Match Preview: Wigan vs Liverpool

By: Gareth Freeman

I for one am glad it’s not another Mersey derby! Both of them were disappointing games in terms of the score and now there is another replay with Everton coming up. Oh well, the test in front of Rafa this time is a trip to the JJB Stadium to face the high-flying Wigan Athletic but this could be a great opportunity for the Reds to get back to winning ways.

In the current transfer window Wigan have lost Wilson Palacios and Emile Heskey. It is the curse of the ‘small’ club who does well too lose their better players and these two were arguably Wigan’s stand out players. The loss of Heskey in particular will hurt Wigan. Liverpool fans will remember him well from his time at Anfield and the big striker was always capable of holding up the ball – something that Wigan used him for too great effect.

The Latics have also lost their last two games so they’re not on the hot-streak they were a few weeks ago. On the other hand they have only been beaten three times at home this season and it is still not an easy task travelling to Wigan, despite the loss of Heskey.

A couple of faces may have left the JJB but they’ve brought a few faces in themselves. Boss Steve Bruce has brought in midfielder Ben Watson from Championship side Crystal Palace and Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega. I have to confess I don’t know much about these two players. Watson arrives with a big reputation from Palace but the step-up to the Premier League is not easy and it may take him time to adjust.

Antonio Valencia, Lee Catermole and Amr Zaki are all dangerous players amongst the Wigan line up. They’ve been putting in some decent performances all season and are a big reason why Wigan are doing so well in the league. Catermole is a good battling midfielder and will be able to compete with the Liverpool midfield while Valencia offers pace and skill, both players will probably move on to bigger clubs eventually in their careers.

I’ve outlined the threat of the opponent but if Liverpool perform to the level we all know they can Wigan shouldn’t really pose a massive obstacle. I for one wouldn’t back Wigan to get anything out of this tie with my football betting but Liverpool will need to be on form to win this one. With all the troubles at Anfield lately a win for Liverpool would go a long way to restoring the fans’ faith in a title bid. The only worry from the Liverpool perspective could be Rafa putting out a weakened side with Chelsea coming up on Sunday. However, I would expect Gerrard and Torres to play at least an hour and that should be enough to get past Wigan.

I’m going to offer a few football betting picks to finish off with. I think Arsenal will do enough to beat Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, and I would also go for Manchester City to beat Newcastle at Eastlands and West Ham United to beat Hull City at Upton Park. I’ve already said I’d back Liverpool away at Wigan, while you would think (unfortunately) that Chelsea will easily see off struggling Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge.

New Year, New Hope?

My apologies for leaving this blog totally by itself for the past months. I've been busy working and heavily involved in other things more important than football.

But anyway, welcome to 2008 and here is a reminder that I'll be called into serving the nation during March so expect this blog to be even more empty after that. I have no choice but to leave you guys and concentrate on giving my best to my nation.

Anyway, it hasn't been a good start for Liverpool in 2008. Disappointing yet true. The first premiership match of the year was Wigan and a supposed new start to the year may probably bring an abrupt end to Liverpool's title hopes.


It has been almost 2 decades since Liverpool had won the domestic title and it looked set to carry on for yet another season.

It was a disappointing game from start to end, bar the brilliant Fernando Torres goal, which oozed class but that was about it. With only Torres performing and the rest ranged from mediocre (I'm looking at you, John Arne) to average, no doubt the burden is more than what the Spaniard could carry.

Then the haphazard performance was on the encore at Kenilworth Road when Luton managed to hold Liverpool to a 1-1 draw and it was truly a hall-of-fame worthy show from the home side. Not to forget, appalling on Liverpool's part.

I'm befuddled as to how Liverpool could look so bad against Luton and honestly speaking, I'm embarrassed, especially when Peter Crouch put the ball into the back of the net against the run of play.

I felt things balanced up much more when Riise put the ball into his own net but Luton really deserved to win the match, if not for some poor misses and some crucial intervention from Jamie Carragher.

Deja vu of the 2005 FA Cup tie where Liverpool miraculously turned the game upside down after going behind was never going to happen again as they were outplayed, outfought and outmuscled. Luton showed so much more hunger and tenacity in their football and the millionaires hailed from Merseyside looked disinterested and out of sort.

