. Stephen Hunt whips over a quick free-kick and Kamil Zayatte gets in front of the defender to volley in neatly at the near post. And it's not long before...

1545: GOAL Hull 3-2 West Ham

1544: PENALTY TO HULL

1542: GOAL Hull 2-2 West Ham

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty tweeting from Anfield "Mark Hughes felt Man City were "better side" and Rafa Benitez saluted the "fantastic" character of his players. Rose-tinted spectacles."

1539: Sensational save by Petr Cech, the Chelsea keeper diving low to his left to keep out Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's point-blank header. Meanwhile at Turf Moor, Burnley keeper Brian Jensen goes walkabout, fails to get the ball and it falls to Ashley Young but the winger hits his shot over the crossbar from a long way out wide.

1538: That Hull goal? It's gone to the unlucky Carlton Cole.

Football League Danny: "Gus Poyet has enjoyed a super start at Brighton, winning his first two matches this week. A potential reality looms in the shape of League One leaders Leeds who are 1-0 up at the Withdean Stadium thanks to Robert Snodgrass. Good couple of minutes for Leeds - their main rivals Charlton are down to 10 men at Yeovil after Sam Sodje's red card."

1533: Alex Song dribbles past about four players. Yes, Alex Song. He and Arsenal team-mate Eduardo exchange passes, and the Croat has the shot, lifting it over the keeper - but narrowly wide. Song is inches away from directing it inside the post - but he might have been offside had he made contact.

1531: An unmarked Andre Bikey heads wide from a corner for Burnley and they remain 1-0 up against Aston Villa.

Football League Danny: "Icelandic frontman Heidar Helguson is proving rather 'cool' in front of goal this afternoon. He's plonked in two for Watford and the Hornets are already 2-0 up over Scunthorpe. West Brom still lead 2-0 and Middlesbrough lead Nottingham Forest 1-0 thanks to Leroy Lita. Goalless elsewhere in the Champo."

Hull goal: Cruel luck for West Ham - but a lifeline for Hull. The free-kick is touched on to Jimmy Bullard, whose well-struck effort takes one deflection off Scott Parker in the wall before flicking off Carlton Cole's head and beyond the stretching Rob Green for an own goal by the England striker.

1526: GOAL Hull 1-2 West Ham

Chelsea goal: Chelsea work the ball to Michael Essien, who is just outside the box as he shoots low, the ball going under Wayne Hennessey's body. Might have taken a little deflection - I hope so for Hennessey's sake.

1522: GOAL Chelsea 3-0 Wolves

1521: Goals in every game except the one at the Stadium of Light. They're trying though. Sunderland launch a fast counter-attack and Andy Reid's long cross falls to Steed Malbranque in a similar position to his chance from a few moments ago, but his shot is wild and flies well off target.

Birmingham goal: Lovely goal. James McFadden spots Lee Bowyer's run and dinks a delightful ball over the top for the midfielder to chip the ball over Mark Schwarzer.

1517: GOAL Birmingham 1-0 Fulham

1516: All Arsenal at the moment at the Stadium of Light. Cesc Fabregas rifles in a shot from outside the box and it fizzes narrowly over the angle of post and crossbar. Sunderland struggling to get a foothold in the game - and centre-back John Mensah looks particularly out-of-sorts.

Football League Danny: "A few early goals knocking around in the Football League but none more important than at the Hawthorns, where West Brom have gone 2-0 up against Bristol City thanks to Jerome Thomas's long-range effort and Chris Brunt's strike. The Baggies go top of the table tonight with a victory."

Chelsea goal: Who needs Lampard, Drogba, Ballack et al? Florent Malouda delivers the corner from the right and Michael Essien's run to the near post goes unchecked, allowing the midfielder to head in the second.

Burnley goal: Burnley take the lead at Turf Moor after Robbie Blake swings a free-kick in from a wide area and Steven Caldwell heads the ball home despite pressure from Richard Dunne and Brad Friedel.

