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By Chris Bevan
1812: Right that's about it from me for today. Top beat bottom , comfortably, in the Premier League, which means it was Merseyside 2-0 North East .
You can find out how Hull City get on against Aston Villa tomorrow night by joining your friend and mine, Ms Caroline Cheese . In the meantime, Spoony is answering your questions on 606 (the audio version) right now and you can watch all today's Premier League goals on Match of the Day 2 on BBC Two at 2220 BST (it will also be streamed online for UK users). Enjoy.
1809: From RafasRedsForTheTitle09 on 606: "Its also a good day for HULL, Bevan!" Join the debate on 606
Yep, even without playing. But will Monday be as kind, when they are actually in action?
1805: Today, in summary:
A good day for Liverpool, Everton, Birmingham, Burnley and Preston.
A bad day for Newcastle, Sunderland, Reading, Sheffield United, Cardiff and Norwich.
1803: From BBC Radio 5 Live's Steve Stone: "Everton played well but that was one of the easiest wins I've seen all season, especially for an away team.
1800: Everton's straightforward victory means they leap-frog Aston Villa to move fifth in the table while Sunderland remain in trouble - just four points above the bottom three, with three games left.
1758: From anonymous Hull City fan, via text on 81111: "I've never enjoyed a weekend when Hull haven't played so much! Its made my revision just about bearable. All the results have gone our way- anything at Villa tomorrow would be a bonus."
1756: FULL-TIME Sunderland 0-2 Everton
1755: Anton Ferdinand is trying to urge his Sunderland team-mates on but this is clearly a lost cause now. Everton are not going to let this slip.
1753: From BBC Radio 5 Live's Steve Stone: "We're going to have four minutes of added time, and it will be four more minutes of keep-ball for Everton. They are looking very comfortable."
1752: Ha, just as I say [or write] that, Sunderland threaten for the first time in ooooh, ages. Joseph Yobo tangles with Kenwyne Jones on the edge of the box as the striker chases a loose ball and the Everton defender is grateful - and lucky - that referee Martin Atkinson waves play on.
1750: Segundo Castillo is on for Everton, replacing Dan Gosling - who has had a very impressive game in midfield. The Toffees are cruising here, under no pressure whatsoever.
1748: Another injury to report, and more stitches look necessary too - where's that graphic? Anton Ferdinand is on the wrong end of a high foot by Louis Saha and the Everton striker gets a yellow card for his trouble.
1747: There are an awful lot of empty seats now at the Stadium of Light and the atmosphere is almost deathly. Steed Malbranque, who had four stitches in a head injury earlier and played most of the game smeared in vaseline, comes off and is replaced by Carlos Edwards. A last throw of the dice by Ricky Sbragia?
1744: Another change for Everton. Louis Saha is on for Jo, who has worked tirelessly up front today and showed some nice touches too.
1743: Well, Sunderland are enjoying a bit of pressure but they don't appear any closer to scoring. The ball drops to Kenwyne Jones in front of goal but he is blocked off and the chance is gone.
1741: From redandblackT1899 on 606: "One word to describe Fellaini: Immense!" Join the debate on 606
Two words to describe Fellaini: Immense hair!
1739: Sunderland's best effort for a while, but I'm not sure how intentional it was. Steed Malbranque drives in a spinning cross from the right and Tim Howard, taking no chances, tips the ball over.
1735: With around 15 minutes left, Everton make a change and Jack Rodwell is on for Lars Jacobsen, who has limped off. The Toffees are going to have to reorganise their defence.
1733: GOAL Sunderland 0-2 Everton The game's up for Sunderland I fear. Steven Pienaar has acres of space on the right and has time to pick out Marouane Fellaini in the middle and the Belgian cannot miss, slotting home with aplomb.
1730: Steed Malbranque drives at the Everton defence and tries to feed David Healy on the left, but gives the ball away instead. That's been the story of Sunderland's day - zero creativity, I'm afraid.
1727: A massive escape for Sunderland. Marouane Fellaini runs into the area and Black Cats goalkeeper Marton Fulop strangely decides to jump over the ball. The big-haired Belgian seems a bit confused by this and he is unable to capitalise - Sunderland get men back to hack clear.
1725: From BBC Radio 5 Live's Steve Stone: "I don't think Sunderland have got the energy or the quality to turn this around."
