Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's Premier League encounter between Manchester City and Norwich City. Both sides haven't been performing as they would have liked so far this season, so this match is a big one for both Manuel Pellegrini and Chris Hughton in either dugout.

BREAKING TEAM NEWS: I will bring you full team news from both sides a bit later, but the big story from the Manchester City camp is that Joe Hart has been dropped for today's match. It was widely reported before the announcement but has now been confirmed that Pantilimon will start in the Englishman's place. What could that mean for the future of England's number one?

That is a brave decision from Pellegrini, but not altogether a surprising one given recent developments. Pantilimon kept a clean sheet during the week against Newcastle, making some vital stops in the process, and Hart was simply made too many errors of late. The final straw came last weekend against Chelsea when in inexplicably came for a ball that Nastasic had under control, allowing Torres to go on and slide the ball into the empty net for a late winner. Incidentally, Nastasic keeps his place in the side this afternoon.

For so long Hart had been considered the one automatic choice in the City team, even with the wealth of talent at their disposal in other areas of the field. However, in recent form, it is the right decision from Pellegrini. If Pantilimon continues his good form, it would be a surprise to see Hart back in the starting lineup this season, which would be a major blow to his hopes of being England's number one for the World Cup.

The decision has been made, I am sure, for the good of team, and it is a team that have struggled somewhat so far this season. Before it kicked off, many were tipping Chelsea and City to battle it out for the title, but with other teams such as Arsenal and Liverpool emerging as genuine contenders, City have slipped away a bit and find themselves down in seventh place going in to this game. They are already six points off the top of the table, and would need an unlikely set of results to go their way today if they are to break into the top four.

While the travails of another new manager in Manchester have made most of the headlines, Pellegrini hasn't had it all his own way. It has been a topsy-turvy start to his career at City, with highs coming in the form of a dominant win over Manchester United, but lows coming with shock defeats to Cardiff and Aston Villa, as well as that crushing loss to Chelsea last weekend.

That rollercoaster nature is displayed somewhat in their goal difference so far this season. With 21 goals to their name they are the top scorers in the division, but they have also conceded 11, which is the most in the top seven. In fact, only the red half of Manchester have conceded more goal than City in the entire top half of the table so far this season.

Pellegrini will be hopeful that Pantilimon's inclusion will halt that poor defensive form, as they certainly don't have any problems at the other end of the field, particularly at home. They have found the net in each of their last 54 matches at the Etihad, scoring at least two goals in each of their last five home Premier League games as well as in their last four games against Norwich.

In fact, for all of their woes away from home this season, the Etihad has been something of a fortress for City. Only Bayern Munich have won here this season, while the Citizens have won four out of four in the league in front of their own fans. Their five wins in all competitions at home this season have yielded 18 goals, while they have conceded just twice in that same time.

However, such a record may not unduly worry Norwich, as they were the last team to beat City here in the Premier League. They closed last season with an impressive 3-2 victory over the Blues in what proved to be Roberto Mancini's last match in charge of the club. That was, however, just one of two home defeats for City in their last 38 Premier League matches in front of their own fans.

Norwich would certainly welcome a repeat of that result this afternoon, such are their current woes on their travels. They have scored just once in their last two away games and conceded four in each, most recently a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester United in midweek. They will certainly be hoping for a better time of things in the city today, but they will have an uphill battle.

In truth, the Canaries' form is not as bad as their results and position in the relegation zone suggest going into this match. They failed to win a match throughout October, but against Chelsea were undone by two late goals having looked most likely to go on and win the game, while they also looked capable of getting back into their match against Arsenal before the Gunners scored a flurry of goals to win 4-1. Their goalless draw with Cardiff saw them create plenty of chances, and they were undone by a controversial penalty decision against Newcastle. Hughton will be worried by his side's position, naturally, but they have had a very tough run of fixtures and should turn the corner if they continue to play as they have been.

Their major problem this season has been finding the back of the net. Despite heavy investment in the likes of Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper during the summer, Norwich have only scored six goals in the league this season - no-one has scored fewer and only Crystal Palace and Stoke can match the dubious honour. Never was this problem more evident than against Cardiff last weekend, when they had 31 shots - which is more than any other side has managed in a league game this season - without scoring.

