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| Version 15 | Version 16 |
|---|---|
| Premiership clockwatch | Premiership clockwatch |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| Results:Fulham 0-0 Watford Match report Liverpool 3-0 Bolton Match report Manchester City 2-1 Everton Match report Middlesbrough 3-1 Sheffield United Match report Portsmouth 1-1 Tottenham Match report Reading 6-0 West Ham Match report Wigan 0-3 Blackburn Match report | Results:Fulham 0-0 Watford Match report Liverpool 3-0 Bolton Match report Manchester City 2-1 Everton Match report Middlesbrough 3-1 Sheffield United Match report Portsmouth 1-1 Tottenham Match report Reading 6-0 West Ham Match report Wigan 0-3 Blackburn Match report |
| Later kick-off:Newcastle United v Manchester United (1715 GMT) Match preview | Later kick-off:Newcastle United v Manchester United (1715 GMT) Match preview |
| GOALFLASHES AND MAJOR INCIDENTS (all times GMT) | GOALFLASHES AND MAJOR INCIDENTS (all times GMT) |
| By Charlie Henderson | By Charlie Henderson |
| 1700: FULL-TIME Fulham 0-0 WatfordFulham maintain that unbeaten festive record with a fourth draw, but the stalemate will be overshadowed by that shocking injury to home keeper Antti Niemi, who has gone to hospital for precautionary X-rays. Watford's wait for a first Premiership win on the road since August 1999 goes on. | 1700: FULL-TIME Fulham 0-0 WatfordFulham maintain that unbeaten festive record with a fourth draw, but the stalemate will be overshadowed by that shocking injury to home keeper Antti Niemi, who has gone to hospital for precautionary X-rays. Watford's wait for a first Premiership win on the road since August 1999 goes on. |
| 1657: FULL-TIME Middlesbrough 3-1 Sheffield UnitedBoro beat the Blades for the first time since September 1992 and climb two places to 15th above both Sheffield United and Middlesbrough. | 1657: FULL-TIME Middlesbrough 3-1 Sheffield UnitedBoro beat the Blades for the first time since September 1992 and climb two places to 15th above both Sheffield United and Middlesbrough. |
| 1656: RED CARD WatfordTamas Priskin pulls back Franck Queudrue and earns a second yellow card and an early bath. The Hornets will have to see out time with 10 men. Maybe they may not push forward quite as much now. | 1656: RED CARD WatfordTamas Priskin pulls back Franck Queudrue and earns a second yellow card and an early bath. The Hornets will have to see out time with 10 men. Maybe they may not push forward quite as much now. |
| 1655: FULL-TIME Portsmouth 1-1 TottenhamPortsmouth miss out on the chance to climb above Arsenal into fifth spot after failing to score two goals for the first time in seven games. For Tottenham it is a priceless point on the road, only their seventh of the season. | 1655: FULL-TIME Portsmouth 1-1 TottenhamPortsmouth miss out on the chance to climb above Arsenal into fifth spot after failing to score two goals for the first time in seven games. For Tottenham it is a priceless point on the road, only their seventh of the season. |
| 1655: FULL-TIME Manchester City 2-1 EvertonLike Blackburn, Manchester City are heading in the right direction thanks to a third successive win. | 1655: FULL-TIME Manchester City 2-1 EvertonLike Blackburn, Manchester City are heading in the right direction thanks to a third successive win. |
| 1655: Watford have not won at Craven Cottage since May 1998 when the teams were in the third tier, but they are pushing for a priceless win as striker Darius Henderson hits the woodwork. | 1655: Watford have not won at Craven Cottage since May 1998 when the teams were in the third tier, but they are pushing for a priceless win as striker Darius Henderson hits the woodwork. |
| 1654: Collins John races on to a forward ball, rounds the keeper but only finds the side netting after a vital touch from Watford stopper Ben Foster forced him wider than he would have wanted. Fulham boss Chris Coleman holds his head in his hands. | 1654: Collins John races on to a forward ball, rounds the keeper but only finds the side netting after a vital touch from Watford stopper Ben Foster forced him wider than he would have wanted. Fulham boss Chris Coleman holds his head in his hands. |
| 1652: FULL-TIME Reading 6-0 West HamAfter six games without a win Reading bounce back in spectacular style - two words West Ham look to be a million miles from on that showing. Alan Curbishley is up against it after three successive losses and the Londoners are now five points from safety and have the worst goal difference in the division. | 1652: FULL-TIME Reading 6-0 West HamAfter six games without a win Reading bounce back in spectacular style - two words West Ham look to be a million miles from on that showing. Alan Curbishley is up against it after three successive losses and the Londoners are now five points from safety and have the worst goal difference in the division. |