1723: Sunderland make their first change - Northern Ireland striker David Healy is coming on, replacing Djibril Cisse.
1721: For all Sunderland's recent improvement, they are very fortunate not to be 2-0 down. It takes a great header from Phil Bardsley to divert Dan Gosling's cross away from Tim Cahill at the back post - otherwise that would have been a second Everton goal.
1717: The home fans at the Stadium of Light have woken up a bit now too but Sunderland are not helping their cause by continuing to give the ball away in the middle of the park. The Black Cats are showing far more desire than before, but not much more quality.
1715: From Jones & Cisse's Saturday Night Takeaway on 606: "You don't understand how much Sunderland needed that wake up call" Join the debate on 606
1712: Sunderland are getting men forward far more now. Why didn't they do that before? The home side press again and Everton only half clear a corner before Phil Bardsley finds row Z with a wild shot from 30 yards.
1710: Wow. This game is better already. Sunderland come back strongly and Danny Collins almost equalises immediately when his powerful header from a corner flies straight at Tim Howard. Unlucky.
1708: GOAL Sunderland 0-1 Everton Phil Neville feeds Jo on the edge of the area and he turns to play in Steven Pienaar , who holds off Phil Bardsley and gets enough on the ball to prod it past Marton Fulop. Hardly a net-buster but the Toffees are in front.
1707: Sunderland get the second half started.
1704: Not everybody wants goals though...
From Andy in Liverpool, via text on 81111: "I've got £5 on a 0-0 game! It's kept me entertained...bring on the crossbar and post shots...I'm happy as someone called Larry!"
1702: If we don't see any goals in the second half at the Stadium of Light (and I really hope we do), Sunderland will stay in 16th place but, will move five points clear of the drop zone. Everton, who are already guaranteed a place in the Europa League next season, will stay in sixth and move a point behind Aston Villa.
1657: PLAYER RATER Your scoring is more entertaining than the actual game. Everton defender Joleon Lescott has the top score so far with 7.80 while Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop is down at the bottom with 4.50. Rate the players
1654: From BBC Radio 5 Live's Steve Stone: "Sunderland need to get in at half-time and have a re-think. They are very one-dimensional and are not creating anything."
1652: It's not been great so far, has it?
1651: HALF-TIME Sunderland 0-0 Everton
1647: All those injuries earlier mean we will have four extra minutes at the end of the first half - I just hope they are better than the last 45.
1645: Everton are still having a bit of joy down the left flank - Steven Pienaar and Leighton Baines link up well before crossing for Jo, but he is blocked out at the near post and cannot find the target.
1643: From Joe in Liverpool, via text on 81111: "Re 1629, Surely you'd need a post and crossbar graphic after this weekend?"
No use to me in this game Joe, I'm afraid. Do you think I could get a graphic to show a big yawn?
1640: Everton's Steven Pienaar is causing a few problems on the left and is unlucky to see his team-mate Dan Gosling get in the way of his shot, which is on target. The Sunderland fans have started to jeer now - their team have just not turned up.
1637: There is a strange lack of urgency by Sunderland considering they know a win will probably keep them up. Well, I think it's a lack of urgency - whatever is behind it, they definitely aren't playing very well.
1635: Sunderland are giving Everton lots of space in their own half and around the centre-circle but the home side have packed their defence - perhaps to try to stop Marouane Fellaini's knockdowns? The Toffees are completely dominant in midfield right now but are still unable to create anything.
1631: From BBC Radio 5 Live's Steve Stone: "It hasn't been a great match so far. Sunderland are huffing and puffing but they are not really creating much and Everton still look far more dangerous when they get the ball up to Marouane Fellaini or Tim Cahill."
1629: Ever get the feeling that I need a first-aid graphic? Sunderland's Danny Collins falls awkwardly when challenging Marouane Fellaini and needs attention.
1628: Better from Sunderland. Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has to come a long way to punch clear a Phil Bardsley free-kick. Seconds later, Kenwyne Jones tees up Grant Leadbitter on the edge of the box but his low shot fizzes inches wide. A decent move though.
1626: From BBC Radio 5 Live's Steve Stone: "To say Sunderland have been disappointing so far is being extremely kind. They have not managed to find their two big men up front at all. They seem to be missing a bit of spirit and some of their players look a little uninterested."
