2215: I make that just about wrap up-o'clock, then, on a top night for Birmingham, Fulham and Man Utd. The gauntlet very much thrown down to the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and Tottenham at the top of the table and Everton, West Ham, Wigan and Wolves at the bottom tomorrow then. That should mean we've got seven crackers to look forward to on Wednesday evening, so make sure you join me - Sam Lyon - from about 1830 GMT for all the chat. Cheers. See ya.

Matt via text: "Seriously what has happened to West Brom? Few weeks ago they were looking at the possibility of European football, now its a relegation fight. Just shows how things change in the space of a few weeks."

jazzy_1985 on Twitter: "Looking at the table, I think you can honestly say the teams from 8th to 20th are all in a relegation battle at the moment."

2211: BLACKPOOL 1-2 BIRMINGHAM
Sam Sheringham reports: "A dramatic ending to a superb match in which both sides went full throttle from the first whistle to the last."

2208: FULHAM 3-0 WEST BROM
Marc Vesty reports: "Scott Carson's first-half error gave Fulham the kickstart they needed and Mark Hughes' side never looked back to move the Cottagers from the relegation zone to mid-table with victory over a West Brom side in freefall."

2205: MAN UTD 2-1 STOKE
Jonathan Stevenson reports: "Joke's over, who's trying to prove Man Utd can win the Premier League without ever playing at their best? Stoke gave it a right go - shame it was only for 10 minutes."

Nick Welch, Cheshire via text: "That's a big win for Man Utd tonight, especially if Arsenal and Man City play out a draw tomorrow."

2200: So Man Utd get the win they need to go three points clear at the top, stalling Stoke's possible European push in the process, while Fulham and Birmingham pull away from the drop zone with crucial wins over West Brom and Blackpool respectively. A nice little hors-d'oeuvres to Wednesday's seven-strong set of fixtures I reckon.

Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand on Twitter: "Nani just shades Rafael da Silva + Chris Smalling for man of the match. He got a goal + an assist. Nani - Most assists in the PL this season."

InfostradaLive on Twitter: "Birmingham win their first Premier League away match for nearly 10 months. They are the last PL club to win an away match this season."

OptaJoe on Twitter: "There were just three shots on target in the Man Utd v Stoke City match this evening, all beating the 'keepers."

2152: One of three added minutes remaining at the Cottage.

2150: If he had any hair, Ian Holloway would just about be tearing it out right about now as he fumes at Birmingham's delaying tactics in stoppage time at Bloomfield Road.

2149: Is there time for yet more last-gasp drama?

Birmingham goal: Last-gasp-winner-tastic. This match has had chances galore but it is Scott Dann who puts possibly the most crucial away, latching on to Roger Johnson's nod-down from Jean Beausejour's centre to guide into the net from eight yards.

2145: Man Utd continue to boss possession at Old Trafford and one could be forgiven for thinking Stoke are quite happy with a 2-1 defeat here.

2143: Close. Stephen Carr is a matter of millimetres away from latching on to Cameron Jerome's through-ball for a run in on the Blackpool goal, but home keeper Richard Kingson is out to bravely save at the defender's feet.

Football League Danny: "Full-time fans, eat my full-times. Cardiff 2-1 Leeds. Huge win for Cardiff, who move up to second in the Championship table and end Leeds' 12-match unbeaten run - which stretched back to October and, er, their last match against Cardiff. In League One, Bristol Rovers 2-3 Plymouth - Argyle's fine comeback helps them move away from the drop zone, leaves their hosts in trouble and makes some amends for the fact the Gasheads nicked the Pilgrims' Goodnight Irene chant 60 years ago. Possibly."

2141: But there's no comfort for either side at Bloomfield Road, with both teams looking a danger in attack. Could still go either way that one and no mistake.

2140: Man Utd, too, are looking comfortable in the closing stages.