| 1652: FULL-TIME Wigan 0-3 BlackburnRovers continue to climb up the table and without getting an abacus out it looks as if they could end the day top of the bottom half of the table. Worrying times for Wigan who have now lost five in a row. | 1652: FULL-TIME Wigan 0-3 BlackburnRovers continue to climb up the table and without getting an abacus out it looks as if they could end the day top of the bottom half of the table. Worrying times for Wigan who have now lost five in a row. |
| 1651: Four minutes of added time for either Portsmouth or Tottenham to find a winner at Fratton Park. There will be nine minutes extra at Craven Cottage. | 1651: Four minutes of added time for either Portsmouth or Tottenham to find a winner at Fratton Park. There will be nine minutes extra at Craven Cottage. |
| 1649: Bobby Zamora, looking for his 100th league goal, slams a shot over the bar for West Ham. It is now 885 minutes since the Hammers scored on their travels. You have to feel for their away supporters, who are doing a conga to keep up their spirits. | 1649: Bobby Zamora, looking for his 100th league goal, slams a shot over the bar for West Ham. It is now 885 minutes since the Hammers scored on their travels. You have to feel for their away supporters, who are doing a conga to keep up their spirits. |
| 1647: Time ticks down at Fratton Park and there are five minutes plus injury time left. Portsmouth and Tottenham have never shared the points in seven Premiership matches and last played out a draw in November 1987. | 1647: Time ticks down at Fratton Park and there are five minutes plus injury time left. Portsmouth and Tottenham have never shared the points in seven Premiership matches and last played out a draw in November 1987. |
| 1644: GOAL Manchester City 2-1 Everton Leon Osman pulls a goal back for Everton sweeping in a Phil Neville cross. Maybe there is life in this game after all. In the reverse fixture earlier in the season City salvaged a draw with the last touch of the game. | 1644: GOAL Manchester City 2-1 Everton Leon Osman pulls a goal back for Everton sweeping in a Phil Neville cross. Maybe there is life in this game after all. In the reverse fixture earlier in the season City salvaged a draw with the last touch of the game. |
| 1643: It will be a late finish at Craven Cottage after that injury to Antti Niemi. There is an ambulance on stand-by for the goalkeeper but he is still in the home dressing room. | 1643: It will be a late finish at Craven Cottage after that injury to Antti Niemi. There is an ambulance on stand-by for the goalkeeper but he is still in the home dressing room. |
| 1641: Let's take stock after those goals. Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Manchester City and Reading have bagged the points but the matches at Fulham and Portsmouth look to be going to the wire. | 1641: Let's take stock after those goals. Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Manchester City and Reading have bagged the points but the matches at Fulham and Portsmouth look to be going to the wire. |
| 1639: GOAL Middlesbrough 3-1 Sheffield United Another penalty and this time it is at the Riverside for Boro. Yakubu side-foots the ball home after dusting himself down from a strong challenge by Chris Morgan in the box. | 1639: GOAL Middlesbrough 3-1 Sheffield United Another penalty and this time it is at the Riverside for Boro. Yakubu side-foots the ball home after dusting himself down from a strong challenge by Chris Morgan in the box. |
| 1637: GOAL Reading 6-0 West HamIt is raining goals at a sodden Madejski and Kevin Doyle bags his second of the afternoon. That man Nicky Shorey was the provider with a whipped corner that the Irishman nods in at the near post. | 1637: GOAL Reading 6-0 West HamIt is raining goals at a sodden Madejski and Kevin Doyle bags his second of the afternoon. That man Nicky Shorey was the provider with a whipped corner that the Irishman nods in at the near post. |
| 1635: Pompey shouts for a penalty fall on deaf ears after Tottenham's Pascal Chimbonda looms to have handled the ball in the box. | 1635: Pompey shouts for a penalty fall on deaf ears after Tottenham's Pascal Chimbonda looms to have handled the ball in the box. |
| 1634: GOAL Wigan 0-3 Blackburn Another penalty and another goal. Benni McCarthy rifles the ball home after Wigan's Fitz Hall was adjudged to have handled in the box but it was hard for him to get out of the way. That's a third successive league win for Rovers then. | 1634: GOAL Wigan 0-3 Blackburn Another penalty and another goal. Benni McCarthy rifles the ball home after Wigan's Fitz Hall was adjudged to have handled in the box but it was hard for him to get out of the way. That's a third successive league win for Rovers then. |
