Live text – Saturday football

Burnley host Sunderland in the first of six Premier League matches as Arsenal and Liverpool look to make up ground on the top four.1408: Chris Eagles is on for Burnley too, replacing Steven Fletcher. We’ve got 25 minutes left at Turf Moor – plenty of time for either side to find a winner.1407: Yep, here comes Kenwyne, replacing… Steed Malbranque. I called that one right didn’t I? Fraizer Campbell will move to the right of midfield and Jones joins Bent up front. They could still go 4-3-3 of course…1405: It looks like Kenwyne Jones is coming on for Sunderland. Darren Bent or Fraizer Campbell to come off? They’ve both had decent games.1404: Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand has already helped Burnley out once today, and he almost does so again – he woefully under-hits a backpass but it just about reaches his goalkeeper Craig Gordon with David Nugent in hot pursuit. Ferdinand was a bit lucky there.1402: Another change for Burnley – David Nugent is on for his home debut, replacing Martin Paterson.From Ben, who hasn’t seen Nigel Reo-Coker anywhere today, via text on 81111: “Re 1345. Well it won’t matter to Emile Heskey whether it’s a boot or a shoe. He wears concrete blocks on his feet.”1400: Steven Fletcher lets fly from 40 yards for the home side but the ball barely dribbles out for a goalkick. Owen Coyle is trying to get Burnley going but, just like at the start of the first half, they are on the back-foot at the moment. Still, we know what happened next…1358: A great move by Sunderland sees a deep cross by Andy Reid played back across goal. Darren Bent leaves it for Fraizer Campbell, who gets plenty of power behind his shot but hits it straight at Brian Jensen, who is able to beat the ball away. If Campbell had placed that, rather than just whacked it, Jensen would have had no chance.1355: Burnley’s best hope seems to be on the break at the moment, they are sitting far too deep otherwise. Still, they still look dangerous when they do rush forward – but a poor final ball from Stephen Jordan has let them down on a couple of occasions.From Brendan in Crawley, via text on 81111: “Scrap the Defoe/Bent argument. Why on earth is it called the Golden Shoe?! Surely football players wear football BOOTS? ‘Check out my new football shoes’ – not quite the same ring to it… “1352: Sunderland are the first to threaten, when Lorik Cana prods a shot goalwards following a scramble from a corner. Burnley clear their lines easily enough.1349: Burnley get the second half under way.

Iain Wright on Twitter:

“Just seen Nigel Reo-Coker on the 4th plinth in Trafalgar Square.”1345: Apparently Rob in London is right and it is the Golden Shoe that is awarded to the highest goalscorer at World Cups. Not Boot. Whatever it’s called, I still don’t see Darren Bent getting his hands on it next summer.

From Stephen005 on 606:

“Re 1340. Because Defoe is the better player.”From LichfieldVillan, via text on 81111: “Still wondering why we have Emile Heskey instead of Darren Bent… “1340: So, it’s honours even at Turf Moor at the break, which is probably fair from what we’ve seen so far. Sunderland have played the neater stuff but Burnley’s gung-ho approach means they are always a threat. All to play for in the second half…

From Silence on 606:

“Why are people talking about Jermain Defoe so much when Darren Bent has scored just as many goals in arguably a weaker side…”

1335: HALF-TIME Burnley 1-1 Sunderland

To get involved use 606 or text us your views & comments on 81111. (Not all contributions can be used)

By Chris Bevan

1420: A final change for Sunderland – Jordan Henderson is on for Fraizer Campbell. They have got 15 minutes to find an equaliser.1419: TV replays from that last spell of Burnley pressure seem to show Anton Ferdinand using his arm as he shepherds the ball to safety, under pressure from David Nugent. Giving away one silly penalty is clearly not enough for one match.1418: Burnley are full of confidence now and it takes a good header from Michael Turner at the far post to deny Clark Carlisle, who was waiting to pounce from a corner.1416: TEAMS Aston Villa v PortsmouthAston Villa: Friedel, Cuellar, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Petrov, Milner, Sidwell, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Carew. Subs: Guzan, Delfouneso, Delph, Heskey, Shorey, Beye, Gardner. Portsmouth: James, Vanden Borre, Kaboul, Ben-Haim, Belhadj, Mokoena, Smith, Brown, Boateng, O’Hara, Piquionne. Subs: Begovic, Mullins, Williamson, Utaka, Webber, Kanu, Yebda.1414: Darren Bent has scored five goals in six games for Sunderland – David Nugent managed six in two years at Portsmouth before joining Burnley on loan on transfer deadline day. The former Preston striker seems to like playing in Lancashire a lot doesn’t he?

