Another break for internationals means now is the perfect time to take stock and see what conclusions can be drawn from the 2011/12 football season so far.
Man City can win ugly
The Blues may have been pushed all the way for the win at Queens Park Rangers at the weekend, but win they did which is more than title rivals Chelsea can say this season.
Loftus Road’s tight stands might just shock a few closeted Premier League players this season, however City proved they can grind out three points on the road and that’s no mean feat given their League Of Nations-type squad.
Last term City, who are 10/11 title shots, scored 26 away goals all season and they’re just three short of that tally after six matches away from the Etihad Stadium – enough said.
Fabregas is proving doubters wrong
It’s early days but Cesc Fabregas will want his honeymoon period at the Nou Camp to go on forever after managing to get among the goals since his switch from Arsenal.
For a player not blessed with lightning pace, Fabregas found himself something of a “man for all seasons” at the Emirates rather than getting on the end of things in the box.
But times have changed for the 24-year-old who has already won 60 caps for Spain - no mean feat given his country’s embarrassment of riches.
Fabregas didn’t win enough with the Gunners but he will with the Catalans now he has gone home, with Barca 7/4 for more Champions League glory.
Capello has a duty of care
For a coach who is departing after Euro 2012 next summer it seems stranger that he is looking at youth against Spain this weekend and Sweden next week.
But the Italian has drafted in the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Phil Jones, Danny Welbeck and Jack Rodwell for the friendlies in order to “see something different”.
The last time England played Spain was in February 2009 in Seville and the Three Lions were outclassed by Iniesta, Villa and Xavi so Capello must be careful he bloods his youngsters without destroying their confidence.
England are 9/1 shots to end their long wait for silverware by claiming Spain’s European crown next summer.
The Bhoys are behind Lennon
To say Neil Lennon has endured somewhat of a roller-coaster time as Celtic boss would be a massive understatement.
Off-pitch incidents have left a sour taste in the mouth and have forced the Scottish government to look into implementing some anti-sectarian laws. On the pitch the Parkhead outfit have started the season miserably – crashing out of the Europa League meekly before being reinstated because FC Sion fielded ineligible players.
Celtic have also slipped behind Rangers in the SPL title race, however their come-from-behind, never-say-die win at Motherwell was encouraging and shows everyone is pulling in the same direction.
Lennon’s men are 9/4 for SPL glory this term.
Harry’s not always the boss
Being the football man he is from a certain era, Harry Redknapp was bullish about his return from heart surgery last week by claiming the international break had come at the right time so he could be in charge of Spurs against Aston Villa on November 21.
However, the amiable 64-year-old appears to have jumped the gun and it now seems he will not be back until December at the earliest.
Thankfully, the former West Ham and Portsmouth chief seems to have heeded the advice of the medical professionals and looks set to be getting under wife Sandra’s feet for a few more weeks.
But these things have to be handled properly and Redknapp is doing the right thing as Spurs tick over nicely without him.
Spurs are evens to finish in the top four this season.
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