HAS the title race been blown wide open?

A look at the results last weekend suggests the balance of power may be swaying towards the red half of Merseyside. Two Michael Owen goals (now 6/1 to be top premier goalscorer) were enough to sink Manchester Unitd at Anfield.

Down at the Reebok it was that man again Michael Ricketts saving Wanderers' blushes with a 90th minute equaliser (Michael Ricketts is still 33/1, to be top premier goalscorer). I think it's great to see the three promoted teams holding their own in the top division.

The Champions League draw looks to have been kind to the Reds. Paired with old foes Bayern Munich, United look to have a good chance of progressing further (Utd are 10/11 to win group A & 11/2 to lift the trophy). Liverpool and Arsenal, our other representatives look to have been dealt tough draws and will have to be at their best to reach the next round. All three to qualify is a 5/1 bet.

The Republic of Ireland aim to join England at the World Cup finals. I think Mick McCarthy's men will establish a good lead at home to Iran tomorrow. I can see it being 3-0 to the Republic at 15/2. But you can get 25/1 for a forecast: Robbie Keane to score first and Ireland to win 2-0, or even better Niall Quinn to score & Ireland to win 3-0 at a very tasty 33/1.

Looking ahead to this weekend in England with a blank premier league fixture list. The England team are back at Old Trafford this time up against Sven's homeland Sweden. England should welcome back Michael Owen to the fold, and he can be backed at 3/1 to to score the first goal. England are 1/2 to win this friendly international and I think they can win this quite convincingly. Here are a few examples of our current prices:

England to win 3-1 is 10/1 or 4-1 pays 20/1

Owen to score first and England to win 2-0 is 22/1 or you could have Beckham to score first and England to win 4-1 @ 150/1

Clive Woodward has named an attacking side to face world champions Australia in Saturday's Cook Cup. 'Billy Whizz' Jason Robinson has been switched to full back from the wing and is sure to be a popular choice to score the first try at 12/1.

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

DONE BOOKMAKERS

The Official Bookmakers at the Reebok Stadium