Bring On April 4

Great news in this morning: Liverpool 5, Aston Villa 0. Even I didn’t expect that. I’ve waited a long time for us to be in the title race come April and, with a round of World Cup qualifiers to be played next week, that’s exactly where we’ll be when Premier League action resumes.

This also presents a challenge. There’s been a massive swing in momentum in the last two weeks. Man Utd's defensive shut-out is ancient history and we’re not just winning we’re pummelling those we come up against.

When you’re in the zone like that what you want is to bring on the next game, not break up the squad for internationals.

It’s the same for both clubs, of course, and I expect that Sir Alex is the more nervous of the two managers. It’s a given that Torres will pick up some sort of injury during his outing for Spain, but with Vidic, Rooney and Scholes all suspended for their game against Villa the last thing Man Utd need is to have one of their lads suffer the same fate.

If only Portugal were playing Azerbaijan rather than Sweden.

So bring on April 4. Liverpool travel to Fulham - a fixture I was at last season and in which Jermaine Pennant (of all people) scored an absolute belter. The Cottage is so small and the home fans so, well, West London, that it’s hardly a daunting place to visit.

Nice pies though, and the crispy duck next to the Putney Walkabout can’t be beaten.

April 4 is also Austin’s first birthday. Kate’s pick is trailing in the cake vote and I don’t fancy her chances of selecting his outfit. He looks great in his Liverpool kit and I’d like to think he wears it with pride. I certainly hope so – he’s already got shirts for when he’s two, five and, er, thirteen.

Postscript:
A special shout-out to Brentford, who are leading League Two and on target for promotion. They have one of the best home grounds in London, and the only one in the country with a pub on all four corners. Come on you Bees!