Some bumper Premier League matches this weekend but will that mean we'll be seeing bumper points totals in our predictions competition?

A Merseyside derby is probably the last match Liverpool's Rafa Benitez wanted and if they lose, it will surely be the worse week of his managerial career. Club bosses say his job is safe but bottom side Portsmouth also gave their backing to Paul Hart just a few weeks ago...

New Pompey manager Avram Grant takes on Manchester United hoping it turns out better than the last time he met them in Moscow (see photo).

Oh, and I almost forgot, it's Arsenal v Chelsea too! Let's make that our double pointer this week. Remember you get one point for correct result and five for a correct score.

Here's the panel's latest standings with this weekend's fixtures and their wild guesses underneath. Give us your predictions in the comments.

Reuters Soccer Blog panel: Patrick Johnston 129, Mitch Phillips 111, Paul Radford 106, Mike Collett 101, Simon Evans 89, Kevin Fylan 88, Mark Meadows 87, Miles Evans 86, Neil Maidment 81, Julien Pretot 74, Asia Sports Desk 68, Martyn Herman 46, Justin Palmer 38, Sonia Oxley 29

Portsmouth v Man United: Patrick Johnston 0-2, Mitch Phillips 0-1, Paul Radford 0-1, Mike Collett 0-3, Simon Evans 1-1, Kevin Fylan 1-2, Mark Meadows 0-2, Miles Evans 2-2, Neil Maidment, Julien Pretot, Asia Sports Desk , Martyn Herman 0-3, Justin Palmer 0-2, Sonia Oxley 1-0

Aston Villa v Tottenham: Patrick Johnston 2-1, Mitch Phillips 2-1, Paul Radford 2-1, Mike Collett 1-2, Simon Evans 2-1, Kevin Fylan 1-4, Mark Meadows 1-1, Miles Evans 1-3, Neil Maidment, Julien Pretot, Asia Sports Desk , Martyn Herman 1-1, Justin Palmer 2-1, Sonia Oxley 1-2

Manchester City v Hull: Patrick Johnston 3-2, Mitch Phillips 4-0, Paul Radford 4-0, Mike Collett 2-1, Simon Evans 5-0, Kevin Fylan 2-0, Mark Meadows 3-0, Miles Evans 3-2, Neil Maidment, Julien Pretot, Asia Sports Desk , Martyn Herman 1-1, Justin Palmer 4-0, Sonia Oxley 2-0

Wigan v Sunderland: Patrick Johnston 2-1, Mitch Phillips 1-1, Paul Radford 1-1, Mike Collett 2-0, Simon Evans 2-1, Kevin Fylan 1-2, Mark Meadows 1-2, Miles Evans 1-1, Neil Maidment, Julien Pretot, Asia Sports Desk , Martyn Herman 0-2, Justin Palmer 1-1, Sonia Oxley 2-1

Blackburn v Stoke: Patrick Johnston 2-1, Mitch Phillips 2-0, Paul Radford 2-0, Mike Collett 1-0, Simon Evans 0-0, Kevin Fylan 0-2, Mark Meadows 2-1, Miles Evans 1-2, Neil Maidment, Julien Pretot, Asia Sports Desk , Martyn Herman 1-0, Justin Palmer 2-0, Sonia Oxley 2-1

Fulham v Bolton: Patrick Johnston 3-0, Mitch Phillips 1-1, Paul Radford 3-1, Mike Collett 3-1, Simon Evans 3-1, Kevin Fylan 3-1, Mark Meadows 2-0, Miles Evans 2-0, Neil Maidment, Julien Pretot, Asia Sports Desk , Martyn Herman 2-0, Justin Palmer 2-1, Sonia Oxley 0-1

West Ham v Burnley: Patrick Johnston 3-2, Mitch Phillips 1-0, Paul Radford 2-1, Mike Collett 1-1, Simon Evans 1-2, Kevin Fylan 1-1, Mark Meadows 3-1, Miles Evans 2-0, Neil Maidment, Julien Pretot, Asia Sports Desk , Martyn Herman 1-1, Justin Palmer 3-1, Sonia Oxley 1-1

Sunday:
Arsenal v Chelsea: Patrick Johnston 1-2, Mitch Phillips 2-1, Paul Radford 1-1, Mike Collett 1-3, Simon Evans 1-1, Kevin Fylan 1-2, Mark Meadows 1-1, Miles Evans 2-2, Neil Maidment, Julien Pretot, Asia Sports Desk , Martyn Herman 1-3, Justin Palmer 1-1, Sonia Oxley 2-1

Everton v Liverpool: Patrick Johnston 1-1, Mitch Phillips 0-0, Paul Radford 0-2, Mike Collett 2-2, Simon Evans 2-1, Kevin Fylan 2-1, Mark Meadows 0-2, Miles Evans 1-2, Neil Maidment, Julien Pretot, Asia Sports Desk , Martyn Herman 0-1, Justin Palmer 2-1, Sonia Oxley 2-1

Wolves v Birmingham: Patrick Johnston 1-1, Mitch Phillips 2-2, Paul Radford 2-2, Mike Collett 1-0, Simon Evans 2-2, Kevin Fylan 1-1, Mark Meadows 3-3, Miles Evans 1-3, Neil Maidment, Julien Pretot, Asia Sports Desk , Martyn Herman 2-3, Justin Palmer 1-2, Sonia Oxley 1-1

Out of eight Spanish and English teams playing in the Champions League this week, only Arsenal were victorious.

