Sunday football blog: Recap our coverage of the action

Sunday's football results

Derby 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Brighton 1-1 Everton
Southampton 2-2 Newcastle

Live blog

FULL-TIME: Southampton 2-2 Newcastle

The corner comes to nothing and so ends an entertaining 2-2 draw. Southampton worked out how to score, but only when behind and that's a problem which their manager needs to solve, although Gabbiadini's return is of course huge for them. Newcastle were well-organised and would probably have won it but for a silly foul by Lejeune, who then came close to stealing it back for them. Fun game.

90+5: Newcastle commit four men into the box for a cross and it looks like the home side have run out of steam as Shelvey's ambitious shot spins out wide, before van Dijk heads behind for a corner.

90+4: Foul on halfway by Austin, allowing Lejeune to punt one forward which van Dijk heads away. Murphy then loses the ball. Can Southampton force one more chance?

90+3: Tadic does well to win the ball but Cedric then gives it away. Newcastle camped in their own half but almost pounce on the break as Shelvey is inches from getting to a through-ball which would've put him clear.

90+2: The delay was 90 seconds, so we should be playing until well into the 96th minute. Neither player was asked to leave the field despite receiving treatment, by the way.

90: Cedric has impressed today and switches flanks to open up play, his cross cleared under pressure. As the ball flies into the air, two Newcastle players go for it at once and that's a nasty head clash between Hayden and Ritchie. Four added but it'll be more with both receiving treatment.

I'm going to time the stoppage and test Mr Friend. He's on probation with me.

89: OFF THE LINE! Lejeune so very nearly wins it for his side, guiding a header towards the bottom corner which Davis clears off the line.

89: It's an extremely poor corner, high enough for Elliot to watch and collect with ease. Newcastle break and earn a corner of their own as Shelvey is just about prevented from shooting.

88: Corner Southampton thanks to Gabbiadini's hard work. Only their third of the game.

87: Davis punts one forward but it's far too hard and straight into the arms of Elliot.

86: Bertrand gets in behind the Newcastle defence but Shelvey is there to clear a dangerous ball across the area. Southampton now on top but time is running out.

85: Boufal does really well to keep the ball in but Lemina's whipped ball towards Gabbiadini goes all the way through to Elliot.

84: Hayden and van Dijk are both down after a collision, which Hayden was to blame for - it's a Southampton free-kick. Friend gives him a talking to but again, no yellow. Hayden has been booked. This one is probably not a yellow in fairness.

82: It's a well-hit effort but wide of target as Austin comes on for Southampton, replacing Long, while Murphy is on for Atsu.

81: Newcastle on top now as we enter the final 10 minutes and they earn a free-kick on the edge of the box, to the right, after a foul on Gayle. Danger here for the hosts with Ritchie set to curl one towards goal.

79: Another yellow, this time for Hayden as he brings down Lemina. Again, not as bad as the Yedlin foul. This is a booking, no doubt, but... OK, I'm labouring the point.

77: Lejeune threatens to make up for it with a header on target. Gabbiadini is then booked for a shoulder barge which makes the decision to let Yedlin off for a studs-up tackle all the more abysmal. Referee...

75: GOAL! Gabbiadini! Southampton 2-2 Newcastle

A bit like at Brighton earlier, a penalty out of nothing changes the game. It's one of those - Long is running way from goal, no threat, but he beats the defender to the ball. It's Lejeune who, erm, might not keep his place in the side after all...

Gabbiadini smashes it into the roof of the net. We should be in for a thrilling end to the game.

74: PENALTY SOUTHAMPTON!

73: Lejeune, who has surely done enough to keep his place next time, clears Cedric's cross.

71: Elliot collects a cross under no pressure whatsoever as Southampton seemingly begin to run out of ideas it seems. They're dominating possession again but Newcastle are very good at cutting off avenues. Bar one minute at the start of the half they've defended brilliantly.

70: Free-kick Newcastle, deep inside the Southampton half which Ritchie will take. He whips in a good ball which breaks to Lejeune, but he thrashes one over the bar. Southampton have gone a little quiet here.

69: Another change, this time for Newcastle as Gayle replaces Joselu.

66: It's not been Long's best day as he fails to control a simple pass to feet from Romeu. Newcastle break with Manquillo, but Atsu selfishly shoots from 35 yards and it's a long way over the bar. On comes Davis for Romeu.

65: Already you can see how tight space is going to be in midfield as Hayden blocks Lemina's shot.