2138: Fulham seeing the game at Craven Cottage out quite comfortably in these closing stages against West Brom, if anything looking likelier to get a fourth than the Baggies to get a consolation. This win would take the Cottagers storming up into 13th as it stands.

2135: He's run the show for long periods tonight but Charlie Adam is denied a deserved goal by the woodwork, the Blackpool midfielder spanking a low effort against the far post on the back of yet another burst from the centre of the park. Birmingham hanging on a touch.

2134: He's been out for three months - but Man Utd striker Michael Owen is back in action for the first time since 2 October, coming on to replace Javier Hernandez.

2133: You can't take your eyes off the Blackpool game for a second, and only another smart stop from Ben Foster keeps Birmingham level - Brett Ormerod the man denied this time from the angle, 10 yards out.

2131: Manchester United still looking much the likelier to get the game's fourth at Old Trafford, and Javier Hernandez could done better from a Rafael da Silva cut-back moments ago, the Mexican blazing over. While there's only one goal in it, though...

2129: Blackpool close to a second, there, as Luke Varney's cross finds Jason Euell at the back post - but the substitute's volley is straight at Birmingham keeper Ben Foster.

Football League Danny: "Comeback of the night complete? Bristol Rovers 2-3 Plymouth. Stephane Zubar with the third for Argyle, who were 2-0 down. Irene appears to have gone to sleep...."

Blackpool goal: Moments after Birmingham hit the post for a second time in two minutes from Sebastian Larsson's free-kick, Blackpool are level - Neal Eardley's cross headed back by Gary Taylor-Fletcher for DJ Campbell to fire home a low volley.

Fulham goal: Game over at Craven Cottage, surely. It doesn't get much easier, either, as Brede Hangeland runs unmarked on to Simon Davies's corner to head in from six yards.

Football League Danny: "Pivotal? Michael Chopra dinks in and puts Cardiff 2-1 up against Leeds. Eleven minutes to go."

2123: He could've had a shedload tonight, Cameron Jerome - but at least he's getting closer. This time the Birmingham frontman clips over Richard Kingson but on to the post from inside the area dashing on to Sebastian Larsson's through-ball.

2121: The Old Trafford crowd were just starting to get restless following that Stoke equaliser at the start of the half, but they're back on song now with Man Utd back in control.

Football League Danny: "Fightback o'clock at the Memorial Stadium - Joe Mason levels for Plymouth and it's 2-2 against Bristol Rovers. The Pirates were 2-0 up, remember..."

Man Utd goal: Back in the team and back on the scoresheet, Nani restores Man Utd's lead with a belter, curling into the far corner left-footed with a delicious strike from 20 yards.

2117: How there's only one goal in the game at Bloomfield Road I don't know, DJ Campbell this time forcing a low save from Ben Foster with a side-footed effort from Charlie Adam's lay-off.

Fulham goal: It's his seventh of the season and it's breathing space for Fulham, Clint Dempsey rising to power home a header from Simon Davies's corner. Could be a big win, this.

2115: Half-hearted penalty appeals at Old Trafford as Javier Hernandez goes down under Robert Huth's challenge in the box - but it was a fabulous tackle from the Stoke defender. No spot-kick.

2114: Almost 2-0 Fulham, Damien Duff spearing a fine effort inches past the far post from 20 yards.

2112: The chances continue to come at both ends in the Blackpool-Birmingham match. First Cameron Jerome is set through clear on goal but he dallies far too long before his attempted shot is blocked, before Matt Phillips at the other end sees a rasper blocked valiantly by a Blues defender.

2110: Excellent effort from Charlie Adam at Bloomfield Road, the Scot curling goalwards from 22 yards on the back of a surging run and forcing Ben Foster into a sprawling save in the Blues goal. Luke Varney's follow-up is spoond over from the angle.

2108: Just reward for their bright start to the half, that, for Stoke - and how that could put the cat among the pigeons in the title race. Something for Stoke to hang on to now.