| 1633: GOAL Manchester City 2-0 EvertonTim Howard guesses the right way but he cannot stop a well hit Georgios Samaras penalty. Everton's American keeper was the man who conceded the spot-kick for a foul on Darius Vassell for which he was booked. | 1633: GOAL Manchester City 2-0 EvertonTim Howard guesses the right way but he cannot stop a well hit Georgios Samaras penalty. Everton's American keeper was the man who conceded the spot-kick for a foul on Darius Vassell for which he was booked. |
| 1631: GOAL Middlesbrough 2-1 Sheffield UnitedBoro are back in front with Yakubu on target. George Boateng plays a ball forward down the left which Mark Viduka fires on goal. His effort is half saved by Paul Gerrard and the Nigerian taps the ball over the line. | 1631: GOAL Middlesbrough 2-1 Sheffield UnitedBoro are back in front with Yakubu on target. George Boateng plays a ball forward down the left which Mark Viduka fires on goal. His effort is half saved by Paul Gerrard and the Nigerian taps the ball over the line. |
| 1629: It has all gone a bit quiet after that early flurry of second-half goals. Sheffield United's Rob Kuzlak almost turns a Stewart Downing cross into his own net. | 1629: It has all gone a bit quiet after that early flurry of second-half goals. Sheffield United's Rob Kuzlak almost turns a Stewart Downing cross into his own net. |
| 1626: Is that six for Reading? Not quite. West Ham keeper Robert Green saves well from Kevin Doyle. | 1626: Is that six for Reading? Not quite. West Ham keeper Robert Green saves well from Kevin Doyle. |
| 1625: Fulham were the tricky team in that half-time question about unbeaten festive records. The other four were Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton and Bolton, who saw their unbeaten record go up in smoke earlier in the day at Anfield. | 1625: Fulham were the tricky team in that half-time question about unbeaten festive records. The other four were Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton and Bolton, who saw their unbeaten record go up in smoke earlier in the day at Anfield. |
| 1622: In his three games for Fulham Jan Latsuvka has conceded eight goals, six in two matches in the Premiership. He will have to improve on that ratio if the Cottagers are to maintain their unbeaten Christmas record. | 1622: In his three games for Fulham Jan Latsuvka has conceded eight goals, six in two matches in the Premiership. He will have to improve on that ratio if the Cottagers are to maintain their unbeaten Christmas record. |
| 1621: Jan Latsuvka comes on for Antti Niemi as the first-choice Fulham keeper is stretchered off from one end of the pitch to the tunnel at the other end at Craven Cottage. Play resumes. | 1621: Jan Latsuvka comes on for Antti Niemi as the first-choice Fulham keeper is stretchered off from one end of the pitch to the tunnel at the other end at Craven Cottage. Play resumes. |
| 1619: The lengthy delay at Craven Cottage is still going on as Antti Niemi is put in a neck brace and on to a stretcher. | 1619: The lengthy delay at Craven Cottage is still going on as Antti Niemi is put in a neck brace and on to a stretcher. |
| 1617: Wigan have never beaten Blackburn and it does not look as if they are going to snap that bad run today. | 1617: Wigan have never beaten Blackburn and it does not look as if they are going to snap that bad run today. |
| 1616: GOAL Wigan 0-2 BlackburnLucas Neill finds Morten Gamst Pedersen and the Norwegian's knock down is slammed in by Matt Derbyshire with a Wigan defender nowhere to be seen. | 1616: GOAL Wigan 0-2 BlackburnLucas Neill finds Morten Gamst Pedersen and the Norwegian's knock down is slammed in by Matt Derbyshire with a Wigan defender nowhere to be seen. |
| 1615: A nasty injury for Antti Niemi at Craven Cottage after he clashes with Carlos Bocanegra on the edge of his area after coming out to head the ball clear. The Finn lands on his head and requires treatment. | 1615: A nasty injury for Antti Niemi at Craven Cottage after he clashes with Carlos Bocanegra on the edge of his area after coming out to head the ball clear. The Finn lands on his head and requires treatment. |
| 1613: Anthony McNamee, who has been causing Fulham problems down the left wing all afternoon, sends in a cross which finds Alhassan Bangura, but the Sierra Leone man's volleyed finish hits the post. | 1613: Anthony McNamee, who has been causing Fulham problems down the left wing all afternoon, sends in a cross which finds Alhassan Bangura, but the Sierra Leone man's volleyed finish hits the post. |
| 1612: GOAL Reading 5-0 West HamAlan Curbishley's half-time change has not stopped the rot. Steve Sidwell's cross is met by the yellow-booted Leroy Lita and, despite the best efforts of Robert Green, it is yet another goal. | 1612: GOAL Reading 5-0 West HamAlan Curbishley's half-time change has not stopped the rot. Steve Sidwell's cross is met by the yellow-booted Leroy Lita and, despite the best efforts of Robert Green, it is yet another goal. |
