Weather permitting it’s Gameweek 18, this roller coaster Premier League season is about to enter its crucial Christmas period. Three points going into the festivities will be a priority for all managers this weekend.

Sam Allardyce can put is feet up on Saturday and watch the club that unceremoniously sacked him take on his potential new employers. Rovers Phil Jones(4.5) is an apparent January transfer target for several clubs, the defender has picked up 48 points so far this season and could be a shrewd acquisition if the rumours bear fruit. Blackburn’s performer of the season so far is the ever consistent Morten Gamst Pedersen(5.9), a 75 point haul this season puts him 12^th overall in the midfield rankings.

Avram Grants tenure at Upton Park is hanging by a thread. He could be trading places with Big Sam come the New Year unless the Hammers can perform a dramatic turnaround. Were it not for the Influence of Scott Parker(5.4) you feel that Grant’s and quite possibly West Ham’s fate would already have been sealed. With Parker again the centre of transfer speculation it could be wise to add the playmaker to your ranks. Goals win Football matches, Frederic Piquionne(4.9) and Victor Obinna(5.5) have excited occasionally and Allardyce could be warming himself by the fire for a bit longer if the pair hit form over the festivities.

It’s time for another West Midlands derby on Sunday as West Brom entertain Wolves. The key to the Baggies success so far this season has been in the engine room. Chris Brunt(5.7) is a massive player for Roberto Di Matteo, if he’s not scoring goals he is creating them. Wide man Jerome Thomas(4.6) is performing well and steady as a rock Paul Scharner(4.5) is a reliable performer who chips in with the odd goal too. Mick McCarthy’s men deserve to be a wee bit higher up the table, if Stephen Hunt(5.3) can recapture the form of his Reading and Hull City days he will play a vital part in Wolves’ survival campaign. Wanderers will also be buoyed by the return of key men Matthew Jarvis(5.3) and Kevin Doyle(5.1).

Gameweek 18 concludes with Everton paying a visit to official title contenders Man City. Reports indicate that Carols Tevez(11.1) will be stripped of his captaincy but will play. There is a bargain to be had at multi-billion pound City, midfielder Yaya Toure is available for a mere 5.3 million. The Ivorian notched 13 points last time out, that’s value for Fantasy League money. Keep an eye on the happenings at Eastlands, a clear out is on the cards. The Fantasy League January sales will start here.

The next round of Premier League fixtures kick off on Boxing Day. I therefore wish you all a very merry and points laden Christmas. May your stocking be overflowing and your Turkey be moist and delicious. Thank you for reading every week and many apologies if you’ve followed any(and there have been plenty!) of my, shall we say, less rewarding suggestions.

If you feel like joining in the fun then join the EPL League by visiting: http://fantasy.premierleaguem.com/ the code you need to join is 13413-5300

In late October this website asked, Why no praise for West Brom? West Brom then promptly went on to win one more point in the following games. It is with that lesson that I must apologise to any Bolton fans if their team suddenly goes on a slide but it cannot go without saying any longer. Bolton Wanderers have been wonderful, this season has been superb for the Trotters and yet I haven’t seen many articles extolling their virtues, of which there are many.

It is now late November and after a demolition of Newcastle United, Bolton occupy 5^th place in the Premier League. They are ahead of Spurs on goal difference and a world away from being in the relegation zone as they were last season. Not only that they are playing exciting football under a manager whom the chairman and – crucially – the fans have great faith. With a push towards Europe and a team full of exciting young players and wily veterans, Bolton fans can expect to see this form continue, unless the curse of EPLtalk sets in.

Where has it all gone right?

The revolution began in January of this year as Owen Coyle was appointed from – then – Premier League new-boys Burnley. Burnley had been playing good football but hadn’t won a game for months; they did have creditable draws over Arsenal, Man City and a win over Manchester United early in the season. Coyle took over from Gary Megson, who had become a deeply unpopular figure at the Reebok due to his unsuccessful and unattractive football, two factors which often will spell the end for a manager. Coyle had left as he considered Bolton a team better suited to ‘top flight football’. This was at a time when Bolton were at the same level as Burnley in the league and gate attendances were dropping at The Reebok.

