Top male tennis players of all time

Is Federer the greatest ever? Vote on in the poll on the right

     1)  Roger Federer – A genius with a racquet in his hand, anything he can’t do on a tennis court isn’t worth knowing. Regarded by many as the greatest player ever with a record 16 grand slam titles and an insatiable appetite for success at the highest level. A true legend in the history of tennis.

     2)   Rod Laver – Rated as the best player ever by many tennis experts, Laver is the only player ever to have twice won all four grand slams in the same year.  Laver was a master of the serve-and-volley game and won a career total of 11 grand slams, putting him 4^th in the all time list.

     3)   Pete Sampras – The American was a master of Wimbledon with seven victories  and known as a wonderful serve-volley player. His all-round court ability was admired by many and many people though that his 14 major titles would never be surpassed until a certain Swiss same along.

     4)   Rafael Nadal – The stats might not show him to be up there with the best but let us not forget that Nadal is only 24 and has been plagued by knee injuries. With that in mind, his record of nine grand slams is mighty impressive and the clay-court specialist has the unlimited ability to win many more.

5)   Bjorn Borg  - He may have only had a short career but Borg achieved so much in the game. He had the highest percentage of Grand Slam entrees to wins (11/27) and won a record five straight Wimbledon’s and four consecutive French Opens to stamp his class on the sport, before announcing his shock retirement at the age of 26.

     6)   Boris Becker  - Becker won his first grand slam at just 17 years of age when he lifted the Wimbledon crown.  Winner of six majors, Boris was adored for his passion and incredible ability to fire winners from the most outrageous positions.  He won over many fans with his courage and risk-taking.

     7)   Andre Agassi - Known as the best returner in the world of tennis, Agassi won 8 grand slams and has the Career Golden Slam by winning all majors and the Olympic gold. He had attitude problems on and off the court but always provided great entertainment.

     8)   Jimmy Conors – Winner of eight slams, Connors had tremendous spirit on the court and that combined with his wonderful two-handed backhand was a match for anyone. His best moments came against the likes of McEnroe and Borg where he produced stunning tennis in some memorable matches.

     9)   John McEnroe – Probably the most naturally talented player of all time and maybe the most passionate. He lost some fans with his eccentric antics but he never failed to entertain and seven grand slam titles is hardly a bad return.

     10)   Ivan Lendl – Lendl was one of the dominant players of the 1980s and tallied a total of eight grand slams during an illustrious career.  He was a masterful tactician, and a superb athlete with a one of the best running forehands ever seen.

Pre-season predictions

2010/11 Premier league predictions:

1. Chelsea
2. Man Utd
3. Man City
4. Tottenham
5. Arsenal
6. Liverpool
7. Aston Villa
8. Everton
9. Fulham
10. Newcastle
11. West Ham
12. Bolton
13. Stoke
14. Birmingham
15. Blackburn
16. Sunderland
17. West Brom
18. Wigan
19. Wolves
20. Blackpool

5 points – Correct Place

3 points – 1 or 2 places out

-5 points – wrong by more than 5

FA Cup: Man City (5)
League Cup: Man United (5)
Champions League: Real Madrid (5)
First Premier League manager to leave his job: Martinez (5)
Premier League top scorer: Wayne Rooney (5)
Championship: Cardiff City (5)

Numbers in brackets tell how many points for each correct answer

England aim for 20/20 record

England will be aiming to set a new Twenty20 record for most consecutive wins when they play Australia tomorrow in Adelaide.

Having won their last seven matches, the world champions can win a record eighth as they play Cameron White's side in the first of two Twenty20's.

England captain Paul Collingwood said: "It's not easy to win that many on the trot in Twenty20.

"The guys are focused and ambitious and these are two huge games for us."

Vote to who you think will win the Twenty20 series on the right.

How the Ashes heroes rate

After out-batting, out-bowling, out-fielding and outplaying the Australians to win the Ashes 3-1, here are my ratings for the England team:

Andrew Strauss - 8 - Compared to the likes of Cook and Trott, his average of 43.8 doesn't seem that special but his runs at the top of the order led England on their way. His captaincy is more accomplished than ever and he never let his side get carried away at any stage of the tour.

Alistair Cook - 10 - Ashes man of the series with over 700 runs at an average of 127, which sums it up. Batted with ease and never looked out of his depth. He's taken giant strides over the past six months after a poor summer.