1513: GOAL Chelsea 2-0 Wolves

West Ham goal: Scott Parker's ball in from the left and Jack Collison outjumps Andy Dawson and his header loops over a stranded Matt Duke in the Hull goal. Phil Brown's lips are even more pursed - if such a thing is possible.

1510: GOAL Burnley 1-0 Aston Villa

1510: GOAL Hull 0-2 West Ham

1508: Arsenal create the first chance of the game against Sunderland, Cesc Fabregas acrobatically pulling back a cross for Tomas Rosicky, whose shot is well saved by Marton Fulop.

Chelsea goal: The Wolves defence stand off Florent Malouda and get a good view of the Frenchman smashing a superb shot into the top corner from 20 yards. Cracking effort.

West Ham goal: Could be crucial. Junior Stanislas takes the corner and Guillermo Franco takes advantage of a generous home defence to head in. Phil Brown's lips are pursed.

1505: GOAL Chelsea 1-0 Wolves

1504: GOAL Hull 0-1 West Ham

1501: And we're under way at all five 3pm kick-offs.

1458: Now then, if you give this page a manual refresh (if you haven't already), Final Score will appear (if you live in the UK).

1457: Teams on their way out everywhere. Some gloomy weather around the grounds this afternoon. Victory for Chelsea over Wolves would leave Liverpool 13 points off the lead.

1455: Some additional team news: Stewart Downing is on the bench for Aston Villa.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Anfield: "Manchester City appear happier with their point than Liverpool - but even they must regard this as a chance missed. Liverpool were guilty of failing to press home the advantage Martin Skrtel gave them by sitting on their lead and this was not an engrossing advert for the top four credentials of either side."

1451: TEAM NEWS Sunderland v Arsenal
Sunderland make three changes from the side which lost at Tottenham, bringing in Marton Fulop, John Mensah and Lorik Cana for Craig Gordon, Michael Turner and Fraizer Campbell. Arsenal make four changes from the side that beat Wolves, with Armand Traore, Alex Song, Tomas Rosicky and Samir Nasri coming in for Kieran Gibbs, Abou Diaby, Andrey Arshavin and Robin van Persie.

1450 TEAM NEWS Hull v West Ham
Phil Brown makes just one change to the Hull side that claimed a crucial victory against Stoke last time out, with Dean Marney slotting into midfield in place of Seyi Olofinjana. Fellow strugglers West Ham are boosted by Carlton Cole's return from his recent hamstring strain; the England front man replaces youngster Zavon Hines, who drops to the bench. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola makes two further changes to the side recently defeated by Everton, with Danny Gabbidon getting the nod at left-back and Junior Stanislas replacing Inter loanee Luis Jimenez in midfield.

1448: TEAM NEWS Chelsea v Wolves
Chelsea, with key quartet Frank Lampard, Deco, Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack unavailable through injury, make seven changes to the side that beat Manchester United last time out, with Joe Cole, John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou among those drafted in - while Gael Kakuta is on the bench. Wolves make just the three changes, with Kevin Doyle rested after his exploits with Republic of Ireland in midweek, and Greg Halford, Andrew Surman and Matt Jarvis recalled to the starting XI.

1447: TEAM NEWS Birmingham v Fulham
Birmingham welcome Barry Ferguson back from suspension for the visit of Fulham. The former Rangers midfielder comes in for Teemu Tainio. Fulham winger Damien Duff is on the bench after his midweek heartbreak with Republic of Ireland. Zoltan Gera takes his place in a five-man midfield, with Bobby Zamora on his own up front.

1446: TEAM NEWS Burnley v Aston Villa
Burnley are unchanged from the team that drew 3-3 at Manchester City. Aston Villa make one change from the side that thrashed Bolton 5-1, with Stiliyan Petrov returning after suspension so Nigel Reo-Coker drops to the bench.

1445: No change there then. Liverpool still not winning, Man City still drawing and letting in goals. City set a new Premier League record of six straight draws.

