If the doom-mongers and significant critics are to be believed – not very much is the simple answer. However, scratch below the surface and things are not as bad at Anfield as some would have you believe (Liverpool 10/3 – Top 4 Finish).

First of all, the season is only three games old and pundits and fans alike would do well to remember that 12 months ago Arsenal had just suffered a thoroughly embarrassing and humiliating 8-2 defeat at Manchester United and were in the bottom three with just a solitary point to their name.

Strangely, Liverpool went to the Emirates and won 2-0 at the end of last August during that period as well so, bearing in mind how the respective clubs’ seasons’ eventually turned out, it is worth informing those tipping Liverpool to finish in the bottom half and the Gunners to go on a title charge, that nothing is ever won or sorted out in September (Liverpool EVS – Top 6 Finish).

There is, to quote an oft-used phrase, a long, long way to go yet.

Not that Rodgers’ Reds aren’t deserving of some criticism for their performances so far. The way they folded so badly against West Brom on the opening day was pitiful (especially as they had been the better side for 55 minutes) while basic, costly, individual errors from the normally-reliable Martin Skrtel, Steven Gerrard and Pepe Reina have been rightly slammed too.

Also, the club’s failure, for whatever reason, to sign a replacement for Andy Carroll last week was bad business in anyone’s books. Rodgers now has very few attacking options and will need to keep his fingers crossed on a large block of wood that no more key men follow midfielder Lucas into the treatment room over the next few months.

But, despite all this, there are positives. It was always going to take the Northern Irishman plenty of time to get his methods to work at Anfield and to judge him and his new-look side so early on in the season is ridiculous.

They were well beaten in the end by the Baggies and the Gunners but that is not taking into account the first hour or so of both games when Liverpool could argue, without too much complaint, that they had been the better side and had definitely created the better chances without converting them. Of course that, in itself, is becoming a major problem and needs addressing if things are to improve.

Then there was the 2-2 draw against champions Man City that Liverpool largely dominated but again failed to get a reward from. A win looked a certainty until Skrtel’s inexplicable back-pass presented Carlos Tevez with a gift of a goal in front of The Kop. So, the Reds have just a point so far and face difficult games next at Sunderland away and then there’s a home clash with arch-rivals Manchester United to follow.

Hardly the sort of games any side wants as they aim to kick-start their season. However, if they cut out the errors, take the chances they are creating and get key men like Reina, Gerrard and Skrtel back performing to their best, don’t bet against Rodgers’ side having seven points in the bag come September 23. The critics might not be so vocal then.

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It has been a difficult week for Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas. A disappointing FA Cup draw at home to Birmingham was followed up by a convincing 3-1 defeat by Napoli in the Champions League.

To make things worse the Portuguese is also rumoured to be battling a dressing room revolt. A win at all costs is need against Owne Coyle’s Wanderers.

AVB may gain some solace from the fact Chelsea have not lost to Bolton since 2003 and the Trotters go into the game on the back of consecutive defeats to Wigan and Norwich.

Four of Wanderers’ six wins have been away from home this season but Chelsea will have too much for them at the Bridge, even with their own wretched form.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Bolton @ 7/1

Newcastle v Wolves

What a disastrous fortnight it has been for Wolves. A humiliating 5-1 home defeat to bitter rivals West Brom led to the dismissal of Mick McCarthy. But a string of managers have turned down the chance to take the job, meaning assistant boss Terry Connor has been put in charge until the end of the season.

A run of 14 points from 22 games leaves them third from bottom in the table and they face a Newcastle side who have lost just twice at home all season. They also welcome back key duo Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye.

With Chelsea and Arsenal struggling for form the Magpies are eyeing an unlikely spot in the top four so don’t look beyond them in this encounter.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Wolves @ 6/1

QPR v Fulham

After bringing in six new players in the January transfer window new QPR manager Mark Hughes was hoping for an immediate response from his struggling side. However, consecutive defeats to fellow strugglers Wolves and Blackburn means they have now won just once in 13 games and only sit outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

He will no doubt receive a frosty welcome from the Fulham fans after he walked out on the club after just 11 months in the job last summer. With five of their last eight matches against the current top six Hughes knows his side have to get a result from this game if they are to stand a chance of staying up.

Martin Jol’s Fulham have the worst away record in the division, meaning this is the time for the Hoops to grab a vital victory.

