Race for 4th: Liverpool

Until tonight's defeat at Wigan i had viewed Liverpool as favourites to grab that last Champions League place. Their run-in, on paper at least, has been said by the majority of those who have compared them thus far to be the most favourable. You'd certainly fancy them to pick up at least twelve points from their remaining home games, their form at Anfield strong as ever, just two defeats, both against sides nearer to the top of the table - Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Their performances away from home, however, will be both a cause of concern for their supporters as we approach the run-in, and of optimism for those of the clubs around them. This evening was another example of a shapeless and badly-coached side completely void of any ideas in the final third, and they'll have to improve greatly on the road to take maximum points at the likes of Birmingham, Hull or Burnley, the latter two of which will be fighting for their lives.

Injuries:
The return of Glen Johnson may just give them a bit of attacking drive. Hopeless in defence though he is, there's no doubt he's a real outlet going forward. Martin Skrtel is expected to miss at least another six weeks with a broken metatarsal. Fernando Torres will eventually regain fitness and put the fear of living god up all who mark him, but let's hope that happens later rather than sooner.

Potential banana skins:
The trip to Old Trafford stands out, United will have a point to prove, but should they get past Lille in the last sixteen of the Europa League the Dippers face Birmingham at St.Andrews the following weekend, most likely to be moved back to the Sunday. Any potential jaunt into the semis would mean European ties followed by games away at Burnley, and at Anfield against Chelsea on the penultimate weekend, which could see the Stamford Bridge side need a result to stay in the title race.

Remaining games and probable points:
H - Portsmouth (3), Sunderland (3), Fulham (3), West Ham (3), Chelsea (1)
A - United (0), Birmingham (1), Burnley (1), Hull (1)

Verdict:
An awful side, but never write them off. They were never as good as their position last year suggested, but neither are they as bad as they've been for most of this season. Well capable of having the last laugh by pushing on, and much more experience than the other contenders, but almost certainly the worst Liverpool side i've seen. They'll quite probably win the Europa League and paper over the obvious huge cracks. I know their lot get defensive when outsiders attack Benitez, but those who go week in, week out will tell you they think it's about time.

Prediction: 7th (64 pts)