Cole to score the winner - it's scripted!

How much would you have on Cole scoring the winner today? The trouble is, Ladbrokes insist you put down the Christian name and surname too. Carlton or Joe, trusting to your head instead of your heart, who would you back to bag the three points today?

I don't understand why Grant has been bigging up JC this week; as a Jew, he should have no truck with anybody with those initials! But in the week when our former "Messiah" comes homes, the very last thing Grant should be doing is predicting his resurrection. Doesn't Grant know the Rule of Sod, that a former player always scores against you - unless his name is Judas and he is taking a penalty!

Joe Cole has had a miserable season so far - in fact, given his huge potential, he has had a miserable career. Yes, he collected medals at Chelsea, but 'Arry's wife could have been accommodated in that team and they would still have won trophies. It's only Torres that causes that engine to seize!

Today's game is fraught with dangers. By the end, I fear we will be nailed firmly to the relegation cross, with Wigan and West Brom nailed either side of us. If we win, I really will start to believe in miracles. Liverpool did play on Thursday which is to our advantage, but Gerrard and Suarez have had a good rest and they represent 50% of this Liverpool team. At least Carroll isn't available, but the last time I expressed joy at his unavailability, we shipped five goals and it should have been eight!

And a 1.30 start? We looked half asleep for 80 minutes against Birmingham when we were asked to kick off so early.

One thing is for sure, Cole will bounce out of bed bright and early and will be up for today's game if selected; and, along with Gerrard, Suarez and Johnson, will pose a huge threat to our Premiership survival. We need a result today and our desperation will make us vulnerable. If Grant starts with Ba, Cole and Piquionne, God help us; Liverpool will tear us apart. Any variation on 4-3-3 will leave us horribly exposed, I fear, and I would have money on Cole scoring the winner, if my conscience allowed it. Unless Johnson nets the fourth of course!

Footnote. Carlton doesn't start! He's just shared the news via Twitter! And nor does Joe according to the OS! Nor Johnson!