Ryan

For those in the know about the Eircom League who do you think will win it this year? I was looking at Derry City (5/2) a few weeks back and a cousin of mine reckoned that was a decent price. Any suggestions?

Finnan for me. He's been superb for us this season as he was last season!

TBF to Barnes in his last 3 seasons at the club he played as a holding midfielder which decreased his average dramatically (although still managed some belters like the bicycle kick at Blackburn 94/95 and the 45/50 yarder at Southampton 96/97).

He's now at Osasuna.

He's still (I think) a Real Madrid player but currently on loan at Gimnastic. Roberto Soldado is another highly rated Real youngster-he's currently on loan at Osasuna.

Man City must be laughing now though! They got £21 Million for a player who cost them (in terms of transfer fees) nothing and yet now he's being valued at around the £10 Million mark (possibly not even that much) just over a year on. Plus I'd be very surprised if there was no sell-on fee due to City aswell.

Cheers. Anyone remember his debut at Crewe 3 years ago? He looked the part but sadly it wasn't to be.

I've a feeling that it's going to be a very nervy 0-0.

Heard that he has been loaned out to French club Sochaux for the season but can't find any confirmation on the official site. Can anyone update me?

Looking at those 2 sides and there is still no place for Zenden, Diao, FSP, ALT, Mellor or Warnock and it shows how strong the squad of players we have now is.

If playing 4-4-2: Reina Finnan Carra Hyypia JAR Gerrard Momo Xabi Kewell Kuyt Bellamy If playing 4-5-1: Reina Finnan Carra Hyypia JAR Pennant Gerrard Momo Xabi Kewell Crouch And finally if playing 3-5-2 (which I think we'll play a few times this season): Reina Carra Hyypia Agger Finnan JAR Gerrard Momo Alonso Kuyt Bellamy

Thanks for clearing that up-didn't realise Gerard was at Barca as a kid before going to Valencia.

They've re-signed Gerard? Who was he playing for last season? Remember he was excellent at Valencia but had a few injuries in his (first) spell at Barca and was never offered a new contract last summer. With regards to Riquelme I've a feeling he will be at Real Madrid next season. Don't know why-just a feeling!

Chelsea's opening offer was £32 Million and it was (obviously) turned down. Had Gerrard not changed his mind and decided to stay I'm fairly certain we'd of got at least £40 Million up-front for him!

With regards to Cisse's transfer fee it will probably be undisclosed so we'll never know! I think a lot hinges on whether or nor he has a decent World Cup.

Do you feel that the overall standard of the PL has increased or decreased over the past few seasons?

Typical-the best I could find when I placed the bet (about a month ago) was 12's. Should have looked harder! Also had a little wager on Huntelaar (Ajax striker) to be top scorer in the WC at 40/1 but he's not in the Dutch squad :no

I've backed Spain at 12/1. Have backed them in every tournament from Euro 96 onwards so have to stick with them otherwise I'd be gutted if they came in the year I didn't put any money on them!

If the price was right then SWP.

Since I started supporting the reds back in 1990 my favourite season has to be the 2000-01 campaign (despite the Mancs winning their 3rd straight title). The 2nd half of that season in particular was excellent-didn't we accumulate more points then Man Utd from January onwards? Also how good was that final week of the season? Arsenal in the F.A. Cup Final, Alaves in the Uefa Cup Final and then the 4-0 win at Charlton to secure 3rd place in the PL.

I actually think that playing Kewell on the left-hand side of a narrow midfield 3 could be his best position. He's a good passer of the ball and would surely have more opportunites to shoot at goal from in-field. Played very well there against Newcastle at St. James Park earlier this season when we played with wing-backs and could also play that role when we play with just one up-front. Even once Gonzales has arrived Kewell will still have a major part to play IMO.

Owen scored 2 headers in his last England appearance (against Argentina).

He was probably booed by the Shed End because that's where the away fans sit ;)

Wayne Harrison-forced to retire due to injury.

A bit of trouble outside the away end at OT last month.