Premiership relegation battle - its tough at the bottom!

That was a priceless win for Sunderland against Derby in the premier leagues battle of the bottom clubs. If anyone can keep Sunderland up surely its Roy Keane. They were very lucky though getting a 93rd minute winner after Derby missed a couple of sitters. It was very a low on confidence display from both Sunderland and Derby which is not surprising given the relegation battle both are in. Its says it all for the Premier Leagues 'haves' and 'have-nots' with Sunderland resorting to Andy Cole up front. Derby meanwhile have all the hall-marks of a side in free-fall and I don't think appointing Paul Jewell will save the Rams from relegation.

Over at the 'Boro things aren't looking much brighter. Word is that Middlesborough haven't any cash to spend after losing 13 mill last financial year. Seems to me they have squandered millions in the last few years with manager after manager paying over the odds for guys after a big pay day at their expense. Middlesborough now appear in dire trouble and are gathering momentum for a freefall to the Championship.

Of the others I think Wigan could well stay up. Alex McLeish is a great manager and they actually do have some quality allied with a fighting spirit at Wigan. The same goes for Tottenham who will surely have too much to be dragged down into an end of season relegation battle. Bolton I suspect will continue to struggle though they also have some real quality in their team.

My tips to go down - Derby, Boro and Sunderland (though I hope not!)

Premiership - the race is hotting up at the top!

Newcastle have more problems ahead of Wednesdays clash with Arsenal. Defensive pair Abdoulaye Faye and Stephen Carr are doubtful in a match neither side can afford to lose. I cant see past an Arsenal win to put Big Sam even more under the cosh. Big Sam really did look a despondent man after the defeat to Blackburn. He almost looked like he couldn't see a way out of their nightmare form.

Wayne Rooney is ready to return against Fulham after recovering from his ankle injury. Rooney will partner Carlos Tevez up front. Also BBC is reporting United could give recalls to Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves, Edwin van der Sar and Wes Brown. My punt is on Man Utd to eventually crack the tough nut of Fulham.

Given Liverpool's and Chelsea's form the top four is shaping up as expected. Only Man City are appearing to be surprise challengers. I keep waiting for them to go on a bad run but all credit to them they're still in there. Christmas could be a turning point with whoever is top at Christmas often taking the title. I still think Liverpool will go a lot closer than people think. They're still unbeaten, have the meanest defence and are coming into form.

Tottenham were a bit unlucky against Birmingham though their defending was sometimes shocking. Keanes foul was no way a straight red and they were beaten by a one-off wonder goal.

Premiership - Liverpool vs Bolton

This is a massive game for both Teams. Rafa Benitez needs to keep winning or the slow start will mean Liverpool will rapidly lose touch with the leaders. Despite the season of relative turmoil so far though Liverpool are undefeated in the league, have the best defence, are a win away from the Champions League group stage and are in the next round of the Carling Cup. All this with some notable injuries too.

Providing Rafa doesn't tinker too much with the line-up they should prove too strong for Bolton. I expect a similar game to the Fulham one - a dogged organised side eventually being over-run by a too strong Liverpool side. Who knows Rafa might even play Torres two games in a row.

Liverpool are still without Alonso, Agger and Pennant so keep the same squad that beat Porto. My guess at the Liverpool team - Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Hypia, Carragher, Gerrard, Lucas, Mascherano, Kewell, Torres, Crouch Subs: Babel, Benayoun, Voronin, Kuyt and Itandje

Bolton will have to make three changes with Kevin Nolan and Nicky Hunt banned, and Liverpool loanee Danny Guthrie not able to play. On the plus side Gavin McCann should be ok despite a head injury wound against Aris midweek.

My bet - a 2-0 win to the Reds!