Stoke goal: It's been 30 years in the making - and how Stoke enjoyed that. They've not scored at Old Trafford since 1980, but the Potters are level as Dean Whitehead rises unmarked to head Tuncay's cross into the corner from 10 yards.

Football League Danny: "Leeds' Robert Snodgrass has let fly with what can only accurately be described as a 'snorter' and bang, it's level at Cardiff. 1-1. Game on there - and game on in Bristol, where Bradley Wright-Phillips has scored for Plymouth to peg back Rovers. 2-1 to the home team."

2105: And now we've finally kicked off in the second half of Fulham-West Brom.

2104: It's been an excellent minute or two at the start of this half at Old Trafford from Stoke and it's nearly rewarded with an equaliser, Tuncay just failing to get his header from Robert Huth's cross on target from 15 yards.

2103: A bit late at Bloomfield Road, but we're under way again now.

2101: We are back up and running at Old Trafford.

Denils_son 606: "West Brom seem to be doing a Hull; start the season well, win at Arsenal, and then slowly fall down the table..."

2058: Ah yes, a cheeky refresh will correct the Fulham-West Brom half-time score. Many thanks.

Iain in Dundee via text: "On closer inspection, it looks like the Hernandez goal was actually an own goal. Good effort though!"
A few are saying that and I have to say it's definitely a close call. I'm giving Hernandez the benefit of the doubt, though. Not that I have any say whatsoever over these matters, clearly!

OptaJoe on Twitter: "Fulham have conceded fewer second half goals than any other team in the Premier League this season. Confidence."

2054: HALF-TIME Fulham 1-0 West Brom
Marc Vesty's HT snap-shot: "Despite a bright start, Fulham were finding chances hard to come by - so Scott Carson's gift on the stroke of half time will be gratefully received by the Cottagers. West Brom need to push more men forward in the second period."

2052: HALF-TIME Blackpool 0-1 Birmingham
Sam Sheringham's HT snap-shot: "A defensive howler from Blackpool's Stephen Crainey, gratefully accepted by Alexander Hleb, puts Birmingham on course for a first away win this season."

2050: HALF-TIME Man Utd 1-0 Stoke
Jonathan Stevenson's HT snapshot: "You've heard it all before - United not playing at their best, but still winning comfortably. Story of their season. On a separate note, my kingdom for a good free-kick taker in the 2010-11 Premier League."

2049: And that's all but the final action of the half at Craven Cottage, too.

Fulham goal: Breakthrough for the hosts - and it's just about deserved. Baggies keeper Scott Carson should do better, though, as he lets Simon Davies's fierce long-range fly through his hands and into the top corner. Big goal.

2046: There's the half-time whistle at Old Trafford and Bloomfield Road.

2044: Chance for Birmingham now, though, as Alexander Hleb finds Cameron Jerome inside the Blackpool box, but the Blues striker's snap-shot is straight at keeper Richard Kingson, who is able to beat it away.

2043: It's all gone a bit quiet to be honest. Ho hum.

2041: And, right on cue, Fulham miss a sitter. Brede Hangeland leaps like a salmon to meet Simon Davies's corner but - with Baggies keeper Scott Carson in no-man's land - the defender can only head wide from eight yards with the goal gaping.

2039: Still all quiet on the goals front at Craven Cottage - but then hasn't that been the hosts problem all season really?

2036: Man Utd are starting to pull Stoke all over the place at Old Trafford, and Javier Hernandez is close to a second on the back of some fine combination play between Ryan Giggs and Nani - but Robert Huth is back well to deflect the Mexican's attempted flick behind, though a goal-kick is given.

2035: It's been Blackpool since the Birmingham opener and Gary Taylor-Fletcher has a decent lobbed effort saved above his head by Blues keeper Ben Foster as the hosts probe for an equaliser.

Football League Danny: "Half-time fan? Fill your boots with this brace of part-completed matches. It's Cardiff 1-0 Leeds and Bristol Rovers 2-0 Plymouth."

