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BBC Final Score pundit Dion Dublin: "Martin O'Neill has got belief back in the Sunderland players again - he does it wherever he goes. There is quality at the club and he is the man to bring that out."
1531: Blackburn goalkeeper Mark Bunn produces a good reflex save to deny Andy Carroll at Anfield, getting a hand up quickly to smother the striker's poked shot from inside the six-yard box. Everton come close to a leveller when Leon Osman lifts a shot over from 20 yards.
Chief football writer Phil McNulty at Anfield: "Liverpool's Luis Suarez getting plenty of shooting practice in the first 20 minutes at Anfield - but nothing on target. All a bit subdued on and off the pitch at the moment and Blackburn manager Steve Kean will like it like that."
Sunderland goal: The home side take the lead against the run of play.
Stephane Sessegnon cuts through the middle before offloading to Jack Colback on the left of the area. He cracks in a low shot which is deflected up and over Tim Howard by the lunging Sylvain Distin.
1528: GOALFLASH Sunderland 1-0 Everton (Jack Colback)1527: My apologies for the clanger there, of course Everton are playing at Sunderland. Back at the Hawthorns, Vincent Kompany feeds the ball to Sergio Aguero on the edge of the box and his low cross gives David Silva a clear view of goal, but the Spaniard scoops his first-time shot over the bar. Manchester City are up to Barcelona levels of possession here.
FOOTBALL LEAGUE UPDATE: In the Championship, Lee Bowyer puts Ipswich 1-0 up at Leicester and Reading lead against Brighton by the same scoreline. In League One, Stevenage and Scunthorpe are both ahead. In League Two, it's an eventful start at Sixfields where Northampton took the lead in the first minute, Burton equalise straight from the kick-off, the home side then retake the lead before having John Johnson sent off. Excitement or what!
1524: A let-off for Manchester United as Jonny Evans is shown a yellow card for a studs-up challenge on Jordi Gomez. That could easily have been red for the only recognised centre-half on the pitch for United. Gomez takes the free-kick, but it's dire.
1522: He's the man of the moment and Luis Suarez goes close twice in as many minutes for Liverpool. The Uruguayan fires just wide after wriggling free in the box having planted a previous chance into the side netting after good work from Maxi Rodriguez and Glen Johnson. Blackburn hang on.
BBC Radio 5 live summariser Jimmy Armfield at the Hawthorns: "Man City have had the majority of the possession but every now and again West Brom provider a reminder that they are in this game."
1519: Straight back to the Stadium of Light where there's a great Everton chance. Royston Drenthe's corner picks out an unmarked Louis Saha, who produces a poor, close-range header that goes wide of the mark. He looked like a man who's out of form with that effort.
1518: Everton are well on top against Sunderland but Seb Larsson shows his set-piece a threat with a good, long free-kick which is met by a Titus Bramble header. It's too weak though and Tim Howard gathers safely.
1517: Penalty shout for Manchester United - and one you'd expect to see given. Javier Hernandez goes down under the challenge of Antolin Alcaraz but is waved on. Moments later a Nani cross is scrambled away as United turn the screw.
1516: Newcastle close to breaking the deadlock at the Reebok Stadium. Ryan Taylor's 25-yard free-kick bends round the wall and is heading into the bottom corner until Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen leaps to his left to push the ball away.
Jake Gorton on Twitter: "Great result for Fulham and a good way to comeback after the horror show against United last week. Things looking up for Jol."
1515: As you would expect at the Hawthorns, Manchester City are largely on the front foot with West Brom defending deep. Most of the play has been in the Baggies half, but there has been little for home keeper Ben Foster to do as yet.
1513: Wigan have hardly touched the ball at Old Trafford so far, with Conor Sammon ploughing a particularly lone furrow up front for them. But as I write it - a chance! Ronnie Stam crosses from the right but Sammon is unable to add the finishing touch at the back post. He should have done better there.
1512: Not much to shout about at the Reebok so far as Bolton and Newcastle scrap out a dour 10 minutes. James Milner heads a cross wide for Manchester City at West Brom, while Liverpool dominate at Anfield.
1511: Everton, and Tim Cahill in particular, have been criticised for a lack of goals. But they almost put that right as Cahill pounces on a long ball then shoots from eight yards - only for Kieran Westwood to restore his own confidence with a decent save.