A replay at Anfield could mean that we have the advantage but Rafa and his men really need to sort it out and pull up the socks before things turn ugly. Though we somehow know that we're not going to win the league this year, this shouldn't stop us from hungering for more glory and not resting on laurels.

With the signing of Martin Skrtel imminent, there's still a shot at glory, albeit it's only the cup we're talking about. But no harm winning anyone of them, if the players make a decision to want it.

23: Dirk Kuyt's 2nd vs Wigan

A fluid move from back to front, it involves the defenders, midfielders and strikers. And Dirk Kuyt was on hand to turn and finish clinically.

Drogballs' Weekend Roundup

Grand Finale Didn't Disappoint

How many of us neutrals actually think that Sheffield United will be the one joining Charlton and Watford in the Championship next season?

I can tell you it's not a lot, considering the Blades had the upperhand and with their fate lying in their own hands. They were up against fellow strugglers, Wigan, who were in an absolutely horrendous form prior to the game and looked very likely to falter at Bremall Lane.

Considering it was Sheffield United's home ground, it was definitely no easy task for Paul Jewell's men and they were marked as the underdogs for this game. Wigan's survival is also closely link to the simultaneous match going on at Old Trafford, where West Ham did everything they could for survival, to dampen United's joyous mood after winning their first Premiership title since 2003.

But before the battle on the pitch had even started, the war off the pitch has already heated up. The 'Gang of Four', Charlton, Sheffield Utd, Fulham and Wigan were all involved in a law suit against West Ham and they were contesting the Premier League committee, who only fined West Ham 5.5million GBP due to the problematic signings of Tevez and Mascherano.

The quartet felt it was unfair and wanted West Ham to be docked off points just like AFC Wimbledon did few seasons ago after fielding 6 loanees on the pitch at the same time. They felt that the sentence should be more severe rather than just monetary compensation.

When all the world seemed to be against you, that is when the true character shows and West Ham put up a magnificent showing at Old Trafford to not only put a little sour note to a supposed celebratory occasion for United but also ensured their own safety.

Ironically, the man who got them to do a 'Harry Houdini' is none other than Carlos Tevez, the one who got them into trouble, well not his fault anyway. Since he scored his first goal for West Ham in the 4-3 defeat to Spurs back in early March, he was on top of his form and managed to dragged West Ham through.

Although Sir Alex fielded a weaken side, one should never question the integrity of the Red Nose as is probably saving the tired legs from the FA Cup Final this Saturday.

And that's probably why some of us are glad to see the back of Neil Warnock and his Blades. He have been banging on about clubs playing their weakened side and giving the relegation strugglers a foothold. And that constant whinging and moaning has got on the nerves of many neutrals.

Although, to me, I was very surprised to see Sheffield United going down because although they have been languishing in the bottom half of the table for majority of the season, they have been able to make their home a very difficult place for teams to go to and they are relatively stable compared to the likes of Wigan and West Ham.

But their away form have been abysmal and that probably is the stumbling block for their season. Losing key striker, Rob Hulse, is also another major turning point for them and their struggle to get goals means they'll always have less chances of winning.

Wigan went on a 10 games winless streak and were a totally different side from the one we saw last season. Their season hasn't been good by any means and they've probably became the team 'nobody gives a damn about' this season.

Yet when it all mattered, they turned up. Sheffield United sank. And that was how it all went wrong for the Blades. It was a bitter and cruel twist of fate as time wore on, Wigan's fortune began to change while West Ham showed true character and resilience despite ManYoo's futile attempt to dash their hopes of survival.

Paul Scharner puts Wigan ahead but Jon Stead equalised for Sheffield United. The turn of the tide came when Sheffield Utd captain, Phil Jagielka, handled the ball in the box and it was up to the former Blades player to put the final nail in Sheffield United's coffin. He slammed home the penalty and soon, it became a one way traffic game where the home side piled pressure and waves upon waves of attack at Wigan's goal.

But as we all know, football is never predictable. The final showdown of the relegation battle sums it all up really. The beauty of it, of course if you're a Blades fan. How things turn 360 degrees in your favour in a matter of seconds.