Burnley haven’t created much this half but it doesn’t matter – they are ahead. A lovely move down the right flank ends when Tyrone Mears curls in an inviting cross and David Nugent is in the right place to power home a peach of a header. That’s his first goal for the Clarets.1411: GOALFLASH Burnley 2-1 Sunderland (Nugent)1408: Chris Eagles is on for Burnley too, replacing Steven Fletcher. We’ve got 25 minutes left at Turf Moor – plenty of time for either side to find a winner.1407: Yep, here comes Kenwyne, replacing… Steed Malbranque. I called that one right didn’t I? Fraizer Campbell will move to the right of midfield and Jones joins Bent up front. They could still go 4-3-3 of course…1405: It looks like Kenwyne Jones is coming on for Sunderland. Darren Bent or Fraizer Campbell to come off? They’ve both had decent games.1404: Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand has already helped Burnley out once today, and he almost does so again – he woefully under-hits a backpass but it just about reaches his goalkeeper Craig Gordon with David Nugent in hot pursuit. Ferdinand was a bit lucky there.1402: Another change for Burnley – David Nugent is on for his home debut, replacing Martin Paterson.From Ben, who hasn’t seen Nigel Reo-Coker anywhere today, via text on 81111: “Re 1345. Well it won’t matter to Emile Heskey whether it’s a boot or a shoe. He wears concrete blocks on his feet.”1400: Steven Fletcher lets fly from 40 yards for the home side but the ball barely dribbles out for a goalkick. Owen Coyle is trying to get Burnley going but, just like at the start of the first half, they are on the back-foot at the moment. Still, we know what happened next…1358: A great move by Sunderland sees a deep cross by Andy Reid played back across goal. Darren Bent leaves it for Fraizer Campbell, who gets plenty of power behind his shot but hits it straight at Brian Jensen, who is able to beat the ball away. If Campbell had placed that, rather than just whacked it, Jensen would have had no chance.1355: Burnley’s best hope seems to be on the break at the moment, they are sitting far too deep otherwise. Still, they still look dangerous when they do rush forward – but a poor final ball from Stephen Jordan has let them down on a couple of occasions.From Brendan in Crawley, via text on 81111: “Scrap the Defoe/Bent argument. Why on earth is it called the Golden Shoe?! Surely football players wear football BOOTS? ‘Check out my new football shoes’ – not quite the same ring to it… “1352: Sunderland are the first to threaten, when Lorik Cana prods a shot goalwards following a scramble from a corner. Burnley clear their lines easily enough.1349: Burnley get the second half under way.

Iain Wright on Twitter:

“Just seen Nigel Reo-Coker on the 4th plinth in Trafalgar Square.”1345: Apparently Rob in London is right and it is the Golden Shoe that is awarded to the highest goalscorer at World Cups. Not Boot. Whatever it’s called, I still don’t see Darren Bent getting his hands on it next summer.

From Stephen005 on 606:

“Re 1340. Because Defoe is the better player.”From LichfieldVillan, via text on 81111: “Still wondering why we have Emile Heskey instead of Darren Bent… “1340: So, it’s honours even at Turf Moor at the break, which is probably fair from what we’ve seen so far. Sunderland have played the neater stuff but Burnley’s gung-ho approach means they are always a threat. All to play for in the second half…

From Silence on 606:

“Why are people talking about Jermain Defoe so much when Darren Bent has scored just as many goals in arguably a weaker side…”

1335: HALF-TIME Burnley 1-1 Sunderland1334: Another decent set-piece from Burnley right at the end of the half. Robbie Blake whips it in from the left and the ball just evades Andre Bikey. It would have been interesting if Bikey had made contact but in the end it is an easy catch for Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon.From Rob in London, via text on 81111: “Darren Bent for the golden shoe in South Africa… ” I think you mean ‘boot’ Rob but, even then…1330: Chances aplenty at both ends now. Darren Bent gets another sight of goal, a lot further out, and lets fly – his shot fizzes over Brian Jensen’s crossbar. We’re into the final minute of the first half.1328: Burnley are inches away from going back in front. Robbie Blake whips in a corner from the left and Joey Gudjonsson flicks a near-post header goalwards but sees it bounce wide of the far upright.