Was this a blip for the two powerhouses, or is it another indication that Europe's top club competition is becoming more balanced?

I did a video blog on Tuesday about the difficulties in Italian football (and got a bit of stick for it!) and for 86 minutes of Dynamo Kiev v Inter Milan the problems were still there.

But a quick double burst by Jose Mourinho's men gave them a 2-1 comeback win and they are now top of the group. If they beat Barcelona at the Nou Camp next time out then the holders could be in real trouble. 

In the long run, I still maintain that a Serie A side will really struggle to win it this season but what about flying Bordeaux?

It's possibly beyond a French side as well, which leads me back to Arsenal.

Manchester United are suddenly looking shaky at the back while Chelsea, Barca, Real Madrid are far from perfect.

I reckoned at the start of the season that Arsenal, with their youthful exuberance and delightful play, could be real challengers in Europe and although they have probably had an easier group and are not even through yet, their chances look to be increasing.  

PHOTO: Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas scores his second goal in the 4-1 home win over AZ Alkmaar, Nov 4, 2009. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

Monday morning update, by Kevin Fylan: This was the weekend that the Reuters Soccer Blog panel struck back. Mark Meadows managed a stonking 22 points from the 10 games, the first time we've really had a score to shout about. Can anyone beat that? Leader Patrick Johnston got a solid 13, while Neil Maidment has made a great leap forward with 18. In any other week, Neil...

Remember, you bag five points for getting the score spot on, and just one if you got the result right but the wrong score. Here's our updated league table. Where do you stand?

Reuters Soccer Blog panel: Patrick Johnston 105, Mitch Phillips 89, Paul Radford 87, Mike Collett 76, Simon Evans 74, Mark Meadows 72, Kevin Fylan 71, Miles Evans 70, Julien Pretot 69, Neil Maidment 62, Asia Sports Desk 53, Justin Palmer 38, Martyn Herman 20, Sonia Oxley 10 (plus belated bonus from last week, =15)

Original post from Friday: It's that time of the week again. Yes time to humiliate ourselves by hopelessly trying to guess which Liverpool side will turn up, how many players will be out with swine flu and whether Dimitar Berbatov will actually resemble the good player he is supposed to be.

Apart from Mitch Phillips, who downright cheated, last weekend's Premier League predictions contest was a sad tale of woe for all and this time it looks just as tricky.

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur is always a feisty affair, just ask any North Londoner (not that there will be many on the pitch). 

Even avid Spurs fans (you know who you are) would be hard pressed to deny that Arsenal play the most beautiful football in England but Tottenham are seriously threatening to break into that top four this term and what better way to show your worth that to win away at the Gunners.

The derby will be our double pointer for this week. Remember one point for the correct result and a massive five for the correct score.

Below are the running scores for our not-so-expert panel at Reuters Soccer Blog Heights followed by this weekend's fixtures and our predictions. Please play along in the comments and see if you can rival our top contributors like Chipking, Sean and maid.

Playing Saturday:

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur: Patrick Johnston 5-2, Mitch Phillips 2-2, Paul Radford 2-0, Simon Evans 1-2, Mike Collett 2-3, Kevin Fylan 2-4, Miles Evans 3-1, Julien Pretot 3-1, Mark Meadows 1-1, Asia Sports Desk 3-1, Neil Maidment 2-1, Justin Palmer 2-2, Martyn Herman 3-1, Soxley 2-2

Bolton Wanderers v Chelsea: Patrick Johnston 1-2, Mitch Phillips 1-1, Paul Radford 0-3, Simon Evans 1-2, Mike Collett 0-2, Kevin Fylan 1-2, Miles Evans 2-2, Julien Pretot 0-2, Mark Meadows 1-2, Asia Sports Desk 1-3, Neil Maidment 0-2, Justin Palmer 1-1, Martyn Herman 0-2, Soxley 0-2

Burnley v Hull City: Patrick Johnston 2-0, Mitch Phillips 2-1, Paul Radford 2-0, Simon Evans 3-2, Mike Collett 4-1, Kevin Fylan 2-1, Miles Evans 1-1, Julien Pretot 1-1, Mark Meadows 2-0, Asia Sports Desk 1-2, Neil Maidment 2-0, Justin Palmer 1-1, Martyn Herman 2-1, Soxley 1-1 

Everton v Aston Villa: Patrick Johnston 1-1, Mitch Phillips 1-1, Paul Radford 1-2, Simon Evans 1-2, Mike Collett 1-2, Kevin Fylan 1-0, Miles Evans 2-2, Julien Pretot 1-1, Mark Meadows 1-1, Asia Sports Desk 1-2, Neil Maidment 1-1, Justin Palmer 2-0, Martyn Herman 2-2, Soxley 1-1            

Fulham v Liverpool: Patrick Johnston 1-0, Mitch Phillips 2-2, Paul Radford 1-2, Simon Evans 0-1, Mike Collett 1-2, Kevin Fylan 2-1, Miles Evans 0-1, Julien Pretot 1-2, Mark Meadows 1-1, Asia Sports Desk 1-4, Neil Maidment 1-2, Justin Palmer 2-3, Martyn Herman 2-1, Soxley 0-2            

Portsmouth v Wigan Athletic: Patrick Johnston 1-1, Mitch Phillips 2-0, Paul Radford 1-2, Simon Evans 2-2, Mike Collett 2-1, Kevin Fylan 0-1, Miles Evans 1-2, Julien Pretot 1-0, Mark Meadows 0-0, Asia Sports Desk 0-1, Neil Maidment 1-2, Justin Palmer 0-0, Martyn Herman 1-1, Soxley 0-1         

