1750: So a short, sharp get-in and get-out day of football then all round hey? With just Millwall v Scunthorpe United ongoing now, I'm going to wrap this bad boy up. Don't forget to catch Match of the Day from 2220 on BBC One and online tonight, followed swiftly by the Football League Show at 2340 - if only to see a couple of rippers by Samir Nasri to be honest. I'm back tomorrow for a spot of West Brom v Newcastle and Sunderland v West Ham so why don't you all see if you can join me for those two then? Nice one. G'night.

alexedwards07 on Twitter: "Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea all play each other before Christmas - how BIG are those games going to be?!"

Badmus via text: "What a week for West Ham - 3-1 win over Wigan, 4-0 win over Man Utd and today they began climbing up the table without kicking a ball - c'mon you Hammers."

1742: ARSENAL 2-1 FULHAM
Chris Whyatt reports: "Nasri wraps up goal of the month in an epic blink-and-you've-missed-something-good match at the Emirates."

1740: CHELSEA 1-1 EVERTON
Paul Fletcher reports: "A deserved draw for Everton turns up the heat on Chelsea, whose poor run of form continues."

1738: MAN CITY 1-0 BOLTON
Chris Bevan reports: "Manchester City stay in touch at the top of the table but they didn't half make hard work of it in the end."

1736: BLACKBURN 3-0 WOLVES
Chief football writer Phil McNulty reports: "Blackburn run out convincing winners - Wolves' late rally not nearly enough."

1734: BIRMINGHAM 1-1 TOTTENHAM
Saj Chowdhury reports: "Birmingham deserved a draw for the fight they showed in the second half - led by the brilliant Craig Gardner."

1732: WIGAN 2-2 STOKE
Julian Shea reports: "Honours even at the DW Stadium in a game which recovered from a slow start to become a real hum-dinger."

1730: Let's hear from our match reporters then shall we?

1727: Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti: "Today's result was not good, obviously. We're in a difficult moment and we hoped today's game would help us move on. We weren't able to do that, though, we were poor in the second half and now we must use the next game to get out of this period and move on. I'm disappointed because we didn't play our football - and I need to understand why."

1725: Spurs manager Harry Redknapp: "One goal is never enough against them. They brought on tall striker Nikola Zigic - it was the best I've seen from him this season. They began playing diagonal balls and he got on the end of one that led to their goal. I'm disappointed because I felt the game was there to be won today."

PJS192 on 606: "If I were a betting man I'd say the current top four will end up in the top four by the end of the season, though in what order is anyone's guess!"

1723: Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart: "We needed a win, and it should have been by a lot more. [Bolton keeper] Jussi Jaaskelainen played very well for them, but about five or six of our players could have got a goal today, not just Carlos Tevez."

1722: Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce: "The clean sheet pleases me as much as the goals we've scored. We're creeping up on everybody [into eighth position] without anybody really noticing. It's a terrific total [21 points] off the games we've played. "

1721: Stoke boss Tony Pulis: "To come away from home and make as many chances we did shows we're trying to be positive. People get carried away, but we're bobbing along nicely - we've got lots of spirit in the team, which has always been the case, we've just added a bit more quality."

The Adventures Of Giuseppe Rossi on 606: "Just did a quick run on the predictions. I can see Arsenal, Man United and Man City all on 39 points going into the new year."

1718: Birmingham boss Alex McLeish: "I'm delighted with a draw because Tottenham are a top side and, in the first half, were very dangerous. But, Craig Gardner is just one of many with desire in this team and we've got good momentum right now."

D-Gooner on 606: "Let's not all get carried away with a win here - there is a long, long way to go before anyone can talk about the title. Tough games are yet to be played."

1715: Wigan manager Roberto Martinez: "We weren't too happy with first half, we were missing the purpose that you need against a team as physical as Stoke but the way we finished the match was something to be proud of."

1711: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: "We had to work very hard because Fulham had a great game as well, but my players showed fantastic spirit and quality. Overall, we deserved it. But credit to Fulham - and Nasri too, his goals were outstanding. He showed skill, calm and intelligence and it underlines how important confidence is."

andybell88 on Twitter: "I hope Everton get the credit they deserve for that second-half performance. Only one team looked like winning."
Absolutely. And Leighton Baines, in particular, was superb.

1707: In case you're late to proceedings today, by the way, ordinarily I would be bringing you a Blackpool-Manchester United preview and team news - but, of course, that match has been postponed tonight because of a frozen pitch. No date set on when that match will be played yet, though.

Johnny Rover on 606: "How much do I love Morten Gamst Pedersen? Right now I could spread him on a crumpet and gobble him up."

SoccerDotTel on Twitter: "Man City within a point of Chelsea? Suppose Mancini is staying put then."