Man Utd goal: The floodgates are opened at Old Trafford. Patrice Evra is met by minimal resistance as he gets through to the byeline, and from his accurate cutback
Park Ji-sung sweeps into the roof of the net from eight yards. Composed finish.
1508: GOALFLASH Man Utd 1-0 Wigan (Park Ji-sung)1506: Speaking of goalkeepers, almost a clanger from Kieran Westwood in the Sunderland goal as a Phil Neville throw goes over his head but he is able to recover.
1505: Charlie Adam lines up a snap-shot from range but the Liverpool man fires it straight at Mark Bunn. The deputy goalkeeper could have a busy afternoon for Blackburn you fear.
1502: First sighter of goal at the Hawthorns as Chris Brunt swivels and hits a scorcher from 25 yards which is just wide of Joe Hart's far post. Bold start from West Brom.
FOOTBALL LEAGUE UPDATES: In the Championship, leaders Southampton extend their lead at the top of the table with a 2-0 triumph over Crystal Palace, while Derby and Milwall both won 1-0 against Leeds and Portsmouth respectively. In League One, MK Dons enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 victory at Leyton Orient and in League Two, Dagenham & Redbridge's 3-0 win at home against Barnet takes them out of the drop zone, meaning troubled Northampton fall in.
1500: And we are off and running in all five games now...
WEST BROM v MAN CITY TEAM NEWS
Phil Dawkes
reports: "West Brom make one enforced changed from the team that beat Newcastle 3-2 five days ago with defender Billy Jones replacing the injured Steven Reid at full-back. Manchester City make four changes, only one of them enforced: Pablo Zabaleta starting at right-back in place of Micah Richards, who has been unable to shake off a calf injury. Manager Roberto Mancini also starts defender Kolo Toure, midfielder James Milner and striker Mario Balotelli. Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry and Adam Johnson drop to the bench."
West Brom v Man CityWest Brom: Foster, Jones, Olsson, McAuley, Shorey, Brunt, Scharner, Mulumbu, Thomas, Long, Odemwingie. Subs: Fulop, Dorrans, Jara Reyes, Dawson, Thorne, Cox, Fortune.
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Toure, Kompany, Clichy, Toure Yaya, Milner, Nasri, Silva, Aguero, Balotelli. Subs: Pantilimon, Lescott, Dzeko, Johnson, Savic, Barry, De Jong.
Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)
SUNDERLAND v EVERTON TEAM NEWSArindam Rej reports: "Does Tim Cahill deserve a place in the Everton team? After being dropped in midweek, it seemed that manager David Moyes thought the answer was 'no'. But the Australian is back. Marouane Fellaini and injured Seamus Coleman miss out as Sylvain Distin comes in, meaning Johnny Heitinga is likely to be pushed up to midfield in a 4-4-1-1. Sunderland's team is far more clear cut - unchanged from their dramatic defeat of QPR."
Sunderland v EvertonSunderland: Westwood, O'Shea, Bramble, Brown, Bardsley, Larsson, Cattermole, Vaughan, Richardson, Sessegnon, Bendtner. Subs: Carson, Gardner, Kilgallon, Colback, Ji, McClean, Elmohamady.
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Drenthe, Neville, Heitinga, Osman, Cahill, Saha. Subs: Mucha, Bilyaletdinov, Stracqualursi, McFadden, Gueye, Barkley, Vellios.
Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)
MAN UTD v WIGAN TEAM NEWS Sam Sheringham reports: "Manchester United's teamsheet has more of an April Fool's Day than a Boxing Day feel to it as Sir Alex Ferguson pulls a line-up from left-field. Just when he was being talked of by Ferguson as a "pivotal" midfield player, Michael Carrick lines up at centre-half, with Antonio Valencia at right-back. Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez are up front with Darron Gibson and Park Ji-sung in a new-look midfield. Wigan, in contrast, are unchanged from their 0-0 draw with Liverpool."
Man Utd v WiganMan Utd: Lindegaard, Valencia, Evans, Carrick, Evra, Park, Gibson, Giggs, Nani, Berbatov, Hernandez. Subs: De Gea, Rooney, Welbeck, Rafael Da Silva, Macheda, Diouf, Fryers.
Wigan: Al Habsi, Stam, Alcaraz, Caldwell, Figueroa, Jones, Diame, McCarthy, Gomez, Moses, Sammon. Subs: Pollitt, Gohouri, Crusat, Watson, Di Santo, McArthur, Rodallega.