| 1611: GOAL Manchester City 1-0 EvertonManchester City's Georgios Samaras breaks forward and after holding off a couple of challenges plays the ball out to DaMarcus Beasley and is on hand to sweep the return cross into the box. | 1611: GOAL Manchester City 1-0 EvertonManchester City's Georgios Samaras breaks forward and after holding off a couple of challenges plays the ball out to DaMarcus Beasley and is on hand to sweep the return cross into the box. |
| 1610: GOAL Portsmouth 1-1 TottenhamDavid James cannot do anything about that. Substitute Danny Murphy has time to pick out Steed Malbranque with a chip into the box and the Frenchman heads in. | 1610: GOAL Portsmouth 1-1 TottenhamDavid James cannot do anything about that. Substitute Danny Murphy has time to pick out Steed Malbranque with a chip into the box and the Frenchman heads in. |
| 1609: David James is called on early at Fratton Park. A wonderful stop denies Callum Davenport and then he safely holds a Dimitar Berbatov header from the resulting corner. | 1609: David James is called on early at Fratton Park. A wonderful stop denies Callum Davenport and then he safely holds a Dimitar Berbatov header from the resulting corner. |
| 1608: Boro get the ball rolling against the Blades. | 1608: Boro get the ball rolling against the Blades. |
| 1607: Five games have resumed but there is still no sign of Sheffield United at the Riverside. Oh, here they come. And referee Chris Foy is greeted by jeers and chants of "You're not fit to wear the shirt" following that penalty call against the hosts in the first 45. | 1607: Five games have resumed but there is still no sign of Sheffield United at the Riverside. Oh, here they come. And referee Chris Foy is greeted by jeers and chants of "You're not fit to wear the shirt" following that penalty call against the hosts in the first 45. |
| 1605: Is the fast and furious nature of the fixture list taking a toll? Both sides at Eastlands make changes for the second half with Manchester City's Georgios Samaras replacing Bernado Corradi and Everton's Gary Naysmith coming on for Nuno Valente | |
| 1604: Alan Curbishley also makes a change as West Ham look to chase down goals in the second half at Reading. But he has gone defensive. Jonathan Spector replaces Marlon Harewood and they are playing Bobby Zamora on his own up front. | 1604: Alan Curbishley also makes a change as West Ham look to chase down goals in the second half at Reading. But he has gone defensive. Jonathan Spector replaces Marlon Harewood and they are playing Bobby Zamora on his own up front. |
| 1603: Bad weather greets the returning players at the JJB Stadium. A couple of changes see Wigan bring on David Wright for Josip Skoko and Blackburn bring on Matt Derbyshire for Shabani Nonda. Those two must be wondering what they have done to their managers to deserve being called on to play in a Lancashire monsoon. | 1603: Bad weather greets the returning players at the JJB Stadium. A couple of changes see Wigan bring on David Wright for Josip Skoko and Blackburn bring on Matt Derbyshire for Shabani Nonda. Those two must be wondering what they have done to their managers to deserve being called on to play in a Lancashire monsoon. |
| 1555: Here's a half-time poser. Not a tanned, preening, prima-donna kind of poser, but a question. Name the five teams that were unbeaten over the Christmas period going into today's fixtures? | 1555: Here's a half-time poser. Not a tanned, preening, prima-donna kind of poser, but a question. Name the five teams that were unbeaten over the Christmas period going into today's fixtures? |
| 1554: Alan Curbishley saw his Charlton side concede four goals in three of his final six matches in charge there - but never did they go in at the break four down. Fair to say that match is done and dusted, but the other five are nicely poised. | 1554: Alan Curbishley saw his Charlton side concede four goals in three of his final six matches in charge there - but never did they go in at the break four down. Fair to say that match is done and dusted, but the other five are nicely poised. |
| 1550: The last game to go into the break is the match between Fulham and Watford and Cottagers boss Chris Coleman makes a bee-line for referee Steve Bennett. Maybe he's asking about those two Heidar Helguson efforts that were ruled out. | 1550: The last game to go into the break is the match between Fulham and Watford and Cottagers boss Chris Coleman makes a bee-line for referee Steve Bennett. Maybe he's asking about those two Heidar Helguson efforts that were ruled out. |