1700: So, with Manchester United not playing today, it's Arsenal who will top the table overnight thanks to their win over Fulham. Jermaine Beckford's equaliser means Chelsea's poor run continues - they have just five points from their last six matches - while Tottenham's own title challenge suffers a blow thanks to Craig Gardner's late leveller. Manchester City, though, go marching on thanks to a hard-fought win over Bolton. Still, the two games of the day were arguably at Ewood Park and the DW Stadium - how many of you will have predicted that at the start of the day, I wonder?

oliver_todd on Twitter: "Michael Essien's name hasn't been mentioned once on the live text so far. Indicative of his performance?"
He was OK but not great... a bit like Chelsea, to be fair.

goonerscottay on 606: "All I want for Christmas - is a Nasri football shirt."

1652: Chance for Jermaine Beckford to win it from the edge of the area for Everton - but he spoons his effort miles over Chelsea keeper Petr Cech's bar.

1650: Credit to Wolves for showing some fighting spirit at Ewood Park despite their three-goal deficit, and Paul Robinson has to pull off a fine save to deny Stephen Hunt's long-ranger.

1648: We'll have seven minutes of stoppage time at Stamford Bridge, because of that earlier injury to Petr Cech.

1647: It's taken a fine save from Lukasz Fabianski to keep Arsenal in front, though, the Pole getting down well to push Zoltan Gera's long-range effort around the post.

1646: That goal means, by the way, that Chelsea would miss the chance to go top of the Premier League - with Arsenal leapfrogging Man Utd into top spot instead.

Everton goal: It looks like Jermaine Beckford has snatched a point for Everton, the substitute nodding in from close range after Tim Cahill had nodded Leighton Baines's cross on to the striker from the angle.

1642: So close to a Wigan winner. Charles N'Zogbia cuts in from the left, beats his defender - and then sees his goalbound shot tipped on to the post by Asmir Begovic.

1640: Stunning save from Rovers' Paul Robinson after an unmarked Stephen Hunt sure-footedly meets a Kevin Doyle cross - the Republic of Ireland winger's placed effort looks goalbound but the former England keeper stoops low and palms away the danger. Top class goalkeeping.

Birmingham goal: It's been coming for the hosts. Nikola Zigic heads Scott Dann's long ball back across goal and Craig Gardner bullies his way through the Tottenham defence to nod home from eight yards.

1638: Into the last 15 minutes at the DW Stadium and both Wigan and Stoke are really going for the win. It's being played with a real cup-tie intensity and it's obvious they both still think the game is there for the taking.

Football League Nathan: "Leicester finishing the half strongly as they claw their way back from two goals down to level at 2-2. Paul Gallagher has bagged both of them for Sven-Goran Eriksson's side. In League Two, Northampton look to be home and hosed against Stockport, 2-0 they lead."

1638: Great chance for Birmingham, great save by Heurelho Gomes. Liam Ridgewell chests down in the box and looks to clip it past the Tottenham keeper, but Gomes spreads himself well to save the strike... with his, erm, groin. Brave.

Man City red card: A goal up, but a man down now City. Aleksandar Kolarov sees red for a second yellow for a reckless tackle on Sam Ricketts - it was deserved in my book - can Bolton now respond?

Arsenal goal: It's unlikely Fulham will go on and win now - and they have Samir Nasri to thank for that. On the back of a typically flowing Gunners move the Frenchman dashes on to Robin van Persie's lay-off, rounds a defender and then the keeper before turning in from the angle. Lovely strike.

1633: Fulham actually starting to press at the Emirates now - can the Cottagers force an unlikely win?

1632: Rovers' Phil Jones runs unopposed from midfield into the Wolves penalty area but he delays his strike, and after cutting onto his left-foot, his tame effort is blocked by Christophe Berra. Moments later, at the other end, George Elokobi fires a rasping rising left-foot strike from just inside the area but Paul Robinson reacts well to save despite a slight deflection.

Football League Nathan: "Goals at a premium in the Football League but Jon-Paul McGovern has at least grabbed one for Swindon to put them 2-1 up against Sheffield Wednesday in League One."

1630: Ouch. Tim Cahill slides in trying to poke home from inside the area but succeeds only in raking his studs across the face of keeper Petr Cech, who had rushed out to save bravely at his feet. How intentional that was from Cahill I don't know, but Cech - obviously with his head injury history - is not happy, and nor is John Terry who wrestles with Everton midfielder Cahill in protest. It all blows over quite quickly, however, and Cech should be fine to carry on.

1629: City have been pretty dominant at Eastlands - but they're a touch fortunate to still lead as keeper Joe Hart spills Sam Ricketts's free-kick, Vincent Kompany clearing off the line.

1628: Everton have been the better side at Stamford Bridge this half and no mistake - but that Jack Rodwell header is the closest they've come to a leveller. Still, Leighton Baines has been excellent down the left.

1626: He's been magnificent in the past few weeks and William Gallas once again stands tall for Tottenham, diving in to block Cameron Jerome's fierce effort from the angle brilliantly. Birmingham building up a head of steam here.

1625: And it's almost another for Rovers as Jason Roberts collects a long-ball, this time from Christopher Samba, to dash through on goal - however, the offside flag - correctly - saves the visitors further embarrassment.