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)
LIVERPOOL v BLACKBURN TEAM NEWS
Chief football writer Phil McNulty
reports from Anfield: "Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returns on the bench after an ankle injury, while ?35m striker Andy Carroll gets the opportunity to make a mark from the start and take advantage of Blackburn's fragile confidence. Blackburn have suffered a blow with goalkeeper Paul Robinson ruled out with a calf injury. Mark Bunn deputises."
Liverpool v BlackburnLiverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Jose Enrique, Maxi, Henderson, Adam, Downing, Suarez, Carroll. Subs: Doni, Gerrard, Kuyt, Carragher, Shelvey, Kelly, Bellamy.
Blackburn: Bunn, Lowe, Samba, Hanley, Pedersen, Henley, Dunn, Nzonzi, Hoilett, Formica, Yakubu. Subs: Kean, Petrovic, Rochina, Blackman, Goodwillie, Vukcevic, Morris.
Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire)
BOLTON v NEWCASTLE TEAM NEWSPeter Scrivener reports: "Bolton have changed both full-backs after beating Blackburn last time out. Dedryck Boyata comes in for Gretar Steinsson while Paul Robinson replaces Marcos Alonso. Sam Ricketts is back in the squad for the first time since rupturing his Achilles in February and David Wheater is also on the bench after serving a four-game ban. Newcastle centre-back Mike Williamson makes his first appearance since injuring his ankle in August while midfielder Yohan Cabaye returns after a one-match ban and Ryan Taylor is in at left-back for the injured Davide Santon."
Bolton v NewcastleBolton: Jaaskelainen, Boyata, Cahill, Knight, Robinson, Mark Davies, Reo-Coker, Muamba, Petrov, Klasnic, Ngog. Subs: Bogdan, Eagles, Sanli, Kevin Davies, Ricketts, Pratley, Wheater.
Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Ryan Taylor, Obertan, Cabaye, Tiote, Gutierrez, Ba, Best. Subs: Elliot, Ben Arfa, Perch, Shola Ameobi, Sammy Ameobi, Vuckic, Ferguson.
Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)
1454: Standby for all your team news and line-ups for the 1500 games...
1453: Well, well, well - what do we all make of that one? Tweet the commentary via the hashtag
#BBCFootball, Tweet me
@TJRostance or text in via
81111 (UK)1452: FULL-TIME Chelsea 1-1 Fulham 1450: Didier Drogba sends in a free-kick from 30 yards but again David Stockdale is on hand to turn it over the top.
1449: We are into the first of three minutes of added time and Fulham substitute Pajtim Kasami has a chance but hits it straight at Petr Cech.
1445: Fine save again from David Stockdale as he tips over a Raul Meireles header. Chelsea's corner causes panic as John Terry hits the ground, but no penalty is given, Another corner, and another good save from Stockdale who tips out Didier Drogba's flick.
1443: Into the last few minutes now and Fulham are looking good to hang on for a point. This is certainly a far more robust showing than the one they put in against Manchester United in midweek.
Alan from Edinburgh on text: "Hope Fergie realises that by resting Rooney he has just ruined the Boxing Day preparations for thousands of Fantasy Football managers."
1438: Chelsea pushing hard for the winner now as Raul Meireles takes aim from the corner of the box and curls his shot narrowly wide of the far post.
1436: First sighter for Didier Drogba as he collects a fine ball over the top from David Luiz but can only shoot at David Stockdale. That was a magnificent pass from Luiz, cut through the Fulham back four in one long punt.
1435: If you all hit refresh now for me, you'll be able to watch today's Final Score at the top of the page. Top stuff.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returns to the bench after an ankle injury.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Tim Cahill returns for Everton at Sunderland, who are unchanged.
1431: Good tracking back from Fernando Torres as he wins the ball from Clint Dempsey on halfway. With Didier Drogba set for a trip to the Africa Cup of Nations soon Chelsea are desperate for him to find his form.
1428: Second change for Chelsea as Fernando Torres is handed a reprieve and Didier Drogba comes on for Daniel Sturridge.
Damian Johnson on Twitter: "Freakishly mild at Old Trafford for Man Utd v Wigan. No Phil Jones after head knock. Carrick at centre back. Wigan unchanged."
1423: Fine double save from David Stockdale denies Chelsea. First he tips over a Daniel Sturridge effort from 20 yards and from the corner, John Terry's header is flicked toward goal by Florent Malouda, but Stockdale is able to claw it out.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Andy Carroll comes into the Liverpool team alongside Luis Suarez for the visit of Blackburn.