In fact, Van Wolfswinkel, Hooper and Johann Elmander have only mustered up six shots on target between them this season - a meagre tally from your three main strikers. They are also the only side yet to score from a set piece this season (City have scored the most with seven) and are also the only team not to have found the net in the opening 30 minutes of a match.

While it is true that they have been playing decent football, if you can't score then you simply won't win. Results are the most important thing at the end of the day, and Norwich have picked up just 27 points from their last 30 matches, which would almost guarantee relegation if they all came in one season. They have also picked up just eight points from a possible 42 on their travels in recent times, although three of those did come on their last visit to the Etihad.

TEAM NEWS: I have already brought you the headline news that Hart is left on the bench, but elsewhere for City there aren't many other surprises. Aguero starts up front alongside Negredo, with Dzeko left on the bench, while Nastasic and Demichelis link up in central defence again with Lescott joining Dzeko on the bench. For Norwich, Hooper leads the line in the absence of the injured Van Wolfswinkel, but there us no place in the squad for either Redmond or Snodgrass, who both couldn't recover from injury in time. Full team news on the way.

MAN CITY STARTING XI: Pantilimon; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Nastasic, Clichy; Nasri, Fernandinho, Toure, Silva; Aguero, Negredo

MAN CITY SUBS: Hart, Lescott, Richards, Kolarov, Navas, Milner, Dzeko

NORWICH STARTING XI: Ruddy; Martin, Turner, Bassong, Whittaker; Pilkington, Fer, Johnson, Olsson; Howson; Hooper

NORWICH SUBS: Bunn, Hoolahan, Elmander, Garrido, Becchio, R Bennett, Josh Murphy

So, what can we make of those two teams? Well, I have already discussed Pellegrini's decision to end Hart's run of 123 consecutive Premier League games, but in front of Pantilimon is another interesting decision. Dimichelis and Nastasic haven't exactly inspired confidence in the team so far and, if I was a Norwich striker, I would go into the match thinking I had a chance against those two. Of course, they are hurt by the Kompany injury, but Lescott just seems a better option to me.

There is no doubting City's quality further up the field, though. Toure and Silva will look to continue their good form of late, but the main dangerman for City is Aguero, who has been on fire recently. The Argentine has scored in four consecutive games for the first time in his City career, and he has six goals in that time too. Coupled with the fact that he enjoys playing against Norwich, scoring four goals in three league starts against the Canaries, and the little striker could have a chance to fill his boots today.

His strike partner today is Negredo after he came on for Jovetic during the week and played a substantial role in City's eventual victory. Once again Dzeko is left on the bench, which must be a frustrating recurrence for a player of his quality. If City need to change the game late on, however, there aren't many better players to be able to bring on than the 'Super Sub'.

As for Norwich, I have already discussed where their weakness lies, and if they are to get anything out of this match then they need to address those issues. Hooper is the man charged with ending their poor run in front of goal, but he is likely to be isolated for large periods of the match if, as expected, City dominate possession. However, against Dimichelis and Nastasic, who haven't had much playing time together, there could be a glimpse of a chance for him.

It is likely to be solely down to Hooper to score the goals too. Part of Norwich's problem is that they don't have enough goals from midfield, especially with Snodgrass out. Pilkington will pop up with a couple here and there, but never enough to make up for a set of mis-firing strikers.

In defence, they are quite strong to be fair. The likes of Fer and usually Tettey, although he is also injured today, provide good defence for the back four, while Ruddy in goal is fast establishing himself as a top keeper. However, against City today they are unlikely to keep a clean sheet, so they will need to sort out their attacking troubles as a priority.

With such a big change in the City defence, Norwich should be looking to take advantage of that this afternoon. The hosts have made five errors that have lead directly to goals this season, which is more than any other side in the division. With the increasingly error-prone Hart out, that statistic may not get worse for the hosts, but Pantilimon has never played in the Premier League before so could be prone to a few nerves.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes from kickoff at the Etihad, which means that it is time for my match prediction! Norwich haven't been playing as badly as their results suggest, but City have been in superb form at home this season, particularly in the league. I can't see anything other than a win for the hosts today, and a fairly comfortable one at that. I will go for 3-0 to Man City, with Aguero getting on the scoresheet at least once.