Chief football writer Phil McNulty at Ewood Park: "Mick McCarthy has had the consolation of saying Wolves have played well in previous defeats this season - sadly this does not apply after today's bright start. And this has not been a case of Sam Allardyce's Blackburn peppering Wolves with high balls, they have been undone by routine, simple set-pieces. Worrying for McCarthy."

1622: Change for Arsenal - Robin van Persie on for Tomas Rosicky.

1621: So close again for City - this time David Silva, who has been outstanding today. He makes space on the edge of the box and crashes a fierce shot against the bar with Jussi Jaaskelainen beaten. The second goal just won't come for Manchester City - they should be home and dry by now.

davidbartlett89 on Twitter: "Is Arshavin going to become the first player in history to put weight on during a game today? Lazy."

1619: That's about as close as Birmingham have come to an equaliser. Liam Ridgewell's cross deflects off Sebastien Bassong's head and falls to Birmingham team-mate Craig Gardner, whose header is directed straight into the clutches of Heurelho Gomes.

1618: Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer really earning his crust today, saving low with his feet from Andrey Arshavin's shot after the Russian had skillfully jinked into space just 10 yards out.

1618: And they nearly have it almost immediately. Leighton Baines's cross is perfect and Jack Rodwell's diving header looks for all the world to have gone in - only for it to come back out off the post. So close.

1617: Everton need a goal. Simple. Louis Saha, who appears to be injured, is replaced by Jermaine Beckford, who has scored one Premier League goal this season.

1616: At St Andrew's, Jermain Defoe's low 20-yard shot takes a deflection off Liam Ridgewell before it is saved low by Ben Foster.

1615: So close for City. David Silva's clipped pass finds Carlos Tevez, who tees up Mario Balotelli with just the keeper to beat but the Italian's low shot comes back off the post. Barely a minute later and Balotelli's near-post effort is kept out by the legs of Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

1614: Nearly 3-2 at DW Stadium there - huge throw in from the right by Rory Delap, the ball finds Stoke's Kenwyne Jones whose shot is blocked by Maynor Figueroa and diverted into the path of Jon Walters, whose header is off target. And the big frontman goes even closer moments later - his header magnificently kept out low down by Wigan's Ali Al Habsi.

Blackburn goal: That's surely game over for Wolves? Morten Gamst Pedersen's free-kick is delightful but the Wolves marking is woeful as Ryan Nelsen ghosts in to tap home unmarked.

1611: Arsenal - as they did in the first half - dominating proceedings again against Fulham and Tomas Rosicky fires a decent effort inches wide from 20 yards.

1610: Tottenham have looked very good so far at St Andrew's but Birmingham are just starting to exert a little pressure of their own now, William Gallas so far standing tall for the visitors though.

1607: Action at both ends already at Eastlands. Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is a a lucky boy when he drops a Carlos Tevez cross but Sam Ricketts is on hand to scoop the ball clear. Ricketts is involved again moments later, crossing for Kevin Davies to slam a powerful volley over the bar. That wasn't far away.

1606: Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has to go for broke at Ewood Park and he responds by going for two up front - striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake coming on for central defender Steven Mouyokolo with midfielder Michael Mancienne filling the void at the back.

1605: They've picked up where they left off at the DW Stadium and it's taken a fine double save from Asmir Begovic to keep Stoke level, two Mauro Boselli snap-shots from the angle stopped by the Bosnian brilliantly low down.

1604: And everywhere else now too.

1602: Right then - *deep breath* - here we go again folks. We're back under way at Stamford Bridge and Eastlands...

thesmallprint13 on Twitter: "That's what I'm talking about! Keep up the good work with the goals - 45 minutes more of it though!"

Football League Nathan: "Neil Danns gives Crystal Palace the lead away at Leeds, right on the stroke of half-time. It came against the run of play and Palace have the worst record of conceding away from home in the Championship so still time and hope for Leeds fans. Preston growing in confidence and are good value for their lead against Cardiff. The Bluebirds missing Jay Bothroyd today and Craig Bellamy not yet at the races for the hosts."

1556: HALF-TIME Arsenal 1-1 Fulham
Chris Whyatt reports: "Breathless, as attractive-but-wasteful Arsenal decline building a lead in favour of gifting, albeit accidentally, Fulham an undeserved equaliser."

1555: HALF-TIME Man City 1-0 Bolton
Chris Bevan's HT snap-shot: "City started like a train and have had enough chances to have wrapped it up - that they haven't will be of great comfort - and hope - to Bolton."

1554: HALF-TIME Wigan 2-2 Stoke
Julian Shea's HT snap-shot: "Who'd have expected that from Wigan v Stoke? Four goals in the first half and quite what the final score will be is anyone's guess."

1552: Birmingham 0-1 Tottenham
Saj Chowdhury's HT snap-shot: "The score is about right. Birmingham have not offered much - time for the big man?"

1551: HALF-TIME Chelsea 1-0 Everton
Paul Fletcher's HT snap-shot: "Chelsea have hardly been amazing but do deserve their lead. Everton are perhaps fortunate to still have all of their starting XI on the pitch."