1419: Here comes Frank Lampard as he is again substituted by Andre Villas-Boas. Lampard has been quiet today and he is switched for Florent Malouda.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Michael Carrick starts in defence for Manchester United in place of the injured Phil Jones. Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck are rested as Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov start up front. Mario Balotelli starts for leaders Manchester City at West Brom.
1417: That has really put the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons. Chelsea really should have dealt with that to be honest, it was poor from Ashley Cole and Petr Cech to allow the ball across.
Fulham goal: I told you it was all Chelsea. Poor defending from the hosts sees Fulham level. Bryan Ruiz turns Ashley Cole far too easily and is allowed to drill a cross in for Clint Dempsey to tap in from a yard out. Dempsey got inbetween David Luiz and John Terry to smuggle that one in.
1414: GOALFLASH Chelsea 1-1 Fulham (Clint Dempsey)1409: Chelsea well on top now as Daniel Sturridge floats in a great cross which is nicked away from the waiting Fernando Torres. John Terry fires a shot in from the following corner but Fulham get it away.
Chelsea goal: There we go, that's more like it. Ashley Cole crosses in from the left for Fernando Torres. The striker takes it down with his back to goal but the ball gets away from him and
Juan Mata pops up to take the ball off him to lash in left-footed. Crisp finish from the forward.
1405: GOALFLASH Chelsea 1-0 Fulham (Juan Mata)1404: Chelsea kick us off with, I hope, some increased vigour. Someone get us a goal out there.
1403: No sign of any changes at Stamford Bridge as the players emerge onto the pitch.
Darren from Bristol on text: "Let's get rid of Paul Buckle now"
1358: Chelsea hero and former TV legend Jimmy Greaves is out on the pitch at Stamford Bridge. Unfortunately he was presenting something and not warming up though. I'd give him the last half hour if this game doesn't perk up.
FOOTBALL LEAGUE UPDATE: In the Championship, leaders Southampton are ahead courtesy of a solitary strike from Guly do Prado against Crystal Palace. Prince Buaben's goal for Watford is cancelled out by an own goal from Adrian Mariappa with the game against Cardiff finishing 1-1. In League One, MK Dons lead 1-0 at half time against Leyton Orient and in League Two, the Bristol Rovers manager Paul Buckle is under increased pressure as his side relinquish a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at home to basement club Plymouth.
WEST BROM v MAN CITY (1500)
Phil Dawkes
reports: "Top of the tree at Christmas for the first time since 1929, with only one league defeat all season and a goal difference 10 better than their nearest rival, Manchester City have every reason to be jolly. Having only won twice at home all season, West Brom would pull of a huge shock if they beat Mancini's men today. But then, not many expected them to win at Newcastle five days ago. Can the Baggies upset even bigger odds?"
SUNDERLAND v EVERTON (1500)Arindam Rej reports: "Martin O'Neill's positive imprints are already visible in Sunderland's play; they're attacking more confidently and defending more resolutely. Dead-ball specialist Seb Larsson is on form for O'Neill's side, who have snatched two last-gasp wins in three games. Breaking down Everton will be a bigger test as David Moyes's men have allowed fewer shots on target than any Premier League team. Everton are struggling to score though, so Moyes has - rightly - put pressure on Louis Saha to deliver."
MAN UTD v WIGAN (1500) Sam Sheringham reports: "Manchester United have put damaging defeats to Manchester City and Basel firmly behind them in a sizzling run of Premier League form, which has seen them close to within two points of their "noisy neighbours". The smart money is on an eighth win in nine games for United, with Wigan having lost all 13 of their encounters with the Red Devils. But Roberto Martinez's men are on a decent trot of their own, losing only one of their last six and drawing with Chelsea and Liverpool in their two most recent games."
LIVERPOOL v BLACKBURN (1500)
Chief football writer Phil McNulty
reports from Anfield: "Life does not get any easier for Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean, subjected to heavy abuse from his own supporters during and after the 2-1 defeat at home to fellow relegations strugglers Bolton on Tuesday. They prop up the Premier League table and face a Liverpool side determined to bounce back from being held to a goalless draw at Wigan."