Well done Wigan and especially, West Ham. They put up their best when they were called to and although they merely survived by the skin of their teeth, both the teams know that it is extremely vital to stay in the Premiership.

This season has been yet another tremendous one considering the champion is not Chelsea this time round.

The relegation battle that boils down to the last day of the season is exhilarating and has been a fantastic showing for neutrals.

Although not as epic as the one 2 seasons ago, it still has been top notch while the the battle on top were a little different.

Basically, ManYoo steamrolled through almost all the teams while Chelsea playing catching up till the point they ran out of gas. They are considered the 'Big Two'. Then Arsenal and Liverpool fought for the 3rd and 4th place till the last day of the season as well but it doesn't really matter, isn't it? They are called 'The Other Two'.

Whatever it is, it has been a wonderful season and although I was disappointed to see us not challenging the title once again, it is still enough to excite and kept us at the edge of our seats. Bring on next season! Faster!


Managerial Musical Chair Begins

It is a norm that after the end of the season, there will be managerial casualties and also, jumping ships.

Big Sam Allardyce was the first as he quit Bolton two games before the end and is now appointed as the new Newcastle Utd. manager.

He is known for bringing out the best from the players and I've got a good feeling he'll succeed and excel at St. James' Park. Of course, lots of work needs to be done still as the club is fast becoming more like a medical centre than anything else.

Injuries aside, the dressing room hasn't been united through Glenn Roeder's last days as Oba Martins is reportedly missing while Charles N'Zogbia walked out after finding himself on the bench.

Money will be available for Fat Sam, finally, after years of limited budget at the Reebok Stadium. With Freddy Shepherd being the contributor, he'll now be able to bring in quality players without having to scour through the free transfer market for past-it players.

Paul Jewell, too, left his position at Wigan. It was only 48 hours after the miraculous survival and it is believed that the last few months has heaped so much pressure on Jewell that he can't take it further. A break is needed.

Man City, meanwhile, sacked Stuart Pearce after a dismal season in the league. With only 4 points off the relegation spot, Man City struggled throughout and despite spending big on Giorgious Samaras, Bernado Corradi and DaMarcus Beasley, they were short of fire power up front and broke an all time record of only 10 league goals at home this season. Shocking.

It might not end here as the board begins to assess the managers while the likes of Chris Coleman and Paul Jewell still about, the musical chair might not end just yet.

Drogballs' Weekly Thoughts

Chelsea Falters, ManYoo Crowned Champions

A part my soul will die after typing the following line.

Congratulations, ManYoo, for winning the title and you guys deserved it 100%.

Ouch. Okay, back to point. With the heat of the race heating up over the past few months, it was finally extinguished at The Emirates Stadium on Sunday after Chelsea failed to get all three points and effectively ending their title chase.

Since Abramovich bought over the club, Chelsea had never played the chasing pack until this season, with ManYoo in their best and all Chelsea could do was to keep chasing and at times, it looked like it was hanging by a thread.

There were times when it looked like ManYoo could do with the biggest cock-up in the history of the Premiership, surpassing the great Newcastle team back in 1996, managed by Kevin 'I'd love it!' Keegan. But they showed character and were were unfazed by Chelsea's constant harrying. With the Blues hot on their trail weekly, they made it to the finish line with some poise.

And to finish the race right at the backyard of their most bitter rival must have made Fergie smiling like an idiot despite knowing that Chelsea still COULD delay the celebrations. But deep down, he knows it. Just that gut feeling from the wily old manager who ply his trade longer than I am on earth.

That's why he probably didn't watch the Arsenal-Chelsea game and was having a whisky, playing golf as he said.

Perhaps that sort of attitude made ManYoo who they are today. The little bit of arrogance yet with some style. You see it in Ronaldo, don't you? His rise to stardom was much helped by the farce during the World Cup and since then, he was different gravy from the rest.

Rooney, said to have a disappointing season by some of the press, replied them by scoring a grand total of 21 goals. Maybe too much expectations heaped on the shoulders of the scouser but I don't think anyone expects him to score 40 anyway. Although overshadowed by his enemy in Gelsinkirgen, he's still a integral part of the winning team.