1622: All these delays probably aren't helping but Sunderland seem a bit off the pace so far - Everton are running the show in midfield and Black Cats boss Ricky Sbragia is currently a very animated man - patrolling the technical area trying to motivate his side....they haven't got going yet.
1620: Wait for it...the physio is on again. Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand clatters Jo, who needs treatment.
1619: From SmugBugMofo on 606: "Everton are in complete control here. Which can mean only one thing ... they will concede shortly." Join the debate on 606
1618: Tim Howard's turn to need treatment after he is caught by Kieran Richardson's trailing leg. The last thing Everton need is another injury - they barely have 11 fit players anyway.
1617: A real chance for Everton, after some neat passing cuts through the home defence. Jo has space and a sight of goal - but he drags his shot wide. Chance gone.
1616: From Zippy, George and Bungle on 606: "Wow. Apparently Steed Malbranque had five stitches put in. Impressive that he's back a few minutes later. Never realised he was that tough." Join the debate on 606
1615: Hmmm, there is a strange old atmosphere at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland seem a bit edgy already, and the home fans certainly are. They know how important a win is for them today. Everton are looking far more composed and patient in the early stages.
1613: Sunderland threaten for the first time. Djibril Cisse's hooked pass gives Kenwyne Jones a sniff of a chance but he is under pressure and cannot keep his shot down.
1611: Hooray - we've had an effort on goal! It comes from Everton - Tim Cahill finds space at a corner and Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop has to punch clear. The visitors seem to have found their feet.
1609: Steed Malbranque, he of the cut head, is back on. He has a lot of vaseline on the back of his head so could be a slippery customer for the rest of this half. Sunderland have 11 men again.
1607: Still no action to report - apart injuries. It's all very scrappy in midfield. Anton Ferdinand is back on for the Black Cats, though.
1605: Sunderland are still down to 10 men while Malbranque is patched up and things could be about to get worse for them on the injury front. Anton Ferdinand goes down in agony after challenging Jo and he looks in some pain.
1604: A busy start at the Stadium of Light...for the physios anyhow. Tim Cahill and Steed Malbranque are both down after a clash of heads and the Sunderland midfielder needs to go off to get his cut stitched up. Ouch.
1603: From Danny, via text on 81111: "Let's be realistic - despite what Tony Pulis (Stoke), Paul Hart (Portsmouth) and Sam Allardyce (Blackburn) might say, their teams are safe. At this rate, 34 points will keep Hull up without another win."
1600: Here we go. Jo and Tim Cahill kick-off for Everton.
1556: Everton have not won a game since booking their place in the FA Cup final two weeks ago...I know, I know - they have only played twice. But there is a danger their impressive Premier League season might just fizzle out if Wembley is on their minds...
1551: Newcastle boss Alan Shearer on Joey Barton's red card: "I'm not happy. He deserved to be sent off, it was a stupid tackle."
1547: A few dejected Cardiff fans have been texting in - apart from Norwich [and Newcastle] supporters, they have probably had to suffer the most today. The Bluebirds will leave Ninian Park for a new stadium for next season, but after being pipped to the play-offs by one Preston goal, they will definitely be in the Championship.
From Phil, gutted Cardiff fan, via text on 81111: "I was looking forward to away trips to Anfield and Old Trafford next season but looks like I'll have to settle for St James Park."
1544: Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I think Manchester United still have difficult games to play so we will see, we have to keep the belief."
And on Torres: "He felt something in his hamstring so it was a risk as he has had problems there before."
1542: PLAYER RATER Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt tops the Player Rater poll with 7.99, just ahead of Yossi Benayoun and Steven Gerrard, while Newcaste's red-card villain Joey Barton slumps to a barrel-scraping 3.94. Rate the players
1537: From Ronnie in Wales via text on 81111: "I can't see Newcastle staying up now. They will need at least one win in their last three games and to ask for more than that the way they are playing is silly."
1534: TEAM NEWS Sunderland v Everton Sunderland midfielder Steed Malbranque comes in for Carlos Edwards, Dean Whitehead starts in place of Teemu Tainio while Grant Leadbitter is back in the side for Andy Reid. Everton's Lars Jacobsen replaces Tony Hibbert at right-back, while centre-back Joleon Lescott comes in for the injured Phil Jagielka. Dan Gosling and Tim Cahill come into the midfield, with Segundo Castillo and Leon Osman rested. On-loan striker Jo also returns to the starting XI after being ineligible for last weekend's game against parent club Manchester City.
