IT'S the second leg of the Worthington Cup next week. The first legs were finely balanced but what will happen in the return fixtures?

With a place in Europe waiting for the eventual winners there is a lot a stake for every club: Liverpool need to have some light at the end of their dark tunnel.

Sheffield United could double their turnover and give the squad the sort of confidence and belief that may also gain them promotion.

With Blackburn as the current holders - they know how it feels to win and the European experience they gained this season will see them in good shape for another adventure.

Man Utd don't usually bother with the League Cup but after last season's disappointment who's to say they can't win everything!

Can you predict the final? Blackburn v Liverpool odds 11/4, Blackburn v Sheffield odds 9/2, Man Utd v Liverpool odds 6/4, Man Utd v Sheffield odds 5/2

Lee Bowyer - can he do it? Can he keep West Ham in the Premiership?

I know there's no such thing as a one man team but if Bowyer can influence things from the heart of the team he just might be able to succeed. West Ham are now evens to stay up.

Can Liverpool finish in the top four? Quite honestly I don't think they've got a chance. I've never known anything like it. Ever since the Shankly days Liverpool have always had something extra - something special but 11 league games without a win is the worst run ever and their next league games are away at Southampton this weekend followed by Arsenal at home - neither game looks easy especially when you're playing without confidence or cohesion. 11/10 on no league win in January for Liverpool.

This weekend's other big games: 9/4 West Ham to avoid defeat at Highbury 13/8. Man Utd to beat Chelsea by two or more goals or 11/8 Ruud to score Jimmy Floyd to miss-out.

I've got 1/3 Bolton - the draw specialists not to draw at Charlton.

City , possibly with Robbie Fowler in the team are back to the North East at Newcastle - can Kev go back to the North East & nick the points? 4/1 says he can, I am also offering 6/5 for City to avoid defeat.

Friday night is the Sheffield derby at Bramhall Lane. This year the Blades are the princes while the Owls are the paupers 4/1 on an unexpected away win.

Haydock this weekend hosts the big race - The Peter Marsh Chase. Expect to see a shake up in the ante-post markets if the principals stand their ground.

Straight from the Horses Mouth by Fred Done