A few bits and pieces to take into the weekend…

Steven Gerrard, contrary to our expectations, has not recovered and will play no part against Fulham tomorrow. Frank Lampard, on the other hand, is expected to be fit for Chelsea. Fat is a great healer.

Fabio Capello is quoted as saying of his first year in charge of England “I think it is impossible to be better than this”. Taken literally, it is incorrect – but as a general analysis, it does ring true. The turnaround has been remarkable, and really shows the true worth of Capello as a manger. Unlike a club manager he has been unable to sign anyone; he’s taken the same group of players and made them play much, much better. Couldn’t be much better in fact. You could say its impossible to be better…

Wes Brown and Dimitar Berbatov are out for Man Utd, making it likely we will see the exciting Rafael at right back and the ugly Carlos Tevez upfront. Utd have won 66% of the games Tevez has played in and only 33% of the ones he has not, so Berba’s injury may be a blessing in disguise.

You will have see nthe recent furore around William Gallas… today he compounded it by iterating his desire to play in France. It would not surprise us if, after lambasting the dressing room, he is stripped of the captaincy – now it looks likely he will leave, as well. As we discussed in this article, Arsenal have no natural leader, or ‘talisman’ – who will take the reigns? Fabregas? As an outsider, possibly Silvestre?

Peter Crouch made a farcical 28 second appearance in Wednesday’s win over Germany – actually the most pointless thing ever. Its now been confirmed as the shortest ever appearance for the England side – well done Peter.

He of the funny dance reminds us of Betfair’s promotion this weekend – to market their new Tai Kai software, they’re offering £10,000 to the first Premierleague player to perform the Tai Kai dance upon scoring – it consists of kicks and punches, apparently…