Since the change in management Bolton have been on an upward swing, having avoided relegation last season Bolton entered this season with modest expectations. Coyle has gotten the best out of his players and tailored his tactics to suit that. It has been shown before this season that a 4-4-2 can be effective if applied correctly and pressure is maintained on the opposing side, you need only look at Sunderland’s win over Chelsea and Newcastle’s win over Arsenal to show this. Coyle has played this way with two ‘normal’ wingers. Along with this has been the willingness to go direct if the play calls for it as Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander have proven themselves capable in the air and in bringing each other into play.

Speaking of Elmander, this is the biggest positive for Coyle since his appointment. The startling thing about Bolton’s turnaround has been that it has been done with effectively the same team that he was left with. Elmander was a punch line when Coyle took over as the mis-firing Swede was lambasted for his poor scoring tally and record transfer fee. Whilst he didn’t start scoring straight away there has been a marked improvement in both the quality and quantity of his goals and he is finally showing the moves of a £10 million player. The same applies to Kevin Davies, who could charitably have been described as ‘one-dimensional’ under Gary Megson, Davies has added nuances to his performances which led to an England cap and a small degree of consternation when he was left out of the England squad more recently. Another exciting player already on the Bolton books was the young Korean Chung-Yong Lee, a tricky winger with a great cross I was surprised to hear James Richardson (of the Guardian podcast) question his ability. I thought it was clear to see that the Korean was a very-good Premier League winner and I contested he would make a valuable addition to a team in need of good wingers such as Liverpool.

With this kind of quality at the club I actually find myself in the position of wondering whether Gary Megson was really all that bad for Bolton, he certainly had an eye for a player. He signed Tamir Cohen, Gretar Steinsson, Matty Taylor, Gary Cahill, Fabrice Muamba, Mark Davies and the two signings mentioned above. These are all quality players with Davies, Muamba and Cahill all still relatively young. It is damning though that under another manager these players have performed better and achieved better in such a short space of time. Perhaps scouting is more appropriate to a man of Megson’s ability.

That is not to say though that Coyle has not been as prevalent in the transfer market. Having not spent more than a rumoured £1.5m on an ex-Real Madrid youngster Coyle has added to this team very well. The loan signings of Vladimir Weiss and Jack Wilshere showed the faith he had in quality youth and showed the ambition with which he wanted to play. Since then he has also brought in Robbie Blake and Martin Petrov who have the experience needed to enhance the youth players already at the team (Much like Robert Pires move to Villa). If you have been following Bolton and particularly if you are American you will have noticed one name conspicuously absent. That is because the best of Coyle’s signings and one done for nothing has been Stuart Holden, the Scottish-American midfielder has been key for both Club and Country and one major injury aside has been ever present in Bolton’s team. A dynamic young player he only has one element missing from his game and that is the lack of goals, however if he continues to play the way he has been that will be easily forgiven.

All of the above has been a great positive for Bolton fans who – since their promotion – have become accustomed to the Premier League and even the odd foray in Europe do still have some serious problems beyond the pitch. Coyle has operated well on his budget given that he has had very little money to spend as recent financial results have shown the club in £90m of debt (Which was up 30m from the year previous) puts the club on precarious financial footing. There may have to be sales in order to prop up the balance sheet but a reduction in the quality of the players on show would be a negative sign towards fans as they currently occupy a European place. Also the problem with their record signing taking so long to find his level is that as he has surged into form his contract is on it’s last legs and if no deal is agreed before January he could leave on a Bosman, though the club could sell him at a reduced cost to prevent that (see the story of Nigel De Jong’s transfer).

With that Bolton are at a fork in the road, do they secure their future by losing their best players and hope to unearth a few more gems? Or do they hold on to their best players and risk putting the club in Jeopardy for the hope of a financial windfall from Europe and a high-table place? We will soon see but for the meantime I will continue to watch Owen Coyle’s Bolton play football because, unless you are a fan of the opposing team, it is a joy to behold.

(You can follow me @kipp9 on twitter)

It’s the North London derby this weekend. Arsenal, who are fast becoming serious title contenders play Host to Tottenham. The Gunners sit second, 2 points behind Chelsea. Tottenham find themselves seventh after a much needed win against Blackburn last weekend. Three points for either side would see them make significant strides up the Premier league table, so a point a piece it will be at the Emirates.