1550: HALF-TIME Blackburn 2-0 Wolves
Chief football writer Phil McNulty's HT snap-shot: "Blackburn's second goal is a devastating blow for Wolves, who started superbly but lost their way."

1548: And that's the break at those two too, now.

1547: The half-time whistles blowing all over the country, only the matches at Wigan and Arsenal still playing.

1545: Chances at both ends at the Emirates. First Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh heads Bacary Sagna's cross straight at keeper Mark Schwarzer - either side and it would have been a goal - and then Fulham bounce, Diomansy Kamara breaching the Arsenal defence to get one-on-one, Lukasz Fabianski out well to save at his feet.

1544: Carlos Tevez, who will miss next week's trip to his old club West Ham because of that yellow card, has a golden chance to put Manchester City 2-0 up before half-time but miscues in front of goal from Aleksandar Kolarov's pull-back, and his shot is nearer the corner flag than the net. Kolo Toure has picked up a knock so Joleon Lescott is on for the home side.

Blackburn goal: Jason Roberts outmuscles the Wolves defence after a hopeful punt forward before laying off to Brett Emerton, who meets the ball beautifully with an emphatic left-foot strike into the roof of the net to give the keeper no hope.

1542: After a long spell of Bolton pressure, City hit back with a flurry of chances. First, David Silva jinks himself into space then tees up Carlos Tevez but Jussi Jaaskelainen dives to deny him. Then Tevez cleverly slips Pablo Zabaleta free but he fails to get his shot away. Finally, Tevez has another pop at goal, but his low shot fizzes wide of the far post.

Chelsea goal: Everton a goal down - but fortunate not to be a man down too, for me. Nicolas Anelka strolls on to Phil Neville's woeful backpass before being carpeted by the onrushing Tim Howard. For some reason, ref Lee Probert offers just a yellow. Either way, Didier Drogba smashes home the spot-kick.

Wigan goal: It's the third deflected goal of the game - and no-one is more relieved than Hendry Thomas (see 1537). Tom Cleverley, this time, lines one up from 20 yards and it flies into the corner via a big deflection. We're back level.

1537: What. A. Miss. Charles N'Zogbia puts it on a plate for Hendry Thomas six yards out of an open goal, but the Wigan midfielder contrives to side-foot wide. Unbelievable.

1536: Almost an own goal at Ewood. A drifted Morten Gamst Pedersen free-kick sails narrowly wide off the head of Wolves defender Ronald Zubar. Panic over after Wolves clear from the resulting corner.

Football League Nathan: "Something of a shock in the Championship as bottom-of-the-table Preston take the lead against Cardiff who are second, thanks to Michael Tonge's opener. Elsewhere, Watford are two up on Leicester, while Swindon and Sheffield Wednesday are locked at one apiece in League One."

1535: Birmingham's Craig Gardner unleashes a low angled strike from 20 yards which misses the Tottenham right-hand upright by a foot.

1534: Handbags aplenty at Eastlands. David Silva is wrongly flagged offside just before he squares for Carlos Tevez to slot home and the City players are not happy, to say the least. Moments later, Tevez is penalised for tangling with Cahill near the by-line and he whacks the ball away in disgust. His reward is a yellow card from Andre Marriner.

1533: As a result of that collision in the build-up to Fulham's equaliser, Laurent Koscielny has to go off to be replaced by Johan Djourou. It didn't look pretty to be fair.

Stoke goal: I hope Wigan enjoyed parity while it lasted. Stoke launch a counter-attack and Kenwyne Jones does well to keep the ball in play on the right, before passing to Ricardo Fuller and from a tight angle he sweeps the ball back into the path of Matthew Etherington, who has the simple job of putting the ball in the net for his third goal in as many weeks.

Fulham goal: Completely against the run of play. Laurent Koscielny and Sebastian Squillaci collide, allowing Clint Dempsey to lay in Diomansy Kamara, who still has a lot to do - and he does it brilliantly, taking a touch and curling into the corner from 12 yards.

Wigan goal: Sighs of relief all round at the DW Stadium - a goal to Wigan. Ben Watson fires in a free-kick from the left and under pressure from Wigan captain Antolin Alcaraz, Stoke's Danny Collins puts the ball into his own net.

Blackburn goal: A corner from Morten Gamst Pedersen is headed back across by Ryan Nelsen and David Dunn heads in from all of six yards, despite the efforts of Kevin Doyle on the goalline.

1528: Nasri, on fire, dances along the touchline through some defenders before cutting the ball back across goal for Dickson Etuhu - Fulham's Dickson Etuhu - to poke towards goal. Mark Schwarzer saves his team-mate's bacon though. Alex Song goes close seconds later. All Arsenal.

1527: Ooh, so close for Wigan there - Ben Watson's free-kick from the left wing finds Steven Gohouri in a threatening position but he puts his header wide of the mark. When you are the lowest scoring team in the Premier League, you cannot afford to waste such good chances.

