The Guide: what we are looking forward to from this weekend's football
Saturday's Match of the Day looks like one to stay in for, not only because Alan Shearer won't be supplying his very own brand of wooden analysis but also because there are eight whole Premier League fixtures to get your teeth into. In fact, if Liverpool v Blackburn started a couple of hours later the big four would all be kicking off at 3pm on a Saturday for the first time since September 2006.
On the Saturday after the European thrashing before, Liverpool face a fast improving Blackburn – they have 11 points from a possible 18 – but if Rafael Benítez's side do win they'll climb above Manchester United for a few hours at least. And it probably will be only for a few hours. Yes, United's suspect defence will be without Rio Ferdinand yet again due to injury but it's worth remembering for all the prophecies of doom surrounding them, they have won 12 of their last 14 league games. Sunderland, on the other hand, have been defeated by West Ham, Manchester City and Wigan in the their last three games. You somehow suspect this weekend won't be remembered as The One Where United Lost The Title.
Amr Zaki v Steve Bruce
Over at Wigan, Steve Bruce has made it clear Amr Zaki won't be starting his team's game against Arsenal after the striker went awol following a spell on international duty. "I find it very difficult to contemplate where his future is at the moment, bearing in mind how I feel on the situation," said Bruce. "It's probably the fifth time [it has happened] and that cannot be the case."
Even if Zaki isn't selected that's not to say we shouldn't be prepared for a spot of fisticuffs on the sidelines when the Egyptian doesn't come back from the snack bar after Bruce gives him 50p for a can of Fanta.
Rangers v Motherwell
The SPL looks like it will go all the way to the wire, with just three points separating Rangers and Celtic. However, it will be interesting to see how the petulance of Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor will affect the run-in. Both players were given two-week suspensions by their club following their display of two-fingered saluting while on international duty and their futures at Ibrox remain uncertain. It's highly unlikely the uncertainty hasn't filtered down to the other Rangers players: since Ferguson and McGregor's suspension Rangers have recorded two unconvincing wins, while Celtic have notched back-to-back 4-0 victories. A more encouraging team display against Motherwell is much needed.