1444: FULL-TIME Liverpool 2-2 Man City

1443: Unbelievable chance. Lucas is unmarked in front of goal but doesn't get enough on the header and it glances well wide.

1443: Corner for Liverpool... comes out to Dirk Kuyt in space. His volley hits the defender and Liverpool have to settle for another corner.

1440: TEAMS Chelsea v Wolves
Chelsea: Cech, Belletti, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien, Mikel, Joe Cole, Malouda, Anelka, Kalou. Subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Zhirkov, Paulo Ferreira, Matic, Kakuta, Borini.
Wolves: Hennessey, Berra, Craddock, Stearman, Halford, Edwards, Henry, Castillo, Surman, Ebanks-Blake, Jarvis. Subs: Hahnemann, Elokobi, Kightly, Keogh, Milijas, Foley, Maierhofer.

1440: Four minutes of added time to be played at Anfield.

1439: Steven Gerrard delivers a wicked cross from the right, with Sotirios Kyrgiakos rising at the far post but he is well-challenged by the defender.

1435: Yossi Benayoun - on as a sub in the first half - is replaced by Fabio Aurelio. So Alberto Aquilani will stay on the bench. Again.

1433: TEAMS Sunderland v Arsenal
Sunderland: Fulop, Bardsley, Da Silva, Mensah, McCartney, Malbranque, Cana, Richardson, Henderson, Reid, Bent. Subs: Carson, Ferdinand, Nosworthy, Zenden, Campbell, Murphy, Healy.
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Vermaelen, Gallas, Traore, Song Billong, Ramsey, Fabregas, Rosicky, Eduardo, Nasri. Subs: Mannone, Vela, Walcott, Denilson, Silvestre, Arshavin, Eboue.

1432: TEAMS Birmingham v Fulham
Birmingham: Hart, Carr, Roger Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Larsson, Ferguson, Bowyer, McFadden, Jerome, Benitez. Subs: Maik Taylor, Phillips, Fahey, McSheffrey, Carsley, Vignal, Mutch.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Davies, Baird, Greening, Gera, Dempsey, Zamora. Subs: Zuberbuhler, Pantsil, Duff, Riise, Etuhu, Eddie Johnson, Smalling.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Anfield: "Big improvement on the first half. Liverpool pay the price for sitting on their lead as Stephen Ireland puts Manchester City ahead - then lack of concentration at the other end as Yossi Benayoun equalised for Liverpool. Still not huge amounts of quality on show but anybody's game."

1430: This is thrill a minute now as City pile on a bit of pressure. There were 74 seconds between the two goals by the way.

Liverpool goal: Liverpool go straight up the other end and equalise. David Ngog's cross takes a deflection and Yossi Benayoun gets in front of the defender to tap in.

Man City goal: Shocker for Liverpool. Shaun Wright-Phillips has the ball with his back to goal, but Sotirios Kyrgiakos is far too tight on him, and the England winger turns him easily and squares for Stephen Ireland to slot into the far corner. Touch of offside about Ireland?

1427: GOAL Liverpool 2-2 Man City

1426: GOAL Liverpool 1-2 Man City

1425: TEAMS Hull v West Ham
Hull: Duke, Mendy, Gardner, Zayatte, Dawson, Garcia, Marney, Bullard, Hunt, Fagan, Altidore. Subs: Myhill, McShane, Barmby, Geovanni, Kilbane, Boateng, Vennegoor of Hesselink.
West Ham: Green, Faubert, Da Costa, Upson, Gabbidon, Collison, Parker, Behrami, Stanislas, Franco, Cole. Subs: Kurucz, Kovac, Jimenez, Spector, Ilunga, Nouble, Hines.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Anfield: "Liverpool fans around me furious as another goal is conceded from a set-piece as Emmanuel Adebayor heads home Craig Bellamy's corner - and who can blame them? It was all to easy and Liverpool's advantage is squandered. Rafael Benitez need not concern himself with the discussions about zonal marking or whatever system he is using - the simple fact is it needs improving."