1526: Escape for Everton. A Chelsea corner falls to John Terry and after his initial shot is blocked, his delightful follow-up - dinked from the angle on the right - crashes back off the bar.

1524: That's not pretty. Phil Neville goes in very forcefully on Florent Malouda - twice - and the Chelsea winger reacts leaving the Everton man on the ground feeling his face. Just a talking to, but I'm busting out the handbags graphic anyway.

Chief football writer Phil McNulty at Ewood Park: "Lively stuff at Ewood Park, especially from Wolves, who started at a real dash. Blackburn have got a firmer footing now, but Mick McCarthy's team have opened up in confident mood."

Football League Nathan: "Lively game in the midlands so far. Only 15 minutes played and the Canaries are 2-1 up on Derby thanks to goals from David Fox and Chris Martin. The Rams hit back quickly, though, Kris Commons pulling one back for the hosts."

Tottenham goal: Gareth Bale wins and takes a free-kick on the right, keeper Ben Foster flapping a touch at it under pressure from Peter Crouch and Sebastien Bassong is on hand to smash home from six yards.

1518: Manchester City want a penalty when David Silva's shot hits Gary Cahill's chest and at least some of his arm, but they only get a corner out of referee Andre Marriner. At the other end, Martin Petrov is inches away from levelling for Bolton but his deflected free-kick flies a whisker wide.

Stoke goal: Advantage Stoke, Robert Huth's low 22-yard free-kick deflecting off the wall and creeping into the corner.

1517: Nice bit of build-up play from Tottenham at St Andrew's and it takes a fine tackle from Roger Johnson inside the box to deny Jermain Defoe as he latched on to Peter Crouch's lay-off.

Arsenal goal: Stunning. The same two combine for Arsenal as Andrey Arshavin lays in Samir Nasri inside the box and the finish is sublime, the Frenchman selling two dummies to get past two defenders before crashing into the roof of the net. Brilliant.

1513: Arsenal bossing things at the Emirates and the two stand-out players so far almost combine to open the scoring, Andrey Arshavin feeding Samir Nasri in the box, the Frenchman poking wide.

1512: First incident of note at a very wet DW Stadium - Stoke's Rory Delap slicing the Wigan defence open with a clever pass into space on the right for Ricardo Fuller to latch on to, but Ali Al Habsi does well to get down and smother his shot.

Spamburger on 606: "Bolton are just watching City tap the ball around their box. It's going to be a walloping at this rate."

1510: Slightly sloppy from both teams so far at Stamford Bridge, with some of the passing in particular poor. Chelsea look the most threatening, while Everton are looking to strike on the counter attack.

1509: Superb point-blank stop from Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer as he rushes out of goal to block an unorthodox cushioned volley from Arsenal's Russian striker Andrey Arshavin.

1508: Their goal drought is over, and now Manchester City are pushing hard for a second at Eastlands. Mario Balotelli and David Silva both have shots blocked, with Bolton forced to defend in numbers in their own area.

1507: Good save. Aaron Lennon's cross from the right finds Spurs team-mate Peter Crouch at the far post. He controls the ball with his chest and fires in a low shot which Ben Foster pushes behind for a corner.

1506: Wolves have started brilliantly at Ewood Park and they've hit the woodwork twice in a matter of moments. First Stephen Ward's cross-shot comes back off the foot of the post and then Ronald Zubar's curled follow-up bounces back off the bar. Let-off for Rovers.

Man City goal: It's their first home Premier League goal since early October (four hours and 49 minutes of football) and who else but Carlos Tevez was going to score it? A fine through-ball from Yaya Toure sets the Argentine through and he clips a fine finish into the corner.

1502: At the Emirates... there's a few boos from the away contingent for Russia 2018 World Cup bid representative Andrey Arshavin. Yes, seriously.

1501: Almost a lightning start for Everton at Chelsea, Louis Saha making the most of a Branislav Ivanovic slip to stride forward and ping in a low shot that Petr Cech gets down well to save to his right.

1500: Prompt start in the Wigan-Stoke match... and everywhere else too.

1458: Right, a few empty seats around the grounds as I guess can be expected in these near-arctic conditions, but I'm banking on the footy warming us all up this afternoon. You lot ready?

mdriver11 on Twitter: "Due to the randomness of this season, expect a 6-0 win from Everton today with a Phil Neville hat-trick."

Riquelminho on 606: "Great chance for Arsenal/ Chelsea to climb above us this weekend and lay down the gauntlet. We'll see how they capitalise."

1455: Now then, with players up and down the country preparing to exit the warmth of the dressing room and enter the deep chill of the football field, there's just time for me to remind you to have a look at Lawro's Predictions for the weekend's matches. His rival this weekend? Only the blooming Prime Minister David Cameron. A few interesting guess from the PM, too, although I wonder what Liverpool fans will say about his predicted 6-0 win for Aston Villa on Monday...