1532: In case you've forgotten with all that excitement, Sunderland host Everton in today's late Premier League game. A win for the Black Cats will ease their own relegation fears but Ricky Sbragia's men have lost five of their last six games.
1529: From anonymous via text on 81111: "Can we vote for the crossbar as the best Newcastle defender on player rater?" Rate the players
1527: So, it's job done for Liverpool , who close the gap on leaders Manchester United to three points. The Reds have just three games left, though, while United have four. At the other end of the table, Newcastle stay in 18th and are still three points adrift of safety - Alan Shearer has now gone five games as Magpies boss without tasting victory.
1525: From Andy, via text on 81111: "When Lucas Leiva scores, you know you're going down. I've never been so embarrassed by this team."
1524: FULL-TIME Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle
1522: Liverpool are denied by the woodwork for a third time. It's Steven Gerrard's turn to hit the bar with a fierce shot from the edge of the area - Steve Harper was again beaten.
1519: Michael Owen gets his first sniff of goal since coming on and forces Pepe Reina into his first save - in the 90th minute. Owen nips behind the Liverpool defence but he is off balance when he shoots and Reina easily catches his weak lofted effort.
1516: GOAL Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle An all-Brazilian affair. Fabiao Aurelio bends in a free-kick from the right and, with the Newcastle defence nowhere to be seen, substitute Leiva Lucas heads past Steve Harper.
1514: More Championship news. Preston have sneaked into the play-offs by the narrowest of margins. They clear two QPR shots off their own goalline in injury time - the second with the last kick of the game - to clinch a 2-1 win at Deepdale.
And that win catapults them above Cardiff , who lost 1-0 at Sheffield Wednesday, on number of goals scored (66-65). Remember, Preston thrashed Cardiff 6-0 two weeks ago at Deepdale - how costly for the Welsh team that defeat looks now.
1512: From BBC Radio 5 Live's Jimmy Armfield: "There was no point in Joey Barton making that challenge - Xabi Alonso was going nowhere. This was always going to be a difficult match for Newcastle, it is impossible now."
1510: Michael Owen is on for Newcastle, replacing Obafemi Martns. Liverpool's Xabi Alonso has just been stretchered off, following that Joey Barton challenge - Leiva Lucas is on.
1509: BIRMINGHAM ARE PROMOTED TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE The Blues go up thanks to their 2-1 win at Reading. Norwich are relegated to League One after a 4-2 defeat by Charlton.
1507: RED CARD A Yossi Benayoun cross runs over to the far corner where Xabi Alonso picked it up. He sidesteps Joey Barton but the Newcastle midfielder slides in with a wild challenge and referee Phil Dowd shows him a straight red. That surely ends Newcastle's hopes.
1506: With 15 minutes to go, Newcastle are preparing to bring Michael Owen off the bench...
1505: Yep, you guessed it. Another Liverpool attack. Newcastle are powerless to stop Ryan Babel teeing up Steven Gerrard on the edge of the area but he drills his low shot wide. By his standards, that was poor.
1503: Try as they might, Liverpool just cannot get a third goal, not that they really need it. Xabi Alonso beats Steve Harper this time but, just as in the first half, his shot crashes back off the bar.
1501: More Liverpool pressure and, again, Steve Harper comes to the rescue for Newcastle. The ball breaks to Steven Gerrard on the edge of the area and he smashes in a ferocious low shot. Harper is unsighted but still manages to block the ball at his near post.
1459: Kuyt has another sight of goal when the ball comes to him on the left but he should really cross for Steven Gerrard, who is steaming into the area. Instead, the Dutchman fires wide.
1458: From matt99990 on 606: "No point Newcastle having three up front if there's no service to them, you may as well play with eight men, it certainly looks like they are anyway. Bring some midfielders on Alan Shearer!" Join the debate on 606
1456: Yossi Benayoun has been very impressive down the right for Liverpool today. He is involved again here, crossing neatly for Dirk Kuyt, but his near-post header is straight at Steve Harper.
