If only in football the form book could be seen to work out relative to the scorelines each week. In the case of Liverpool, the result of the Man City game (not to mention the two Chelsea fixtures) is looking all the better now after the performances of those two sides this weekend.

As it is, the reality is never like that. If we attempt to equate the City performance against taking on Fulham at Craven Cottage, the Reds would be racing certainties.

Most of us no doubt recall with great affection the drubbing Kenny's team gave the Londoners late last season, but previous to that Liverpool, while winning on occasions down there, nevertheless found it a very hard fixture from which to get a result. And I don't doubt for a moment that this Monday will be no different.

I suggest that, not because of the loss of Lucas, which has been an undoubted blow given the way he was playing, but more on the fact that the compact little ground seems to hold an initial home advantage more than most.

I've stated for much of the season how highly I rate Spearing, so that I've got every confidence Jay, if chosen, will be able to step in and do a good job. Indeed if he manages to take advantage of the opportunity and gets a run of games, I'd suggest there's every chance the Brazilian won't be missed anything like as much as the doom mongers are predicting. He's certainly performed admirably in the League Cup.

As we saw in the Cup game at Chelsea, Liverpool are now establishing a first rate pool of players well able to slot into the side when required. I was hugely impressed by the professional approach at Stamford Bridge and a repeat of that performance ought to prove good enough.

One of the more interesting talking points will be the extent to which Kenny may be leaning towards certain personnel for home games and different ones for the away ones. Not that I'd expect wholesale changes but Maxi and Bellamy in particular seem to have developed an instinctive partnership and Suarez too appears at home alongside that pair.

Meanwhile, there are some hints of a noteworthy signing in the January window, though even those in the media quite close to the Reds camp seem unable to get even the semblance of a hint. Which is brilliant, say I. The whole approach of journalists to the Liverpool manager is now an extremely guarded one. Last week when one was pressing him repeatedly on the same matter, Kenny asked the man in question if he'd got wax in his ears. A real caustic put down.

But back to Monday and since I've always been one reluctant to tempt fate, indeed loathed to express wholeheartedly and publicly such positivity as I feel at the moment. Football is not so much about statistical analyses, just the two basic ones of seeking to score more goals on the day than the opposition and ultimately accruing more points than all the other teams; it is about a game with a ball and each player having the confidence to perform right up to his ability in order to play well. More often than not when that happens a victory ensues and right now, every vibe that is emanating across this City from Melwood is of a squad which is exuding self belief.

To paraphrase what Kenny would say: We don't worry about others; just get on with the job in hand and take one game at a time.

Absolutely amen to that.

Mike Hopper