TeleKemis on 606: "Not surprised at the Man City problems. A lot of ego and insecurity about respective places in the team. On that topic, how does Johnson continue to sit on the bench when he's been City's most impressive performer beside Balotelli?"

Macca4 on Twitter: "Beckford will score today. Everton's season starts today..."

1448: BLACKBURN v WOLVES
Chief football writer Phil McNulty reports: "Two changes for either side at Ewood Park. Blackburn bring back Gael Givet and fit-again Morten Gamst Pedersen for Pascal Chimbonda and Herold Goulon. Wolves have Christophe Berra and Steve Mouyokolo in for Richard Stearman and David Jones, who is out with a foot injury."

1447: MAN CITY v BOLTON
Chris Bevan reports: "Manchester City make two changes from their last Premier League outing at Stoke, with Pablo Zabaleta back from suspension to replace Micah Richards at right-back and Yaya Toure, who has recovered from a migraine, preferred to James Milner. Bolton bring in former City winger Martin Petrov for Matthew Taylor but Stuart Holden failed to shake off a thigh injury so Mark Davies keeps his place in midfield."

1445: ARSENAL v FULHAM
Chris Whyatt reports: "No surprise to see Arsene Wenger reverting to the same Arsenal XI that thrillingly beat Aston Villa last weekend. That means neuf, sorry nine, changes from the Carling Cup team which knocked Wigan out on Tuesday. Russia's 2018 World Cup bidding expert Andrey Arshavin will support Maroune Chamakh in attack. Fulham, meanwhile, have recalled John Pantsil for Chris Baird from the team which drew with Birmingham last Saturday. And look out for 19-year-old left-back Matthew Briggs: it's only his second start for the Cottagers."

1444: BIRMINGHAM v TOTTENHAM:
Saj Chowdhury reports: "Birmingham midfielder Craig Gardner starts having made his comeback from injury in midweek. Tottenham make two changes from the side that started against Liverpool last week. Jermain Defoe replaces the injured Rafael van der Vaart to start alongside Peter Crouch in attack. Sebastien Bassong replaces Younes Kaboul to partner William Gallas in the heart of the defence."

1443: WIGAN v STOKE
Julian Shea reports: "Franco di Santo misses out for Wigan with an ankle injury, so his place goes to Mauro Boselli. Ronnie Stam is missing, with his place going to Antolin Alcaraz, and Ben Watson replaces Jordi Gomez, who drops to the bench. Stoke's Jermaine Pennant and Andy Wilkinson both failed to recover from injury so their places go to Danny Higginbotham and Jon Walters."

1442: CHELSEA v EVERTON
Paul Fletcher reports: "Two changes for Chelsea from the team that drew at Newcastle - and they are significant, with skipper John Terry and midfielder Michael Essien returning in place of Alex and Ramires. Everton boss David Moyes makes five changes from the side humbled 4-1 by West Brom. Phil Neville, Seamus Coleman, Marouane Fellaini, Jack Rodwell and Louis Saha all start at Stamford Bridge."

Drudeboy on 606: "Sensational Super Six of Stunning Sixtures Sporting Snoods, Scarves and Snow."

Bruce from Western Australia via text: "At a cocktail bar in Perth, though I'd rather be at home watching the Gunners."
My heart bleeds for you mate, it really does.

rrengland3 on Twitter: "Only a month ago people were saying Chelsea already had the title. Never underestimate the Premier League."

1437: A cheeky refresh of this page, folks, and the magic of Final Score will appear at the top. Which is nice.

Football League Nathan: "Only 10 fixtures out of a scheduled 35 across the three Football League divisions have survived the cold snap. Top work the ground staff who have got their games on today, arguably the biggest of which is Norwich's trip to Derby in the Championship. Level on points, fourth and fifth in the table, both sides will be looking to reign in the leaders. With QPR's match at Hull called off, second-place Cardiff have the chance to close the gap when they face bottom side Preston, while at the bottom, M'boro travel to Coventry is search of some much-needed points."

1435: Barely a minute before that Craig Beattie goal for Swansea (which was a pearler from 20 yards) by the way, Grant Leadbitter had a massive shout for a penalty denied despite what looked like a clear foul on him in the box. Town boss Roy Keane = not a happy chappy. Which leads nicely on to a bit of Football League Nathan...

1432: BLACKBURN v WOLVES
Blackburn: Robinson, Salgado, Samba, Nelsen, Givet, Jones, Emerton, Dunn, Pedersen, El-Hadji Diouf, Roberts. Subs: Bunn, Kalinic, Mwaruwari, Hoilett, Hanley, Morris, Mame Diouf.
Wolverhampton: Hennessey, Zubar, Mouyokolo, Berra, Elokobi, Ward, Mancienne, Milijas, Foley, Doyle, Jarvis. Subs: Hahnemann, Stearman, Ebanks-Blake, Hunt, Bent, Winnall, Doherty.
Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)

Purdy, Snowy Stoke on Trent via text: "Re:13:52 I'm pushing for the birth of the word sixtures to end your sentence Sam ....Sensational Super Six of Stunning Sixtures..."
Love it mate, love it.