Do I still need to mention Giggs, Scholes and Neville? Their experience probably got United through the last stage of the season when so much pressure were on the team and all the focus and spotlight of the world are probably on them.

Comparing Chelsea's injury this season to ManYoo's, it's a far cry to be honest. You could say that ManYoo were pretty 'lucky' with it but towards the end of the season, you could see the injuries started to pile.

Although their results went a little awry in some cases like the one against Boro and Portsmouth, they still managed to scramble past the finishing line .

Chelsea on the other hand probably paid the price for their 'luck' that was shown to them in previous seasons. Cech and Cudicini were out for a period of time and how unlucky is it to lose two key goalkeepers in the same stretch? Tells you a story about how even with two goalkeepers, it's never safe.

They have tripped and bungled in certain parts of the season especially towards the end when it seemed vaguely possible for them to catch up with ManYoo, failing to capitalise on two or three occasions. Newcastle and Bolton comes to mind.

Lightning don't strike the same place twice but Chelsea's downfall could probably be plotted back in February when they lost to a certain team that kicked them out of the Champions League recently.

Whatever it is, the news is out and although we'll have to get some earful from our fellow ManYoonited fans in the coming months but truly, it's hard to argue as to who are the real winners this season. From day one, they steamrolled past everyone and ground out the right results when necessary.

Well done. (I'll probably write more about this in another separate post because I really have a lot to say!)


Charlton Relegates, West Ham Hanging On

It's quite a surprise as to how West Ham, despite having a really indifferent season, are still hanging on for survival in the Premiership to this day and dragging on the relegation battle down to the wire.

But perhaps just, by the skin of the teeth. But it might also just be a delayed judgment from the London club.

With the title sealed, signed and delivered to ManYoo, there is still one thing that hasn't been confirmed and that's the number 18th spot in the Premiership.

And no, it's not a nice place to be.

Financial implication aside, how painful is it to see a long time regular of the Premiership losing their top flight status? Charlton for example, was relegated last night after failing to win at the Valley. And what an apt name for them, anyway.

They've been made the model of any promoted club that wished to stay while Wigan and West Ham were probably the opposite. They had a fairy tale first season in the Premiership and then went on to crash and burn in their second. How did they do it? Well, it's quite easy when complacency creeps in.

When Mascherano and Tevez signed for West Ham, big things were expected from the Argentinian duo. As a losing side from last season's FA Cup Finals, lots of expectations were heaped on them to do well and go a step further that is Europe but they faltered.

Wigan, meanwhile, has turned from a club that drew lots of attention to the club nobody cared about, even their fans. A rugby town by nature, the 'fans' aren't probably long time supporters and is it any surprise that they all left when Paul Jewell's Wigan lost 3-0 at home to fellow strugglers, West Ham.

They sold some influential players like Jimmy Bullard and Arjen De Zueew in the summer and they never looked like the Wigan last term. Heskey is back to his 'causing his club to relegate' shocker while Henri Camara was a spectre of his former self.

Wigan will face Sheffield United away next while West Ham will visit Old Trafford. Who has got the easier game? Answer is probably none because both are tough teams to beat especially away. And if West Ham thinks that Fergie might play his reserves against them, then they might be in for a shock because I believe they're in for a celebration and would love to put up a good show for their fans before their celebratory finally takes off.

In all, their destiny is in their own hands and it'll be interesting to see who stays up. My heart tells me West Ham, though.

All Results:

Man City 0-1 Man U

Everton 3-0 Portsmouth
Fulham 1-0 Liverpool
Newcastle 0-2 Blackburn
Reading 0-2 Watford
West Ham 3-1 Bolton
Wigan 0-1 Boro
Villa 3-0 Sheff. Utd
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
Charlton 0-2 Tottenham

Rafa Hails 'Perfect Day'

Kuyt Double Secures Champions League Spot For Next Season

English Premiership

LIVERPOOL 2 - 0 Wigan

Scorers:
LIV - Kuyt (30min, 68min);

Match Highlights:

A fine double strike from Dirk Kuyt ensured Liverpool's place in yet another season in Europe's elite football competition, the Champions League, and third place seemed all but secured while nearest rival, Arsenal, stumbled at White Hart Lane.