1454: Oooh! More Championshi p drama. I promised you excitement didn't I?Preston take a 2-1 lead over QPR through Sean St Ledger. The Lancashire side are now level on points with Cardiff and are level on goal difference, but they will take the fourth play-off place because they have scored ONE more goal this season. Meanwhile, Burnley move 3-0 up on Bristol City with a second Graham Alexander penalty.
1453: Ryan Babel is coming on for Liverpool, replacing Albert Riera. Newcastle have around 30 minutes to turn this game around, or failing that, have a shot on goal.
1452: If the score stays the same at Anfield, Liverpool will close the gap on leaders Manchester United to three points, but will have played a game more.
From anonymous Liverpool fan, via text on 81111: "Even though we are still winning all our games i cant see Man Utd dropping six points in four games unfortunately."
1450: Newcastle feel Alan Smith is fouled but, while they protest, Liverpool stream forward. Yossi Benayoun cuts in from the right and feeds Steven Gerrard who lets fly, but his shot loops just over the angle.
1448: Interesting news if you are a Preston fan. Cardiff's play-off hopes are in the balance after Jermaine Johnson puts Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 ahead at Hillsborough.
1446: From shop assistant on 606: "Come on Newcastle, score at least one, this is getting a bit dull. A goal from the Magpies would inject some urgency." Join the debate on 606
I don't think Liverpool fans will be bothered that the second half hasn't really got going yet.
1444: Newcastle press forward, belatedly, and the ball comes out to Joey Barton on the right. Liverpool look a bit stretched but it doesn't matter - Barton slips and sends the ball straight out of play.
1442: Hope for Norwich ? Not really. Sammy Clingan's free-kick gets them back to 4-2 down at Charlton, but with Barnsley still winning there seems no way back for the Canaries.
1440: More trouble in the Newcastle defence - it's never far away is it? Sebastien Bassong's loose defensive header drops for Steven Gerrard, who rifles his shot narrowly wide.
1438: Just as in the first half, Newcastle have started well. They still haven't forced Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina into a save yet.
1436: Lots of drama at the Madejski Stadium. Veteran striker Kevin Phillips beats the offside trap to fire home Birmingham's second goal but Reading reply immediately through Marek Matejovsky to make it 2-1 and keep the game alive.
Elsewhere, Preston , who have to beat QPR to have any chance of snatching a play-off place, are pegged back to 1-1 by former striker Patrick Agyemang.
1435: Liverpool get the second half under way.
1433: Newcastle boss Alan Shearer makes one change at half-time - Jonas Gutierrez is on for Peter Lovenkrands.
1431: More news from the Championship...and Norwich fans should look away now - their relegation fate is all but sealed as Lloyd Sam's cross allows Deon Burton to complete a hat-trick and make it 4-1 to Charlton .
1428: From anonymous Liverpool fan, via text on 81111: "Has anyone else realised that Steven Gerrard has done nothing this game?"
Nope, I think it's just you.
1426: PLAYER RATER Liverpol's Captain Fantastic [Steven Gerrard] is leading the way on Player Rater with 8.53, just ahead of Dirk Kuyt, while Steve Harper - not surprisingly - is way ahead for Newcastle on 7.43. Surprisingly Fabricio Coloccini is not bottom of the Newcastle pops, but look away friends and family of Mark Viduka - 4.29. Ouch. Rate the players
1424: BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at the Madejski Stadium: "Birmingham are less than one half of football from an immediate return to the Promised Land.
"Reading, apart from one spell towards the end of the opening half, haven't really looked all that threatening and have struggled to impress their fluid passing style upon the match. Andre Bikey in particular is making a nasty habit out of smashing the ball out of play."
Every Championship game is now back under way...45 minutes [plus injury time] to go.
1423: So, is there anything Newcastle can do to turn this one around. Would having Michael Owen on the pitch help? To me, their defence seems to be the bigger problem...but I'm sure Alan Shearer and most Newcastle fans already know that...
1422: More bad news for Norwich. Barnsley , the only team they can catch, are 2-1 up against Plymouth. Jamal Campbell-Ryce has netted for the Tykes.
1418: From Jake at Anfield, via text on 81111: "This is too easy. Newcastle are going down."
1416: HALF-TIME Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
1415: From BBC Radio 5 Live's Jimmy Armfield: "Perhaps Alan Shearer can sort Newcastle out at half-time and do something with his midfield and get some support to Mark Viduka up front. The Magpies have had some good moments but they have not been a real threat yet."