2033: Marek Cech must indeed withdraw, Nicky Shorey on to replace him.

2032: As if they can afford it - West Brom might be on the verge of losing another defender here, Marek Cech looking like he is struggling after a challenge by John Pantsil. He's off the field having treatment - and if he doesn't recover that would make it six defenders out through injury for Roberto di Matteo's men. Ouch.

2029: So Man Utd will go three points clear at the top of table and with a game in hand over their local rivals City as things stand - and that without really hitting their straps yet. Ominous signs for the title chasers?

Man Utd goal: It's been coming - but it's a flash of brilliance that finally delivers it. Some great build-up play from the hosts ends with Nani's cross and a delightful flick behind his legs from Javier Hernandez that sends the ball low into the near-post corner.

2025: Blackpool could be level immediately as Charlie Adam's free-kick finds Matt Phillips, but the winger's header is wide.

Birmingham goal: What a defensive disaster that is. Stephen Crainey is the villain for the hosts, his attempted pass out of defence intercepted by Alexander Hleb, who strolls through to slot under the keeper and low into the corner.

2022: And moments later Dimitar Berbatov should open the scoring, latching on to Ryan Giggs's deflected shot but then poking wide from eight yards out.

2021: Penalty appeals from the hosts at Old Trafford - but Mark Clattenburg is having none of it, ruling Ryan Shawcross did not handle as Ryan Giggs burst into the box.

2019: Best chance of the match by a mile at Craven Cottage - and against the run of play, too. Chris Brunt picks out Jerome Thomas with a fine through-ball but the West Brom winger, one-on-one, sees his low shot kept out well to his left by home keeper David Stockdale.

2017: In attendance at the Man Utd-Stoke match - Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp. Who's he scouting then do we think? Or is that with the match v Man Utd on 16 January in mind?

2016: We'll have a break in play at Old Trafford as Tuncay receives treatment following a clumsy tackle by Patrice Evra.

2014: As so often this season, it's the match involving Blackpool that is the night's most entertaining so far as - and the hosts almost break the deadlock when Charlie Adam's ball finds Matt Phillips at the back post, the winger's low shot kept out by the feet of Birmingham keeper Ben Foster.

2012: Encouraging signs for Fulham fans at Craven Cottage, with their side forcing West Brom on to the back foot time and again. Clear-cut chances at a premium so far, though, despite the Baggies fielding a back four that have never before played together.

2010: A rare moment of alarm for the Man Utd defence as Stoke's Andy Wilkinson forces a corner on the back of a forceful run down the right - but first Nemanja Vidic and then Chris Smalling defend well to clear the danger.

2007: Birmingham cutting Blackpool to ribbons in these early stages... but it's another horrid miss. Matt Derbyshire is the provider this time, squaring to Cameron Jerome - but the frontman, 16 yards out, skews his effort with not a single Blackpool player within two yards of him and just the keeper to beat. Will the Blues regret these missed chances?

2006: First chance of the match at Craven Cottage - and it goes to the hosts, a long ball from Chris Baird finding Diomansy Kamara, who controls and swivels to force a good save low down from WBA keeper Scott Carson.

2004: Another chance for Matt Derbyshire at Bloomfield Road, albeit a far tougher one this time, as he stretches to reach Cameron Jerome's centre but he can only deflect it wide.

2003: Manchester United - as most would probably expect - dominating possession in the early stages at Old Trafford, and Dimitar Berbatov has already had an effort from range blocked. Stoke looking to sit as deep as possible and burst on the counter by the look of things.

2001: Deary me - barely a minute into proceedings between Blackpool and Birmingham and Matt Derbyshire has already provided his entry for miss of the evening. Alexander Hleb feeds Liam Ridgewell down the left and his cross finds Derbyshire six yards out, centre of goal, unmarked - only for the striker to prod wide. Oops.

2001: And now at Craven Cottage.

2000: We're under way at Old Trafford and Bloomfield Road.