Stoke City v Wolverhampton Wanderers: Patrick Johnston 3-0, Mitch Phillips 2-0, Paul Radford 2-0, Simon Evans 2-1, Mike Collett 1-1, Kevin Fylan 2-0, Miles Evans 4-1, Julien Pretot 2-1, Mark Meadows 1-1, Asia Sports Desk 1-1, Neil Maidment 3-1, Justin Palmer 3-1, Martyn Herman 0-0, Soxley 0-0

Sunderland v West Ham United: Patrick Johnston 2-1, Mitch Phillips 2-0, Paul Radford 3-1, Simon Evans 2-1, Mike Collett 3-1, Kevin Fylan 0-0, Miles Evans 1-2, Julien Pretot 2-0, Mark Meadows 2-2, Asia Sports Desk 1-1, Neil Maidment 2-2, Justin Palmer 0-1, Martyn Herman 1-2, Soxley 3-2

Manchester United v Blackburn Rovers: Patrick Johnston 2-1, Mitch Phillips 3-1, Paul Radford 1-0, Simon Evans 5-0, Mike Collett 3-0, Kevin Fylan 4-0, Miles Evans 2-0, Julien Pretot 4-0, Mark Meadows 2-0, Asia Sports Desk 3-0, Neil Maidment 3-0, Justin Palmer 3-0, Martyn Herman 1-0, Soxley 2-1          

Playing on Sunday:
 Birmingham City v Manchester City: Patrick Johnston 0-1, Mitch Phillips 2-1, Paul Radford 0-3, Simon Evans 0-2, Mike Collett 1-1, Kevin Fylan 1-2, Miles Evans 1-2, Julien Pretot 2-2, Mark Meadows 1-2, Asia Sports Desk 0-3, Neil Maidment 1-3, Justin Palmer 1-2, Martyn Herman 0-3, Soxley 1-2

PHOTO: Robbie Keane (L) of Tottenham Hotspur is tackled by Arsenal's Bacary Sagna during their English Premier League soccer match at White Hart Lane in London February 8, 2009. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

Maintaining the strength in depth to cope with injury crises is as crucial for the management of a top-class team as it is difficult to master, writes William James.

The recent experience of England’s rugby team is testament to this after being forced to pick a squad without twelve regular members.

Similarly just 10 games into soccer’s Premier League season, managers of the big four clubs have been forced to field reserves. Liverpool handed big-game debuts to Daniel Ayala and Jay Spearing, while injuries forced Arsenal to thrust goalkeeper Vito Mannone into the Champions League spotlight.

The challenge for any team is to keep a pool of talent bubbling underneath the first team that is both able and experienced enough to step up to the next level. Teams invest vast amounts into scouting young talent, but experience is harder to buy.

Managing the gulf between the first team and the reserves is key to ensuring the consistency that brings league titles and secures international trophies. What this soccer season has shown already is that this issue warrants much greater attention.

Second-string teams competing in football’s reserve leagues are given over largely to youth and those returning from injury, while more senior players lose match sharpness bench-sitting for the first team.

The loan deals that provide young players with the experience to slot back into first team action are too inflexible to work; lower-league sides demand season-long loans and control over players.

The result is young talent floundering in reserve leagues or stranded out on loan without a route back to their parent club when first-team opportunities arise.

At international level the balance of reserve squads is again tipped in the favour of youth to the detriment of the senior game. Despite England’s rugby team missing over twelve players through injury, only three of the replacements that have been announced were drawn from the England Saxons, the notional reserve team.

The less said about football’s England B team the better; without fixtures or a defined role it has been supplanted entirely by the Under-21 setup.

The standard of domestic cricket is often derided, but the sport is the best British example of a functioning reserve system working hand in hand with the national team.

England Lions, the squad below the test team, gave Jonathan Trott the chance to step up and perform on a stage that propelled him into the senior team for the final Ashes test. At the age of 28 he had the right mixture of experience and ability, and seized the chance he was given to perform.

Graham Onions is another who, aged 26, successfully made the transition earlier this year.

Forcing youngsters to sink or swim under the gaze of the world’s television cameras is rarely successful and often damaging to both the player and the team.

Those determining the structure of national and domestic squads should take note; youth and talent is essential in the long term, but so is managing a pool of players beneath the first team who are ready to contribute when needed.

England’s Jonathan Trott celebrates reaching his century against Australia during the fifth Ashes cricket test match at the Oval in London August 22, 2009. REUTERS/Philip Brown

So it was an even worse week than usual. Ok, there were some surprise results but generally it was pitiful, some panelists only picked up one point and even most of our outside contributors struggled despite showing us up in recent weeks.

On behalf of all of us, I'd like to point out that the Premier League is more evenly balanced than it has been for a while (see Kevin's blog) so we have a slight excuse....

Mitch Phillips was the only one to come out of the weekend with any credit, leaping into second spot after getting two scores bang on including West Ham 2-2 Arsenal, which sadly for the rest of us was a double-pointer.

To avoid a plethora of emails from Mitch and to keep it tight at the top, we will let his prediction of a draw in Wolves v Villa stand despite him sending in his entry after the match had started!