With the calibre of attacking players available to both sides you get the feeling it won’t be a goalless encounter. Make sure you have North London’s big hitters in your starting line up by Saturday lunchtime. Arsenal have no fresh injury worries as yet, but Tottenham have lost the services of string-puller Tom Huddlestone for a few months.

Elsewhere in the Premier League it’s the battle of the big number nine’s at the Reebok stadium, well it’s technically three number nine’s. Newcastle’s Andy Carroll acquitted himself well on Wednesday night, considering he was half way back to Newcastle by the time England forged any meaningful attack and will be looking to add to the 77 points he’s already picked up this season. Bolton’s Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies continue their fine form, add midfielder Chung-Yong Lee to the mix and you could find yourself in the points. However, the way this season is going a match featuring a trio of the League’s top strikers is bound to finish in a stalemate.

On paper Stokes trip to West Brom doesn’t look the most exciting match up, but this could be the dark horse of the weekend. Stokes flying winger Matthew Etherington and yo-yo midfielder Dean Whitehead are a risky gamble worth taking. Similarly the home side have mister consistent in Chris Brunt (58) and their very own goal machine in Peter Odemwingie (47), both could reward you with a healthy points haul this game week.

Premier League matches have been so hard to predict this season, so I’m not even going to mention Chelsea’s trip to St Andrews or Man Utd taking on Wigan, and as for Liverpool Vs West Ham, well I’m saying nothing. Sunderland’s fantastic performance at the bridge last Sunday summed up the Premier League perfectly, anything can and will happen in a game week. It’s a pundit’s nightmare.

I am however prepared to stick my neck out in regards to Sunday’s matches – Blackburn Vs Aston Villa and Fulham Vs Man City have got 1-1 written all over them. It will be a day where defences will triumph. Fulham’s Brede Hangeland and Villa’s James Collins will sure up any defence and both have weighed in with a few goals this season.

Game week 14 concludes with Everton’s trip to surprise package of game week 13, Sunderland. It goes without saying that Asamoah Gyan is the star man at the stadium of light right now, but his strike partner Darren Bent could return from injury in time for Monday nights clash. Everton themselves have a few potential bargains available, defensive rocks Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin are good value at 5.8 and 5.5 million respectively and young full back Seamus Coleman (4.9 million) is improving every week.

That’s your lot for this week. If you feel like joining in the fun then join the EPL League by visiting: http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ the code you need to join is 13413-5300

Barely have you had chance to draw breath and it’s time to do it all again. There’s a full midweek programme of Premier League fixtures, game week 12 is upon us already, and it’s going to be tricky selection wise as several managers may opt to shuffle their packs.

Tie of the week has to be the Manchester derby. The Blue half of Manchester have Carlos Tevez back and the Reds back line can expect a torrid time at the hands of the annoyingly persistent Argentinean. United may still be picking up points but they are struggling and will be looking for big performances from the experienced Scholes and Fletcher. It would also be a good time for Hernandez and Berbatov to rediscover their earlier form.

Chelsea and Tottenham will be looking to bounce back from disappointing weekend results. Spurs play host to Sunderland on Tuesday, and the form is with Tottenham, the Black Cats have only won once at the Lane in 26 years. Van Der Vaart is struggling with a hamstring injury, but I think Harry will risk him. Three points here are vital for Spurs’ push for the top four, Redknapp will go all out for victory on Tuesday night so it’s time to give your Tottenham forwards a run out.

I fear Fulham could pay for Liverpool’s victory on Sunday. Chelsea need to bounce back with a win and will simply overpower Fulham at the bridge. Drogba will be all guns blazing after warming the bench at Anfield for a long 45 minutes. This could be the week to rest any Fulham defenders you have in your squad.

Aston Villa’s treatment room is full of strikers right now, which equals opportunity for one young striker and if you feel like taking a gamble then Nathan Delfouneso, who could have had a hat-trick on Saturday, will be looking to make amends at home to Blackpool on Wednesday. It could also be a good time to give two more of Villa’s youngsters a chance, midfielders Marc Albrighton and Barry Bannan are turning heads for all the right reasons and both are available for under 5 million. There are always goals where Blackpool are concerned, honours may well end up even in this one but it will be entertaining.