64: The corner is headed down by Tadic, who was looking to clear, but eventually the home side do get rid of the ball before Cedric earns a throw-in.

63: Definitely feels like there are more goals in this as Ritchie's first-time shot is deflected away for a corner. Perez is off as impressive youngster Merino comes on to shore up the Newcastle midfield.

62: With under half an hour remaining, Southampton are 7/1 to win. They did beat West Ham 3-2 here back in August...

60: Friend isn't making many friends here, as he penalises Gabbiadini for a shirt pull. Fine decision, this one. Still can't believe Yedlin is on the pitch though.

59: Southampton are dominant once more as Cedric cuts inside and fires a shot left of target, but their manager will be furious that they allowed Newcastle to resume control of the game so soon after Saints had levelled.

56: Yedlin should be off - a disgraceful decision. He slides in on Redmond, studs up, and it's a yellow 100 times out of 100. Kevin Friend, knowing Yedlin has been booked for dissent, decides not to reach for yellow. Just a complete bottle-job. Not good enough.

51: GOAL! Perez! Southampton 1-2 Newcastle

Erm, it's 2-1 Newcastle and pretty pathetic from Southampton. Almost every Saints player switches off as Newcastle carve them open, Perez forcing a save from Forster and scoring from a tight angle on the rebound. Sky are blaming the Southampton goalkeeper which is just nonsense - it was the rest of the home side who were at fault.

49: GOAL! Gabbiadini! Southampton 1-1 Newcastle

Back in the side and back with a goal. Gabbiadini is picked out by a fine diagonal ball. Manquillo forces him away from goal but the Italian keeps at it, working gradually inside before a cut-back shot with his left foot finds the bottom corner.

46: Back under way and already, Newcastle are close to doubling their lead. Perez crosses and van Dijk diverts the ball onto his own bar, via Joselu perhaps, before Forster has to palm away for a corner which van Dijk clears.

1650: Southampton are 7/2 with Sky Bet to turn this around and beat Newcastle, who go into half-time as 10/11 favourites. As I said earlier, both favourites looked too short today but I've actually been fairly impressed by the home side and they can get back into this. Maybe the draw is value at 2/1.

Price Boosts include van Dijk to score a header at 16/1 and you can click here for all available markets.

HALF-TIME: Southampton 0-1 Newcastle

That's the break, then, and it's been an entertaining half. Southampton may well have needed to go behind to start producing consistent and dangerous-looking attacks, which they've done since Hayden marked his return to the Newcastle side with his first Premier League goal. Beautifully poised.

45: Joselu, barely involved so far, looks to catch Forster out but fails as Southampton win the ball back as we enter one added minute. Southampton's burst has ended for now but more of the same after the break should make for an entertaining second half.

44: A rare foray into the opposition half for Newcastle sees Ritchie scoop one over his shoulder towards Atsu, but he can only volley wide on the turn. Gabbiadini then fouls Yedlin, who was booked for dissent not long ago and is wise to walk away from his opponent after a little shove.

43: Really well-worked move from Southampton, who play a series of triangles to find Long. His shot is part-blocked and Gabbiadini can't quite get there ahead of Elliot. Southampton don't want this half to end.

42: Beautiful skill by Redmond and then Tadic, who gets to the byline but chooses to cross low rather than pick out a colleague in the air. It's blocked by Lascelles, but here come the home side again...

41: Redmond's delivery is excellent but Elliot does really well this time to punch clear. All Southampton.

40: Bertrand's cross finds van Dijk but he can't get enough on the header back across goal and Newcastle clear, before Tadic sees his shot deflected over for a corner. Five minutes and added time to go in the first half.

39: Another free-kick to Southampton, this time 35 yards out as Lascelles fouls Long.

38: Much better now from Southampton who come down the right where Cedric crosses towards Long. His header back across goal is cleared but Newcastle are beginning to invite pressure as they concede a free-kick on halfway, again through Perez.

37: Chance for Southampton as they win the ball and finally have three on three. It's played through to Long but he's not quite quick enough to move clear on goal, instead edging wide and seeing his shot blocked.

36: Ten behind the ball for the visitors but high enough to counter if and when they do win the ball. It's textbook defence of a 1-0 lead from a master tactician and a side who know what's expected of them.

34: Yedlin goes through the back of Redmond, conceding a free-kick which allows Southampton to launch their latest attack. Tadic does well to earn a throw, but Southampton are short of ideas with Newcastle packed behind the ball.