Here are the updated scores:

Reuters Soccer Blog panel: Patrick Johnston 92, Mitch Phillips 81, Paul Radford 79, Simon Evans 71, Mike Collett 70, Kevin Fylan 66, Miles Evans 63, Julien Pretot 59, Mark Meadows 50, Asia Sports Desk 48, Neil Maidment 44, Justin Palmer 36, Martyn Herman 10, Soxley (newbie) 2

Mark Meadows

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin's post from Oct 23:
Can you hear that? A trouserly whoosh through the air, a dull thud and a sharp shriek?

Yes, it's the sound of Reuters Soccer Blog panellists kicking themselves at their latest failed attempts to demonstrate they actually know something about the game they report on.

With a couple of honourable exceptions (step forward Mr. Michael Collett with 19 points last weekend) it was another case of the blind leading the blind here at Canary Wharf.

Remindingly, you get five points if you get a score prediction spot on, or one point if you get the right result but the wrong score. That means there are at least 50 points at stake, always bearing in mind that if you can predict scores that well you should be making money off the bookmakers, not frittering away your time here.

Here are the scores as they stand:

Reuters Soccer Blog panel: Patrick Johnston 89, Paul Radford 77, Simon Evans 71, Mike Collett 69, Kevin Fylan 65, Mitch Phillips 62, Miles Evans 60, Julien Pretot 57, Neil Maidment 43, Mark Meadows 42, Justin Palmer 36, Asia Sports Desk 35, Martyn Herman 7, Soxley (newbie)

Rest of the world: Maid leads on at least 91, by my reckoning, Chipking 73, and Sean got 16 last week alone, so he must be well up there. Can't immediately find up to date numbers on anyone else. Remember, you keep your own score in this game (we trust you...) so just let us know in the comments if you'd like to be in the table. You can join any time ... just see how quickly you'll catch us up!

Without further ado, here are this week's games. Double points this week on West Ham v Arsenal, and remember there are bonus points for style (entirely at my whim and discretion). So have at it!

Wolves v Aston Villa: Patrick Johnston 2-1, Paul Radford 0-1, Simon Evans , Mike Collett 1-3, Kevin Fylan 0-2, Mitch Phillips 0-0*, Miles Evans 1-2, Julien Pretot 1-2, Neil Maidment 0-2, Mark Meadows 0-2, Justin Palmer , Asia Sports Desk 1-1, Martyn Herman 0-1; Soxley 2-1*

Birmingham v Sunderland: Patrick Johnston 0-1, Paul Radford 0-0, Simon Evans , Mike Collett 0-1, Kevin Fylan 1-2, Mitch Phillips 2-0, Miles Evans 1-1, Julien Pretot 1-2, Neil Maidment 1-2, Mark Meadows 0-0, Justin Palmer , Asia Sports Desk 2-1, Martyn Herman 1-1; Soxley 1-2

Burnley v Wigan: Patrick Johnston 3-1, Paul Radford 3-1, Simon Evans , Mike Collett 2-2, Kevin Fylan 1-0, Mitch Phillips 0-1, Miles Evans 0-1, Julien Pretot 2-0, Neil Maidment 1-0, Mark Meadows 2-1, Justin Palmer , Asia Sports Desk 1-2, Martyn Herman 0-3; Soxley 2-0

Hull City v Portsmouth: Patrick Johnston 0-1, Paul Radford 1-0, Simon Evans , Mike Collett 0-2, Kevin Fylan 2-1, Mitch Phillips 2-0, Miles Evans 1-1, Julien Pretot 1-0, Neil Maidment 1-2, Mark Meadows 1-1, Justin Palmer , Asia Sports Desk 1-0, Martyn Herman 0-2; Soxley 1-1

Tottenham v Stoke City: Patrick Johnston 3-0 (two for Crouch), Paul Radford 1-1, Simon Evans , Mike Collett 2-0, Kevin Fylan 3-2, Mitch Phillips 3-1, Miles Evans 2-0, Julien Pretot 2-2, Neil Maidment 3-1, Mark Meadows 3-0, Justin Palmer , Asia Sports Desk 4-0, Martyn Herman 3-0; Soxley 5-1

Chelsea v Blackburn Rovers: Patrick Johnston 3-1, Paul Radford 3-0, Simon Evans , Mike Collett 3-1, Kevin Fylan 3-0, Mitch Phillips 2-0, Miles Evans 2-0, Julien Pretot 3-0, Neil Maidment 3-1, Mark Meadows 3-0, Justin Palmer , Asia Sports Desk 3-2, Martyn Herman 2-0; Soxley 3-0

Sunday:

Bolton v Everton: Patrick Johnston 2-1, Paul Radford 2-1, Simon Evans , Mike Collett 1-1, Kevin Fylan 2-2, Mitch Phillips 1-1, Miles Evans 1-2, Julien Pretot 2-2, Neil Maidment 1-1, Mark Meadows 2-1, Justin Palmer , Asia Sports Desk 2-0, Martyn Herman 2-1; Soxley 1-2

Liverpool v Manchester United: Patrick Johnston 2-1 (after five minutes injury time), Paul Radford 0-1, Simon Evans , Mike Collett 1-1, Kevin Fylan 0-3, Mitch Phillips 1-1, Miles Evans 2-2, Julien Pretot 2-1 (Mascherano, Kuyt), Neil Maidment 0-1, Mark Meadows 0-1, Justin Palmer , Asia Sports Desk 1-3, Martyn Herman 1-1; Soxley 1-3