1414: Newcastle are still chasing shadows and Steve Harper is currently a very busy man. This time he has to fling himself to his left to push away a swerving effort by Daniel Agger. The Dane was 35 yards out, but that shot was heading for the far corner.
1412: I'm told there was another goal at The Valley just before the break. With two seconds of the four added minutes to play, Alan Lee grabbed one back for Norwich at Charlton from a corner. The Canaries still look doomed at 3-1 down though...
1411: Normal service is soon resumed, however, and Liverpool are inches from going 3-0 ahead. Xabi Alonso lets fly from 25 yards and, with Steve Harper beaten, the ball comes back off the bar. Unlucky.
1409: A rare attack by Newcastle but they are denied by the linesman's flag. Damien Duff flights a ball towards Mark Viduka, who takes it down beautifully, but play is stopped before he has a chance to shoot. You might guess that the big Aussie striker disagrees with the decision.
1406: It's half-time around the grounds in the Championship. As things stand, Birmingham will be in the Premier League by tea-time. Newcastle look somewhat less likely to be in the top flight next season.
Cardiff and Burnley are in the play-offs and Norwich are relegated. Exactly as the table stood at the start of play.
1405: More Championship news. Wade Elliott makes it 2-0 to Burnley one minute before half-time as they look to maintain their play-off spot.
1404: We have not seen anything from Newcastle since they went behind and at the moment they are simply hanging on. Daniel Agger almost turns in a Steven Gerrard corner before, seconds later, Dirk Kuyt sees his angled shot roll wide. One way traffic at Anfield.
1400: Ah! A few of you have mentioned that I credited Barnsley's goal at 1350 to Mark Hamill, or Luke Skywalker as he is better known. I've changed it to Adam now - may the force be with the Tykes though..or even May the third...?
1359: GOAL Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle Game over? Steven Gerrard sends over a corner and Dirk Kuyt stoops to head home. A simple goal, if only because Newcastle's defending was so bad. A lot of work for them to do now.
1358: An update from the Championship. Preston move into the final play-off place at the expense of Burnley after Jon Parkin puts his side 1-0 up in their match against QPR, but just one minute later Burnley win a penalty against Bristol City and Graham Alexander thumps it into the net to put his side back into the top six. Rollercoaster.
1357: Liverpool are in the Newcastle area again but this time the linesman is flagging for offside - a bit late for the Magpies perhaps. Yossi Benayoun brings a tremendous save out of Steve Harper but it would not have counted anyhow.
1355: From Big Steve at Anfield, via text on 81111: "Even if their chances of a result are slim, the Newcastle fans are really getting behind their team. Crikey they're a raucous bunch."
1352: GOAL Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle It's been coming. Newcastle striker Mark Viduka, for some reason, heads back towards his own area and the ball comes out to Dirk Kuyt on the right. The Dutchman sends in a low cross and, with a slight whiff of offside, Yossi Benayoun slots home from close range.
1350: Bad news if you are a Norwich fan - the Canaries are now 3-0 down at Charlton after a quick-fire double Deon Burton blast, and heading for League One I'm afraid. To make things worse for Bryan Gunn's side, Barnsley are now level at Plymouth after Adam Hamill finds the net.
1348: Blimey. Newcastle are suddenly all over the place and should really be behind. Fabiano Aurelio's whipped cross is met at the back post by Dirk Kuyt but his header flies wide. Chance gone.
1347: Another chance for Liverpool, another save by Steve Harper. With the Magpies defence backing off, Steven Gerrard advances to the edge of the box and fires in a rasper that the Newcastle keeper brilliantly tips round the post. The Reds are upping the ante.
1346: BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at the Madejski Stadium: "Reading's supporters are becoming increasingly frustrated - with plenty of fury vented in the direction of referee Howard Webb. With the Royals 1-0 down, their day is definitely not going to plan so far.
"Birmingham might be leading, with James McFadden pulling the strings, but their coach Roy Aitken is cutting a very animated figure in the away team's technical area. Nobody is taking anything for granted."
1344: Right on cue after my last comment, a chance for Liverpool. Fabrizio Coloccini fouls Steven Gerrard about 30 yards out and the Reds captain fires in a free-kick that Steve Harper does well to save at the foot of his left-hand post.
