“The first weekend. Everyone’s back with big hopes. Big expectations. You go again. So dream big.”

Republic of Ireland winger James McClean has been given a vote of confidence by West Brom captain Darren Fletcher. McClean has been at the centre of controversy again after turning away from the English flag during the anthem before Albion’s recent pre-season friendly in America against Charleston Battery.

Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement with Monaco to sign striker Radamel Falcao on a season-long loan.

Manchester United gave Liverpool more than a glimmer of hope in their push for Champions League qualification as Louis van Gaal’s team slipped to a damaging 1-0 defeat to West Brom.

Leicester and Hull were the significant winners in the Barclays Premier League relegation battle, with respective wins at Burnley and Crystal Palace.

West Brom have completed an 11th-hour swoop for Manchester United vice-captain Darren Fletcher.

Blyth Spartans saw their hopes of an FA Cup third-round upset ended by Birmingham’s second-half fightback at Croft Park.

Neil Warnock has been appointed Crystal Palace’s new manager, the club have announced.

Crystal Palace have described manager Tony Pulis’ departure as being by "mutual consent".

Crystal Palace have announced the signing of former Fulham captain Brede Hangeland on a one-year contract.

Ger McCarthy offers up an alternative Premier League XI comprising of unsung heroes who have impressed for their individual clubs this season.

Everton 2 Crystal Palace 3

John Terry’s own goal blew the race for the Barclays Premier League title wide open once again as Crystal Palace snatched an unlikely lifeline.

Crystal Palace 0 Manchester United 2

England striker Daniel Sturridge scored twice in as many minutes – including a stunning lob – as Liverpool thrashed Everton 4-0 in the Merseyside derby.

Damien Delaney has every reason to give Paddy McCarthy the cold shoulder, but he is actually embracing his clubmate like a brother.

West Brom 0 Crystal Palace 2

Crystal Palace 1 Norwich 1

Defender Pablo Zabaleta accepts the second half of the season is when Manchester City have to step up their game.

Theo Walcott’s second brace in 12 days took Arsenal back to the top of the Barclays Premier League, at least temporarily.

Stoke have confirmed Mark Hughes as their new manager and will formally unveil him today.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez will decide his future today, according to chairman Dave Whelan.

Tony Pulis’ seven-year reign as Stoke manager has officially come to an end after he and the club agreed to part company by mutual consent.

Charlie Adam has labelled Stoke’s clash with QPR next weekend a must-win game as they attempt to halt the slide that has made relegation a real possibility.

PREMIER LEAGUE: Stoke v Man Utd

Premier League: Stoke V Chelsea

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has claimed he was “very close” to signing Robin van Persie last summer.

Stoke striker Michael Owen has plenty of happy memories from his time at Liverpool, but does not look back too fondly on the occasions he has played against them.

Tottenham 0 Stoke 0

Stoke 1 Fulham 0

West Ham 1 Stoke 1

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are both expected back on Manchester United duty within the next fortnight.

Manchester United 4 Stoke City 2

Liverpool 0 Stoke 0

Stoke striker Peter Crouch is not thinking about an England recall despite his good start to the season.

Michael Owen has been cleared to play for new club Stoke following a decision from the Premier League to approve his inclusion in the Potters’ 25-man squad.

Swansea midfielder Michu scored the opening goal of this season’s Premier League on his debut as the Swans took a 1-0 half-time lead over QPR at Loftus Road.

Reading captain Jobi McAnuff has urged the club to follow the Barclays Premier League survival blueprint set out by Stoke.

Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen is hoping calling time on his international career this week will push him to the forefront of manager Tony Pulis’ plans for the new season.

Stoke striker Peter Crouch has told Michael Owen he should join the Potteries outfit if he wants to enjoy playing regular football again.

In the canon of Jason McAteer stories, the one about the credit card is still king.

Acclaim has already been lavished on Robin van Persie from just about every angle imaginable this season, yet Yossi Benayoun has still managed to bestow another plaudit on his Arsenal team-mate.

Newcastle 3 Stoke 0

Defender Danny Higginbotham is unsure whether he will see out the final year of his contract at Stoke after returning to the club following a loan spell at Nottingham Forest.