There are two ties this week which, in all honesty, could go either way. Wolves host Arsenal and Newcastle host Blackburn. Wolves were outstanding in defeat at Old Trafford and have been impressive all season. Arsenal, being Arsenal could stroll this one or make a complete three course meal out of it. I’m going to go for the latter. Robin Van Persie made an appearance on Sunday and I’m backing him to be the difference in what will be a tight encounter.

It would be no surprise if Newcastle followed up a win at the emirates with a defeat at home to Blackburn. Nothing would give big Sam more pleasure than a victory against his former club. Newcastle should win, which is why I’m going to back Blackburn and Jason Roberts who found his shooting boots, well shin pads, against Wigan.

West Ham vs West Brom is another fixture that could throw up a few goals. Scott Parker at 5.4 million and Frederic Piquionne available for 5.1 million are well worth considering. The Hammers won’t stay bottom of the table for long and this home tie with the Albion could be the turning point of their season.

I’ve gone striker crazy in my suggestions this week, but I sense goals in game week 12 and goals mean points. Hopefully I’ve given you plenty to think about as you tinker with your attack.

If you feel like joining in the fun then join the EPL League by visiting: http://fantasy.premierleague.com/  the code you need to join is 13413-5300

Hello and welcome to EPL Talk’s new weekly Fantasy League tips column. If you are constantly experiencing selection problems ahead of the weekends fixtures this is the column for you (hopefully!). Every week I will do my best to not only pick out the weeks potential points grabbers but also suggest who might benefit from a weekend of bench warming.

Kicking off in controversial style, my first tip is Emile Heskey. The Villa front man may have all the grace of a concussed Bambi on ice but he is shining once again under the guidance of Gerrard Houllier. It’s the second City derby this weekend and I can see a resurgent Heskey being more than a handful for the Birmingham back four.

Looking for someone to Partner big Emile upfront? Look no further than Man Utd’s part owl goal machine Javier Hernandez, the rubber necked Mexican grabbed two at the weekend and came off the bench midweek to help overcome Wolves in the Carling Cup. Come Saturday he’ll find himself up against a Spurs side that, when it comes to keeping clean sheets, are about as successful as “Chicharito’s” absent team mate Wayne Rooney. There are points to be had at Old Trafford and Nani will be looking to get in on the action too. The winger’s toes are beginning to twinkle as brightly as his winking predecessor, seeing him currently sit second overall in the midfield rankings.

Be sure to bolster your engine room with Blackpool’s star man Charlie Adam. Like a pair of Day-Glo hot pants The Tangerine’s are far from fashionable but they certainly catch the eye and Adam is reaping the benefits of Blackpool’s free flowing approach. They host West Brom this weekend in what promises to be an open game. Having notched up a respectable 46 points so far this season, the Baggies Chris Brunt is well worth a look too.

If you’re in the market for a bargain then you may want to cast your eye over Sunderland’s Ahmed Elmohamady (I’d never heard of him either). The Egyptian has so far accumulated 44 points and looks a snip at 5 million. Another potential steal available at the Stadium of Light is goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. The stopper has 35 points on the board and is available for a cool 4.1 million.

It’s not just about who to add it’s also about who to axe. If you have any West Ham players in your squad now is the time to give them a rest. On the back of a Carling cup tie that went to extra time the last place you want to visit is the Emirates Stadium. The Hammers defensive unit will be coughing up lungs and seeing double after 90 minutes of chasing Arsenal shadows.

Finally Manchester City’s barrel-chested nuisance Carlos Tevez is very doubtful for their trip to Wolves with a thigh injury. I’d follow Mancini’s lead and reward wee Carlos with a weekend off.

If you feel like joining in the fun then you can join the EPL Talk League by visiting: http://fantasy.premierleague.com/  the code you need to join is 13413-5300

West Brom fought back from two goals down against Manchester Untied to earn a very impressive point at Old Trafford. At half time few would of thought the final outcome would be anything other than a comfortable win for the home side, but credit to Roberto Di Mateo’s men who continue to impress.

While Di Mateo does deserve praise for inspiring his side to an excellent comeback, Sir Alex Ferguson will be bitterly disappointed at his side’s failure to see out a game that in truth should have been a routine victory.

In years gone by you have to feel that United would have gone on to win this game by four or five, but at present there seems to be a real ruthless streak lacking.

