“Looking forward to the afternoon’s action,” says Jeremy Boyce. “Let’s hope it won’t be too Premier League-centric, other footie is available. But as I know you’re a multi-faceted sport fan like myself (I draw the line at horses and pugilism these days) I’m wondering what you make of the America’s Cup/LV Challenge these days? Obviously there’s a lot of joy at Sir Jim’s team today, qualifying for a ritual massacring at the hands of the master Peter Burling and his band of Kiwis.
“I can see that it’s all highly technical these days and requires an incredible amount of coordination to constantly max the incredible new boats can achieve, not to mention the dosh to fund a challenge especially developing a boat and its foils. All great, but I’ve a kind of hankering to see boats that are actually sitting on the water, not flying above it, with wooden masts and hemp ropes and real people heaving canvas up and down, rather than everything being run by machines.
“A bit like I prefer vinyl, books, craft beer.... I admit, I did buy myself a carbon fibre road bike, but the wheels stay on the road and it’s your legs and lungs that move it forwards.”
I’m sorry to say I know the square root of bugger all about the America’s Cup. If it’s any consolation, I’m addicted to the smell of old books.
78 min: Crystal Palace 0-1 Liverpool The leaders are still ahead thanks to Diogo Jota’s early goal, but their goalkeeper Alisson has just gone off with what looks like a hamstring injury. You can follow the rest of the game with Scott Murray.
Phil Foden starts a league game for the first time this season. He replaces Kyle Walker in the only change from last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle; Rico Lewis will move to right-back.
In-form Fulham also make one change: Sander Berge is preferred to Emile Smith Rowe.
Your City line-up this afternoon 🩵
XI | Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias (C), Gvardiol, Kovacic, Gundogan, Bernardo, Foden, Grealish, Haaland
The captain Christian Norgaard replaces Fabio Carvalho in Brentford’s only change. Wolves bring in Craig Dawson and Carlos Forbs for Santiago Bueno and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
Raheem Sterling makes his first Premier League start for Arsenal. Jorginho replaces the injured Jurrien Timber, with Thomas Partey likely to move to right-back. Gabriel Jesus also starts, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard rested. They are joined on the subs bench by Mikel Merino.
Aaron Ramsdale starts against his old club. Southampton bring in Ryan Manning, Joe Aribo and Ross Stewart for Lesley Ugochukwu, Ryan Fraser and Maxwel Cornet.
Championship There are three early games, and these are the half-time scores.
Burnley 0-0 Preston
Norwich 2-0 Hull
Portsmouth 0-0 Oxford
Burnley will go top if they beat Preston. Norwich’s goals were scored by Marcelino Nunez and Josh Sargent.
Half time: Crystal Palace 0-1 Liverpool Diogo Jota’s ruthless finish has put the leaders ahead at Selhurst Park. You can follow the second half with Scott Murray.
Hello and welcome to another busy Saturday clockwatch. Arsenal and Manchester City are among the teams in action at 3pm, and both have the chance to keep pace with/go above Liverpool, depending on the result of the early game at Selhurst Park.
We’ll keep an eye on the important games elsewhere, from Burnley to Leverkusen, but our main focus will be these Premier League games.