1342: Apart from that early Steven Gerrard run, we've not seen much of Liverpool going forward yet. The home fans are a bit quiet - Newcastle's travelling support are making all the noise so far.
1341: A big, big goal in the Championship promotion race. Keith Fahey puts Birmingham ahead from the edge of the box - Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann has had a nightmare and allowed the ball to creep in under his body. Birmingham are one step closer to the Premier League with that early goal.
1339: From Jim Gaffigan! on 606: "Re 1329, attack is the best form of defense thus, I commend Shearer on his team selection! Although it may not be against Barca..." Join the debate on 606
1338: The Magpies have started well to be honest, but so far their attacks are fizzling out on the edge of Liverpool's penalty area. This is already much better than how Middlesbrough were against Manchester United yesterday though.
1335: Obafemi Martins has just had Newcastle's first shot of the match. It's blocked, and the resulting corner comes to nothing. A bit of a scrappy start so far but both sides are pressing forward.
1334: Newcastle are quickly under pressure when Steven Gerrard makes headway down the left and skips past two challenges into the area. The Magpies eventually clear their lines, but they have to remember to defend this afternoon, as well as attack.
1333: Ah, the Championship is up to its old tricks again. Moments after Barnsley go behind, Nick Bailey heads Charlton in front against Norwich from two yards out for his 13th goal of the season and Barnsley fans can relax a little...for now.
1332: Newcastle get us started at Anfield.
1331: News from the Championship, where Gary Sawyer's third goal of the season puts Plymouth 1-0 up against Barnsley - who only need a point to stay up. The news quickly reaches Norwich supporters at Charlton, where the Canaries can stay up with victory.
1329: From redandblackT1899 on 606: "If Newcastle attack Liverpool, I fear they'll end up on the wrong end of an El-Clasico scoreline!" Join the debate on 606
That game finished 6-2 to Barcelona by the way. And it was a bit of a cracker, as you might have guessed from the score... Superb Barca destroy rivals Real
1327: Lots of hugging and handshakes between the Spanish players as the two teams come out on to the pitch at Anfield. Not long to go until this one is under way.
1322: Ah, Mr Bond, we've been expecting you. Yes, Liverpool have enlisted 007 actor Daniel Craig to help keep their title hopes alive - well, he's in the crowd anyhow. Craig is a Reds fan but he might have split loyalties today as he once played a character called 'Geordie' in BBC drama 'Our Friends in the North'.
1319: From RampagingAlbatross on 606: "Newcastle probably won't win, but they have to perform sometime. Today would be a good day for them to show some grit and determination, as unlikely as it is." Join the debate on 606
1315: All 12 Championship games have now kicked off. Hold on to your hats...that division is full of shocks most weekends.
1312: A few of you on 606 are wondering about the wisdom of leaving Michael Owen out of the Newcastle line-up. The former Liverpool striker is cutting a pretty dejected figure at the moment, but I'm sure we will see him at some point...surely?
1309: From NW and Birch at Vicarage Road, via text on 81111: "A funny note from Watford v Derby. Rams midfielder Robbie Savage seems to have mellowed out in his old age - after levelling a young Watford fan in the face with a wide shot in the warm-up he jumped into the crowd and handed him his training top."
A nice touch from Robbie there...but his shooting was never up to much was it?
1307: For those of you who have been wondering via text and 606 why Spanish striker Fernando Torres is not in Liverpool's squad, I am told he has been suffering with a hamstring problem.
1305: BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at the Madejski Stadium: "Bizarre scenes at Reading as chairman Sir John Madejski takes to the pitch to instruct the home supporters on how to use the contraption they have been handing out that doubles as a Royals banner and a device with which to make a high-pitched noise.
"Birmingham's giant central defensive pairing of Radhi Jaidi and Martin Taylor don;t seem to notice as they go through their warm-up routines nearby and Blues supporters opt for some old fashioned singing."
All those Championship games kick off at 1315 BST by the way...not long to go now.
1303: From Andrew in St Andrews, via text on 81111: "Kudos to Alan Shearer for sticking with the front three. A daring move against a Liverpool side reunited with Steven Gerrard. I can't see a good result for Newcastle here though even without Fernando Torres for the Reds."