With the semi finals just over 3 days away, Rafa Benitez's men are in here to find a morale booster ahead of the match at Stamford Bridge and the Dutchman duly obliged with two goals that beat a deflated Wigan side.

A shadow of their former self compared to the Wigan last season, they came to Anfield knowing that all they could do is to limit the damage that will be inflicted upon on them by the men in red.

Dragged mercilessly into the mire of relegation, Wigan tried all they could to keep the score down and didn't really have the intention to get anything out of Anfield although they did have a golden chance to equalise in the second half. But Reina, who played his 100th game for Liverpool, was all that stood between Wigan's salvation and devastation.

The home side, under the management of Rafa Benitez, are used to changes week in, week out regarding the starting line up and this game isn't an exception. Biggest surprise is captain, Steven Gerrard, was left on the bench and missed his first league game this season. Zenden was his replacement in the middle of the park.

Perhaps with some thoughts on the match ahead at Chelsea, Rafa rested some other key players and with the lead comfortable at two late in the second half, he even took off Jamie Carragher and gave him a rest.

Dirk Kuyt got Liverpool in the lead at the half hour mark after a brilliant Jermaine Pennant cross was met with his head. Wigan goalkeeper, John Filan, committed himself but missed the ball completely and all the striker needed to do was to stick the ball into the back of the empty net.

But with Liverpool being their usual efficient and cautious style, were not pressing Wigan hard and showed little urgency. With Rafa's preaching of effectiveness, focus and caution, Liverpool didn't throw everything in and you'll expect them to save some energy for the more important game in midweek.

Chances were presented to Liverpool on a couple of occasions in the second half but they were unable to finish it. Gonzalez had a pot shot on goal saved and then Dirk Kuyt fired just wide.

But the Dutch striker didn't take long before he added a second. With the introduction of Craig Bellamy into the front line, Liverpool looked more lively and Rafa injected pace into the attack, which was up against an aging Arjan de Zueew.

Bellamy's down the left was supported by Riise, who then intricately flicked the ball back into the path of Bellamy. Matt Jackson did well to intercept the ball but it fell kindly to Kuyt, who turned the experience De Zueew before slotting it into the bottom corner.

He could've had his hat trick if only he met with Gonzalez's cross with more power right at the 90 minute mark.

But it was marked as a perfect day by Rafa Benitez, who thought that it was an efficient and professional performance from Liverpool. It has become such a practice by the team in red in recent times that they looked like a machine.

Performance wise, just like a machine, you'd expect nothing more and nothing less. Although it could've been better and they could've taken advantage of the home ground and imposed themselves more.

But two goals was enough to see out the continue struggle for the Champions League spot and as Rafa mentioned, they could now focus on the semi finals and prepare without having to worry about the domestic front.

Now, bring on Chelsea!


For more goals and highlights, visit www.redsgoals.blogspot.com !

BAINESSSSSS!!

Strangely how England always seemed to one dimensional in and the lack of left wingers made McClaren scratch his head...

Oh hang on, lack of left wingers? Gareth Barry, Matty Taylor and now, Leighton Baines.



But is it me, or do I think Paul Robinson COULD'VE done a little better there?

The Weekend Round-up

Yes, I know. It's already Tuesday and only now, I've the time to look back at the weekend and post my thoughts. Maybe there are things that have already slipped my mind but I'll just do my best.


The Difference Between Right & Wrong Mentalities

Football is such a complicated matter that there are many circumstances and situations that you just can't use your normal human logic to explain.

Take it as just unpredictability. Many a times, that's what make us love football.

West Ham's defeat last weekend to fellow struggler, Sheffield United, came not as a total surprise. But logical mind thinks 'how can a team that have beaten Arsenal away managed to lose to Sheffield United?'

Honestly, that's what football's all about. But only on the surface. Luck and many other factors that are underrated by the press contributes to results and forms. Looking at ManYoo's performance this season, only a word could use to describe their push for the treble. 'Steamrolling'.

That's beside the point. The thing I'm about to point out is the mentality of the players. Just like how Alan Pardew took a parting shot at his former players at West Ham, what he said is true to a certain extent, that players care more about their Bentleys and money than putting up good performance in their club colours.