From emmetmcevoy on Twitter: "I fancy City to nick this now, they're in the ascendancy and have all the momentum. Now we'll see what Liverpool are made of."

1421: Liverpool sub Sotirios Kyrgiakos needs treatment after a sliding challenge on Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Man City goal: Liverpool pay the price for sitting back on their lead - and for some poor marking. Craig Bellamy wins the corner on the left and delivers it. Emmanuel Adebayor, who has no marker, is allowed to meet it with a firm header.

1418: GOAL Liverpool 1-1 Man City

1418: TEAMS Burnley v Aston Villa
Burnley: Jensen, Mears, Carlisle, Caldwell, Jordan, Alexander, Bikey, Eagles, Elliott, Blake, Steven Fletcher. Subs: Penny, Duff, McDonald, Gudjonsson, Nugent, Thompson, Guerrero.
Aston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Cuellar, Dunne, Warnock, Milner, Petrov, Sidwell, Ashley Young, Carew, Agbonlahor. Subs: Guzan, Downing, Delph, Heskey, Reo-Coker, Shorey, Beye.

1417: Good work from Yossi Benayoun now, tracking Pablo Zabaleta's run and winning the tackle after a good spell of passing from City.

1414: Shaun Wright-Phillips skips past Lucas and into the area, but Sotirios Kyrgiakos sticks with him, winning the ball and clearing for a throw-in. Big round of applause for the Greek defender.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Anfield: "Carlos Tevez on for Gareth Barry and we will really see what Manchester City are made of in the next 30 minutes. They have offered next to nothing so far and it is games such as these, at places such as Anfield, that will provide a measure of their aspirations to break into the top four. So far? Very unimpressive."

1412: Lucas is booked for kicking the ball away after he is penalised for a foul on Carlos Tevez in the centre circle.

1410: Here comes Mark Hughes' first tactical change as Gareth Barry is replaced by Carlos Tevez.

1408: Wayne Bridge's cross loops off a Liverpool defender. Corner flicked on but punched clear by Pepe Reina. A little over half an hour to go.

1405: Stephen Ireland tries to slip the pass through to Gareth Barry but the England midfielder doesn't seem to be on the same wavelength. Mark Hughes must be thinking about changes. Tevez, Santa Cruz both on the bench.

1402: That should liven things up. It's certainly perked up the home fans.

Liverpool goal: Pablo Zabaleta attempts to stop David Ngog's progress on the left by hugging him. Foul. Steven Gerrard whips the free-kick over and Martin Skrtel gets in front of Emmanuel Adebayor to apply the final touch with his right boot. Slack defending from City, but a lovely delivery from Gerrard.

1359: GOAL Liverpool 1-0 Man City

1356: City break down the right with Shaun-Wright Phillips, who lays it off to Stephen Ireland. The midfielder gets it all wrong though and plays the ball to no-one in particular.

From anon via text on 81111: "Re text from Greek: He was actually the keyboard player and a professor at my university also. Queue up for coffee next to him sometimes, making sure I hum that classic."

1354: Off we go again. City have been forced into a half-time change, skipper Kolo Toure replaced by Nedum Onuoha in central defence. Horse placenta... quite nice actually - needs a bit of horseradish though.

1350: No idea if that's true. Sounds too weird not to be.

From Greek, N5, via text on 81111: "Hey Cheesy, did you know that the drummer from d:ream (see 1341) is a high up member of the Hadron Collider project? (See 1200). That's your fact of the day."

From delixu on Twitter: "Only entertaining moment so far in this game was the referee's face when he dropped his cards. Stunningly awful."

From Chopper-Villan (I'll admit it, I'm an optimist.. or Delusional) on 606: "As a Villa fan this is going quite well for us... a few more bookings, maybe a sending off and then a win for us at Burnley and this could be a good day... even though I'm at work."