Manchester City v Fulham: Patrick Johnston 2-0, Paul Radford 3-1, Simon Evans , Mike Collett 1-2, Kevin Fylan 3-0, Mitch Phillips 2-2, Miles Evans 3-0, Julien Pretot 2-0, Neil Maidment 2-0, Mark Meadows 2-2, Justin Palmer , Asia Sports Desk 3-0, Martyn Herman 2-0; Soxley 2-0

West Ham v Arsenal: Patrick Johnston 1-2 (Van Persie, Diaby), Paul Radford 1-3, Simon Evans , Mike Collett 0-4, Kevin Fylan 1-3, Mitch Phillips 2-2, Miles Evans 1-5, Julien Pretot 0-3, Neil Maidment 1-3, Mark Meadows 1-3, Justin Palmer , Asia Sports Desk 1-2, Martyn Herman 0-4; Soxley 0-1

PHOTO: Rubin Kazan's Vital Kaleshin can't believe he only got three points from last weekend's games. REUTERS/Albert Gea

Let's be honest here, people, predicting the English football scores has proved to be a lot trickier than many of us imagined.

You'd have thought that the frankly obsessive interest most of us here at Reuters Soccer Blog Heights take in football would see us approach this competition with the pitiless, sweeping brilliance of Celta Vigo in their 'EuroCelta' heydey of 1998-2000*.

But no. It turns out we're strictly second division, rather like Celta now, in fact, when it comes to predicting the scores. Still, at least we now know why.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger puts his success in football down to being brought up in the Croix d'Or bistro in Duttlenheim. Wenger said:

"I even learned about tactics and selection from the people talking about football in the pub... who plays on the left wing and who should be in the team."

This is good news for me, as my dad was brought up in a pub so I'm going to get him to do my predictions this week. Expect great things.

To recap, briefly, you get one point for predicting the right result, and make that five points if you get the score spot on. This week there are double points, and possible forfeits, for Stoke v Manchester United, and there are always bonus points available, but I'm afraid they are entirely on my whim. Here's how things stand at the moment:

Reuters Soccer Blog: Simon Evans 46, Kevin Fylan 42, Paul Radford 41, Patrick Johnston 40, Justin Palmer 35, Miles Evans 35, Mitch Phillips 35, Mike Collett 28, Neil Maidment 26, Julien Pretot 25, Mark Meadows 16, Asia Sports Desk 15

Rest of the World: Maid leads with a whopping 63, Chipking is second on 54 and UTV got a mighty 15 on debut.

How are the rest of you doing? Remember, the scoring has been so poor that you can still join in at any time and expect to overtake most of us within a couple of weeks. Look at UTV: another week like last week and she'll be in mid-table security.

So, here are this week's games. I'll add in our predictions as they come in from around the Reuter Soccer Blogosphere. And please, give us yours in the comments section.

Portsmouth v Everton: Simon Evans: 1-1; Terry Fylan: 0-2; Paul Radford: 0-0; Patrick Johnston:1-2 ; Justin Palmer: ; Miles Evans: 2-2; Mitch Phillips:1-0; Mike Collett: 0-2 ; Neil Maidment: 0-2; Julien Pretot : 2-1; Mark Meadows: 0-1; Asia Sports Desk: 1-1

Birmingham City v Bolton Wanderers: Simon Evans: 2-1; Terry Fylan: 1-0; Paul Radford: 2-1; Patrick Johnston: 1-0 ; Justin Palmer: ; Miles Evans: 2-1; Mitch Phillips:1-1; Mike Collett: 1-0 ; Neil Maidment: 1-1; Julien Pretot : 1-0; Mark Meadows: 2-1; Asia Sports Desk: 1-1

Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa: Simon Evans: 1-2; Terry Fylan: 1-2; Paul Radford: 0-1; Patrick Johnston: 0-2; Justin Palmer: ; Miles Evans: 1-3; Mitch Phillips: 1-0; Mike Collett: 0-2; Neil Maidment: 1-3; Julien Pretot : 1-1; Mark Meadows: 0-2; Asia Sports Desk: 0-1

Liverpool v Hull City: Simon Evans: 2-0; Terry Fylan: 6-0; Paul Radford: 6-0; Patrick Johnston: 5-0 ; Justin Palmer: ; Miles Evans: 2-1; Mitch Phillips: 1-1; Mike Collett: 5-0; Neil Maidment: 4-0; Julien Pretot : 4-0; Mark Meadows: 2-0; Asia Sports Desk: 3-0

Stoke City v Manchester United: Simon Evans: 0-2; Terry Fylan: 0-2; Paul Radford: 0-0; Patrick Johnston: 1-2 ; Justin Palmer: ; Miles Evans: 1-1; Mitch Phillips: 0-2; Mike Collett: 0-2; Neil Maidment: 1-2; Julien Pretot : 1-3; Mark Meadows: 0-1; Asia Sports Desk: 0-2

Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley: Simon Evans: 1-1; Terry Fylan: 3-1; Paul Radford: 3-1; Patrick Johnston: 4-1 ; Justin Palmer: ; Miles Evans: 3-2; Mitch Phillips: 2-0; Mike Collett: 3-1; Neil Maidment: 3-0; Julien Pretot : 3-1; Mark Meadows: 2-0; Asia Sports Desk: 2-1

Wigan Athletic v Chelsea: Simon Evans: 0-2; Terry Fylan: 0-3; Paul Radford: 0-3; Patrick Johnston: 0-2 ; Justin Palmer: ; Miles Evans: 0-2; Mitch Phillips:1-1; Mike Collett: 0-4; Neil Maidment: 0-3; Julien Pretot : 0-2; Mark Meadows: 1-4; Asia Sports Desk: 0-3