GazUtd on Twitter: "Another home defeat looming for Ipswich. Will Roy Keane last as long as their Carling Cup run?"

1428: BIRMINGHAM v TOTTENHAM
Birmingham: Foster, Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Gardner, Ferguson, Beausejour, Bowyer, Fahey, Jerome. Subs: Taylor, Murphy, Larsson, Derbyshire, Michel, Zigic, Jiranek.
Tottenham: Gomes, Hutton, Gallas, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Palacios, Modric, Bale, Crouch, Defoe. Subs: Cudicini, Pavlyuchenko, Dawson, Kranjcar, Corluka, Sandro, Pletikosa.
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)

1427: CHELSEA v EVERTON
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Essien, Mikel, Malouda, Kalou, Drogba, Anelka. Subs: Turnbull, Ramires, Ferreira, Sturridge, Bruma, Kakuta, McEachran.
Everton: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Fellaini, Rodwell, Pienaar, Cahill, Saha. Subs: Mucha, Heitinga, Bilyaletdinov, Beckford, Osman, Yakubu, Anichebe.
Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire)

1426: MAN CITY v BOLTON
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Toure, Kompany, Kolarov, Toure Yaya, De Jong, Barry, Silva, Tevez, Balotelli. Subs: Given, Richards, Milner, Adam Johnson, Lescott, Vieira, Jo.
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Ricketts, Cahill, Knight, Robinson, Lee, Mark Davies, Muamba, Petrov, Elmander, Kevin Davies. Subs: Bogdan, Steinsson, Taylor, Klasnic, Moreno, Blake, Cohen.
Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)

1425: WIGAN v STOKE
Wigan: Al Habsi, Gohouri, Alcaraz, Steven Caldwell, Figueroa, N'Zogbia, Watson, Diame, Thomas, Cleverley, Boselli. Subs: Pollitt, Gomez, McArthur, Boyce, Stam, McManaman, Mustoe.
Stoke: Begovic, Huth, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Collins, Walters, Whitehead, Delap, Etherington, Fuller, Jones. Subs: Sorensen, Whelan, Gudjohnsen, Diao, Sanli, Faye, Shotton.
Referee: Michael Jones (Cheshire)

1424: ARSENAL v FULHAM
Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy, Song, Wilshere, Nasri, Rosicky, Arshavin, Chamakh. Subs: Szczesny, van Persie, Walcott, Denilson, Djourou, Gibbs, Bendtner.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Briggs, Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Gera, Kamara. Subs: Stockdale, Kelly, Baird, Andrew Johnson, Duff, Eddie Johnson, Greening.
Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside)

SauberRG on Twitter: "I see Spurs injury crisis has got so bad, both reserve keepers (Cudicini + Pletikosa) are on the bench..."

1422: BREAKING TEAM NEWS
Jermaine Pennant and Andy Wilkinson miss out for Stoke against Wigan after failing late fitness tests.

1421: MAN CITY v BOLTON
Chris Bevan reports: "Friday's training ground dust-up between Mario Balotelli and Jerome Boateng may have made the headlines but of far greater concern for Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is his side's lack of goals at home. It is four hours and 45 minutes since they last scored in the Premier League at Eastlands, a run which is beginning to be reminiscent of the end of the 2006/07 season when Stuart Pearce's City side failed to score in their last nine home games of the campaign. Bolton arrive in far brighter mood, with manager and player of the month awards in the bag for Owen Coyle and striker Johan Elmander, and this is a chance for them to show City that they are serious, if unlikely, rivals for a Champions League berth."

1420: BREAKING TEAM NEWS
John Terry and Michael Essien start for Chelsea v Everton.

mannysanny on Twitter: "RE CJ 1358. Well according to Sam's twitter picture he's a girl. Nice beard though..."

1419: CHELSEA v EVERTON
Paul Fletcher reports: "Chelsea, humbled 3-0 by Sunderland on 14 November, have not lost back-to-back league games at Stamford Bridge since 2002, while today's opponents Everton lost 4-1 at home to West Brom last weekend and are without a win in five league games. Only one possible result, surely? Well done Everton."

1418: BREAKING TEAM NEWS
Jermain Defoe starts for Spurs, Michael Dawson is on the bench.

1416: BIRMINGHAM v TOTTENHAM:
Saj Chowdhury reports: "Birmingham will quickly want to forget the ugly scenes following their cup game against Aston Villa in midweek. They face a Spurs side who have won just one of their last six league matches at St Andrew's. A win for Harry Redknapp's side could move them to within a point of third-placed Arsenal. Now there's an incentive. Prediction: Chilly."

1413: WIGAN v STOKE
Julian Shea reports: "Wigan could do with a morale-boosting result against Stoke, following their Carling Cup exit at the hands of Arsenal and a Premier League defeat at bottom club West Ham this week. Victor Moses's long injury lay-off and Hugo Rodallega's suspension add to their worries of being third from bottom of the table and the lowest scoring side in the Premier League. Eighth-place Stoke are unbeaten in their last three visits to Wigan, and come in on a run of three wins in their last four games. Marc Wilson is suspended and Andy Wilkinson (knee) and Jermaine Pennant (hamstring) both need late fitness tests."