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Anfield: "Beyond average. Liverpool could perhaps offer up the excuse that their early rhythm was disrupted by injuries to Daniel Agger and Ryan Babel, but mediocre does not cover that first 45 minutes. Manchester City have been criminally short of attacking ideas and you have to wonder how long Mark Hughes will wait before introducing Carlos Tevez. The half-time whistle was greeted by a wave of supreme indifference around Anfield - and rightly so."

1341: Scrappy half between two sides short of confidence, not helped by several stoppages. I think it was D:Ream who once said: Things Can Only Get Better.

1339: HALF-TIME Liverpool 0-0 Man City

1335: Steven Gerrard's cross is deflected off Gareth Barry and bounces into Shay Given's arms. I'd rather eat a horse placenta than watch another 45 minutes of this.

1333: "Booooooooooooo," go the Liverpool fans as Shaun Wright-Phillips falls over after losing control of the ball. He doesn't appeal for anything - and the referee gives him the benefit of the doubt and decides he did just fall over. SIX minutes of added time. Goody.

1330: Er...

From drinkie on Twitter: "Terrible game so far at Anfield, and I got up early in the US for this..."

1328: Hahahaha. The referee has dropped his cards. Hahahaha.

From BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Anfield: "Frustration just starting to grow around Anfield at Liverpool's failure to exert pressure and create chances - but Manchester City have been no better. As an indicator to the battle for fourth place, it is offering plenty of encouragement for Spurs and Aston Villa."

From Dean_Machine89 on 606: "Both sides are cancelling each other out. It's what happens when both sides play 4-5-1 with two defensive midfielders."

1323: Shaun Wright-Phillips is in plenty of space on the edge of the box, right-hand side. He skews his shot hopelessly wide.

1321: Ooh. Shaun Wright-Phillips is playing. I forgot. "In terms of an attacking force, both sides are really struggling," remarks Craig Burley on BBC 5 live, as Alan Green bemoans the standard of officiating in today's game.

1319: Martin Skrtel glances a header about 10 yards wide from a corner. This is still a bit rubbish.

1315: The ball breaks to Steven Gerrard, whose initial shot is blocked, but it comes right back to him, only for the Reds skipper to volley over.

1314: Oh good, they've started playing football again. Stephen Ireland plays in Emmanuel Adebayor - but the striker is narrowly offside.

1311: This is a very poor game now. I blame the stoppages... of which there is now yet another as Kolo Toure prompts the trainer to come sprinting on. The Liverpool injury news is this: Daniel Agger has concussion and needs stitches in a head wound. Ryan Babel has jarred his ankle.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Anfield: "No love lost between former team-mates Jamie Carragher and Craig Bellamy as the Liverpool defender is deservedly booked for a late challenge. Bellamy not happy, although there is a belated handshake. Sense of bewilderment now as Ryan Babel limps off, victim of a clash with Steven Gerrard, to be replaced by Yossi Benayoun. Any more of this and we might actually see Alberto Aquilani."

1306: Less than 20 minutes gone and it's a second enforced change for Rafa Benitez as Ryan Babel - given a rare start today - has to come off. Sympathy from the home fans for the Dutch winger. They are soon greeting Anfield favourite Yossi Benayoun with a huge roar.

1305: Jamie Carragher, playing at right-back instead of Glen Johnson, brings down Craig Bellamy and is carded. Doesn't look like Babel will continue.

1304: Babel hobbles back on but he is still feeling his right foot. Liverpool will need a job lot of horse placenta at this rate.

1300: Ryan Babel looks dangerous on the left for Liverpool and his weaving run is ended by a very firm challenge from Nigel de Jong. Another injury. Steven Gerrard, who ran across Babel, is also down briefly but he's OK I think.

1257: Liverpool still down to 10 men as Sotirios Kyrgiakos takes an age to get ready to come on. It almost proves costly as Gareth Barry has a free header in the box, palmed away by Pepe Reina though. Kyrgiakos on now.