33: Long comes deep and into the right-hand channel as he too grows weary of isolation, but that's not really where Southampton need him at the moment. Still, they're dominating possession now.

32: All of Newcastle's away games this season have ended 1-0. Sky Bet offer 6/1 about the same thing happening for the fourth time.

31: Perez is penalised for a foul on Lemina, who is taking this game by the scruff of the neck. Really good stuff from the Gabonese midfielder.

29: Cedric's cross is cleared to Lemina, who fires wide from range. Much better from Southampton who are edging closer to that genuine opening they seek.

28: Tadic and Redmond try to work something off the training ground but it's extremely poor. However, van Dijk and Yoshida show them how it's done, the latter firing in a cross which Gabbiadini briefly looks like converting.

27: It's really good organisation from Newcastle but that's the injection Southampton need as Lemina beats two men with pure aggression, earning a free-kick 35 yards out.

25: Newcaslte fans are predictably in full voice here and Southampton need to silence them. They look fairly dangerous, but not as dangerous as the visitors who look to be in before Perez is called back for a foul on Yoshida.

22: Southampton's response is excellent, as a cross from Romeu almost finds Gabbiadini. Lejeune does well to put it behind for a corner but Saints are nearly level and it's van Dijk who heads wide of an empty net after Elliot finds himself stranded underneath the cross.

20: GOAL! Hayden! Southampton 0-1 Newcastle

Newcastle lead as Hayden, back into the side, lashes home from the edge of the area. It starts down the left with Perez and Ritchie, whose cross finds Atsu. He shoots, Yoshida blocks, but Forster is now down on the ground and can't get up quick enough to react when Hayden lashes home his first Premier League goal.

19: Lascelles shows how dangerous he can be by getting to Ritchie's corner, the third of the game for Newcastle, but his tame header is straight at Forster.

19: At the other end, Forster's clearance is blocked and almost causes embarrassment as Newcastle earn a corner. Ritchie takes it, but van Dijk clears. Ritchie then gets the chance to cross but this time Long is on hand to put it behind for another corner.

16: Big chance for Southampton, and it's Tadic again. This time he's free at the back post and should do so much better than to head over, albeit home fans would've preferred that chance to fall to Gabbiadini.

15: And that's why Tadic needs to be in the game. Cedric plays a short ball to the Serb, who turns and shoots to inject a little life into the game. It's always climbing but that's the sort of directness which Saints need.

14: Redmond cuts inside from the left before giving it away, allowing Atsu to run into the opposition half until he does the same. Emblematic of this low-key opening.

12: Newcastle dominating possession now after a slow start but it's largely in areas Southampton will be comfortable with. Still, the hosts will want to get Tadic on the ball having been unable to do so thus far. Looks like a game in which chances may be hard to come by.

10: Shelvey is dumped to the ground by Romeu on halfway, who is probably lucky to escape a yellow even this early in the game.

9: Shelvey's ball is headed to the edge of the box where Atsu collects, firing a low shot just wide of Forster's goal.

8: Good break from Newcastle as Ritchie spins and lays in Perez, with van Dijk doing well to block the cross and put it out for a corner.

6: Romeu spreds the ball wide as he sits deep to orchestrate this Southampton side. Patient so far but a definite desire to get wide, knowing that in Long and Gabbiadini there's a genuine aerial threat now.

5: Newcastle's first real foray into the Southampton half ends when Manquillo can't trap the ball, conceding a throw.

4: Newcastle have set up with two up front but they can't get the ball in midfield. Still, you can map out their 4-4-2 shape and they will likely prove difficult to break down, especially given how lacking in ideas Southampton have been this season.

3: Manquillo is forced to head clear a dangerous cross from Redmond as the hosts dominate the early exchanges.

2: Less than two minutes in and some home fans are groaning when the ball goes backwards. Not a fan of that.

1: We are under way on a lovely afternoon on the south coast, Southampton enjoying a spell of possession across the back.

1556: Not long now then. Newcastle could go as high as fifth - above Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool - with a resounding win, but should they lose then Southampton will take their place in ninth. The Alan Shearer derby, as I have quite literally just dubbed it, is soon to begin.

1545: Don't miss your chance to win £5,000 by taking part in Sky Sports' Fantasy Six-a-Side, which involves selecting players from the upcoming game and tracking their work.

Click here to get involved in the free-to-play game.