Andy Reid is able to drift in from the left flank and he dinks a pass through to Darren Bent, who is in acres of space on the edge of the area. He takes a touch and confidently slots home the equaliser, for his fifth goal in six games. Burnley think he was offside but replays show Clarke Carlisle played the Sunderland striker onside.1325: GOALFLASH Burnley 1-1 Sunderland (Bent)1324: Hmmm, everyone seems to have started falling over now. Which is great entertainment in ‘It’s a Knockout’ but not so good in a Premier League football match. Less than 10 minutes to go until the break.From Alan in Derry, via text on 81111: “Re 1309. Or Franz Ferdinand?”1322: That’s better from Sunderland – some neat passing inside the Burnley half. They need to get Andy Reid and Steed Malbranque on the ball more and find a way to break down the home defence – that Darren Bent shot is their best effort so far.1320: This game is being played at a very high tempo but, sadly, at the moment that is leading to a lot of poor passing and wild challenges rather than any openings at either end. A bit of composure on the ball would help both teams.

From Chopper-Villan (I’ll admit it, I’m an optimist.. or Delusional) on 606:

“Re 1214. Anyone think that maybe Nigel Reo-Coker is simply back in London as he’s catching up with mates/family? I mean, if I had a massive bust-up at work I’d probably want to speak to my mates about it. Given Martin O’Neill has said there wont be any transfer as a result of this (and he pretty much speaks his mind) would that not be an option?”1315: Ah, Chris McCann McCannot carry on – so Joey Gudjonsson is on for the Clarets.1312: A bit of a delay at Turf Moor while Chris McCann gets treatment – no foul play, he just came out worst out of a 50-50 tackle. Although, having said that, Clarets boss Owen Coyle doesn’t look happy.From Luke in Cardiff, via text on 81111: “Re 1258. We definitely signed the wrong Ferdinand. We could have had Les or Rio. And we got Anton. Pah!”1309: Burnley’s turn to be sloppy at the back. Andre Bikey fails to deal with a bouncing ball on the edge of his own area and it falls for the in-form Darren Bent inside the box. Bent gets a first-time shot away but it flies straight at Brian Jensen. A lucky escape for the home side.1306: A quickly-taken Burnley free-kick almost catches Sunderland out. With the visitors napping (a Black Cat-nap?) Martin Paterson meets the ball at the near post but skews his volley wide.From Fulham Fred, via text on 81111: “Re 1214. Just seen Nigel Reo-Coker in Asda in Clapham Junction. He is definitely in London!”1303: Sunderland’s good start seems a long time ago now – they seem to have lost a bit of confidence and are giving the ball away rather a lot in the middle of the park. Burnley definitely have the upper hand, and not just because they are ahead.

Burnley took 10 minutes to have a shot on goal, with a Steven Fletcher effort flashing over, but seconds later, the home side are ahead. Anton Ferdinand makes a right hash of his attempts to stop Wade Elliott on the edge of the area, and sends the Clarets man tumbling. It’s a dead-on penalty and Graham Alexander makes no mistake from the spot, stepping up to smash it into the middle of the net.GOALFLASH Burnley 1-0 Sunderland (Alexander)1258: PENALTY to BurnleyFrom anon, via text on 81111: “Lee Cattermole is a big miss for Sunderland today. He’s a top player and was a major coup for us. I fancy us today 3-1. I think Burnley will stay up, I hope so, but they will be no match for the Black Cats on such a Super Saturday.”1255: Burnley still haven’t woken up. Darren Bent makes headway for Sunderland down the right and sends over a useful cross for Fraizer Campbell. The ball is just too close to Brian Jensen, though, and he comes out to collect it.1253: Another half-chance for Sunderland. The ball pings around the Burnley area and it needs a timely challenge by Wade Elliott to stop Frasier Campbell in front of goal.From London Hammer, via text on 81111: “Re 1214. I’m in London for the West Ham-Liverpool game and have seen Nigel Reo-Coker pulling into their ground on my way to the pub. Loan deal anyone?!”1250: We didn’t have to wait long for our first chance though. Fraizer Campbell cuts in from the right for the Black Cats but Brian Jensen plucks his cross-shot out of the air with Darren Bent lurking dangerously behind him.1248: A decent start by Sunderland who seem to be happy to come and attack today, judging from the first couple of minutes. No real chances yet, but Steed Malbranque has just fired over a teasing cross from the left that none of his team-mates could reach.1246: Sunderland get us started at Turf Moor.From Anna Mayne, via text on 81111: “I think its going to be another big home win for the claret and blue army!”Erm, is that Burnley, Aston Villa or West Ham?1243: The players are out on the pitch at Turf Moor. Not long to go now…the home fans are very lively, as you might expect.