Anon via text: "Don't worry, I have a team of writers and comedians coming up with puns. Ah yes, I have a punning clan!"

Football League Danny: "Goals! Goals! Goals! Big news in the Championship - Cardiff 1-0 Leeds with Craig Bellamy sliding in. And a dream start for Will Hoskins and Bristol Rovers - he's netted twice in the first 11 minutes to make it 2-0 to the Pirates against Plymouth."

danf87 on Twitter: "Rooney's not playing.... he's "Just Looking"... arf arf..."

1955: With kick-off looming large in our three Premier League matches, then, why not have a butcher's at Lawro's Predictions in the next couple of minutes? He's gone for three home wins tonight...

Pebs10 on Twitter: "Wayne must be looking for a... Performance and Cocktails tonight! I thank you!"

1951: He may not be playing but he's at Old Trafford tonight, Wayne Rooney - the England striker currently tucking into a hearty dinner in a private box alongside Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones. There's got to be some puns in that one, surely?

1950: FULHAM v WEST BROM
Marc Vesty reports: "Fulham boss Mark Hughes makes two changes to the side beaten by Tottenham on New Year's day. The Cottagers have only scored only 19 goals in 20 games, so Hughes has brought former West Brom man Diomansy Kamara in up front to replace Andrew Johnson. David Stockdale starts in goal with Mark Schwarzer on international duty with Australia. West Brom have suffered a defensive injury crisis since their defeat by Manchester United with Ibanez Pablo, Paul Scharner and Steven Reid all out injured so boss Roberto di Matteo has brought Gonzalo Jara, James Hurst and Gianni Zuiverloon into the starting XI."

NemanjasDisciple on 606: "I'll be even more optimistic and predict that in the Premier League's three games tonight we will see four home wins, 13 goals, three red cards, 16 yellows, a 10 of hearts playing card and a West African Giraffe."

1947: MANCHESTER UNITED v STOKE CITY TEAM NEWS
Jonathan Stevensonreports: "Rio Ferdinand's tweet broke the news first that the Manchester United captain is rested tonight along with Edwin van der Sar and Wayne Rooney. There are six changes in all as Rafael, Chris Smalling, Nani, Darron Gibson, Ryan Giggs and Javier Hernandez win recalls. Stoke draft three fresh men in for the challenge that lies ahead, as Robert Huth, Marc Wilson and Tuncay win starting XI berths."

1944: BLACKPOOL V BIRMINGHAM
Sam Sheringham reports: "Birmingham boss Alex McLeish makes three changes to the side beaten by 3-0 at home by Arsenal on Saturday. Playmaker Alexander Hleb, striker Matt Derbyshire and winger Keith Fahey come in for Sebastian Larsson, Jean Beausejour and Lee Bowyer, who is serving the first of a three-match suspension for appearing to stamp on Gunners full-back Bacary Sagna. Blackpool make one change to the team which performed admirably in a 1-0 defeat at Manchester City, with 19-year-old winger Matt Phillips replacing Ludovic Sylvestre."

Zain_Patel on Twitter: "If Blackpool win they'll be eight points off fourth with a game in hand! Challenging for Europe?"

1942: Refresh your browser for me, folks, and you'll find links to audio coverage of Man Utd-Stoke and Cardiff-Leeds on the right hand side of this page. Which is nice.

1940: And here's a bit of interesting/pointless (delete as applicable) info for you if you're a fan of the Rooney clan - John Rooney, younger brother of England and Manchester United forward Wayne, will take part in trials for Major League Soccer from Saturday, aiming to find a deal alongside David Beckham in the North American league. The 20-year-old is an attacking midfielder, apparently. Puns anyone?

1937: A lot of attention on tonight's match at Old Trafford, of course - and you might be interested to hear from Infostrada Sports that six years ago today, Manchester United drew 0-0 with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford after a Pedro Mendes shot from the halfway line was fumbled into his goal by United keeper Roy Carroll - but the goal was not awarded. The referee that night was Mark Clattenburg. The man in charge tonight? Mark Clattenburg. Hhmm.

barrett151 on Twitter: "Just wandering how Leeds are going to win tonight with Paynter and McCormack leading the line and not a goal between them."