BOLTON v NEWCASTLE (1500)Peter Scrivener reports: "How times change. Bolton moved up to fourth after thrashing Newcastle 5-1 in last season's corresponding game in November. A similar result today could see the Trotters jump up to fourth from bottom. Bolton traditionally dominate this fixture with seven wins out of their last eight at home to Newcastle, including both previous Boxing Day games. But the Trotters have won just once at the Reebok Stadium this season and the Magpies are keen to get their season back on track after picking up just two points in their last six games. "
1349: Yep, not great at the minute at Chelsea. Luckily we've got plenty more action to look forward to later. Here's what our reporters are looking forward to in the 1500 kick-offs...
Chelsea 0-0 FulhamOwen Phillips' HT snapshot: "It's pretty lacklustre fare at Stamford Bridge with just a couple of half-chances for both sides. Surely it has to improve after the break. Doesn't it?"
1347: HALF-TIME Chelsea 0-0 Fulham1344: Bright move at the other end for Fulham, but again there is a lack of a meaningful finish. Kerim Frei dances inside two challenges on the touchline before picking out Moussa Dembele in the area, but the striker's header is poor and straight at Petr Cech. David Luiz takes a shot from 30 yards but causes no danger.
1342: Juan Mata lifts a free-kick into the area but it's easy for Fulham to deal with. Martin Jol will be delighted with the lack of scares in this half. Chelsea must do better after the break.
1338: Wind may have taken the roof off at Tranmere but there's no danger of the same happening here. This is one of the quietest Premier League games I've heard in a while. Danny Murphy sprays a pass out of play and instantly berates those ahead of him for a lack of movement.
Matt Hodgkinson on Twitter: "Definitely a change in the style of David Luiz's defending. Not diving in and fewer adventures forward. Good signs."
1331: Oriol Romeu reluctantly pops a shot over the top from 25 yards after a lack of options for him in the final third. Better from Jose Bosingwa again as he whips in a really dangerous ball but Daniel Sturridge can't get on the end of it. Chelsea cranking it up as reach the half-hour mark.
1330: Jose Bosingwa swings in a great cross - but Fulham right-back Stephen Kelly makes a solid header to get the ball away. If Didier Drogba fancied the whole day off, he may be disappointed at this rate.
1328: Here's some breaking news for you, Tranmere v Rochdale in League One has been called off after strong winds damaged the roof at Prenton Park.
1327: Speculative effort from Moussa Dembele as the Fulham forward shoots across the face of goal but Petr Cech is able to watch it go by to safety. The visitors having a lot of the ball at the minute with Danny Murphy pulling the strings in midfield.
1324: John Terry gets away with a handball on the halfway line before going on a David Luiz-style charge up the field. There's no end product though and Fulham get the ball back. We've seen next to nothing from the key attacking men so far.
DD on text: "Worst present? I got a Star Trek book that was volume two of a trilogy. I hate Star Trek, and don't have volumes one or three."
1320: Fulham are giving the ball away at will here, with Fernando Torres the latest recipient. He cuts inside onto his left foot before shanking a horror of a shot over the top.
FOOTBALL LEAGUE LATEST: Bottom club Plymouth have pulled a goal back through Warren Feeney and now trail Bristol Rovers 2-1, while Dagenham & Redbridge lead 1-0 against Barnet. We are still scoreless in the Championship and League One.
1318: It's opened up now, with Daniel Sturridge shooting wide at one end before Fulham almost break in through Kerim Frei. There are goals in the air at last I feel.
1317: And now a big chance for Chelsea. Fulham carelessly concede possession in their defensive third, and Juan Mata floats a gem of a through-ball into Fernando Torres. Torres does everything right, killing the ball beautifully on his chest before crashing a volley goalward. Only a fine save from David Stockdale prevents the opening goal.
1315: There it is, the first real chance of the day. Stephen Kelly crosses well from the right and Orlando Sa gets there ahead of Jose Bosingwa but can only head over the top. Big miss for the visitors.
1313: Fulham have a sniff again as Orlando Sa almost gets through but David Luiz does well to get across and make a challenge. This game is in dire need of a chance or challenge or something to bring it to life. Very dull so far.
1310: We have a shot on target - and it comes from Fulham. Clint Dempsey chances his arm from 25 yards and Petr Cech gets down well to tip the ball around the post. Decent save from the keeper.
Adam from Exeter on text: "My odd present... woks. Plural. Both wrapped together. Who needs two woks for Xmas?!?"
1308: The first booking of the day goes to Clint Dempsey for a cynical tug on Raul Meireles. I won't lie to you, this one hasn't got going yet. For those of you on Torres-watch, I don't think he's touched it yet.