Ferguson himself was far from happy with the result but attempted to lift some of the blame from Edwin Van Der Sar, who’s error gave the visitors their equaliser. He said: “You just have to forgive him that. It is an unbelievable career he has had. You just have to wipe it from the slate.

“It’s a totally unacceptable result and we’re obviously frustrated. We have given the game away. We should have been four, maybe five, up at half-time. We really need to start putting our foot down when it comes to killing teams off.”

To be honest I don’t think United are far off been able to really push for the title, but disappointing results like today could stop them giving Chelsea a real challenge. As mentioned earlier in the article, you have to feel that United of old would never have let West Brom back in to the game.

United should have won the game in the first half but didn’t have enough about them to kill off a defiant West Brom side who have already showed their ability to score goals at homes of Premier League big-boys this season.

It really does beg the question, would Wayne Rooney have made a difference. With hindsight it is easy to question Ferguson’s decision to leave last season’s talismanic striker out of his starting line-up and in many ways I don’t think Rooney in his current form could have changed the game.

United are lacking something at the moment. So far this season they just haven’t played with their usual swagger. If they are to stop Chelsea running away with the league, Ferguson needs to fix this problem as soon as possible.

In recent years West Brom have picked up the tag as the ultimate yo-yo team, proving too good for the Championship and not quite strong enough for the Premier League. This season under the guidance of Roberto Di Matteo the Baggies are looking to put that name to bed and they have made the perfect start.

After an opening weekend thumping at Chelsea most pundits gave West Brom very little chance of bucking the trend this year but since that result West Brom have looked a very decent side. Home wins against Sunderland and Birmingham and a respectable point against Tottenham sees the Baggies currently in 10th position. The good thing for Baggies fans is that they merit that position. Unlike previous Premier League campaigns they look capable of competing at this level and more importantly capable of scoring goals, which is something they have struggled to do in the past when in the top flight.

New signing Peter Odemwingie has proved an instant hit with the Albion fans netting two goals in his first four games and seems to be flourishing in the passing system that the Italian Di Matteo likes his side to operate under. Chris Brunt has benefited from a season back in the Championship and now looks a player who can make a real impact in the top flight. His left foot could prove a major weapon for West Brom this season. Highly sought after Graham Dorrans also brings creativity and goals to the side to give Di Matteo’s men that extra edge.

There is no denying the fact that West Brom are better equipped to stay up this time around and with sides such as Wigan and West Ham struggling West Brom and Roberto Di Matteo could just put the yo-yo name to bed. Do you think the Baggies can beat the drop this season?

Osaze Odemwingie has escaped the sick Racist taunts that marred his time with Lokomotiv Moscow

West Brom fans will today display a banner in support of Osaze Odemwingie after the striker received a sick racist taunt from ‘supporters’ at his former club Lokomotiv Moscow.  Baggies fans will have a created a banner which will read “Thanks Lokomotiv”.

The touching gesture is in retaliation to the ”Thanks West Brom” banner that featured a banana image. It  demonstrates just how far the English game has come over the last 30 years. Football in England has come that far that most of us are sickened to hear any form of racism in a football ground.

Odemwingie himself admits that although racist behaviour is only committed by a select few,  Russia does have a problem. He told BBC Sport: “Some fans treated me well – only a group of supporters have shown how narrow minded they are to the world.

“Coloured players feel the open racism there and I recall a game against CSKA Moscow when their fans started the sick noises – I wouldn’t have any of it and gave it back to them.

 ”This was widely publicised because photographers had shots of my protest but still nothing was done to curb it. Sadly, it’s a picture of a minority group in Russia – it really makes you feel sick but that is what it is. “

 Thankfully Odemwingie should be safe from the racist taunts at West Brom. I look back to England’s clash with Spain in 2004, which saw Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright Phillips on the end of disgusting and unacceptable chants from the home crowd. I think that was the night when I really realised just how far the English game was ahead of most.

 But FIFA just don’t act on these incidents. The Spanish Football Federation were fined £44,750 for their fans actions that night, a punishment that in the multi-million pound world of football is nothing short of laughable.  Similar incidents have happened across Europe, most notably in Italy, but yet again FIFA have handed out feeble punishments, which barely cover the crime.

Now FIFA has the opportunity to act once again, but my betting is that they don’t.  If Russia host the World Cup after a sickening display of racism like that, it would be a complete sham, and a disgrace football.