City are looking to avoid consecutive defeats in the Premier League today. The last time they did lose two in a row was back in October 2010, so that is a fairly long-standing record to lose. While their home form is good, however, their overall form may give Norwich some hope. This season is the first that they have lost three of their opening nine games for five years.

Norwich will also be buoyed by their most recent visit to the Etihad which, as I have mentioned, ended in a 3-2 victory for the Canaries. Before that, however, they had not beaten City since 2001, a run which included two drubbings the season before last.

One thing we can expect this afternoon is goals. The last four Premier League meetings between these two sides have yielded no less than 25 goals - an average of 6.25 per game. Those results have included 6-1, 5-1 and 4-3 wins for City, as well as that 3-2 victory for Norwich.

This being a Saturday there are, of course, plenty of other games to get excited about this afternoon. Click here to see a selection of the other matches that we are covering live right now. I will also be keeping you up to date with events from around the country from the other five Premier League 3pm kickoffs today.

KICKOFF: Here we go then, Manchester City get us underway as they looked to get back to winning ways in the Premier League. It would certainly be a surprise if they didn't manage to pick up all three points here.

It has been a very bright start from the hosts as they immediately set about attacking the Norwich defence. They win an early corner which Demichelis gets his head to, but he was under too much pressure to direct his effort goalwards.

UPDATE: The story of the afternoon may have already unfolded in Stoke as Asmir Begovic, their goalkeeper, has given them the lead against Southampton after just two minutes. Southampton have the best defence in the league this season, but they have now conceded to an opposition keeper, incredible!

Howson almost squeezes the ball through to Pilkington, but he is just offside as the ball runs through to Pantilimon. That is better from Norwich, but it is City who have been on top in the opening exchanges.

Great play from Silva as he rolls Martin and reaches the byline before firing the ball across the face of goal. The final ball didn't quite match the skill to get in a good position, but that was a promising piece of play from the hosts.

There are smatterings of empty seats around the Etihad this afternoon, which is interesting to see. I'm sure you wouldn't have seen that when City were chasing for the title, but perhaps their sporadic form last season and so far this campaign has convinced some people not to come.

UPDATE: One half of Manchester is smiling at the moment as United have taken the lead against Fulham. Antonio Valencia got the goal there to give the Red Devils an early 1-0 lead at Craven Cottage.

It's not surprising to see that City have had 71% possession in the opening quarter of an hour or so. They have dominated the ball but only have that little Silva break and cross to show for it so far.

CHANCE! The best moment of the match so far sees Nasri and Silva exchange a lovely one-two on the edge of the box before the former advanced into the area only to slice his shot wide of the near post. He should have at least hit the target there, but it was nice build-up play.

Manchester City have the lead, but it takes a huge stroke of luck for them to get it. Silva's initial shot in the box was blocked and Aguero tried to find the bottom corner on the turn. With Ruddy already committed to saving that effort, it takes a deflection off Turner and then Johnson before looping into the net. Aguero claims it, but that one will go to the dubious goals committee and I think it may be given as a Johnson own goal.

The Canaries just can't get a break at the moment, can they? City do deserve their lead as they have comfortably been the better team so far, but that was a really unlucky goal to concede for Chris Hughton's side.

Ruddy could do nothing about the first goal, but he will be disappointed with his effort this time. Nasri clips a ball over to Aguero, who has timed his run perfectly. He has a chance to shoot with his left foot but chooses to check back and lay the ball off to Silva on the edge of the box. The Spaniard sweeps his shot towards the bottom corner and it squirms its way under Ruddy and into the back of the net.

Nasri whips a cross in behind Aguero, who goes for the spectacular bicycle kick but completely misses the ball. City are in complete control right now and I wouldn't bet against them adding to their lead before half time here.