The ultimate downfall for West Ham this season will have to be the mentality and attitude of the players. Is it really all down to the players or maybe Curbishley does have to take up some blame?

For me, Alan Curbishley never seemed to be like someone who inspires confidence and drive. He seemed laid back and when bad goes to worst, he'll just admit to defeat and wave the white flag. Maybe I might be wrong but listening to his post match interviews, he sounded like a defeated man.

When the Hammers sacked Pardew, there wasn't a lot of choices and Curbishley seemed to have the pedigree to save West Ham from the inevitable but sadly, he doesn't seemed to have it in him. Let's not even talk about the millions squandered during the winter transfer window.

Might be down to his lack of motivational skills, his players looked disinterested and uninspired against the Blades. Going down 3-0 against a team not so far above them is not a good sign for their bid for survival.

Just how could you explain their 3 wins against Arsenal home and away, adding to the fact that they even defeated ManYoo at Upton Park while losing to 4 of the 6 from the Premiership basement level?

I just don't think the players have the right attitude and will to fight unlike Charlton and to an extent, Watford. If those two teams were to be condemned, they know at least they tried. West Ham are going to go down and Curbs will probably say 'we deserved it'.


Players Are Thick, Still...

The PFA Player of the Year award nominees are out and just as predictable as the announcement of the 23 names on the England squad list, it's full of 'surprises'. The only one difference is the names are picked by football players themselves and who can blame them?

PFA Player of the Year:
Paul Scholes (ManYoo)
Cristiano Ronaldo (ManYoo)
Ryan Giggs (ManYoo)
Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

PFA Young Player of the Year:
Cristiano Ronaldo (ManYoo)
Wayne Rooney (ManYoo)
Kevin Doyle (Reading)
Micah Richards (ManC)
Aaron Lennon (Spurs)


A pretty acceptable list of names but of or two does raise some eyebrows. As a Liverpool fan, the inclusion of Steven Gerrard does makes me scratch my head as he's not even the best performing player at Liverpool, bar the league itself. Players like Jamie Carragher, Steve Finnan or even more audaciously, Daniel Agger, could've made their name on the list instead of the captain.

But being defenders, there is a stigma attached and that is you'll never really get recognised unless you have a brilliant World Cup. Goalkeepers are victims as well because they never get the mention.

Over the season, players like Kolo Toure, Michael Essien, Ricardo Carvalho and Petr Cech performed exceedingly well and consistent but they'll always be behind the pack probably due to their lack of superstar likeness or reputation.

Dimitar Berbatov does deserve a mention on there but could very well go down the list of 'one season wonder' if not careful so as far as I'm concerned, he should not be on the list, YET.

Even Everton haters like me have to take our hats off for players like Mikel Arteta and Joleon Lescott. They've performed wonderfully and does deserve some credit.

But other than that, the list is pretty clear cut and I don't think you'll need a second look to tell who's going to win them, eh?


Just A Mention....

If only all the matches are as exciting as Spurs vs Wigan on Sunday. It's by far one of the best I've ever witnessed and perhaps, it's just Tottenham that entertains. Because previously, their 5-4 game against West Ham was a favourite.

It was end to end stuff and the game started off with Spurs conceding an early goal (surprised?). Then the flood gates opened with wonderful goals going by each end with the Leighton Baines one, perhaps one of the nominees for the goal of the season.

At least Spurs showed the desire to go forward and if they manage to plug in the gaping hole in defence, they'll probably do a lot better than they are now. Their 3 strikers combine a total of 53 goals and you've got to wonder how on earth are they still languishing in mid table with a negative 1 goal difference.

Drogballs' Weekly Thoughts

Relegation Battle Heats Up!

The battle to avoid the last 3 places of the English Premiership seemed to have reached it's boiling point as teams now scramble for points and getting some surprise results.

It's where the show starts and gets interesting.

When it seemed like some teams were dead and buried before Christmas, it now started to look more open and some teams might find themselves in unfamiliar position if they continue to drop precious points in their upcoming games.

