The first couple of games in the Premiership have provided plenty of interest already. Everton and Man City have started the campaign brightly and Newcastle started with a morale-boosting victory away from home. Meanwhile United and Spurs have floundered.
The huge gulf normally in the Premiership between the top and mid-table clubs appears to be shifting and the league could take on a similar appearance to other European leagues. Huge points scores amassed by Premiership champions in recent years could be eroded and if the league becomes more difficult it will no doubt make for a more interesting title race. But it's early days.
Liverpool deserved the three points last weekend against Aston Villa, they started slowly but quickly found their footing. Torres, although not on the scoresheet, looked lively, interested and like he will have goals in him - hopefully starting on Sunday against Chelsea.
Rafa's hardest job this season will probably once again be keeping the squad focussed with his rotation system. Voronin and Crouch shared the striking duty against Toulouse, and it was Voronin who grabbed the winner. Playing without the burden of a transfer fee, or even much expectation from some Liverpool fans he was one of the brightest players in pre-season and there will be a real battle amongst the four strikers this season. I hope that if somebody does begin to find a rich vein of form that Benitez allows players the chance to ink their name on to the next game's teamsheet, rather than sticking rigidly to his selection policy.
And so to this weekend's big clash against Chelsea and Steven Gerrard. His hairline fracture of the tip of his toe is a concern but Rafa believes it is worth the 'little risk' before resting the player afterwards. With the array of talent at his disposal in midfield I continue to find it an extra-ordinary risk. Mascherano, Sissoko and Alonso are all fine midfielders and will have a point to prove that Rafa doesn't always have to choose Stevie + one of them, but can mix and match through all four. Don't get me wrong, Stevie G is Liverpool's best player, but my gut feeling is that somewhere at the back of his mind he will be wary. I think we can beat Chelsea without him and playing him is no guarantee of anything against the Londoners. Obviously now I have mentioned how much I worry about the decision to play him he will probably go out and score a hat-trick.
Sunday will hopefully be a great day - Torres first time to experience an Anfield match-day. Since the Arsenal game in the FA Cup in January (or Truth Day as we remember it) the atmosphere at Anfield has been improving. Our great stadium will not be with us for much longer and maybe this is partly responsible. The Reclaim the Kop campaign has been promoting the good Anfield values, and the changes to the Kop Season Ticket seating has enabled the 1892 block - a section of 1892 seats specifically designed for like minded chanters to sit together. It should all click in to place this Sunday, and if you're going to Anfield this weekend then make sure you give it your all, and remind Chelsea of those two famous European nights. (Just make sure you don't sing the Campeone song at 100 miles an hour though eh?)
We wish Tommy Smith well in his continued recuperation from his heart attack and look forward to seeing him at Anfield on Sunday.
Lastly I wanted to draw attention to the plight of Gloucester City Football Club. Their ground has been completely ruined by the recent flooding, pictures showed the water level lapping at the crossbar of the football goals. The non-league side have been forced to relocate but the club is in serious danger of disappearing. The ground was not insured after two previous floods. Supporters trusts around the countries have helped out with little donations here and there but it's clear they need more help. In this world of £26 million transfer fees it is sad to see a local club suffering when there is so much money in the game. If you would like to read more, or even donate an item for auction or lend them a fiver you can find out more here.
Wherever you are in the world on Sunday I have no doubt you're eyes will be Anfield. If we land the 3 points, then maybe... just maybe...