Of course I want England to host the World Cup, but even if we weren’t bidding to host the 2018 tournament, I would be outraged at FIFA’s continued tolerance of racist behaviour.  Hopefully FIFA finally make a stand, but I won’t be holding my breath just yet.

Can Raul Meireles (Right) add some bite to the Liverpool midfield?

Fernando Torres returned to goal scoring form to give Liverpool’s season a much needed kick-start against West Brom. But will this be the start of a bright season for Roy Hodgson’s side or will the men from Merseyside disappoint once again?

It’s been a bit of strange week for Liverpool. It started with midfielder Javier Mascherano apparently going on strike and refusing to play in their embarrassing 3-0 defeat to big spending Manchester City. But the week ended with their first league win of the season and a couple of very astute from Hodgson.

Hodgson has wasted little time in spending the money that will come when Mascherano completes his move to Barcelona and while neither Paul Konchesky nor Raul Meireles are of quite the same standard as Mascherano they will make the Reds a stronger side.

Meireles is very much in the Mascherano mould and would appear to be a like for like replacement. He was criticised by the Portuguese media before the World Cup for not having enough guile in his game, but this could be exactly what Liverpool need. He will add the steel and protection to the midfield that looked so desperately against Manchester City.

Konchesky is another who will improve Liverpool. He may not have the glamour of an Ashley Cole  type full back, but he is steady and will be a reliable player for Hodgson to turn too.

I would argue that Liverpool are in a better position for a successful season then they were at this time last week. Although losing Mascherano is a blow he was an almost a luxury player to have in midfield, and other players can do equally as good a job but for considerably less of the price. Namely Meireles.

I still don’t think Liverpool will have enough to challenge for the title, but if they can keep Torres and Steven Gerrard fit, the likes of Meireles and Konchesky will add a stern resolve to their side which was so bitterly missing during the Rafa Benitez era and I expect them to pose a much greater challenge for a Champions League spot.

The Premier League is underway and the two main title protagonists have recorded emphatics wins coupled with extremely impressive performances. Chelsea’s 6-0 victory over West Brom was somewhat of a surprise given their lacklustre pre-season form and disappointing Community Shield display, but Didier Drogba has now declared Chelsea aren’t even ready for the season yet, an ominous warning to the rest of the Premier League.

Title rivals Manchester United though have already captured some silverware and in both competitive matches so far this season have produced two displays of hunger, fight and desire to win. This hunger was typified by Antonio Valencia and Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, both pressed high up the pitch against Newcastle winning the ball in the final third with both opportunities leading to goals for their side.

The team though is being led by evergreen Paul Scholes and a rejuvenated Dimitar Berbatov.

Scholes has undoubtedly been the catalyst for the victories over Chelsea and Newcastle; he exudes calm and patience before picking that killer pass. He controlled the Community Shield from start to finish finding acres of space in the centre of the pitch, Essien, Mikel and Lampard couldn’t get near him. Sir Alex Ferguson labelled him ‘special’ after the 3-0 victory over Newcastle in the Premier League and few would argue as at 35 years of age, he can still mix it with the best of them.

His age though will inevitably work against him in the long run; he can no longer be expected to play two games a week at the highest level. Despite starting the season brightly, it would be safe to say Sir Alex will be managing his game time to the minute making sure he is fit when it matters.

United’s other star performer has been Berbatov, the Bulgarian enigma. The moody, lethargic and sometime disinterested £30 million man has seemingly sprung to life scoring a delightful chip against Chelsea and a well taken chance against Newcastle. It has not only been his new found liking for goals, his general play has gone up a level, on the face of it he seems happy and enjoying his football but journalist Andy Mitten followed United on their pre-season tour and noted the Bulgarian’s off pitch attitude is still lacking.

Given this he controlled the final third of the pitch in both matches, dropping deep to collect the ball, moving wide to occupy the full-backs and drag the central defenders from their comfort zone, all this then sewn together by his undoubted touch and vision. His partnership with new signing Chicharito looks promising in addition to his link up play with the improved Nani.

Can this form be sustained? Possibly, as on the pitch Berbatov is playing with a smile on his face, the burden he was saddled – the huge transfer fee – seems to have been lifted somewhat. The belief and desire emanating from Old Trafford is clear to see and on early season form only it would be hard to see the title not making its way back to Manchester.