Fulham v Arsenal: Simon Evans: 1-1; Terry Fylan: 2-2; Paul Radford: 1-2; Patrick Johnston: 0-2 ; Justin Palmer: ; Miles Evans: 1-4; Mitch Phillips: 0-1; Mike Collett: 1-3; Neil Maidment: 1-3; Julien Pretot : 1-3; Mark Meadows: 1-1; Asia Sports Desk: 1-3

Playing on Sunday:

Sunderland v Wolverhampton Wanderers: Simon Evans: 2-1; Terry Fylan: 0-0; Paul Radford: 2-1; Patrick Johnston: 3-0 ; Justin Palmer: ; Miles Evans: 1-1; Mitch Phillips:0-0; Mike Collett: 1-1; Neil Maidment: 2-1; Julien Pretot : 1-0; Mark Meadows: 0-0; Asia Sports Desk: 0-0

Playing on Monday:

Manchester City v West Ham United: Simon Evans: 3-0; Terry Fylan: 4-1; Paul Radford: 3-0; Patrick Johnston: 2-1; Justin Palmer: ; Miles Evans: 2-2; Mitch Phillips: 0-1; Mike Collett: 3-0; Neil Maidment : 3-0; Julien Pretot : 3-0; Mark Meadows: 3-1; Asia Sports Desk: 3-0

* They really were good, as well. Lubo Penev, Valery Karpin, "After You" Claude Makelele, Alexander Mostovoi, Mazinho... (And sorry to any fans of Aston Villa, Liverpool, Benfica or Juventus for bringing back unpleasant memories).

PHOTO: Michael Owen gets a rude awakening from Mazinho as Alexander Mostovoi looks on during their UEFA Cup third round first leg match at Balaidos, November 24, 1998. Celta won 3-1. REUTERS/Sergio Perez

It's that time of the week again, folks. The best brains at Reuters Soccer Blog are off, so it's just the usual crew of no-hopers here to embarrass ourselves trying to predict the outcome of the weekend Premier League action, and with no help from that lottery bobbins bloke.

To recap: with one point available for getting a correct result -- and make that a whopping five for the correct score -- there are at least 50 points up for grabs each week. Given that most teams have played five matches the total number of points a perfect tipster would have got by now would be well over 200.

Nobody's perfect, of course (The Beatles released Wild Honey Pie, remember) but you might expect someone to have done a bit better than the following rogue's gallery:

Reuters Soccer Blog: Kevin Fylan 35, Paul Radford 34, Patrick Johnston 34, Simon Evans 32, Miles Evans 30, Mitch Phillips 24, Mike Collett 18, Neil Maidment 14, Julien Pretot 14, Asia Sports Desk 10, Mark Meadows 8

The Rest of the World: How are you doing? Maid? Chipking? Angel? Have you overtaken us yet?

Now, just to add a bit of spice here, I'm introducing a Game of the Weekend feature, which will carry double points for anyone getting it right, de-merits for those getting it wrong and other bonuses and penalties entirely at my whim and discretion.

This week, it's Manchester United v Manchester City. So choose your score carefully...

Burnley  v Sunderland: Patrick Johnston: 0-2; Mike Collett: 2-2; Asian Sports Desk: 1-1; Kevin Fylan: 2-0; Miles Evans: 1-1; Justin Palmer: 2-2; Simon Evans: 1-0; Neil Maidment: 1-2; Mark Meadows: 0-1; Paul Radford: 1-2; Mitch Phillips: 3-2; Julien Pretot: 2-2

Arsenal v Wigan Athletic: Patrick Johnston: 3-1; Mike Collett: 4-1; Asian Sports Desk: 3-1; Kevin Fylan: 2-1; Miles Evans: 3-0; Justin Palmer: 2-0; Simon Evans: 4-1; Neil Maidment: 3-0; Mark Meadows: 2-0; Paul Radford: 1-1; Mitch Phillips: 4-0; Julien Pretot: 4-1 

Aston Villa v Portsmouth: Patrick Johnston: 3-1; Mike Collett: 3-0; Asian Sports Desk: 3-0; Kevin Fylan: 1-0; Miles Evans: 2-2; Justin Palmer: 3-0; Simon Evans: 2-0; Neil Maidment: 3-0; Mark Meadows: 1-0; Paul Radford: 3-0; Mitch Phillips: 1-0; Julien Pretot: 2-0 

Bolton Wanderers v Stoke City: Patrick Johnston: 0-1; Mike Collett: 0-1; Asian Sports Desk: 0-1; Kevin Fylan: 1-2; Miles Evans: 1-3; Justin Palmer: 2-1; Simon Evans: 1-1; Neil Maidment: 1-1; Mark Meadows: 2-1; Paul Radford: 1-0; Mitch Phillips: 0-0; Julien Pretot: 0-1 

Hull City v Birmingham City: Patrick Johnston: 2-0; Mike Collett: 0-0; Asian Sports Desk: 2-2; Kevin Fylan: 1-2; Miles Evans: 1-2; Justin Palmer: 1-1; Simon Evans: 1-1; Neil Maidment: 1-0; Mark Meadows: 0-0; Paul Radford: 1-1; Mitch Phillips: 0-0; Julien Pretot: 1-0 