Prediction QPR 2-1 Fulham @ 17/2

West Brom v Sunderland

West Brom fans have been on cloud nine for the past fortnight after their 5-1 thrashing of Wolves at Molineux. Now they will be hoping they can transfer that form to the Hawthorns, where they have lost the last three and notched just eight goals all campaign.

They host a Sunderland side who are equally confident. Martin O’Neill has had the Midas touch at the Stadium Of Light, inspiring them to pick up 16 points from their last eight Premier League games to shoot up into the top 10.

O’Neill will be keen for his side to maintain that momentum, especially with an FA Cup quarter-final on the horizon, sothe Black Cats could claw the Baggies back down to earth with a bump.

Prediction: West Brom 1-2 Sunderland @ 10/1

Wigan v Aston Villa

Despite being favourites for relegation and propping up the rest of the division, Roberto Martinez’s Wigan are showing tremendous spirit to keep their survival hopes alive. Four defeats in a row in January looked to have condemned the Latics to the Championship, but a home draw with Everton and a vital win at Bolton means they are just two points from safety.

They will be eyeing another win against an Aston Villa side that are in danger of being sucked into the relegation dogfight. They may be seven points clear of the bottom five but with games against Wigan and 17th-placed Blackburn to come their run-in may suddenly become more uncomfortable.

However, they have lost just once in six away from home while Wigan are winless at the DW since August, meaning there could be a welcome victory for Alex McLeish’s men.

Prediction: Wigan 1-2 Aston Villa @ 10/1

Man City v Blackburn

Even the most optimistic of Blackburn fans are doubting their side’s chances against Manchester City on Saturday evening. Roberto Mancini’s table-toppers are unbeaten in 22 matches at the Etihad and are the only club in Europe’s six major leagues to still have a 100% home league record.

However, people were making similarly gloomy predictions when Steve Kean’s men went to Old Trafford on New Year’s Eve. But their shock 3-2 win over the champions gave them real hope in the battle against the drop.

That said, with the return of Yaya Toure bolstering City’s midfield and the tantalising prospect of going five points clear of United in front of them, there will be no result other than a home win.

Prediction: Man City 3-0 Blackburn @ 6/1

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Manchester City v Napoli

Four years after the Abu Dhabi United Group bought Manchester City they are finally dining with the big boys at Europe’s top table. Roberto Mancini managed to deal with the pressure put him on by the club’s mega-rich owners to secure Champions League football and is now looking to show what his star studded squad is capable of. If their Premier League form is anything to go by they should be more than a match for Napoli in a game they are 2/5 to win, with the Italians 8/1 and the draw 7/2.

Mancini’s summer editions have given City that extra bit of creativity they were lacking last season, with Samir Nasri and David Silva showing how deadly they can be together in their 5-1 rout of Tottenham. Up front they have added one of Europe’s deadliest strikers in Sergio Aguero, the Argentine having scored six goals in four appearances thus far. Mancini has an embarrassment of riches but these three look as though they will be key to City’s success in Europe.

Despite this being City’s maiden season in the Champions League you’d expect them to at least reach the knock out stages given the amount of experienced campaigners they have in their squad, with Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez having won the competition.

They have been drawn in a tough group, with Bayern Munich and Villarreal to come, but City start with, on paper, the easiest game they will have in Napoli at home. The Azzuri might have won at Cesena at the weekend but traditionally don’t travel well in Europe, managing one win in five Europa League matches last season. City should win this game, but they will have to keep Edison Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik quite if they are to assure three points. Aguero is on fire and at 4/1 to score first might be worth a look.

Benfica v Manchester United

United fans must have been laughing when they discovered who they would face in the group stages of this season’s Champions League. With games against Benfica, Otelul Galati and Basel to come you’d be forgiven for thinking they’d virtually been given a bye, hence why they are 2/7 to win Group C.

United will probably be happy to get their toughest group match out of the way first because Benfica are no mugs on their own ground. United know how dangerous Benfica can be having been knocked out by them in the group stages in 2005. However, with Chelsea to come on Sunday in the league and five more matches after Wednesday in the Champions League, Sir Alex Ferguson has hedged his bets for this one and will rotate his squad.

Rio Ferdinand has been left behind, while Darren Fletcher, Park ji-Sung, Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov are poised to come into the starting XI. United are 10/11 for the win, which seems short when you consider Benfica’s home form – two defeats in 24 matches at the Estádio da Luz.