Football League Danny: "Hello again Sam. Gashead_til_I_die (see 1925) is quite right about 'Goodnight Irene' and he'll also tell you that the chant was adopted/stolen (delete according to allegiance) from Plymouth Argyle fans those 60 years ago adding an extra level of intrigue to the whole affair. By the way, Jerry Lee Lewis has done a version of the song, as has Jimi Hendrix. And so did the Rovers Division Three-winning squad of 1989-90 but that one, to be fair, wasn't all that."

1933: BLACKPOOL v BIRMINGHAM
Blackpool: Kingson, Eardley, Cathcart, Evatt, Crainey, Vaughan, Campbell, Adam, Phillips, Varney, Taylor-Fletcher. Subs: Rachubka, Southern, Ormerod, Baptiste, Euell, Sylvestre, Edwards.
Birmingham: Foster, Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Hleb, Gardner, Ferguson, Fahey, Jerome, Derbyshire. Subs: Taylor, Larsson, Phillips, Zigic, Parnaby, Beausejour, Jiranek.
Referee: Jon Moss (W Yorkshire)

1931: FULHAM v WEST BROM
Fulham: Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey, Kamara. Subs: Etheridge, Salcido, Gera, Riise, Eddie Johnson, Greening, Halliche.
West Brom: Carson, Hurst, Zuiverloon, Jara, Cech, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Brunt, Morrison, Thomas, Odemwingie. Subs: Myhill, Tchoyi, Miller, Shorey, Meite, Fortune, Cox.
Referee: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire)

cliveeta on 606: "Fulham deserved more against Spurs, they played some great footy - and they are up against a West Brom team that has lost its way tonight. Could this be the turning point for Sparky?"

caribbeanpotter on Twitter: "Stoke: no Pennant or Fuller, looks like 4-5-1 and a long night in store.....damage limitation line-up."

1928: MAN UTD v STOKE
Man Utd: Kuszczak, Rafael Da Silva, Vidic, Smalling, Evra, Nani, Gibson, Fletcher, Giggs, Berbatov, Hernandez. Subs: Amos, Owen, Anderson, Carrick, Fabio Da Silva, Evans, Obertan.
Stoke: Begovic, Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Collins, Sanli, Wilson, Whitehead, Delap, Etherington, Jones. Subs: Sorensen, Higginbotham, Pennant, Fuller, Walters, Pugh, Whelan.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

nessrichard on Twitter: "I'm also going to go all crazy and predict three score draws... funnily enough all with at least TWO goals in each...!"

1925: If you're in any doubt as to what to expect from tonight's ties, by the way, check out the bar-setter that was the match they're already calling the Scottish Cup third round match between Beith and Airdrie, during which the hosts - of the Scottish Junior Football Association, West Region - fought back from 4-0 down before eventually going down 4-3 with 10 men against their Scottish Second Division opponents. Evening kick-offs... it is over to you.

gashead_till_i_die on 606: "Just thought you should be giving reference to a special event at the Memorial Stadium today. The League One match between Bristol Rovers and Plymouth is the 60th anniversary of the most under-rated football chant in history - 'Goodnight Irene'."

1922: What do you mean there's only three in a trio? Ahem.

Football League Danny: "Just the two of your English Football League matches tonight. The Championship is offering what looks suspiciously like a corker. Stuttering Cardiff (fifth) host a fourth-placed Leeds side which hasn't lost since 25 October. Their opponents that day? Cardiff. The score? Leeds 0-4 Cardiff. It's the sort of fixture for which the word 'crikey o'blimey' was invented. Also tonight, in League One, managerless Bristol Rovers aim to get their season back on track against fellow west country-located strugglers Plymouth Argyle. Whose cider you on?"