West Ham United v Liverpool: Patrick Johnston: 1-1; Mike Collett: 1-2; Asian Sports Desk: 1-2; Kevin Fylan: 2-1; Miles Evans: 2-1; Justin Palmer: 1-3; Simon Evans: 2-2; Neil Maidment: 0-2; Mark Meadows: 1-3; Paul Radford: 1-2; Mitch Phillips: 0-1; Julien Pretot: 1-2 

Playing on Sunday

Manchester United v Manchester City: Patrick Johnston: 3-1; Mike Collett: 2-1; Asian Sports Desk: 1-2; Kevin Fylan: 4-0; Miles Evans: 2-0; Justin Palmer: 2-0; Simon Evans: 1-2; Neil Maidment: 2-1; Mark Meadows: 2-1; Paul Radford: 3-0; Mitch Phillips: 1-0; Julien Pretot: 2-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Fulham: Patrick Johnston: 1-2; Mike Collett: 2-1; Asian Sports Desk: 1-1; Kevin Fylan: 0-0; Miles Evans: 1-1; Justin Palmer: 1-1; Simon Evans: 0-0; Neil Maidment: 0-2; Mark Meadows: 1-1; Paul Radford: 1-2; Mitch Phillips: 1-0; Julien Pretot: 1-2

Everton v Blackburn Rovers: Patrick Johnston: 2-0; Mike Collett: 0-0; Asian Sports Desk: 2-1; Kevin Fylan: 2-0; Miles Evans: 3-1; Justin Palmer: 3-1; Simon Evans: 2-1; Neil Maidment: 2-0; Mark Meadows: 1-0; Paul Radford: 4-1; Mitch Phillips: 1-1; Julien Pretot: 3-1 

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur: Patrick Johnston: 3-1; Mike Collett: 1-1; Asian Sports Desk: 4-1; Kevin Fylan: 2-2; Miles Evans: 2-0; Justin Palmer: 2-1; Simon Evans: 2-1; Neil Maidment: 2-1; Mark Meadows: 2-1; Paul Radford: 2-1; Mitch Phillips: 2-2; Julien Pretot: 2-0

We'd love it, love it, if you have a go as well ... Who knows, if we get plenty of entries we might start thinking about prizes...

Canary Wharf Kev

SOCCER PIC OF THE WEEK: Austria Vienna's Szabolcs Safar fails to save a ball from Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente (not pictured) during their Europa League match at San Mames in Bilbao, September 17, 2009. REUTERS/Robert Zolles

The best and brightest here at Reuters Soccer Blog continue to show they'd struggle to tip their own hats in a stiff breeze, let alone a correct score in the Premier League.

Our leader, Paul Radford, managed an unhappy three points this week ... and look, who's that chap who has sneaked through to replace him at the top? That was not the most impressive display of the week, however ... for that look at one Julien Pretot, our new signing from the Paris bureau who leapt in with a 14 in his first week!

I expect to see him racing down the entire length of the Channel Tunnel, sliding to his knees and celebrating in front of Reuters Soccer Blog in Canary Wharf.

Remember, you get one point for predicting the right result, and make that five if you hit the nail exactly on the head. This week, I'm giving an extra point to Mike Collett for cheekily predicting Adebayor to score against Arsenal, even if he was a way off on the score. No other points for style as yet, but I expect there'll be some pleas coming in.

Here are the latest standings:

Reuters Soccer Blog: Kevin Fylan 35, Paul Radford 34, Patrick Johnston 34, Simon Evans 32, Miles Evans 30, Mitch Phillips 24, Mike Collett 18, Neil Maidment 14, Julien Pretot 14, Asia Sports Desk 10,  Mark Meadows 8

The Rest of the World: Insert your score in the comments, please. We'll believe you. Thousands wouldn't.

Back on Friday with the tips for the weekend and remember, you've got to be in it to be able to, er, gloat about how much better you are at tipping scores than we are.

PHOTO: Fulham's Paul Konchesky (R) celebrates after scoring against Everton at Craven Cottage in London, September 13, 2009. REUTERS/Kieran Doherty

Now we've got that pesky international interlude behind us (it'll all end in tears, you know it will) we can get back to the serious business of predicting the scores in the Premier League.

Remember how it works: We, at Reuters Soccer Blog, publish our individual predictions for the weekend Premier League matches here on a Friday. You, laughing snidely at our pathetic efforts, send in yours in the comments section below the post.

As the weekend goes by, we get embarrassed and you get to poke fun. You get a point for predicting the right result, and make that a whopping five points if you get the exact score. Simples.

And if you're thinking of joining in for the first time now ... go ahead. The scoring has been so low that with a couple of correct scores you'll catch up in no time. Really, we don't seem to be very good at this here at RSB.

Even better, The Contest is operated on the honour system, in the great tradition of Seinfeld, so feel free to keep your own score. I do sometimes award bonus points, though, so keep checking back to the home page at Reuters Soccer Blog to see how you're doing.

The Reuters scores so far: Paul Radford 31, Justin Palmer 28, Patrick Johnston 25, Simon Evans 25, Miles Evans 24, Kevin Fylan 23, Mitch Phillips 16, Mike Collett 14, Neil Maidment 11, Asia Sports Desk 5, Mark Meadows 5 (last three on debut)

The Rest of the World: Insert your score here (or in the comments).

So, without further ado, here are this weekend's matches, and the predictions we have so far. I'll update the post as we get more.