1411: BREAKING TEAM NEWS
Mario Balotelli starts for Man City, Jerome Boateng... does not.

1410: ARSENAL v FULHAM
Chris Whyatt reports: "Arsenal's players are donating today's wages for a homelessness charity; nice. But Gunners fans will pray they can imitate Scrooge while bidding to avoid a third straight home defeat for the first time since 1977. Fulham, though, no Phileas Fogg! South-west London's wretched travellers have not won away since the opening day of last season. Defeat could sink them into the relegation zone-of-doom. So boss Mark Hughes will be desperate to clock only his third win since taking over. Intriguing…"

1408: BLACKBURN v WOLVES
Chief football writer Phil McNulty reports: "Contrasting tasks for Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce and his Wolves counterpart Mick McCarthy at Ewood Park today. Allardyce will want to swiftly banish memories of the 7-1 thrashing at Manchester United, their heaviest top-flight loss in 63 years, while McCarthy will want to maintain the momentum gathered by the late goals that gave them a crucial win against Sunderland at Molineux, ending a run of four straight defeats. By the way, conditions will be interesting - it has been raining heavily this morning on all the snow lying around Ewood Park."

1406: Right then, let's go round the grounds shall we?

1403: And elsewhere, how about a bit of Mario Balotelli chat? The one-man handbags-graphic demander. Cracking player, not so cracking at - you know - getting along with his team-mates and all that. Do Man City care? Hhmm. And another striker's making news too - Tottenham frontman Robbie Keane. Anyone up for a January bid for the diminutive Irishman? I have to say I reckon he'd walk into plenty of Premier League sides still...

dannyeverton on 606: "I am absolutely delighted that the footballing feast that is Alloa v Peterhead is still going ahead. Keep me posted."

jamb23 on 606: "RE: lstacey1992 on Twitter: I reckon there'll be eight at the Emirates alone - this weekend will be for snoods what last weekend was for goals."

1358: And there's plenty to talk about outside of today's matches as well. Where to start? Hhmm... I suppose there was a fairly significant Fifa vote this week. To be honest, though, I wouldn't blame you if you missed it, it hasn't commanded very much coverage at all. Anyway, turns out England won't be hosting the 2018 World Cup. Which of course is a shame. Still, I don't even know why we're all so bent out of shape about it - I mean, we have the privilege of watching the world's greatest players week-in, week-out don't we?

CJ via text: "Sam are you a girl or guy? I've a tenner on your a girl."
Every week this question gets asked, every week haha.

BayernUltra on 606: "Interesting fixtures. Some of the big teams playing capable upstarts. Would love to see Everton, Birmingham, Fulham and Bolton put up a good fight."

1352: What do we have in store in the Premier League then, I hear you all ask? Only a bevvy of 1500 GMT beauties, that's all...
Arsenal v Fulham
Birmingham v Tottenham
Blackburn v Wolves
Chelsea v Everton
Manchester City v Bolton
Wigan v Stoke
Basically, a Sensational Super Six of Stunning, erm, matches. Nice.

lstacey1992 on Twitter: "How many snoods will be on show today, then? I'm saying eight."

MohamudWarsame on 606: "I have a terrible dilemma. I fancy some fish and chips (with the slice of lemon, pinch of salt and vinegar), but by the time I return with it from the store the chips would be dry and cold. I don't know what to do."
Hhmm, it is indeed a dilemma. I feel your pain.

1347: And while you're wiling away the hours reading my nonsense and tucking into the mulled wine, why not get in touch and lend me your thoughts on all things football? Tweet me @sampatricklyon,text me via 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide) or join the chat over on her majesty's 606. As always, this is your time to shine.

1343: But fear not good people of Britain! I've still got more than enough to keep you occupied as you desperately try to avoid being dragged down the high street for a bit of Christmas shopping. Oh yes. There's a Super Six from the Premier League, double figures in the lower leagues, and, as if all that wasn't enough, Alloa v Peterhead in the Scottish Second Division. Exactamundo. Don't go anywhere folks - days like today are what internet shopping was invented for.

1339: Yep, the wintery weather has accounted for a bucketload of postponements today, particularly in Scotland and the lower leagues, while Blackpool fans will have to wait that little bit longer for the visit of Premier League glamour boys Manchester United because of a frozen pitch. In those matches that have survived, instead of football we'll be witnessing a fashion parade of this season's winter collection. I'm talking gloves, scarves, tights, snoods - the lot. Struggling for Christmas presents? Today will be like browsing the men's section of an Inuit department store. Catalogue numbers available on request.

1335: What is it with this fare nation of ours? A little bit of snow and the whole blooming world of sport grinds to a halt. What's wrong with tearing four layers of skin off with every sliding tackle anyway? I don't know, players these days... they don't even know they're born.