Liverpool hope resting on Andy Carroll

Believe it or not, Andy Carroll actually played 44 games for Liverpool after his 35 million pound move, scoring just 6 goals. But his biggest game for them actually comes this weekend as West Ham travel to Manchester City.

The Reds need West Ham to win, and it could be the big Geordie's chance to prove that he was good enough for a top 4 team, just the timing was all wrong.

It wasn't Carroll's fault that Kenny Dalglish wanted to spend the money on him, and I'm sure Newcastle just threw that number out to see what Liverpool's starting point was.

But what are the chances of West Ham actually getting a result at the Etihad? They have conceded 12 goals in 3 games against City this year, have nothing to play for (apart from trying to finish 12th), can't keep the ball, and are facing a team that has scored 100 league goals this year.City have won 16 of their 8 league games at home, losing only to Chelsea, and West Ham have only won 4 and scored 15 goals away from home all season.

QPR almost beat City two years ago on the final day, but they know how to win the league now, are in great form and know that one goal will probably be enough to win it.

Liverpool have to hope that West Ham can keep it tight, reach half-time at 0-0 and then nick one with 15 or less to go - and maybe it's time for Andy Carroll to show Liverpool what he was really worth.

West Ham's legal challenge can't be the way to go

Was it a straight red? Did Chico Flores make a meal of it? Should it have been overturned?

No, Yes and Maybe in the Geezer's opinion, but the decisions were made and West Ham have to get on with it. The Hammers are taking legal action against Andy Carroll's recent sending off in the 2-0 win over Swansea - something that will just open a whole can of worms.

Carroll plays that way, with arms and legs everywhere and makes decisions difficult for referees. Chico Flores is a cheat and milked the situation, but taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport isn't going to get Carroll back in time to play in the 3 games he is due to miss.

And if they then overturn the red card after Carroll has missed games, do West Ham sue the FA, the Premier League, the referee?

If a goal is disallowed or an obvious penalty decision not given, will teams start to take legal action and claim money?

In my opinion the referee has made a mistake, but it's an honest footballing mistake. You can't turn the clock back on a decision and speculate over the outcome of the game. It's done, move on - although I do agree that the FA panel and process needs to be looked at.

If these things fall into the hands of the courts and lawyers, no one wins - it just takes the enjoyment out of the game.

The big kick-off

This is how every game should kick-off

Would love to see Andy Carroll or Fernando Torres try this

(I know he's not kicking off, it has to go forward, Torres is unlikely to be on the pitch to kick-off)