1530: Sky Bet make Southampton their 17/20 favourites, with Newcastle 15/4 and the draw 12/5. Price Boosts include Gabbiadini to score first at 5/1, Perez to score first at 14s, and Ritchie to score from outside the area at 16/1.

Click here to place your bets and here for my verdict on the game.

Below are some Opta facts to help you out and we'll be back well in time for kick-off for the final game of the weekend.

• Southampton have won more Premier League games in total (15) and at home (12) against Newcastle than they have against any other side in the competition.
• Newcastle have failed to keep an away clean sheet against Southampton in the top-flight in each of their last 26 games, since a 0-0 draw in February 1969.
• Newcastle have won just once in 16 Premier League away games versus Saints (W1 D3 L12).
• The Magpies have won just five points from their last 42 available on the road in the Premier League (W1 D2 L11), with that win coming at Swansea last month.
• Newcastle have conceded just 10 goals in their last 13 Premier League games and never more than twice in a match. The last time they shipped three goals in a Premier League game was their last visit to St Mary’s – a 1-3 loss in April 2016.
• Saints have failed to score in eight of their last nine home Premier League matches, with the exception being a 3-2 win against West Ham in August.
• Rafael Benitez has failed to collect a single point in his three previous Premier League visits to St. Mary’s - all with different teams. He lost there with Liverpool in January 2005, Chelsea in March 2013 and Newcastle in April 2016.
• Newcastle have averaged the youngest starting line-up in the Premier League this season (25 years, 211 days). Indeed, five of the 10 youngest starting XI’s this term have been named by Rafael Benitez.
• Since the start of last season, Charlie Austin is Southampton’s top scorer at home in the Premier League despite playing just 12 times (five goals).
• Shane Long scored in both games the last times these sides met in 2015-16. He’s scored two goals and assisted a further two in his last three Premier League games against the Magpies.

1525: Right, well, in the end things were quite exciting and I'm grateful that the four clubs involved today spaced out the action. We can now move on to Southampton v Newcastle, for which teams are as follows...

Southampton: Forster, Cedric, Van Dijk, Yoshida, Bertrand, Redmond, Romeu, Lemina, Tadic, Long, Gabbiadini Subs: McCarthy, Hoedt, Davis, Austin, Ward-Prowse, Boufal, McQueen

Newcastle: Elliot, Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Manquillo, Ritchie, Hayden, Shelvey, Atsu, Joselu, Perez Subs: Darlow, Clark, Murphy, Gayle, Diame, Merino, Gamez

Big boost for Saints to welcome back Gabbiadini in place of Davies as Pellegrino goes with two up top. For Newcastle, a slight surprise that Merino makes way for Hayden but perhaps Benitez wants more steel in his midfield. The Newcastle boss has also brought in Lejeune, with Clark dropped to the bench.

1522: FULL-TIME: Brighton 1-1 Everton

Late drama at the end of a largely forgettable game and in truth not much of a result for either side.

1520: Mirallas is booked for a foul on Dunk which will allow Brighton to lob one into the box with just seconds remaining...

1518: We're into four added minutes but Rooney's contribution is over, as he's replaced by Davies.

1516: GOAL! Rooney! Brighton 1-1 Everton

Rooney converts to level the game. Not sure they're worth it but they will not care as the former England captain converts the spot kick.

1515: PENALTY EVERTON. Famous last words from me there as Calvert-Lewin is fouled as he bursts into the box. Ouch.

1514: Brighton look more likely to double their lead than lose it as Brown, on as a sub, forces a save from Pickford.

1512: Mirallas is on for Baines as Everton try to find a late equaliser.

1509: GOAL! Knockaert! Brighton 1-0 Everton

Surely that's the game as Knockaert strikes for Brighton! Izquierdo's shot is saved but galls to Gross, who finds Knockaert. Another assist for Gross, a first goal of the season for Knockaert, and perhaps a nail in Koeman's coffin.

1508: Hard to blame Niasse for being selfish, having sat and watched most of this drab game and his side's ineptitude in attack, but with Sigurdsson and Rooney on hand he should've chosen to pass rather than shoot as a chance goes begging.

1507: Full-time at Derby and a regulation 2-0 win for the home side. They were better than Forest and deserved to win, but the visitors will feel annoyed to have conceded goals early in both halves.

1505: We may well be, because that's as close as Brighton have come as Knockaert's shot dribbles across the face of goal after a partial block. Brighton on top again as the game opens up.

1503: Here we go! At the other end, substitude Izquierdo darts in from the left and fizzes a shot at Pickford's goal, the Everton man doing well to keep it out. Might we be in for more entertainment over the closing 20 minutes than the first 70?