1305: Fulham are lining up with Orlando Sa on his own through the middle, supported by Clint Dempsey and Bryan Ruiz. Could be a case of Chelsea trying to break down a stubborn Fulham defence here, the visitors haven't set up overly ambitiously.
1303: Chelsea spraying the ball around in fine style, with Frank Lampard at the heart of it. Lampard has scored five goals on Boxing Days of the past, way off the record holder though. Robbie Fowler scored on this day no less than nine times.
1300: Fulham kick-off to get Boxing Day in the Premier League up and running.
Will from Cambridge on text: "I'll swap Mr. Jol my new pristine copy of 'I, Partridge' for a Chelsea win today. Deal?"
1255: The teams are in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea looking to go above Tottenham in third place, for the time being at least. Spurs aren't in action until tomorrow evening when they head to Norwich.
Chelsea v FulhamChelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Luiz, Terry, Cole, Meireles, Romeu, Lampard, Sturridge, Torres, Mata. Subs: Turnbull, Drogba, Malouda, Lukaku, Ferreira, McEachran, Kalou.
Fulham: Stockdale, Kelly, Hangeland, Senderos, John Arne Riise, Dempsey, Murphy, Frei, Dembele, Orlando Sa, Ruiz. Subs: Etheridge, Sidwell, Baird, Kasami, Hughes, Etuhu, Briggs.
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)
Match of the Day on Twitter: "Arsenal's game might have been called off, but we've still 7 matches in the Premier League today. Match of the Day, 10.45pm."
FOOTBALL LEAGUE UPDATE: It's all looking festively cheery for Bristol Rovers boss Paul Buckle at the minute. There was some chat that he might get the boot with defeat to Plymouth this afternoon but they are currently 2-0 up thanks to a Matt Harrold brace. Oxford are also up at AFC Wimbledon.
1241: All very friendly at the Bridge with Martin Jol and Andre Villas-Boas sharing a laugh and a joke on the touchline. I think they're discussing bad presents, with Jol looking furious about missing out on the Alan Partridge biography.
Mike from Notts on text, via 81111: "Torres must score today. He looked sharp before his needless red card against Swansea and has harshly not had a look in since but with Drogs leaving for Africa soon Nando needs to prove to the rest of the team he has what it takes. I reckon two for Torres in a 4-1 win."
1235: What do we think about Fernando Torres starting then? If ever a man was due a goal, it's him. I've rarely seen a striker's confidence seemingly disintegrate so fast. Apart from Andriy Shevchenko of course. Must be something in the water at Stamford Bridge.
CHELSEA v FULHAM TEAM NEWSOwen Phillips reports: "Misfiring ?50m striker Fernando Torres gets the chance to impress as Chelsea make three changes from the side that drew with Tottenham last time out. Didier Drogba drops to the bench, Frank Lampard is recalled as Ramires is banned and David Luiz replaces the injured Branislav Ivanovic in central defence. Fulham also make three changes from their last fixture. Stephen Kelly replaces Chris Baird at right-back, Kerim Frei comes in for his league debut and Orlando Sa also starts."
CHELSEA v FULHAM (1300)Owen Phillips reports: "Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas insists his side are on the up despite falling 11 points behind leaders Manchester City. "We have shown extreme levels of resilience without dropping a level of performance," he said. "It's all good signs." Fulham boss Martin Jol says his side will not hide behind a defensive wall following their home hammering against Manchester United. "We've learned from this," Jol said. "We have to do better, be more aggressive. And if we have the ball, we must take the game to them.""
Anonymous on text via 8111: "RE: Bad presents, my Dad got a friend who'd just had jaw surgery a box of toffee. Shockerholic. In the pub about to go see Derby gub Leeds 4-0. Merry Christmas indeed."
Opta Sports on Twitter: "4 - Fernando Torres has scored more Premier League goals for Liverpool in 2011 than he has for Chelsea (3). Forlorn."
CHELSEA v FULHAM (1300)Owen Phillips reports: "Fulham like nothing more than turning over west London rivals Chelsea and desperately need a boost. The 5-0 home drubbing against Manchester United and the fact they lie just four points above the relegation zone mean a first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979 will be even more welcome than a Boxing Day gift of trousers with an elasticated waist. But the Blues must win to keep alive their slim title hopes and in recent weeks have shown glimpses of their best form, beating Manchester City and drawing at Tottenham."