Watford though, looked destined for the drop. They played with pride and even though they're last in the table, they didn't have a particularly bad time in the Premiership like Sunderland last season. They're a decent side which just don't have enough quality to make the cut and scoring goals is always going to be a problem for them.

West Ham now plays with renewed hope as they have chalked up two precious wins back to back after defeating both Blackburn and Middlesbrough. Carlos Tevez could be the key man to rescue the Hammers from relegation mire but with tough fixtures coming up, it's not looking too good for them still.

Under Alan Pardew, it seemed like Charlton have revived their season and are now on a roll. They had good results in recent games and they managed to beat last season's black horse, Wigan, 1-0 at The Valley. The 3 points might prove to be a very precious one indeed.

Further up, you have Sheffield United hovering above the drop zone. It's too close for comfort for the Blades as their hope of survival was severely dented by the injury of their top marksman, Rob Hulse. He'll be sorely missed as now they'll do a battle against relegation.

Wigan, meanwhile, lacked confidence within the squad and Paul Jewell have a difficult task to stop them from the free fall. They've disappointed this season after last season's high but should have enough quality to keep them safe, at least for another season.

Even teams like Aston Villa and Fulham should not take their foot off the pedal as they're not far ahead either. Both teams didn't have a particularly successful campaign and if they aren't careful, they might get dragged into the battle as well.

Drogballs' Prediction on the last 3 placing: Watford, West Ham, Sheffield United


Red Devils Steamroll Past Everyone

Seemed like nobody is going to stop them from winning the title. They've shown everything needed to win the title and I think they deserve it fully.

Comebacks? Check. Playing badly and winning it? Check. Good fixtures run in? Check.

But what impressed me most would be the fact that even though they have some injury problems throughout the season, they showed that they've coped well and the emergence of Cristiano Ronaldo is also a positive point to note.

Blackburn scored first through Matt Derbyshire but United came back strongly and just by watching the game, you'll wonder how did Sir Alex coach a group of players that attack with such class, tenacity and precision.

Hand it to them, now.

Our Formation On Saturday......

For the first half,


Looks interesting, eh? A 3-5-2 formation with Finnan pushed forward more than Riise on the left.

Rampant Reds Blitz Sorry Wigan

Bellamy Double Ensures First Away Win

English Premiership

Wigan 0 - 4 LIVERPOOL

Scorers:
LIV - Bellamy (9min, 26min), Kuyt (40min), McCulloch (og 45min);

Highlights:

Liverpool finally got their first win away from home this season and did it in some style. Craig Bellamy, who was in some trouble recently, showed why Liverpool paid big bucks for him with a double, which is welcomed in the eyes of the fans, who were getting a little impatient with his no-show and poor form.

The score didn't flatter Liverpool much as they were in total control from start to end. But one will have to feel for Wigan, as they had chance after chance to score the consolation, but the finishing were poor. Reina had to pull off a couple of vital saves to keep the Red's second clean sheet away from home.

With the return of Alonso, Jamie Carragher was pushed back to play in the central defence along with Dan Agger and Sami Hyypia. The 5-3-2 tactic is now clearly favoured by Rafa Benitez, with Gerrard, Alonso and Garcia in the middle of the park.

Wigan, who were in top form at the moment, were taken aback by the pace at which Liverpool attacked, with Bellamy up top and Kuyt supporting. Bellamy pounced on terrible defensive header and went on to fire in the first.

Then Gerrard's excellent vision sets up Bellamy for the second as he finishes brilliantly again past former Reds keeper, Chris Kirkland.

With the momentum going, Liverpool went on in search of the third. With Wigan looking dangerous, Liverpool had to finish the game off fast and Dirk Kuyt provided just that with a calm and composed finish.

The third goal's build up was just brilliant. It started from Reina's throw to Gerrard who then passed it to Luis Garcia. His long ball then found marauding Gerrard, who chested the ball down, laid off to Bellamy, who unselfishly squared the ball for Kuyt to finish with the goal at his mercy.

Floodgates opened and Liverpool were unstoppable. The fourth goal took a slice of luck as Gerrard's cross went in off McCulloch's knees. He must be feeling really bad at the moment because previously, he failed to grab a golden chance presented to him after Reina was forced into a brilliant save from Paul Scharner's header.

