Race for 4th: Villa

Whilst a top four finish would have been the aim at the start of the season, and especially given Liverpool's continuing awfulness, the prospect of a second cup final as well as a top six finish would surely represent another year of progress for O'Neill and Lerner. That defeat against United will have hurt, opinions on that particular competition aside. Villa were poor on the day and will want to make up for it. I think they've got a real chance against Chelsea.

Though we're above them in the league, and sit here with a bottomless pit of cash and able to attract most players in world football, i must admit a slight twinge of jealousy regards the Villa. They're more of a team than we are, and amassing a side of mainly likable and British players on a fraction of what we've blew really appeals to the football purist in me. Having to replace an entire defence doesn't seem to have slowed them down, and the moving of James Milner into a central midfield role has so far proved inspired.

Potential banana skins:
Their home run-in sees them playing none of the other European candidates. The majority of their dropped points at Villa Park have come against the sides near the summit, with the opening day defeat against Wigan and draw with West Ham the only exceptions. Wolves, Sunderland, and Blackburn should present few problems, but the visits of rejuvenated Everton and the third-city derby against the league's biggest overachievers this year, Birmingham, will both be tricky.

Sublime on the road last season, the Villains haven't managed to be as consistent this, although good wins at Old Trafford and Anfield shouldn't be ignored. The majority of their away fixtures are against sides who will most probably still have something to play for at the time, be it the title, fourth place, or maintaining their place in the division. Stoke are pretty much safe, but the Britannia remains one i'm sure no side looks forward to, and Pompey's inevitable points deduction could make that one an away banker, but Hull, Wigan, Chelsea, Bolton - all tough to call, plus they have to come here.

Verdict:
Despite the handbags between the two clubs over the summer transfer of Gareth Barry, i'm sure the majority of those who support either would count themselves in the 'if it ain't us, anyone but Liverpool' camp, and though them managing to outdo us would result in smugness from some considering we relieved them of one of their best players, and in turn sold them one not deemed good enough here who has since improved ten-fold, i genuinely wouldn't mind seeing them do it providing we don't.

Villa will be there or there abouts, and i don't imagine us, them and Spurs being separated by more than three or four points come the end. If they can stay solid at the back and keep Milner, Young and Agbonlahor fit then you can't write them off. Whilst i doubt we'll see a capitulation like last season i do see them going for broke in the FA Cup, a trophy that famously still eludes O'Neill, and hopefully that may work in our favour.

Remaining games and probable points:
H - Wolves (3), Sunderland (3), Everton (1), Birmingham (1), Blackburn (3)

A - Hull (1), Stoke (1), Wigan (3), Chelsea (0), Bolton (1), Portsmouth (3), City (0)

Prediction: 6th (65 pts)