Jon from Exeter, on text via 81111: "As odd presents go, the ironing board I received yesterday must be up there with the best of them. Even surpasses the wheelbarrow the other year."
1221: Chelsea fans may be interested to hear that the Special One himself was on Radio 4 this morning. Jose Mourinho said: "My passion is England and my next step will be to go back and, if possible, go and stay for a long time." Next Machester United manager?
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Bobby Zamora is left out of the Fulham side again by manager Martin Jol.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Fernando Torres starts for Chelsea against Fulham, with Didier Drogba on the bench. Frank Lampard also starts while David Luiz returns in defence.
1215: Don't forget, Arsenal's scheduled game with Wolves has been put back a day due to the tube strike. I realise this is probably a bit short notice if you were setting off from Wolverhampton, but if you were stupid enough not to realise and are on the edges of London already, please get in touch. Share your pain.
Matt from Stockport on text, via 81111: "Missus has hit the sales. Leaving me with FIFA, beer and the live text. Better than Christmas day itself. I'll be suitably tanked upon her return."
1208: I also want to hear about your present disasters. Someone out there has received a shocker of a gift and I want to know what it was. I did alright to be honest, though my day was soured when I missed out on a perfect score in a 90s music quiz by failing to recall the work of Montell Jordan. I'll never forgive myself.
Jan Harding on text via 81111: "Thank goodness the footy is back on - I was getting withdrawal symptoms, nearly got the Subbuteo out!"
1203: Football fever has hit Telford already, where the kick-off against Wrexham has been delayed by 10 minutes due to crowd congestion. The match will now start at 1210.
Arthur on Twitter: "Fulham to beat Chelsea 4-1, Wigan 6-1 United, and WBA to smash City 8-2. You heard it here first."
1205: But today isn't all about us, it isn't even all about the football. It's all about you and your views. Are you a Wigan fan off to Old Trafford? Have you caused a massive family argument for choosing Northampton v Burton over visiting the in-laws? Are you going to live the dream by watching Home Alone later whilst simultaneously reading live text commentary from Stoke? Let's hear it. Tweet the commentary via the hashtag
#BBCFootball, Tweet me
@TJRostance or text in via
81111 (UK).
1200: And, you'll be delighted to know, we here on the BBC Football desk are also the ultimate in dedicated professionals. Just as players up and down the land are expected to come in for training on Christmas Day and maintain a balanced diet, we were in for a 90-minute speed typing session at 9am yesterday and kept the Baileys count down to single figures. Thank us later...
1158: Plenty going on then. We may spend all year moaning about how little work footballers do for their monstrous salaries, but fair's fair - they put in a shift at Christmas. While you lot are in the middle of 10 days off work, filling your time solely with eating and drinking, our Premier League boys are facing the second of four games in 10 days either side of the festivities. They're practically Saints.
FOOTBALL LEAGUE LATEST: Plenty of early kick-offs on this busy day of Boxing Day football. In the Championship, Watford entertain Cardiff with leaders Southampton at home to Crystal Palace. Millwall face Portsmouth and Derby welcome Leeds. In League One, Leyton Orient and MK Dons face off as Preston host Carlisle at Deepdale and in League Two, it's Bristol Rovers v Plymouth, AFC Wimbledon v Oxford United, bottom club Dagenham & Redbridge at home to Barnet and Hereford face Port Vale. You can get to a game and still be back in plenty of time for Madagascar 2. Magical day on the cards.
Daniel Whyley on Twitter: "Hello second best footballing day of the season (after the last day of the Premier League, obviously)."
1150: You may have a mountain of washing up to attend to, or a child desperate to get to the toy shop, but stay right here as we have got a packed day in store for you.
Chelsea v Fulham kicks us off at 1300, and I'll bring you all the team news as soon as we have it. There are seven Premier League games
in total today, culminating in a televised classic at the Britannia as Stoke host Aston Villa (1945). We have got to be talking Only Fools & Horses viewing figures for that one. North of 20m, surely?
1145: You're full of chocolate and turkey, the house looks like you've been burgled, the TV schedules are packed with animation or comedies from the 1970s - yep, it's Boxing Day alright. But fear not, for we have the perfect escape route for you all - a solid 10-hours plus of the finest live text commentary your licence fee can buy. Go pour yourself a Buck's Fizz and join me on the other side...
Scores
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Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/sport2/hi/football/9667751.stm
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