Second half, Liverpool slowed down the pace of the game and Wigan never gave up. There were a few close shave with Wigan nearly getting the consolation on a few occasions but Lady Luck wasn't smiling at them for today and Liverpool finally broke the away day hoodoo.

Just like how Peter Crouch broke his scoring hoodoo last season against Wigan, Liverpool finally got the long awaited away win and begin to move up the table. A sensational performance from the Reds.


Drogballs' Thoughts: Finally, after some terrible luck over the past few months, we finally got what we deserved and it's true that all things balance up at the end of the day. We played well, controlled the game, were never in danger of losing the game. What pleases me was the drive of the players especially Gerrard, who had a tremendous game in the middle of the pitch, doing what he does best, playmaking.

He was the maker of almost all the goals. Pure vision and inspiration from the skipper. But not only he performed, the rest of the team did well also. Craig Bellamy finally justifying the price tag with a double. Good finish, great runs and would be gutted not to scored a hat trick.

Dirk Kuyt as usual, worked his arse off. He deserved that goal as well. That goal was well worked and seamless, just a pass and move goal initiated by none other than Steven Gerrard.

So finally, an away win for us. I'm well pleased with the efforts of the players and nice to see Paletta and Guthrie getting some experience on the field. I hope the team can finally overcome the fear of playing away from home and build up the confidnce.

A morale boosting win and a very important one indeed. At least we're moving in the right direction.


Player Ratings:

Reina - 8 - Vital saves. A very confident goalkeeper now. And another clean sheet for him.

Finnan - 7 - Defended well. Provided width.
Carragher - 8 - Some vital blocks and interceptions.
Hyypia - 7 - Handled Heskey well.
Agger - 7 - Did alright.
Riise - 8 - Put in a lot of dangerous crosses and made some good runs.

Alonso - 7 - Back form injury. Some good passes.
Gerrard - 9 - Set up Bellamy for his goals. Excellent vision and energy from the skipper.
Luis Garcia - 7 - Did alright.

Bellamy - 9 (MOM) - A double from the Welsh. Good finishing, composed and calm.
Kuyt - 8 - Worked hard up front and on the left wing. Scored a good goal.

Wigan vs Liverpool Preview

As we move on to yet another round of English Premiership fixture, it is yet another...

Away game for Liverpool.

I hear you trembling in fear again. But fear not, because this is yet another opportunity for Liverpool to break the curse, the hoodoo, the away day blues.

The game will certainly not be easy, as Wigan, the fairy tale of last season, is a very difficult team to beat especially at home. They are a hardworking team with some technically brilliant players and some tough ones.

Last season when we're going through a rough patch, we managed a slender win over Wigan with Hyypia scoring. That win broke a run of 2 consecutive losses and put us back on track.

It was also against Wigan that Peter Crouch finally found his scoring touch by hitting two past them.

Will we be able to break the hoodoo against Wigan again this season? It was somewhere around this time last year that we finally found the momentum and changed gear and ended up 3rd in the league with only a point difference with ManYoo.

But injuries hasn't been kind to us, with around half a dozen of players still in the treatment room. The good news will definitely be the return of Xabi Alonso, as he will automatically takes over deput, Jamie Carragher's position and play alongside skipper, Steven Gerrard.

There might also be changes upfront for the Reds as Benitez looks to rotate the strikers once again. This time round, Dirk Kuyt might be relegated to the bench for the arrival of Craig Bellamy, who was cleared off charges and returned to training without further problems. He will have a possibility of partnering Crouch.

As I've mentioned, Wigan will be a tough nut to crack and their confidence will be built on the fact that Liverpool have struggled to get goals especially against Pompey at Anfield on Thursday. They will look to shut out Liverpool once again but I personally think they will have a go at Liverpool, seeing our away form being disastrous and several players lacking in confidence.

They're a team who can play nice football and Liverpool should be aware of that. Long ball to Heskey aside, they could utilise the pace of Henri Camara to trouble the Liverpool defence, which must be at their guard.

Drogballs' Prediction: Wigan 0-1 Liverpool. A very tight game decided by a moment of brilliance perhaps. And a day which we will break our away day hoodoo.