| 1549: Sheffield United go close as Chris Morgan climbs high to head Keith Gillespie's corner on goal but Mark Schwarzer puts out a giant mitt to parry the effort before the ball is hammered clear. | 1549: Sheffield United go close as Chris Morgan climbs high to head Keith Gillespie's corner on goal but Mark Schwarzer puts out a giant mitt to parry the effort before the ball is hammered clear. |
| HALF-TIMEWigan and Blackburn are the first teams to turn for the tunnel. | HALF-TIMEWigan and Blackburn are the first teams to turn for the tunnel. |
| 1545: GOAL Middlesbrough 1-1 Sheffield UnitedThe Blades are back level after Boro's Emanuel Pogatetz clatters into Rob Hulse in the box and concedes a penalty. Phil Jagielka strokes the ball home with Mark Schwarzer going full stretch in the opposite direction. | 1545: GOAL Middlesbrough 1-1 Sheffield UnitedThe Blades are back level after Boro's Emanuel Pogatetz clatters into Rob Hulse in the box and concedes a penalty. Phil Jagielka strokes the ball home with Mark Schwarzer going full stretch in the opposite direction. |
| 1541: Hammers owner Eggert Magnusson yawns. What's he thinking? Why did I stay up so late? Why did I buy this club? Is it time to get a new manager? How much do I have to spend in January to turn this rabble into a football team? | 1541: Hammers owner Eggert Magnusson yawns. What's he thinking? Why did I stay up so late? Why did I buy this club? Is it time to get a new manager? How much do I have to spend in January to turn this rabble into a football team? |
| 1538: GOAL Wigan 0-1 Blackburn Zurab Khizanishvili may contest that one. The Rovers defender glances a Morten Gamst Pedersen free-kick goalwards but it is credited as an Emile Heskey own goal | 1538: GOAL Wigan 0-1 Blackburn Zurab Khizanishvili may contest that one. The Rovers defender glances a Morten Gamst Pedersen free-kick goalwards but it is credited as an Emile Heskey own goal |
| 1538: GOAL Middlesbrough 1-0 Sheffield UnitedMark Viduka collects Julio Arca's pass with his back to goal, the big Australian twists this way and that before letting fly. His effort takes a deflection off Chris Morgan and Boro are in front. | 1538: GOAL Middlesbrough 1-0 Sheffield UnitedMark Viduka collects Julio Arca's pass with his back to goal, the big Australian twists this way and that before letting fly. His effort takes a deflection off Chris Morgan and Boro are in front. |
| 1537: GOAL Reading 4-0 West HamSteve Coppell is finally smiling. James Harper whips a low cross in from the right and Kevin Doyle bundles the ball over the line. The move started with Nicky Shorey who is having a great game. | 1537: GOAL Reading 4-0 West HamSteve Coppell is finally smiling. James Harper whips a low cross in from the right and Kevin Doyle bundles the ball over the line. The move started with Nicky Shorey who is having a great game. |
| 1536: Fulham's Heidar Helguson has another effort ruled out for offside. Replays show it is a harsh decision. For harsh read wrong. | 1536: Fulham's Heidar Helguson has another effort ruled out for offside. Replays show it is a harsh decision. For harsh read wrong. |
| 1535: Jonathan Woodgate finally throws the towel in after struggling on for 10 minutes with a leg injury and hobbles off. Boro bring on Stuart Parnaby in his place. | 1535: Jonathan Woodgate finally throws the towel in after struggling on for 10 minutes with a leg injury and hobbles off. Boro bring on Stuart Parnaby in his place. |
| 1532: It remains goalless at Eastlands, despite plenty of positive football from both Manchester City and Everton. City defender Richard Dunne has a let off after his untidy challenge on Andrew Johnson in the penalty area and keeper Nicky Weaver manages to tip Joseph Yobo's header wide. | 1532: It remains goalless at Eastlands, despite plenty of positive football from both Manchester City and Everton. City defender Richard Dunne has a let off after his untidy challenge on Andrew Johnson in the penalty area and keeper Nicky Weaver manages to tip Joseph Yobo's header wide. |
| 1531: GOAL Portsmouth 1-0 TottenhamBenjani Mwaruwari breaks the deadlock as his shot from the edge of the area takes a deflection off Callum Davenport and leaves Spurs stopper Paul Robinson with no chance. | 1531: GOAL Portsmouth 1-0 TottenhamBenjani Mwaruwari breaks the deadlock as his shot from the edge of the area takes a deflection off Callum Davenport and leaves Spurs stopper Paul Robinson with no chance. |
| 1530: GOAL Reading 3-0 West HamNew West Ham boss Alan Curbishley really does look to have his work cut out. Nicky Shorey earns another assist as Anton Ferdinand heads the Reading man's free-kick from the right into his net for an own goal. | 1530: GOAL Reading 3-0 West HamNew West Ham boss Alan Curbishley really does look to have his work cut out. Nicky Shorey earns another assist as Anton Ferdinand heads the Reading man's free-kick from the right into his net for an own goal. |