1502: Everton should take advantage of Duffy's absence as Rooney finally springs to life and produces a delicious ball to find Calvert-Lewin. The youngster controls it and then shoots but Ryan is down brilliantly to save low. Best chance of the game, that. In fact it may have been the only chance of the game.

1501: Duffy is off, with Hunemeier replacing him, while Hughton also shuffles his pack in attack with Izquierdo on for March. Less than 20 minutes of the 90 remain.

1459: Hughton may in fact be forced into a change, as Duffy has gone down and looks in trouble. Not sure what happened there but this is troubling news for the home side as their man takes medical treatment.

1458: Brighton waste another free-kick by straying offside, this time it looks like Duffy is the guilty party. Surely time for Hughton to consider a change...

1457: Lawrence almost scores for Derby with five minutes to go, after they pull apart the Forest defence to find him in space at the back post. Smith makes a very good save and the resulting corner is cleared.

1456: It's actually Sigurdsson, but that's another poor effort wide of Ryan's goal. Everton make an attacking change soon after, with Gueye replaced by Niasse.

1455: Chance Everton, as they earn a free-kick not too far outside the box. Baines may be the one here, although Rooney is also keen to have a go.

1454: Walker almost gets enough on the ball to force it past Carson as Forest try desperately to halve the deficit and set up an interesting final 10 minutes or so, but the Derby goalkeeper is able to get his body behind the ball.

At Brighton, Dunk is booked for a shirt-pull on Rooney.

1452: Free-kick Brighton which results in a corner, but Gueye is fouled to let Everton off the hook. One goal wins this game, a fact we all knew as early as a fortnight ago.

1449: Good support for both sides and you sense they'll take this differently. Everton's travelling contingent will surely be dismayed whereas Brighton still boast that charmingly 'happy to be here' vibe.

1447: Wonderful from Vlasic, who falls on his backside having found some space to shoot and then takes it out on the turf. I once saw my English teacher, a man named Jagger, fall over on his way to the smoking room (them was the days) and then kick the leaves out of a lovely plant which he evidently felt had conspired to make him a laughing stock. A wonderful yet deeply troubling memory from school.

1446: At what point to Everton become genuine relegation candidates? If they draw and Leicester beat West Brom tomorrow night, they'll end this round of fixtures in 17th place, without anything resembling a goalscorer. It's a good job they've a couple of solid centre-backs but is that enough?

1444: Propper is booked for a foul on Gueye, rightly so. That's his first card since arriving this summer. Minus birthday cards. He turned 26 in September and you'd like to think 'the lads' made him feel special.

1442: Holgate bursts forward for Everton, as they finally find the front foot again, but Ryan makes a good save. Holgate then turns provider but Calvert-Lewin's header is comfortably collected by the Australian stopper.

1440: OFF THE BAR! Almost embarrassment in the extreme for Smith, as a clipped free-kick goes over his head and hits the bar before bounding safely towards the sideline. That's twice Lawrence has gone close as Derby look to put this game to bed, Russell the latest to go close after a cross finds its way all the way to him at the far post.

1439: March to Murray is the route Brighton are most keen to pursue, but again Keane is across to solve the problem for Everton. He and Jagielka have been solid today and Williams may struggle to force his way back into the side.

1437: Dunk and Duffy excellent as ever for Brighton, the former clearing a so-so cross from Sigurdsson.

1435: Lawrence lashes the angled free-kick at goal, Ronaldo-esque, and Smith does well to palm it wide. A fabulous, daring effort from the short-back-and-sides midfielder.

1434: Back under way at the Amex where Brighton ended the first half on top but couldn't find a goal. Here's hoping for a little more in the way of entertainment in the second half.

1433: Cummings finds space in the box following a pass from Traore, but his shot on the turn is poor and flies high and wide over the bar. Derby counter and earn a free-kick 25 yards out when Cummings brings down Russell.

1429: McKay has been the one bright spark for Forest and his curling effort from 20 yards forces Carson to tip over the bar.

1426: Forest have had all of the ball since going two goals behind, but getting anything from this game will likely require some form of helping hand from the home side.

1422: GOAL! Derby 2-0 Forest! Nugent

It took them a whole four minutes, rather than 24 seconds, to score in the second half and it's not a good goal for Forest to concede. Vydra has time and space to slide a ball to Nugent, who is in between two defenders and slots home confidently. Forest's midfield disappeared there.