This is another one for the dubious goals committee to look at as City take an emphatic 3-0 lead. This time it comes from a corner and, while Nastasic gets his head to it first, it is the deflection off Martin that takes it past John Ruddy. Another desperately unlucky goal for Norwich, but that could be game over already here.

City have been rampant in this opening half an hour and fully deserve their lead, but you can't help but feel for Norwich a little. They have had two goals now that they could do very little about as a result of deflections. Even so, the Canaries could be in line for an embarrassment here.

UPDATE: It seems that Manchester is enjoying a good day today. United have also taken a 3-0 lead in their match against Fulham, with Rooney and Van Persie adding to Valencia's opener. Hull have also taken the lead against troubled Sunderland through a Carlos Cuellar own goal.

City really do love playing against Norwich, don't they? That is now 20 goals in their last five meetings at an average of four per game. This one is far from over too, and City could easily add further to that impressive tally if they keep this up.

Silva whips a corner to the near post and Aguero meets it on the volley. It can't count as a chance as it would take an unbelievable finish to score from there, but the Argentine's effort is not bad as he flicks it just wide of the near post.

Norwich just don't have an answer for City at the moment, the gulf in class between the two sides is painfully clear to see.

This really could get embarrassing for Norwich now. Silva slips the ball into Aguero, who looks to be slightly offside when the pass is released. The linesman's flag stays down and the Argentine pulls the ball back for Negredo to sweep in from close range. Game over after just 36 minutes.

Just before that goal, Ruddy had a dodgy moment when he dropped a high ball under very little pressure. The box was packed from a corner and Aguero was quickest to the loose ball, but his effort was denied by a goal-saving block from Johnson.

Pantilimon has his first action of the day as he tips Pilkington's effort past the post. In truth, he probably didn't need to make the save, or he could have held it as it wasn't too powerful, but he chose to tip it wide and the corner came to nothing.

SAVE! Bassong gives the ball away carelessly which gives City a chance to launch yet another attack. Once again Aguero turns down the chance to shoot on his weaker foot, instead finding a teammate on the edge of the box. The cross is swept in to Toure, who does well to turn and shoot, but it is straight at Ruddy who holds on to the ball.

UPDATE: After Begovic's opener for Stoke (yes, you read that right), Southampton have now equalised with another strange goal. Jay Rodriguez got on to a deep cross at the back post, and his header bounced up and over Begovic to make it 1-1.

The fourth official indicates a minimum of two minutes at the end of this half. City look happy with a four-goal lead going into the break, while Norwich look happy that it isn't more.

Well, you probably won't see a more one-sided half than that this season. City dominated from start to finish and take an emphatic lead into the break. They effectively killed the game off after 25 minutes when Nastasic headed in their third goal in the space of nine minutes.

It has been the perfect response from City so far after their devastating late defeat against Chelsea last weekend. They have been rampant and, when you see them playing so well, it is hard to understand why they aren't among the front-runners in the table at the moment. They seem to be a different and unstoppable animal in front of their own fans, and they could well go the whole season unbeaten at the Etihad.

As for Norwich, they can rightly bemoan their luck in that first half, but there is no doubt that they were second best by a long way. Two of the goals came from horrible deflections that they could to nothing about, and I wouldn't be surprised if both were noted down as own goals. Ruddy was also at fault for one, while the fourth was offside. Despite City's dominance, in truth all four of their goals have either had an element of luck about them or have been avoidable.

What can Chris Hughton say to his players at the break, though? He must be urging them to just get through this game in damage limitation mode and come out learning from their mistakes. This afternoon ends a torrid run of games for the Canaries having faced Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City in the space of a month, so Hughton will be telling his players than any side in the league, even in the world, would struggle with such a run.

He must accept that this game is beyond their grasp now. City are likely to ease off a little in the second half, as is so often the case in such circumstances, but should the need arise - and I can't see that being the case - you feel that they would be able to move into top gear and start their domination once again. If City do come out flying in the second half, then they could easily double their half time tally.