Samuel King on Twitter:

“Chance for Liverpool to move up to third today, with all of the top four playing tomorrow. COME ON POOL!”1236: Turf Moor is filling up nicely from what I can see. About 10 minutes to go until kick off – Burnley’s mascot Bertie Bee has just danced on to the pitch to the sound of The Monkees’ ‘I’m a Believer’.From Exiled Forest fan in London, via text on 81111: “Bored, stuck on a delayed train to Nottingham to watch the mighty Reds take on Blackpool. It promises to be a good game but three points are needed for us today to make up for two home league defeats. Good luck to all who are watching their respective teams today.”1230: Burnley have not conceded a goal in any of their last seven games at Turf Moor but Sunderland go there knowing a win (quite a big win to be fair) could catapult them into the top four. Liverpool and Villa could also be in the top four tonight if they win, Stoke and Arsenal are the other teams in the top half playing today.From Sid in Sheffield, via text on 81111: “Still not recovered from the tension of last nights Steel City derby! What a cracker, just relieved the red half of the city are top dogs again!”1226: TEAM NEWS Burnley v SunderlandBurnley are unchanged from the team that lost 4-0 to Liverpool last time out, with loan signing David Nugent again amongst the substitutes and captain Steven Caldwell still not recovered from a groin problem. Fraizer Campbell starts up front for Sunderland alongside in-form Darren Bent but midfielder Lee Cattermole, an ever-present in the league for the Black Cats so far this season, is out with a heel injury. George McCartney comes in.1224: You’ve probably seen and heard that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester City manager Mark Hughes have had a bit of a war of words ahead of tomorrow’s clash at Old Trafford. But what have the players been saying?

You can find out here.

From palacefc8 on 606:

“I had a dream I was at Arsenal v Wigan and it finished 3-3, I didn’t even know these two teams were playing each other today and don’t support either of them. hmmm, weird… so I’m predicting 3-3 today.”1219: TEAMS Burnley v SunderlandBurnley: Jensen, Mears, Carlisle, Bikey, Jordan, Elliott, Alexander, McCann, Blake, Steven Fletcher, Paterson. Subs: Penny, McDonald, Gudjonsson, Nugent, Thompson, Guerrero, Eagles. Sunderland: Gordon, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Turner, McCartney, Malbranque, Cana, Reid, Richardson, Campbell, Bent. Subs: Carson, Nosworthy, Mensah, Henderson, Jones, Da Silva, Healy.From Big Tony, via text on 81111: “Can you please give a mention to the Buckinghamshire derby between MK Dons and Wycombe. Thanks.”1214: Speaking of Villa, I wonder what their midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker is doing today? A nice walk on an autumn afternoon perhaps, or even a spot of shopping? He might even be reading this… He certainly won’t be at Villa Park for his side’s game with rock-bottom Portsmouth after

being sent home from training yesterday following a bust-up with manager Martin O’Neill.

If you spot Nige anywhere, do let me know.

From ConorLeedsFan on 606:

“If Villa win today then its five wins out of six, which surely shows that they have not got that much weaker since Gareth Barry’s departure. And with Stewart Downing and Richard Dunne to come in and the return of Wilfred Bouma, they will only get better…”1212: I need you to get involved today too, of course. You can use

606,

text via 81111 or even

Twitter.

1209: As far as the top flight goes, Burnley host Sunderland in today’s early kick-off at Fortress Turf Moor (which is what their ground is called I think?), followed by four 1500 BST matches (including Arsenal v Wigan). Our late game is West Ham v Liverpool, who could field three former Hammers – Yossi Benayoun, Glen Johnson and Javier Mascherano – and so should have no problems finding their way to Upton Park.1206: There are other derby matches going on this weekend too, not just United v City… In London, Chelsea host Tottenham on Sunday. Sheffield had their dust-up last night and

it was a bit of a cracker too.

United beat Wednesday 3-2, to move into fourth place in the Championship. That’s your lot, though, because Crystal Palace v Derby doesn’t count.1203: With the top four all playing each other tomorrow, this is a big day for Arsenal and Liverpool, who have both lost two league games already this season and can’t afford many more slip-ups if they are going to remain title contenders. Confident? Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is – he feels the way his side came back from 2-0 down to beat Standard Liege in midweek has “strengthened the belief” in their camp. Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is also looking more cheerful than he has for a while, saying: “Our players are starting to find their form, Dirk Kuyt is scoring, Yossi Benayoun is scoring, and we have started well in Europe.”1201 BST: Hello. After reading this morning’s newspapers (which are mostly about tomorrow’s Manchester derby) it comes as a bit of a surprise to be told there are 44 other Premier League and Football League matches also taking place this weekend. I’m sure you lot already knew that though?

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