1301: A first sighting of Newcastle manager Alan Shearer at Anfield. He's looking very relaxed and is all smiles as he chats to his backroom staff. Will he be as cheerful in a couple of hours?
1257: From splatman81 on 606: "You have to remember that Liverpool won 5-1 at St James's Park in December without Fernando Torres and also Newcastle don't have their man of the match in goalkeeper Shay Given anymore. I'm looking forward to seeing some goals today." Join the debate on 606
1254: From Dave, via text on 81111: A point for Newcastle today would satisfy us i think. To be honest this is our toughest game since Shearer came in and if we can just play well and hold Liverpool back then it will show that Shearer actually has transformed Newcastle."
1253: The sun is shining brightly at Anfield. Not that it really matters to Liverpool or Newcastle fans, but it means I can use my natty new graphic...
1249: Re 1242, Dave Kitson is fit to start for Reading. The flame-topped striker did not manage a goal in the top-flight for Stoke this season but has netted twice since returning to the Royals on loan in March.
1244: From Tom, via text on 81111: " It's gonna be one massive final month for the title but anything is possible Chris. Liverpool have to use today as a way of improving their goal difference."
Just a reminder, United are six points clear at the top with four games to play - but are still to face Arsenal and Manchester City. And Liverpool's goal difference is the same as United's - both are on +40.
1242: BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at the Madejski Stadium: "There is a rumour doing the rounds that Dave Kitson is a doubt. With Leroy Lita, Kevin Doyle and Noel Hunt all injured his absence would leave the Royals very short of options up front."
1240: I have to admit I was impressed by the optimism of some of the Newcastle fans who texted in yesterday. They really believe they can win at Anfield, despite only one success there in the last 16 years - and of course, the fact that Alan Shearer has yet to win a match since taking charge. We lack confidence, says Shearer
1238: From fourstars07 on 606: "Rafa talks about hoping for Utd to make a mistake but anything less than a win for Liverpool today and their title hopes have to be over." Join the debate on 606
1237: TEAM NEWS Liverpool v Newcastle Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is left out of the squad, with Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun up front, while Steven Gerrard returns after four matches out with a groin injury. Newcastle leave Michael Owen on the bench and start with a three-man attack of Mark Viduka, Peter Lovenkrands and Obafemi Martins, while Joey Barton returns in midfield for the first time since 28 January.
1236: BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at the Madejski Stadium: "The sun is shining in Reading ahead of their crunch game against Birmingham. Then again the sun has been shining on the pitch all week long. The surface has been under artificial lights in an attempt to stimulate growth and create a pitch that will allow Reading to play their passing football. I'm told it hasn't looked this good in ages."
1234: BREAKING TEAM NEWS Michael Owen is on the bench for Newcastle and will not start against his old club.
1233: And, of course, starting at 1315 BST we will see the climax of what has been a pulsating season in the Championship too. There is plenty to play for, including a place in the top flight, and I'll be keeping you on top of what is happening in the key fixtures affecting promotion and relegation.
The biggest game, in terms of the battle for second spot, is between Reading and Birmingham - either of those sides, as well as Sheffield United, could be celebrating promotion to the top flight tonight...
1232: It is not just top versus bottom in the Premier League today - it's Merseyside against the North East. Everton travel to Sunderland in today's later kick-off, with the Black Cats also badly needing victory to stave off their own relegation fears.
Everton, of course, have got the FA Cup final to look forward too at the end of the month...if they have enough fit players to put out a team. The Toffees, who lost Phil Jagielka to that horrific knee ligament injury last week, are down to their last 15 players.
1230: It's a huge, no make that enormous, day for the Magpies too - they are deep in the relegation mire and are running out of games to save themselves. Sadly for Alan Shearer's men, they seem to have forgotten how to win - it's been nine games since they last collected three points. Still, success here and they are out of the bottom three...
1228: Ouch. I've just been watching a re-run of the Ricky Hatton-Manny Pacquiao 'fight' - if that's what you can call it...Unfortunately, West Brom have demonstrated the art of defence this season better than our boy did in Las Vegas earlier this morning. Hatton floored by brutal Pacquiao
To continue on the boxing theme, I cannot promise you any knock-out blows in the Premier League title race today, but anything other than a win for Liverpool against Newcastle will leave Manchester United, er, well ahead on points. Sorry.
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