TO recap: we’re out of the title race, the manager has lost his mind and is angling for a move to Madrid, we’re too negative, the referees are in United’s pocket and this is their best squad ever.

MANY people, including Chelsea fans, forget that Wigan are a top-eight side. And anyone who saw the game this weekend will know why. They played some really good football and selling Heskey has made them into a better passing team as the temptation to “lump it to the big guy up front” is no longer there. Even Titus Bramble looked a talented all-rounder as he tested Cech, cleared balls off the line and made mazy runs like Pele!

SO here we all are this week, at last: a whole continent’s eyes cast towards a venerable Eastern Bloc capital, where a thrilling competition comes to a primetime TV climax — amidst, no doubt, much muttering about skulduggery and bias.

I OWE you an apology for lying on Christmas Eve. When I said that not even the current Liverpool could be scared of Wolves, I was being slightly premature.

MEANINGLESS cup ties and London on the Sabbath. Not exactly the tonic Reds would wish for, but all’s well that ends well.