1921: And what about in the lower leagues? Well drum roll please... I bring to your attention the great Football League Danny...

Alex via text: "So excited for this season title could go anywhere and anyone could go down. Only safe money is on half of the current managers to get the sack."

peterswan96 on Twitter: "Why are Rooney & Co being rested? Stoke are still a hard team to beat."

1918: FULHAM v WEST BROM
Marc Vesty reports: "Fulham and West Brom started the New Year in similar style - pushing top-four opposition close but coming away with nothing. The Cottagers went down 1-0 at Tottenham, while the Baggies lost 2-1 against Manchester United. But the tight league table is just waiting to be climbed; with 18th-placed Fulham able to go 13th if they win by three clear goals tonight and 14th-placed West Brom knowing victory would send them level on points with ninth-placed Liverpool."

1916: BLACKPOOL v BIRMINGHAM
Sam Sheringham reports: "It's a return to home comforts for Blackpool, who have not played at Bloomfield Road for six weeks following a series of weather-enforced postponements. In that time, they have picked up seven points from a possible 12 on the road, lifting them to 11th in the table with games in hand on all of the teams above them. Meanwhile, Birmingham have slid into the bottom three, but such is the congested nature of the table, that a first away win of the season could lift the Blues six places."

1914: MAN UTD v STOKE CITY
Jonathan Stevensonreports: "Man United might not have hit top gear yet this season but they are still unbeaten, and only Arsenal's 2003-04 Invincibles have gone further into a Premier League campaign without losing. If they improve, we might yet be calling them the IncRedDevils come May. Anyway, Stoke lost 5-0 at Old Trafford two terms ago and 4-0 last time around and it's April, 1976 when they last bagged three points at the Theatre of Dreams. Score? 1-0. Scorer? Alan 'Bluto' Bloor."

1913: So let's hear from our match reporters...

1911: Your Premier League order of play then...
All matches kick off at 2000 GMT
Blackpool v Birmingham
Fulham v West Brom
Man Utd v Stoke
A trio of matches guaranteed* to impress, then, I'm sure you agree.
*Doesn't constitute actual guarantee.

RKW - White Eagle on 606: "All home wins tonight me thinks."

ExampleMark on Twitter: "I'm going to go all crazy and predict three away wins... all with one goal in each..."

1908: TEAM NEWS SNAP
Man Utd quartet Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Edwin van der Sar and Gary Neville all sit out tonight's match against Stoke City.

Geordie Lennon on 606: "My life is rubbish... but at least there's football!!"

1907: Well get yourselves involved, then, people. A new year means a new start and all that, so if you've never before seen your name up in lights on these here commentaries why not give it a go this evening? Same avenues apply as always folks... Tweet me @sampatricklyon,text me via 81111 or get on 606. Do it.

Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand on Twitter: "Being rested tonight tweeps. Hate missing games for any reason but our boss is the best in the biz so knows best. I will be cheering lads on!"

1905: And few would bet against that list growing before too long. Dare I say Mark Hughes, for one, could really rather do with a result sooner rather than later? His Fulham side sit in the bottom three at this moment staring down the barrel of a relegation fight... though you have to say if they can find a goalscorer to turn a few of their draws into wins they'll be fine, right? They face another side in the mix at the wrong end of the table tonight in West Brom, whose local rivals Birmingham travel to Blackpool, while Manchester United v Stoke provides the interest at the top end of the table. Up for it?

1903: Well let me tell you three fellas who definitely aren't writing the script this season - Chris Hutchings,Phil Parkinson and Paul Simpson. Those three join the 18 other managers sacked already this term, and the trio make it seven bosses given the chop since Christmas. Football huh? All the job security of a Betamax Salesman.

1900: A five-way fight for the title, more than twice that number battling to avoid the drop, and a tussle for European places that might involve the likes of Stoke - yep, 2011 promises a stonker of second half to a Premier League season. Who's writing this script?