The Portuguese giants are 10/3 to cause an upset, with the draw 12/5. The Águias might have lost a couple of big names but they recruited well this summer and still have Oscar Cardozo on the books. A draw looks to be a safe bet, a result which will probably suit United.

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Chelsea v Tottenham (5:30pm)

Who would have though some six weeks ago that Chelsea could still retain their Premier League title? But four wins on the bounce have offered hope to Carlo Ancelotti’s men, who can cut the gap on Manchester United to three points with a win.
The stats would suggest a home win, with Spurs failing to win at Stamford Bridge since 1990 and stuttering in the league of late. Harry Redknapp’s men have won just one of their last seven league games and will head to west London with confidence dented.
Although Chelsea have midfield issues, with fitness concerns over Michael Essien and Ramires, their rediscovered potency should see them through. Goals are also likely in the evening fixture, with the last 0-0 draw between the sides coming back in 2004.

Match Bet – Chelsea -1 on handicap @ 6/5

Blackburn v Bolton (3pm)

This Lancashire derby will have a huge bearing on whether Rovers survive in the Premier League, but a lack of goals could well prove Blackburn’s downfall once again. Steve Kean’s men have scored just one goal in their last four matches and their leading league scorer – Nikola Kalinic – has just five goals to his name.
Bolton’s recent form has been patchy since their FA Cup humiliation to Stoke, but although they have nothing to play, Wanderers should raise their game for this feisty derby clash.
Rovers will welcome back Steven Nzonzi after suspension, while Bolton will give a late test to on loan striker Daniel Sturridge.
Match Bet – Draw @ 12/5.

Blackpool v Stoke (3pm)

This looks like a must win game for the home side and Blackpool will be buoyed by Stoke’s recent hectic schedule and ever growing injury list.
Ian Holloway’s men have not won since February 22, a run which has seen them slip to just one point outside the drop zone. They played much better against Newcastle last weekend though, and the return of holding midfielder Keith Southern looks to have made them more solid.
Despite what they say, Stoke will have one eye on the FA Cup final now they are safe from the drop. Without injured trio Matthew Etherington, Ricardo Fuller and Danny Higginbotham, the Potters squad looks weaker.
Match Bet – Both teams to score @ 8/13.

Wigan v Everton

Roberto Martinez has targeted six points from Wigan’s last two home games and knows thew importance of this clash for Latics’ season. The home team will have to be at their best though to see of an Everton team in fine form.
Last week’s defeat at Manchester United ended a seven-game unbeaten run in the league for David Moyes’ men and they have won on three of their last four visits to the DW Stadium.
Wigan are boosted by the return of Maynor Figueroa from suspension and they hope Hugo Rodallega can break down a solid Everton backline, which kept a clean sheet when the two teams drew 0-0 at Goodison back in December.

Match Bet – Rodallega to score at anytime @ 13/8.

Sunderland v Fulham (3pm)

These two teams can still go down, but it would take an unlikely turn of events from them to fall out of the top flight this season. Two former Manchester United team-mates will be in opposite dugouts and they could settle for a share of the spoils.

The Black Cats are without Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck through injury and their lack of firepower is a concern. Fulham though have only won once on Wearside since 1975 – a 0-3 success in 2003.

Match Bet – Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13.

West Brom v Aston Villa (3pm)

This Midlands derby looked like it would have had a major bearing on the relegation zone just a month ago, but since then both teams look to have saved their seasons.

A run of one defeat in nine games has seen the Baggies reach 40 points under Roy Hodgson, while Villa have picked up two wins and two draws in their last four games.

West Brom have not beaten Villa home or away since 1985 – a run that spans 17 matches – but Saturday could see the end of that statistic.

Match Bet – West Brom to win @ 6/5.

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West Brom

That win matched the Bagies result in the fourth round at Leicester City, ending a five-match winless run since that game in the process, and the players should have the confidence to win on their travels and book their first semi-final place since 1982.

West Brom will be without midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu as he picked up a two-match ban following his second sending-off of the season at Everton at the weekend, while Jonas Olsson and Ishmael Miller are available through injury, but that should not matter against a team struggling for form in a lower division while contending with a whole host of absentees themselves.

The Baggies have certainly made an impression on their return to the top flight, beating Arsenal and Manchester City in what was a good start to the campaign, and although they suffered a recent blip, that win over Everton was just the tonic going into the Carling Cup quarter-final, having already beaten City in the competition as well.