UPDATE: Sunderland may have experienced a derby win over fierce rivals Newcastle last week, but they have been brought back to earth with a bump this afternoon. They trail Hull 1-0 and are now down to 10 men with Cattermole and Dossena both being shown red cards in first half stoppage time. Elsewhere, Saido Berahino gave West Brom the lead over Crystal Palace right on the stroke of half time at the Hawthorns.

As far as City are concerned, I wouldn't be surprised if Pellegrini withdraws the likes of Aguero, Silva and Toure in this second half with CSKA Moscow waiting in the Champions League on Tuesday. This game is won, and he may not see much point in risking his big guns for much longer.

SUBS: There are indeed a few subs at the break. Norwich make two in bringing Josh Murphy on for his Premier League debut in place of Whittaker and Elmander also comes on for Hooper. For City, Dzeko is on in place of Negredo.

KICKOFF: Norwich get us back underway in Manchester. Can they salvage anything - even a little pride - from this second half?

YELLOW CARD! Zabaleta picks up a yellow card very early in the half for a tackle on Murphy. He was caught out by the youngster's pace there and, even though there wasn't much contact, it was probably the right decision.

Much better from Norwich so far as they are actually passing the ball about and keeping hold of possession for a while at the moment. Pilkington gets into the box and plays a pass towards Elmander, but it is too far behind the Swede and Pantilimon is able to collect.

City utilise a simple two-on-one situation from a short corner, which allows Silva to put the ball in towards Aguero. The Argentine has a little space in the box, but he misses the ball when swinging for it. That would have been a good chance had he made contact.

City press really high up the field and Norwich just can't get it out as Dzeko wins the ball back in an advanced position. Aguero flicks it back into the path of the sub, but his effort is blocked.

CHANCE! What a chance for Norwich, by far their best of the game. Demichelis gives the ball away, not for the first time today, and the resulting cross finds Elmander unmarked in the box. The ball bounces up in an awkward position, but Elmander should at least hit the target. Instead, he puts it wide of the near post.

SAVE! Ruddy hasn't had the best of times this afternoon so far, but that is better from the England number two. He tips a low shot away from goal and is up quickly enough to put Aguero off the rebound. The Argentine just tried to dink the ball over Ruddy from a tight angle, but could only find the side netting.

City are starting to turn the screw now. Toure threads the ball into Aguero, who looks to have found a yard in the box only for Olsson to shut it down quickly and concede a corner. Good defending.

City are in complete control of this second half without reaching the heights that they did in the first. They don't look quite as dangerous in attack but, then again, they don't need to. There could still be a goal or two left in this game, but both sides already know that the result is beyond doubt.

If City have scored a few scrappy goals today, this one more than makes up for it. Toure lines up a free kick from 25 yards out and curls it wonderfully over the wall and into the top corner. Nothing Ruddy could do about that, it was simply a stunning effort from the midfielder. That is the third direct free kick he has scored this season, he is fast becoming a specialist!

Murphy looks to mark what is likely to be a miserable debut with a good individual moment as he picks up the ball on the edge of the box. He never looks too comfortable with it, however, and his eventual shot is dragged harmlessly wide of the post.

Aguero is eager to get in on the act now. He had a huge hand in a couple of goals, but the first will go down as an own goal so his own name isn't on the scoresheet just yet. He goes for goal from range but zips his effort wide of the far post.

City are just queuing up on the edge of the Norwich box now. Nasri skips into the box with far too much ease before squeezing a deflected cross towards Aguero at the back post. The striker can't quite get it down to shoot so instead passes it to the edge of the box, where Toure is eventually crowded out.

Murphy has been impressive with his defensive work today, and makes another important block here after Toure had floated the ball over to Zabaleta. If Norwich can take anything positive out of this, it will probably be the youngster's performance so far.

UPDATE: The dubious goals committee are going to be busy tomorrow! Fulham have pulled a goal back against United through a deflected Kacaniklic strike which will probably go down as a Rooney own goal.

MAN CITY SUB: Nasri's afternoon is over, and he can be pleased with his contribution. He has been at the heart of much of City's good work today. James Milner replaces the Frenchman.