1254: And now another injury blow for Liverpool. Daniel Agger clashed heads with Kolo Toure in that last incident and he is stretchered off.

1252: Liverpool are quickly out of the blocks here, while City are still asleep. Steven Gerrard delivers a free-kick from the right and it comes off Kolo Toure's head to reach an unmarked Martin Skrtel at the far post. Shay Given's fingertip save prevents the goal - and there's an entertaining end to all that as Pablo Zabaleta looks to boot the clearance into the stands - but misses his kick and the ball just dribbles out.

BBC 5 live analyst Craig Burley on Wayne Bridge: "I've been speaking to a few people here and I think his confidence has taken a hit. His positional sense has been questioned - but the entire City defence hasn't been playing well."

1247: Liverpool get the game under way at Anfield.

1246: Benitez joins in with You'll Never Walk Alone, much to the delight of the multitude of cameras trained on him.

1245: Out come the players... Sammy Lee has just made Rafa Benitez chuckle. Maybe he's just passing on the placenta gag (see 1222).

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Anfield: "Spurs boss Harry Redknapp says he will give Robbie Keane a rest if he is still 'washed out' after the Republic of Ireland's contentious World Cup exit against France. No such problems for Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given who plays at Anfield - and with the words of Roy Keane ringing in his ears after he appeared to blame him, as opposed to Thierry Henry's hand, for the Republic's heartbreak."

1234: Manchester City have drawn their last five league games. Another draw would equal the top-flight record they set way back in 1913. If Liverpool lose today, it will be the first time in 45 years they have lost six of their opening 13 top-flight matches.

From Darrell via text on 81111: "Great day ahead. I predict a thrilling score draw at Anfield, a shock defeat for Arsenal, and comfortable home wins for Man United and Chelsea."

1229: Robinho is at Anfield, wearing a club tie loosely around his neck.

From PaulSeaton on Twitter: "Lots of talk about Gerrard, but I think the composure of Barry and the pace of Bellamy could haunt the Reds."

1223: Please don't take that as an invitation to inundate me with punnery (unless it's outstandingly good), but do drop me a text on 81111, on 606 or on Twitter.

1222: Nothing like a good pun to start the day. I only wish my own day hadn't started with the following horror from my boss. MY BOSS! "With Van Persie out, I wonder who will play centre forward for Arsenal today? Pla-centa forward...?"

From Chris, Basingstoke, via text on 81111: "Interesting game today, Wright-Phillips and the Liverpool left back should Insua an interesting battle..."

1219: And Mark Hughes said this: "There is a demand on Liverpool. They are expected to be successful. That has been there for decades. There is a fear of failure in the sense of not allowing themselves to think of the consequences of losing games."

1215: Now, because of Henry's careless hands, we've had hardly any build-up to this weekend's action. So let's start now. Benitez said this: "This is a big game, an important game. But then all Liverpool games are important. But this could be described as a make-or-break game for our season."

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Anfield: "Steven Gerrard is fit and well to take his place in Liverpool's starting line-up, but no Glen Johnson - despite undergoing the new placenta treatment that is currently all the rage. Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun are both on the bench, despite being expected to be out for another fortnight with hamstring injuries. Alberto Aquilani still only a substitute. Carlos Tevez is on the bench for Manchester City, along with Roque Santa Cruz, and still no sign of Robinho."

1205: Liverpool v Man City
Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Insua, Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Babel, Ngog. Subs: Cavalieri, Aquilani, Riera, Aurelio, Benayoun, Kyrgiakos, El Zhar.
Man City: Given, Zabaleta, Toure, Lescott, Bridge, De Jong, Barry, Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Bellamy, Adebayor. Subs: Taylor, Onuoha, Johnson, Santa Cruz, Tevez, Kompany, Weiss.

1200: Is it me, or does it seem like flippin' aaaaaaaages since the last lot of Premier League games? It's all been handballs and horse placenta and, erm, hadron colliders. A little bit of Liverpool v Man City ought to sort that out.