Ipswich have hit a wall in the Championship, suffering four consecutive losses culminating in the 4-1 defeat at arch-rivals Norwich City on Sunday, and now lie just four points above the relegation zone.

The Tractor Boys have lost eight of their last 12 games and a number of injuries are not helping under-pressure manager Roy Keane, who is having to cope without Gareth McAuley, Mark Kennedy, Connor Wickham, Luke Hyam and Tom Eastman.

Defender Damien Delaney is also suspended for the West Brom visit, while goalkeeper Marton Fulop is a doubt after picking up an ankle injury in Sunday’s debacle at Carrow Road.

Di Matteo’s men can take advantage of the injury crisis at Portman Road (4/5 Over 2.5 goals) but they have kept only one clean sheet on the road this season (7/10 Both teams to score) – and that was at Leyton Orient in round two of this competition.

There will be another West Midlands side in the semi-finals as Birmingham City (11/8 in the match betting) host arch-rivals Aston Villa (2/1 to win) also on Wednesday night, but this looks a tougher match to call.

Villa have had the better of the derby in recent times, unbeaten in seven games and winning six of them, and the 2/1 looks tempting, but they have struggled for form under new boss Gerard Houllier.

The Villans have only won one of their last nine games in the Premier League – a 3-2 win over a much-changed Blackpool side – and despite a superb performance in a 2-2 draw against Manchester United, back-to-back defeats have seen the club slip below City in the table.

The Blues have struggled for goals this term and have found it hard to win games (drawing eight) but they have made themselves tough to beat at St Andrew’s – winning three, drawing three and losing just once.

They have home advantage for the fourth time in the Carling Cup and could just make it count, particularly as boss Alex McLeish is set to field a stronger side than in previous rounds.

There will be no Alexander Hleb as he has been ruled out with a hamstring problem, not that he has set the world alight so far in his loan spell at the club, but top scorer Craig Gardner (9/1 First Goalscorer) could return following an ankle problem.

The teams have met this season and fought out a goalless draw at Villa Park and another tight encounter should be expected with under 2.5 goals a favourite at 4/6.

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The former Plymouth hitman, who was born in Dorking, has bagged eight goals in eight games since his summer switch from Home Park to Loftus Road, with the R’s yet to taste defeat in the Championship so far this term.

Mackie’s inclusion means there is no place for 17-cap Kris Boyd whose career has failed to kick on since he left Glasgow Rangers for struggling Middlesbrough during the close season.

Scotland boss Craig Levein insists Boyd will be back once he finds his form while the former Dundee United boss has also revealed Mackie has been on his radar since nailing his colours to Scotland’s mast in August.

Speaking in Motherwell, Levein said: “He has been watched on four separate occasions and each report has been excellent.

“We have been looking high and low to add to the existing pool that we can pick from.

“I believe his grandfather was born in Kilmarnock so he fits the criteria and I’m happy to have him on board.

“If you look at the strikers I have picked, I have picked players on form, that is basically it.

“I have had a chat with Kris and explained that to him.

“He is a top goalscorer and I have no doubt that once he hits a bit of form he will be back involved in the squad.”

There are recalls for keeper Craig Gordon, defender Gary Caldwell and striker Shaun Maloney.

The Scots travel to the Czech Republic for a clash in eight days before entertaining Spain at Hampden Park on October 12.

Scotland (16/1 Group Winners) top Group I on four points after making an unbeaten start to the qualification campaign against Lithuania (0-0) in Kaunas and at home to Liechtenstein (2-1).

Meanwhile, Barcelona ace Xavi, Arsenal midfielder and Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol have been ruled out for Spain who face Lithuania before making the trip to Hampden.

Scotland:
Goalkeepers: McGregor (Rangers), Gilks (Blackpool), Gordon (Sunderland)

Defenders: Hutton (Tottenham), Berra (Wolves), Broadfoot (Rangers), McManus (Middlesbrough), G Caldwell (Wigan), Weir (Rangers), Whittaker (Rangers)

Midfielders: Adam (Blackpool), Brown (Celtic), Dorrans (West Brom), McCulloch (Rangers), Fletcher (Manchester United), Morrison (West Brom), Robson (Middlesbrough), McEveley (Barnsley), Maloney (Celtic)

Forwards: Fletcher (Wolves), Iwelumo (Burnley), Mackie (QPR), Miller (Rangers), Naismith (Rangers).

