14:40
News reaches me that there is a game being played in Spain this afternoon. No more info as yet, but Barry Glendenning’s live blog will keep you informed:
By the way, I trust we have all seen Hartlepool’s commemorative Battle of Britain shirt? Thoughts?
14:33
In the Championship’s early kick-off, Watford’s attempt to go level on points with top-of-the-table Reading was going swimmingly … right up until the 95th minute, when Chris Mepham volleyed home to ensure Bournemouth left Vicarage Road with a 1-1 draw. Which means Reading could go four clear with a win over ailing Rotherham.
14:17
Talking of Fulham v Crystal Palace (and who isn’t?), we all of course remember Pajtim Kasami’s ludicrous wonderstrike in that fixtures a few years back. The Guardian’s own Will Unwin spoke to the man himself about the goal earlier this year:
What’s the opposite of a bogey team? (Handkerchief team?) Whatever it is, that’s what West Ham are to Manchester City, who tend to wallop the Hammers with disdainful ease every time they meet. Not so today, though – it’s currently 1-1 at the London Stadium with 10 miunutes left. Follow it with Scott Murray here:
Preamble
Gather round! We’re in for another full-on Saturday afternoon of bizarro Covid-era football, with the sole top-flight kick-off offering chance for Fulham to generate some momentum in a London derby. They play host to Crystal Palace, and will go into a winnable game buoyed by the explosive debut of Ademola Lookman last week. Scott Parker’s side are far from the write-offs many would have you believe – but they will be keenly aware this is a good a chance as they’ll get to chalk up some vital points.
In the Championship, unbeaten Reading look to put some daylight between themselves and in-form Watford with the visit of Rotherham, while Barnsley and Wycombe both continue their search for a first win – the latter the only side in the country to have lost six from six, and yet still not bottom of the league. Maybe it’s their year.
For League One, a single top-of-the-table clash is not enough: this afternoon the top four play each other, Peterborough travelling to the KCom Stadium to face Hull and Ipswich going to Lincoln – as well as two of the bottom three facing off as Blackpool host MK Dons.
And in League Two, Southend, Barrow and Mansfield are all seeking an inaugural victory, while table-topping Cambridge United look to overcome their recent wobble with the visit of Bolton.
All that – plus updates from Scotland, Europe and maybe even beyond. Strap in.
Updated