AFTER two defeats the Wanderers have managed to chalk up three points at last, but it might be a while before they can add to their tally.

With the next three games against Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal coming it could be a tough month ahead for Sam's men. But if you're optimistic and think they can defeat the "big 3" I'll give you odds of 250/1. Remember last season they took seven points from nine out of the corresponding fixtures.

The Premiership takes a rest this weekend because of international matches. So much has happened on and off the pitch, with the likes of Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira making the headlines, it's good to see the national team back on centre stage after the World Cup.

England take on Portugal at Villa Park tomorrow, where we could see Bowyer, Woodgate and Dunn all getting a start. England are 4/5 to beat Portugal butan England 3-0 victory is 14/1.

Why not try first goalscorer?

Michael Owen is 4/1, Danny Murphy 14/1, Emile Heskey 7/1, David Dunn 16/1, Lee Bowyer 11-1 and Steven Gerrard 12-1.

Although England are only involved in a friendly at Villa Park, the other home countries have got their first qualifying games for the 2004 EuropeanChampionships. Here are my selections for the following matches:

Faroe Islands v Scotland 0-2 at 5/1, Finland v Wales 2-1 at 15/2, Russia v Republic of Ireland 1-1 at 9/2.

The big horse race of the weekend takes place on our doorstep at Haydock Park, and my selection in the Sprint Cup is May Ball at 11/1 definitely worth an each way bet.

All the prices quoted in my column are correct at the time of going to print. More prices are available at all Done Bookmakers throughout the area.