I was watching CNN and they say Liverpool is in the red financially. I wonder why they didn't just float the shares to the locals.

Almost spot-on on the prediction @winston, the Magpies held their own but the scoreline was kind...Berbatov could have had a hat trick if he had tucked away all the chances he got (and created).

What was re-assuring for me was seeing different people other than Rooney score (he we was even taken out on the hour), the over reliance on Rooney as a scorer was a double edged sword last season so it's comforting to see other guys make the play.

For me it's Chelsea and Man Utd who looked strong (despite the opposition and score lines)with Liverpool and Tottenham also impressing, again, despite the score lines. If I was asked to predict at this stage, my prediction for league cup would be:

1. Chelsea/Man Utd
2. Chelsea/Man Utd
3. Liverpool
4. Arsenal/Tottenham
5. Arsenal/Tottenham
6. Man City/Aston Villa
7. Man City/Aston Villa

Of course if you throw in spanners such as injuries, failure to click on form or as a team, poor coach tactics, bad/good luck, blah blah, then your guess is as good as mine.

One thing's for sure - if Newcastle put up the sort of fight they did jana, they will definitely avoid relegation, ceteris paribus.

Aluta continua!

Congrats to Man-U they didnt disappoint and the goals are now diversified (so far no one-man-show). Hence more dangerous.

@ Taz...arsenal's physical presence is more assured by Van persie and Bendtner. Chamakh...is fast and good but physically we are yet to see. In case of injury who would replace RVP and Bendtner?

The goal was tight one...while alumunia was beaten to his near post...credit should also go to Ngog. It was a superb strike. Yes..arsenal need a keeper. And so do chelsea...just in case cech gets injured (Turnbull and Hilario have been preseason jokes). Arsenal defence looks more solid. i wonder if mancity wont come for Vermalean at one point!

Goal difference of arsenal v everton last season was 5. Chelsea v west brom 6

@smano...SAF said Berbatov should have scored 4. I guess he owes me one goal.

My bet for this season: Chelsea, Man-U, Arsenal, Liverpool ...tight race but back to same old story!

I don't think Liverpool will make top 7. They are hurting financially and that always affects performance. Their only hope is if Tottenham goofs due to pressure from the many intensive games that come with Champions League.

@2012...there was talk of a buy by the chinese then by bank of scotland. So money problems may end soon. There may not have enough money to buy in big players but their display this weekend was full of purpose and they were very committed and physical. I think they maybe hurt by Mascherano leaving. Otherwise they will be up there in or next to the top four.

Spurs were good too. Only dont know whether they can last the distance. Should be interesting. But liverpool have what it takes to outlast Spurs

@McReggae...you still think Villa can fire well without Martin O'neil? I think Everton may perform better than Villa this term.