It just wouldn't be a City win without Aguero on the scoresheet at the moment, would it? Silva makes his way down the left again and sends a cross into the box that Bassong should clear. He swipes at the ball and only presents it to Aguero, however, and the Argentine lashes his volley past Ruddy from about 10 yards. The perfect way to mark your 100th appearance for the club.

MAN CITY SUB: David Silva trots off the field to a tremendous reception after a glistening performance this afternoon. On comes Jesus Navas in his place, so no let up for the Norwich defence.

City have been simply irresistible at times today. If they can start to replicate this form on the road then they will certainly be serious contenders for the title as it is hard to seeing anyone beating them when they play like this.

Joe Hart will be kicking himself even more at missing this match. Pantilimon has had very little to do yet, because of another clean sheet, I'd expect him to remain as the starting keeper for the next match now. Had Hart started, such a match may have taken a little of the spotlight off him.

Lovely one-two between Aguero and Dzeko as the former races onto the return pass in the box. Once again he looks to have a little space, but Fer gets back to make a vital challenge and put the ball back into the arms of Ruddy.

SAVE! Oh, it should probably be 7-0 here but for a fine stop from Ruddy! Bassong again fails to deal with the danger, this time getting too tight to Dzeko to allow Navas to sprint in behind him and through on goal. He hits it first time, which is the right decision, but was denied by a fine stop.

YELLOW CARD! Turner goes into the book for blocking off Aguero, who was trying to race on to a through ball. More worryingly for City, Toure has the ball for another free kick in a very dangerous position. Surely he can't get a second?

SAVE! Toure's free kick is disappointing but squirms through the wall and Demichelis latches on to it on the other side. He shoots first time, but Ruddy makes a fine reflex save to deny the defender.

City are just knocking the ball about with ease here, and they are being allowed to do so about 10 yards inside the Norwich half.

City are in seventh heaven as Dzeko adds the icing on a very tasty cake. He spins in the box and fires a shot into the bottom corner that Ruddy can't reach. It didn't have much power, but the placement was perfect.

CHANCE! Yet another chance for the hosts as Dzeko takes the ball down well inside the box before a tackle sees it bobble to Aguero. He manages to squeeze a shot away under heavy pressure, but it bobbles just wide, much to Ruddy's relief.

CHANCE! City simply have no mercy here. Aguero dances away from a few players in midfield before teeing up Zabaleta on the right side of the box. The full-back cuts inside onto his left foot, but he can't direct his effort on target.

There will be three minutes of added time. They will feel like three hours for Norwich, I'm sure! They have been completely and utterly outclassed this afternoon.

I said at half time that you would do well to see a more one-sided half this season, but that second 45 minutes rivalled it. City dominated from start to finish and certainly have that Chelsea defeat out of their system now courtesy of a crushing 7-0 victory over Norwich. That is the first time since 1968 that City have scored seven times in a top flight game.

There was only one winner from the moment the first goal rather fortuitously looped over a helpless Ruddy and into the net. Norwich can feel unlucky to have been so heavily beaten as the opening four goals weren't a complete result of City's quality, with arguably two own goals, and offside one and a mistake from Ruddy. However, they can have no complaints at losing this match as City were by far the better side throughout.

Silva, Negredo, Dzeko and Aguero all got in on the action by finding the back of the net, but the pick of the goals came from Yaya Toure as he curled a beauty of a free kick into the top corner. City were the league's top scorers before this match began, and it will take an almighty effort for anyone to catch them now. All they need to do is find some similar performances on their travels and they will be a force to be reckoned with this season.

For Norwich, they simply need to get this out of their system as soon as possible, They can put it down to 'one of those days', but their form is starting to become a bit of a worry. Hughton has had an awful run of games recently and only the most optimistic Canary would have expected something from this game, but to lose so emphatically could put his job on the line.

Right, that is all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for this Manchester City goal-fest as they hammer Norwich 7-0 at the Etihad. I will leave you with our match report and be sure to stick around for reaction and analysis, which will be up on site shortly. If you're being greedy and want even more top football, there is the small matter of Arsenal vs. Liverpool due to kickoff soon, and you can follow that live with us right here. Until then, though, it is goodbye from me!