Blackburn v Wolves: Patrick Johnston: 1-0; Mike Collett: 0-1; Asian Sports Desk: 1-0; Kevin Fylan: 2-0; Miles Evans: 1-1; Justin Palmer: ; Simon Evans: 0-1; Neil Maidment: 1-1; Mark Meadows: 1-1; Paul Radford: 2-1; Mitch Phillips: 1-1; Julien Pretot: 1-1

Liverpool v Burnley: Patrick Johnston: 4-1; Mike Collett: 4-2; Asian Sports Desk: 4-1; Kevin Fylan: 0-1; Miles Evans: 3-0; Justin Palmer: ; Simon Evans: 1-1; Neil Maidment: 2-0; Mark Meadows: 2-0; Paul Radford: 3-0; Mitch Phillips: 2-0; Julien Pretot: 4-0

Manchester City v Arsenal: Patrick Johnston: 1-2; Mike Collett: 1-0; Asian Sports Desk: 1-1; Kevin Fylan: 0-2; Miles Evans: 1-0; Justin Palmer: ; Simon Evans: 1-2; Neil Maidment: 1-2; Mark Meadows: 2-2; Paul Radford: 1-0; Mitch Phillips: 1-1; Julien Pretot: 1-1

Portsmouth v Bolton: Patrick Johnston: 1-0; Mike Collett: 0-1; Asian Sports Desk: 0-0; Kevin Fylan: 0-0; Miles Evans: 2-2; Justin Palmer: ; Simon Evans: 0-0; Neil Maidment: 1-0; Mark Meadows: 0-0; Paul Radford: 3-1; Mitch Phillips: 0-1; Julien Pretot: 1-2

Stoke v Chelsea: Patrick Johnston: 1-1; Mike Collett: 2-1; Asian Sports Desk: 0-0; Kevin Fylan: 1-2; Miles Evans: 3-1; Justin Palmer: ; Simon Evans: 0-3; Neil Maidment: 0-0; Mark Meadows: 0-2; Paul Radford: 1-1; Mitch Phillips: 0-0; Julien Pretot: 0-3

Sunderland v Hull City: Patrick Johnston: 3-0; Mike Collett: 2-3; Asian Sports Desk: 2-0; Kevin Fylan: 0-0; Miles Evans: 1-2; Justin Palmer: ; Simon Evans: 1-0; Neil Maidment: 2-1; Mark Meadows: 1-0; Paul Radford: 2-0; Mitch Phillips: 2-0; Julien Pretot: 3-1

Wigan v West Ham: Patrick Johnston: 1-1; Mike Collett: 0-2; Asian Sports Desk: 2-2; Kevin Fylan: 1-0; Miles Evans: 0-1; Justin Palmer: ; Simon Evans: 1-1; Neil Maidment: 0-1; Mark Meadows: 0-1; Paul Radford: 1-1; Mitch Phillips: 1-1; Julien Pretot: 0-2

Spurs v Manchester United: Patrick Johnston: 1-2; Mike Collett: 3-1; Asian Sports Desk: 1-1; Kevin Fylan: 1-4; Miles Evans: 1-3; Justin Palmer: ; Simon Evans: 2-1; Neil Maidment: 2-1; Mark Meadows: 1-1; Paul Radford: 2-1; Mitch Phillips: 1-3; Julien Pretot: 2-2

Birmingham City v Aston Villa: Patrick Johnston: 1-1; Mike Collett: 2-0; Asian Sports Desk:2-0 ; Kevin Fylan: 2-2; Miles Evans: 2-0; Justin Palmer: ; Simon Evans: 1-1; Neil Maidment: 1-3; Mark Meadows: 2-2; Paul Radford: 1-1; Mitch Phillips: 1-1; Julien Pretot: 2-0

Fulham v Everton: Patrick Johnston: 2-1; Mike Collett: 2-0; Asian Sports Desk: 2-0; Kevin Fylan: 1-2; Miles Evans: 0-0; Justin Palmer: ; Simon Evans: 2-1; Neil Maidment: 2-2; Mark Meadows: 1-0; Paul Radford: 0-1; Mitch Phillips: 1-0; Julien Pretot: 1-0

PHOTO: Germany's Miroslav Klose scores against Azerbaijan in their World Cup qualifier in Hanover September 9, 2009. REUTERS/Christian Charisius

UEFA's decision to hand Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva a two-match ban for diving has infuriated the Croatian media, many fans and national team coach Slaven Bilic.

"It is a shameful decision, especially in view of the fact that Eduardo personifies everything that's decent in professional sport," Bilic told Zagreb daily Vecernji List after learning the verdict.

Fans and media have gone to even greater length in defending the Brazilian-born Croatia striker, who has won the hearts and sympathy of his adopted country after recovering from a horrific leg break he suffered in Arsenal's Premier League match at Birmingham in February 2008.

The sense of injustice in Croatia wasn't helped by last weekend's injury suffered by Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric, who faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after breaking his leg in a league match with Birmingham (again).

Croatia's leading sports website, www.sportnet.hr, had harsh words.

"Eduardo has been punished in a most detestable manner, supposedly so that justice is done, while justice was deaf, dumb and blind only 18 months earlier when he was in bed with his ankle shattered and his career hanging by a thread," the website said.

Is Eduardo a victim of double standards, or simply his own ill-judged decision to go down rather easily after minimum or no contact with the goalkeeper?

PHOTO: Croatia manager Slaven Bilic speaks with Luka Modric (L) and Eduardo Da Silva (R) during a training session at Poljud stadium in Split, February 5, 2008. Reuters stringer photo.