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Inter Milan

Mascherano has said that he would relish the chance to follow new Inter boss Rafa Benitez out of Liverpool to the San Siro, stating that he was already learning Italian.

However, his potential plans to move to Serie A could be scuppered as Moratti has stated that a number of issues stand in the way of the move.

“Mascherano is a strong player, but it is unlikely that he will arrive,” Moratti said.

“He simply costs too much and it is not certain that Liverpool will sell.”

Brazilian midfielder Melo has now caught the eye of the Inter president who believes the player would be an “intriguing” prospect if he could be tempted to come to the San Siro.

Melo is currently at Serie A rivals Juventus and Moratti has revealed that his club are looking to bring the player to Inter.

As for players leaving the San Siro, former Inter boss Jose Mourinho has declared his interest in bringing wing-back Maicon to his new side at Real Madrid.

It could be possible that the former Chelsea (13/8 to win the Premier League) manager could attempt to bring Argentina striker Diego Milito and Mario Balotelli to the Santiago Bernabeu but the Inter president is keen to keep hold of his top players as they look to retain the Italian league title.

“Balotelli is our future and Milito won’t move,” Moratti added. “Maicon? We’ll have to wait and see about him.

“We want to start the new season again as we ended the last one. We want to win everything possible next term.

“I’m convinced that we can win the Scudetto for the next two years, but in order to stay in contention in the Champions League then we’ll need a real top signing,” he added.

It seems that Mascherano may still be at Anfield next season as Liverpool look to regain their top four status.

The 26-year-old is currently with the Argentina World Cup squad in South Africa as they prepare for their knockout game against Mexico on June 26.

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Plymouth Argyle

Argyle parted company with Paul Mariner after he failed to keep them in the Championship last season and Reid’s first job will be to get the Pilgrims back up as soon as possible.

Reid had been working as Tony Pulis’ number two at Stoke but has now taken the helm at Home Park after Argyle chairman Sir Roy Gardner made him his number one choice.

“We said all along that we were seeking a man with proven experience who could help us realise our aspirations and ambitions,” Gardner revealed.

“We want to get back to the Championship and after that, move on. Peter fits that criteria perfectly.”

Reid has gained bad press since his ill-fated spell at Leeds United but there is no doubt that he did a tremendous job at both Manchester City and Sunderland.

At City, Reid guided them to fifth place in successive seasons but in the first season of the Premier League in 1992 they slipped into ninth place and the season after he was sacked following a poor start to the season.

Reid also did well at Sunderland and after getting them promoted from the Championship they finished seventh for two seasons running but after slipping down the table his eight-year spell as manager came to an end in October 2002.

Plymouth will now be hoping that Reid can work such wonders at Home Park but it will be a difficult task trying to get them out of League One as Charlton, Southampton, Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday are also fighting to get out of the division.

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Bayern Munich will await the winner of Wednesday night’s semi-final second-leg between Barcelona (1.42) and Inter Milan (6.50), and whoever makes it through will be salivating at the thought of being the champions-elect in this season’s Champions League.

Many people will consider this match to almost be the final itself such is the likelihood that the side who wins will go on to lift the trophy.
However, we all know not to count our chickens, and neither Pep Guardiola nor the ‘Special One’ will be looking too far into the future ahead of the match of the season so far.

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Both sides rang the changes at the weekend, and both managed to record 3-1 victories as in their respective bids for the league championship. Jose Mourinho made six changes to the team that beat Barcelona, with only captain Javier Zanetti, keeper Julio Cesar, Diego Milito, Welsey Sneijder, and Samuel Eto’o retaining their places.

The victory at the weekend came at a heavy price for Inter, as their star player Welsey Sneijder was forced off with a hamstring injury. The playmaker will probably be given until the last moment to prove his fitness on Wednesday, but it looks likely that the Dutchman will be missing.
However Mourinho, has one of the most talented squads around at his disposal and should be able to cope.

Barcelona will be looking to Messi to produce another magic show like he did against Arsenal a few weeks back. The difference is Inter Milan can defend and Arsenal these days can’t.

This could set up a classic Italian versus Spanish match-up in which Inter may try to absorb pressure from the Catalans and fight their opponents on the counter-attack.

Related posts:

1. Bayern Munich Bag Champions League Final Berth
2. Barcelona or Real Madrid: Who Will Win La Liga?
3. Leeds beat Man United in FA Cup to bring back the magic

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