| 1529: Keith Gillespie's free-kick is pushed around the post by Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer. | 1529: Keith Gillespie's free-kick is pushed around the post by Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer. |
| 1527: Fulham are building a head of steam and Brian McBride heads Tomasz Radsinki's left-wing cross over the bar. | 1527: Fulham are building a head of steam and Brian McBride heads Tomasz Radsinki's left-wing cross over the bar. |
| 1524: It was at about this stage of the reverse Watford-Fulham fixture earlier in the season that the first of six goals went in. Same again as Tomasz Radsinski works some space in the box? No. Hornets defender Danny Shittu blocks. | 1524: It was at about this stage of the reverse Watford-Fulham fixture earlier in the season that the first of six goals went in. Same again as Tomasz Radsinski works some space in the box? No. Hornets defender Danny Shittu blocks. |
| 1523: Everton look to launch an attack at Manchester City, but poor control from Simon Davies on the right and that is the end of that. | 1523: Everton look to launch an attack at Manchester City, but poor control from Simon Davies on the right and that is the end of that. |
| 1520: A grim start to the year for fans in the Milton End at Fratton Park. It is hammering down and those exposed to the elements are being serenaded with a chant of "You're wet, and you know you are". | 1520: A grim start to the year for fans in the Milton End at Fratton Park. It is hammering down and those exposed to the elements are being serenaded with a chant of "You're wet, and you know you are". |
| 1519: West Ham's Shaun Newton returns from his seven-month ban for a positive drug test as a replacement for Lee Bowyer who is off with a dislocated shoulder. | 1519: West Ham's Shaun Newton returns from his seven-month ban for a positive drug test as a replacement for Lee Bowyer who is off with a dislocated shoulder. |
| 1517: It gets heated on the touchline at the Riverside where Boro boss Gareth Southgate takes exception to Neil Warnock's finger-wagging antics. The Blades boss was unhappy at Lee Cattermole's challenge on Chris Armstrong. | 1517: It gets heated on the touchline at the Riverside where Boro boss Gareth Southgate takes exception to Neil Warnock's finger-wagging antics. The Blades boss was unhappy at Lee Cattermole's challenge on Chris Armstrong. |
| 1515: GOAL Reading 2-0 West HamRoyals boss Steve Coppell looks grim-faced in the stand but his team are flying. West Ham go walkabout at the back and Stephen Hunt has all the time in the world to nod in Steve Sidwell's chipped cross into the box. | 1515: GOAL Reading 2-0 West HamRoyals boss Steve Coppell looks grim-faced in the stand but his team are flying. West Ham go walkabout at the back and Stephen Hunt has all the time in the world to nod in Steve Sidwell's chipped cross into the box. |
| 1514: Only three former Spurs players in the Pompey XI now as Noe Pamarot is replaced by Niko Kranjcar at an increasingly wet and windy Fratton Park. | 1514: Only three former Spurs players in the Pompey XI now as Noe Pamarot is replaced by Niko Kranjcar at an increasingly wet and windy Fratton Park. |
| 1513: GOAL Reading 1-0 West HamA first goal as Reading's full-backs link up. Left-back Nicky Shorey flights a free-kick into the box and right-back Brynjar Gunnarsson heads beyond an exposed Robert Green. | 1513: GOAL Reading 1-0 West HamA first goal as Reading's full-backs link up. Left-back Nicky Shorey flights a free-kick into the box and right-back Brynjar Gunnarsson heads beyond an exposed Robert Green. |
| 1512: Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe absolutely loves playing against Pompey. He has scored in each of his last three matches against the south coast club. | 1512: Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe absolutely loves playing against Pompey. He has scored in each of his last three matches against the south coast club. |
| 1511: Portsmouth's David James races off his line to deny Jermain Defoe on the edge of the area. | 1511: Portsmouth's David James races off his line to deny Jermain Defoe on the edge of the area. |
| 1510: Spurs are back up to 11 players as Hossam Ghaly returns from an extended spell of treatment in the bowels of Fratton Park. The Egyptian has swapped his bloody number 14 shirt for a number 50 one. | 1510: Spurs are back up to 11 players as Hossam Ghaly returns from an extended spell of treatment in the bowels of Fratton Park. The Egyptian has swapped his bloody number 14 shirt for a number 50 one. |