1421: Better from Forest who get in behind, the cut-back rebounding off Cummings and over the bar.

1420: Half-time betting from the Amex, now, with Brighton 11/4, Everton 15/8 and the draw 11/10. It's 2/1 that the game ends 0-0, which looks fair, while Price Boosts include hopeful options such as Rooney to score first at 15/2.

1418: Back under way at Derby, who look dangerous straight from the kick-off. Half-time at Brighton, where it is predictably goalless.

1415: Propper looks a solid option to be Brighton's player of the year, at this early stage, and he's pulling the strings now. This time, Murray is caught offside as half-time - and my 0-0 at the break tip - edges close.

1412: I've just no idea why Everton are as short as they are and Brighton as big as they are. It'll probably end goalless, but Brighton should be no bigger than Everton. They're playing the better football now and look by far the more likely to break the deadlock.

1411: Keane again forced to clear but only as far as Stephens, whose shot flies high over the bar. Everton looking for half-time here and again painfully short of ideas in the final third.

1408: Another penalty appeal as Brighton spring to life. This time, Gross finds Murray who then goes down under a clumsy challenge from Keane, who is right in the thick of the action. It would probably have been harsh but they certainly get given. Brighton firmly on top now.

1407: Derby are 1/3 to collect all three points against Forest, who are out to 10/1. Price Boosts include a 2-1 home win at 13/2, plus your choice of Murphy or Nugent to score next at 15/2.

Click here to bet.

1404: Some noise at the Amex as March earns his side a corner after a gallivanting run. It's cleared but only as far as Knockaert, whose shot rebounds to Dunk who briefly looks set to score only for Keane to block with a combination of body and, dare I say, arm. Good pressure at last from the home side.

1402: Half a chance for Everton as Calvert-Lewin's ball picks out Vlasic, but he's unable to take it down which allows Ryan to collect. Half-time at Derby, meanwhile.

1401: Lawrence dribbles inwards from the left flank as we approach half-time at Derby. He's unable to pick out Russell, who was a step behind, but with just one minute added on that should mean the hosts lead 1-0 at the break. Job done so far.

1400: Set-pieces are the only threat to either side at the Amex. Sky Bet make Brighton 11/4, Everton 11/8 and the draw 6/4. As they have been throughout, the visitors remain too short. Of the Price Boosts, Knockaert to score from outside the box at 18/1 is just about the pick as it'll take something like that to break the deadlock I suspect.

1356: Forest stick to their pass, pass, pass approach but lose the ball under pressure midway inside their own half. Derby have ridden the odd wave but the hosts are fairly comfortable bar one chance for McKay. They lead through Vydra's goal on 24 seconds.

1354: Both sides look more dangerous down the right than the left as our Championship treat edges towards half-time. At Brighton, Schneiderlin is perhaps fortunate to escape a caution following a foul on Gross but the free-kick comes to nothing.

1352: Smart save from Ryan, as he gets down to stop a shot from Gueye who had burst forward from deep. That's the closest either side have come.

1351: McKay should score, as he ghosts between two defenders and is clear on goal. He takes his time but appears not to have come to a decision, shooting straight at the legs of Carson who had been slow to come off his line. Massive chance.

1350: OFF THE POST! Forest come close with McKay firing one from 25 yards which takes a small deflection off Wisdom and clips the outside of Carson's post. Should be a corner, but a goal kick is given.

1349: Much more like it from Brighton as March, tipped for an England call-up by his manager, produces two dangerous crosses. Pickford does well to pick up the second of them with Knockaert lurking.

1347: Predictable issue for Everton: they're lacking a proper focal point in attack. Rooney is spending as much time behind his own midfield as he is on the shoulder of the Brighton defence, while Calvert-Lewin is tending to go wide. They need someone to stay put, even if it's Sigurdsson.

1346: Better from Forest, as they build down the right before a cross which is oh so close to finding Murphy six yards out. Corner, taken by Osborn, but it comes to nothing.

1345: Ryan is out to punch clear a free-kick after a foul on Rooney, taking a couple of men with him. Brighton yet to offer anything in attack and Gross is being kept quiet, which is surely Everton's chief requirement in defence.

1343: This is much better from Everton, who were utter garbage when I watched them against Burnley two weeks ago. Calvert-Lewin skips downfield on the break, passes to Rooney who picks out Sigurdsson. His ambitious shot is deflected behind for a corner.