| 1509: Close to an opening goal, but Lee Bowyer scuffs a shot straight at Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann after a one-two with Yossi Benayoun, while Fulham's Heidar Helguson has an effort ruled out for offside against his former club Watford. | 1509: Close to an opening goal, but Lee Bowyer scuffs a shot straight at Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann after a one-two with Yossi Benayoun, while Fulham's Heidar Helguson has an effort ruled out for offside against his former club Watford. |
| 1508: Have you got those former Tottenham players now plying their trade for Portsmouth yet? As well as Noe Pamarot there is Sean Davis, Pedro Mendes and Sol Campbell, who is making his 400th league start today. | 1508: Have you got those former Tottenham players now plying their trade for Portsmouth yet? As well as Noe Pamarot there is Sean Davis, Pedro Mendes and Sol Campbell, who is making his 400th league start today. |
| 1505: It is now more than 800 minutes since West Ham last scored on their travels. The Hammers will have to break that barren spell if they are to do something they have never done before, namely beat Reading away. | 1505: It is now more than 800 minutes since West Ham last scored on their travels. The Hammers will have to break that barren spell if they are to do something they have never done before, namely beat Reading away. |
| 1504: Pamarot is one of four former Tottenham players on duty for Pompey. Any guesses on the others? | 1504: Pamarot is one of four former Tottenham players on duty for Pompey. Any guesses on the others? |
| 1503: A bit of early blood at Fratton Park where Hossam Ghaly needs treatment after being caught in the face by Noe Pamarot. | 1503: A bit of early blood at Fratton Park where Hossam Ghaly needs treatment after being caught in the face by Noe Pamarot. |
| 1501: The afternoon's action begins. | 1501: The afternoon's action begins. |
| 1500: There is a minute's silence at Craven Cottage in memory of Maurice Cook who played for both Fulham and Watford. | 1500: There is a minute's silence at Craven Cottage in memory of Maurice Cook who played for both Fulham and Watford. |
| 1459: The last teams to emerge are Manchester City and Everton - the other game of no bearing in the scramble to pull away from relegation trouble. Something's got to give in that game. City have not conceded a goal in 245 minutes, while for their visitors it is 273 minutes. | 1459: The last teams to emerge are Manchester City and Everton - the other game of no bearing in the scramble to pull away from relegation trouble. Something's got to give in that game. City have not conceded a goal in 245 minutes, while for their visitors it is 273 minutes. |
| 1455: Here come the Portsmouth and Tottenham players at Fratton Park, one of two games not involving a club down at the bottom. | 1455: Here come the Portsmouth and Tottenham players at Fratton Park, one of two games not involving a club down at the bottom. |
| 1454: WIth neither Manchester United nor Chelsea in action and Liverpool and Bolton secure in the top four, this afternoon's focus is down at the bottom of the table. Six of the bottom seven are in action. | 1454: WIth neither Manchester United nor Chelsea in action and Liverpool and Bolton secure in the top four, this afternoon's focus is down at the bottom of the table. Six of the bottom seven are in action. |
| 1450: With 10 minutes to go until kick-off the crowd looks pretty threadbare in the Putney End at Craven Cottage. Plenty of seats up for grabs at the JJB Stadium as well. | 1450: With 10 minutes to go until kick-off the crowd looks pretty threadbare in the Putney End at Craven Cottage. Plenty of seats up for grabs at the JJB Stadium as well. |
| 1447: Another absent player, Reading's Graeme Murty, is also milling about in the tunnel but there are no mascots on hand at the Madejski so he bends the ear of a steward. | 1447: Another absent player, Reading's Graeme Murty, is also milling about in the tunnel but there are no mascots on hand at the Madejski so he bends the ear of a steward. |
| 1444: Wigan's Lee McCulloch passes the time of day with the mascots in the tunnel at the JJB Stadium. The Scot was due back from suspension today, but following the abandonment of the match at Watford the Latics striker will sit this game out. | 1444: Wigan's Lee McCulloch passes the time of day with the mascots in the tunnel at the JJB Stadium. The Scot was due back from suspension today, but following the abandonment of the match at Watford the Latics striker will sit this game out. |
| 1441: There are some stern faces in the crowd mind. It looks as if a few punters maybe nursing sore heads after a heavy night of New Year celebrations on the sauce. | 1441: There are some stern faces in the crowd mind. It looks as if a few punters maybe nursing sore heads after a heavy night of New Year celebrations on the sauce. |
| 1440: Referee Lee Mason and his assistants are having a right old giggle as they warm up at the Madejski Stadium. | 1440: Referee Lee Mason and his assistants are having a right old giggle as they warm up at the Madejski Stadium. |
| 1439: Liverpool and Bolton played out their 90 minutes in good conditions - a far cry from the weather on Saturday afternoon and the gales that forced New Year celebrations to be cancelled. Things look set fair around the other grounds, although it's a bit damp at Manchester City and rain is forecast up and down the country. | 1439: Liverpool and Bolton played out their 90 minutes in good conditions - a far cry from the weather on Saturday afternoon and the gales that forced New Year celebrations to be cancelled. Things look set fair around the other grounds, although it's a bit damp at Manchester City and rain is forecast up and down the country. |
| 1437: FULL-TIME Liverpool 3-0 BoltonLiverpool leapfrog Bolton into third with an easy win that secures their longest unbeaten league run at Anfield since 1981 - 27 games and counting. | 1437: FULL-TIME Liverpool 3-0 BoltonLiverpool leapfrog Bolton into third with an easy win that secures their longest unbeaten league run at Anfield since 1981 - 27 games and counting. |
| TEAM NEWS | TEAM NEWS |
| Fulham striker Heidar Helguson returns after suspension, and starts alongside Brian McBride with Collins John dropping to the bench in boss Chris Coleman's only change. Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd kept faith with the same team that held Wigan to a 1-1 draw until the match was abandoned because of heavy rain. | Fulham striker Heidar Helguson returns after suspension, and starts alongside Brian McBride with Collins John dropping to the bench in boss Chris Coleman's only change. Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd kept faith with the same team that held Wigan to a 1-1 draw until the match was abandoned because of heavy rain. |
| Defender Micah Richards lines up in central midfield as Manchester City deal with a host of absences but Richard Dunne has passed a late fitness test. Meanwhile Everton leave Saturday's two-goal hero Victor Anichebe on the bench as striker James Beattie is recalled. | Defender Micah Richards lines up in central midfield as Manchester City deal with a host of absences but Richard Dunne has passed a late fitness test. Meanwhile Everton leave Saturday's two-goal hero Victor Anichebe on the bench as striker James Beattie is recalled. |
| Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate makes two changes with Julio Arca back in place of James Morrison, and Abel Xavier in for Andrew Davies. For Sheffield United there is a change with third-choice keeper Paul Gerrard replacing groin-injury victim Paddy Kenny, while Rob Hulse, Danny Webber and Claude Davis are brought back. | Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate makes two changes with Julio Arca back in place of James Morrison, and Abel Xavier in for Andrew Davies. For Sheffield United there is a change with third-choice keeper Paul Gerrard replacing groin-injury victim Paddy Kenny, while Rob Hulse, Danny Webber and Claude Davis are brought back. |
| Portsmouth make three changes from the defeat to Bolton, with Pedro Mendes, Kanu and Benjani Mwaruwari coming in for Manuel Fernandes, Niko Kranjcar and Andy Cole. Tottenham bring back Dimitar Berbatov in place of Mido and Teemu Tainio replaces Didier Zokora. | Portsmouth make three changes from the defeat to Bolton, with Pedro Mendes, Kanu and Benjani Mwaruwari coming in for Manuel Fernandes, Niko Kranjcar and Andy Cole. Tottenham bring back Dimitar Berbatov in place of Mido and Teemu Tainio replaces Didier Zokora. |
| Reading make one change to the side that lost to Manchester United as captain Graeme Murty is kept out by injury. Brynjar Gunnarsson moves into defence with Stephen Hunt slotting into midfield. West Ham skipper Nigel Reo-Coker and Paul Konchesky both return from suspension while Bobby Zamora replaces Teddy Sheringham up front. | Reading make one change to the side that lost to Manchester United as captain Graeme Murty is kept out by injury. Brynjar Gunnarsson moves into defence with Stephen Hunt slotting into midfield. West Ham skipper Nigel Reo-Coker and Paul Konchesky both return from suspension while Bobby Zamora replaces Teddy Sheringham up front. |
| Wigan make two changes, with Andreas Johansson replacing Svetoslav Todorov, who has returned to Portsmouth after his loan spell, and Fitz Hall replacing David Wright in defence. Blackburn make three changes, with Stephane Henchoz, Zurab Khizanishvili and Aaron Mokoena in for Andy Todd, Andre Ooijer and Tugay. | Wigan make two changes, with Andreas Johansson replacing Svetoslav Todorov, who has returned to Portsmouth after his loan spell, and Fitz Hall replacing David Wright in defence. Blackburn make three changes, with Stephane Henchoz, Zurab Khizanishvili and Aaron Mokoena in for Andy Todd, Andre Ooijer and Tugay. |