1342: Nice turn and shot from Nugent which is blocked by a Forest chest. They're hanging on a bit, the visitors, as the industrious Russell picks the pocket of McKay.

1340: Vlasic is looking lively for Everton. Maybe he is the man to unlock defences for them, having signed from Hajduk Split for whom he impressed against his new employers.

1339: Massively important block from Lichaj, as Vydra looks for the bottom corner from 15 yards out following a cut-back from close to the byline. The Derby striker is then dismayed not to have been awarded a corner as Forest relieve the pressure.

1338: Holgate's cross is blocked as Everton work the flanks. Still don't see where their goals come from and, more troubling, I'm not sure Koeman knows either.

1337: As we approach the midway point in the first half at Derby, the home side are on top. McKay is the main man for Forest and is looking to find Murphy whenever he can, but so far for all the probing it's fairly easy for Derby to handle as the earn another corner.

1335: Brighton yet to real click but it's a predictably quiet opening on the south coast, bar a couple of cheap fouls from the hosts.

1333: Opportunity wasted for Everton, after an early foul on Calvert-Lewin allows Sigurdsson to shoot from 20 yards... straight at the assembled wall. He's due one in the league, the Icelander.

1332: Everton get the game under way at the Amex as we pass the 15-minute mark at Derby. It is all go. Forest are looking really dangerous now as McKay rushes into the area, his shot blocked before Dowell's attempted lob is wide of target.

1328: About to get under way at Brighton as our pals at Sky Sports reveal how much possession Forest enjoy, often without doing much.

1326: This time, Traore does well to stop Russell getting in behind, albeit for the concession of a corner. Derby are really dangerous whenever they attack down the right and it's going to be a tough afternoon for the Forest left-back.

1324: Corner Forest which ultimately winds up at the feet of Cummings, whose curled shot takes two deflections before dropping kindly into the arms of Carson. At the other end, Traore is awarded a free-kick after being out-muscled by Russell. He's fortunate.

1322: Derby respond with a free-kick deep into the Forest box which before Traore gets lucky, as Vydra charges down his poor clearance only for the ball to run out for a goal kick.

1319: But for conceding after less than half a minute, it's been quite an encouraging start from Forest. They're working their way down the Derby left and two or three interesting balls into the box have Derby defenders on full alert. Then Murphy rises to nod wide from 12 yards.

1317: Murphy almost equalises, getting on the end of a through-ball to force a save from Carson down to his left. Electric atmosphere, frenetic start.

1316: GOAL! Vydra! Derby 1-0 Forest

So, Vydra scores against Forest again - this time after 24 seconds with a powerful strike from the edge of the box.

1315: Here we go at Derby, then...

1311: A quick addition with teams exiting tunnel: David Prutton is going for a 2-2 draw, with Forest - and Murphy more specifically - opening the scoring. Click here to breeze through his take on today's game.

1307: I have no idea which way Mr Samuel voted in the referendum. Not a clue. Don't worry, legal team, football starts soon.

1303: That should be all you need, I hope, to work out what might happen and all that remains is for me to tell you what is actually happening. Kick-off not too far away now at Derby, with Brighton v Everton on the heels of it.

Meanwhile, you may have missed a fabulous interview with Troy Deeney on BT Sport last night, in the aftermath of Watford's 2-1 victory over Arsenal. Worth a watch. He's absolutely spot on, obviously.

1300: Very orderly, this. Next is Opta on Derby v Forest.

• This is the 101st meeting between these East Midlands rivals in all competitions, with Derby winning 37, Forest winning 39 and 24 ending as draws.
• Forest have lost four of their last six league trips to Pride Park Stadium (W1 D1), including losing each of the last two without scoring a goal.
• Derby haven’t lost a league game (including play-offs) on a Sunday since May 2009, losing 3-1 to Watford.
• The Rams have never lost to Forest on a Sunday (W2 D3) and won 3-0 in this exact fixture last season.
• Matej Vydra has scored eight goals in seven league matches against Nottingham Forest – at least four more than he’s scored against any other club in the Football League.
• In 2017, Daryl Murphy has completed 90 minutes in just nine league games – the Irishman has scored seven goals in those matches.

Bodes well for that Vydra and Murphy boost which doesn't look the worst bet in the world in fairness. Expecting goals in this one which is good, because it's hard to envisage many in the two Premier League games today.

1255: It's time for something a little less speculative, namely Opta. Pure, hard facts. Brighton v Everton first.

• Everton have lost just one of their last 19 Premier League games against newly-promoted teams (W10 D8 L1), with that solitary defeat coming at the hands of Burnley in October 2016.
• The Toffees have scored just six goals in their last 12 matches in the Premier League, failing to score on seven occasions.
• Everton have had just 17 shots on target in their first seven Premier League games this season – only two more than Romelu Lukaku has had for Manchester United on his own this season (15).
• Ronald Koeman has won just 18.2% of his Premier League away games in charge of Everton (P22 W4 D7 L11), compared to winning 36.8% on the road while at Southampton (P38 W14 D8 L16).
• Chris Hughton has lost just one of his five previous games against Everton as a manager (W2 D2 L1), although that defeat came last time out while in charge at Norwich in January 2014.
• Pascal Gross has covered 82.1km so far this season, the third highest total in the Premier League behind Burnley’s Jack Cork (85.1km) and Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure (83.4km).
• Gross has also been involved in four of Brighton’s five Premier League goals this season (two goals, two assists) and has created 15 goalscoring chances so far; eight more than any other Brighton player.
• Since the start of last season, Everton’s Idrissa Gueye has made more tackles (161) than any other player in the Premier League.

Gueye to be carded at 9/4? Gross to score at 3/1?

1250: As for Brighton v Everton, I'm afraid the favourites again look short. I get it, but the side further down the table, who can't score, and are a long way from home, should surely not be as short as 7/5.

I've previewed this game in full here and my selection is a goalless first half, which is currently 11/8 with Sky Bet having been popular.

I'm also interested in some anytime scorer options, chiefly Duffy and Dunk at the heart of the home defence. Both can be backed at 8/1 and to my eye they've looked threatening in every game so far.

1245: As the Championship game begins first with kick-off just 30 minutes away, some betting info for you.

Derby are odds-on favourites despite being winless since thrashing Hull 4-0 on September 8 and scoring just three goals since. They are unbeaten at home since losing to title favourites Wolves back in August, but does that entitle them to be such strong jollies here?

Forest got back on track with a first win since mid-August last time and while that was home, they've won twice on the road. It's two years since they beat Derby, which also came away from home, and they might be a spot of value here at upwards of 3/1.

Daryl Murphy could be key for Forest. He's in flying form, bagging a brace for Ireland to go with the six league goals he's scored this season - two more today and he'll be the leading scorer in the Championship. Sky Bet go 8/1 that both he a Derby top-scorer Matej Vyrda strike, one of several Price Boosts.

1240: And now to the big one in the Sky Bet Championship as Derby 'welcome' Forest.

Derby: Carson, Wisdom, Keogh, Davies, Forsyth, Huddlestone, Ledley, Russell, Vydra, Lawrence, Nugent Subs: Mitchell, Martin, Baird, Pearce, Winnall, Weimann, Thorne
Forest: Smith, Lichaj, Mancienne, Traore, Bridcutt, Murphy, McKay, Osborn, Fox, Dowell, Cummings Subs: Henderson, Clough, Ward, Darikwa, Bouchalakis, Walker, Worrall

Congratulations to Scott Carson, who plays his 100th Derby game today.

1235: We'll start with Brighton v Everton and Chris Hughton is able to name Propper, ever-present this season but an injury doubt earlier in the week. Knockaert again gets the nod at home with Murray leading the line - both are due some kind of telling contribution.

For Everton, Niasse is back on the bench with Rooney recalled to support Calvert-Lewin. No major surprises elsewhere.

Brighton: Ryan, Saltor, Duffy, Dunk, Suttner, March, Stephens, Propper, Knockaert, Gross, Murray Subs: Krul, Bong, Hunemeier, Izquierdo, Schelotto, Brown, Molumby
Everton: Pickford, Holgate, Keane, Jagielka, Baines, Schneiderlin, Gueye, Vlasic, Sigurdsson, Calvert-Lewin, Rooney Subs: Williams, Mirallas, Martina, Klaassen, Stekelenburg, Davies, Niasse

1230: Recovered from Saturday's pulsating Premier League return? Not sure I have but in the immortal words of Steven Gerrard, we go again.

Today's is a three-course feast, albeit two you'll have to consume together. Not a problem in these parts. We'll focus on a big game for Ronald Koeman as his Everton side visit Brighton, which pretty much runs alongsie the East Midlands derby between, err, Derby and Forest.

Then, we hop west along the south coast to Southampton, where Newcastle are in town. Longest Premier League trip of the season, right?

Team news for the joint-appetisers won't be long.