Jonathan Trott - 8 - Since Michael Vaughan's retirement, England have been searching for a suitable number three to replace him and Trott has proven his worth. Scored 445 runs in the series at an average of 89. His runs at the top of the order along with Strauss and Cook made sure England got off to a strong start on almost every occasion.

Kevin Pieterson - 8 - Only got the chance to bat six times due to the top three but in them innings he has scored 360 runs with an average of 60 and his double century in Adelaide suggests he is coming back to his best form.

Paul Collingwood - 7 - Will be disappointed with less than 100 runs but his contribution to the team cannot be underestimated. Plays a crucial role within the squad with his experience and love of the game. Bowled important overs to allow the seamers to take a rest and his last ever delivery in test cricket was the dismissal of the obdurate Mike Hussey. Best fielder on the side and took the most catches (9) in the series including the one of Ponting in Perth below:

Ian Bell - 8 - Like KP only had six chances to bat but contributed a great deal in those innings. Over 600 runs, averaging 65 and scored his first Ashes century makes it a very satisfying tour the Warwickshire batsman.

Matt Prior - 8 - Improved immensely with both bat and gloves over the past 12 months. Again averaged over 50 to bolster the lower order and took a whopping 23 catches. He has become a valuable member of this England side as shown during this series.

Tim Bresnan - 8 - Very impressive during the last two matches. Came in for the expensive Finn to control the runs and did just that with an economy rate of only 2.6 with an average of 19. Also took 11 wickets in only his two matches and will be a important part of the England set up in future years.

Graeme Swann - 8 - Bowled well on flat pitches but didn't have the effect everyone expected prior to the series. Australia seemed to take to much time working out how to play Swann and forgot the seamers. Still managed to take an impressive 15 wickets as well as keeping things very tight. Also added runs with the bat.

James Anderson - 10 - Was magnificent throughout. To take 24 wickets in a five match series is impressive but to do it in Australia is a superb effort. Put the ball in the right place every time, caused mayhem amongst all Australians and will be the spearhead of this fine bowling attack for a while.

Chris Tremlett - 9 - Only got his chance due to injury but he took it emphatically. Bowled wonderfully and caused problems to  every Australian batsmen. Took 17 wickets in three matches but with a bit more luck it would have been a lot more.

Stuart Broad - 6 - Struggled in the first two matches, taking just two wickets. Unfortunately had to go home due to injury but Tremlett more than stood up to the mark.

Steven Finn - 7 - Expensive but took 14 wickets in his three matches. Showed his inexperience at times with some wayward bowling and needs to learn to pitch it up. Only 21, though, so will be a big part of the English team in the future.

Another memorable Ashes comes to an end

Paul Collingwood will not be featuring for England in tests again but his stunning catch to remove Ponting in Perth is just one of many highlights for England in a inspiring series.

For so many years the Ashes was a symbol of pain and torture for England fans. Australia steamrolling every team that stood in their path and dominating the famous series for nearly 20 years, they were the power house of world cricket. How times change.

England have completely and utterly destroyed Australia in the past three months. They have outplayed, outthought and out-coached their greatest nemesis to record a memorable 3-1 victory and that is a joy to watch for any English cricket enthusiast.

And now it has come to an end. It all started back in November when Andrew Strauss fell third ball before Peter Siddle took a hat-trick and every England fan was getting that all too familar sinking feeling. It was built up as our greatest chance of an Ashes win down under and we were getting hammered after just one day.

Who would have thought that on the 4th day of the final test Graeme Swann would be smashing 20 runs of a Mitchell Johnson over to guide England to their highest ever score in Australia having already secured the Ashes?

It's been another unforgettable series. Up and downs, twists and turns all the way with England coming out on top by a distance.

And a tribute to the departing Collingwood. England have made some giant strides in the game of cricket and much of that is to do with the ginger stalwart. His drive and desire to succeed matches that of anyone to have played the game. He always puts the team ahead of himself and never let his success get to his ahead.

He retires with a very healthy average 40.56 - better than Atherton, Stewart, Hussain and Gatting - also scoring over 4,000 runs. His average of above 50 against the power houses of world cricket - India, Pakistan, South Africa and Australia - shows that he always made runs went it mattered most and that is a sign of a great player.

I once again feel privileged to be growing up at a time when English cricket is on such a high and to witness another inspiring series.

England - You have done your nation proud, very well played!

True legend ends test career

Paul Collingwood has announced his retirement from tests before the 4th morning of the 5th Ashes test in Sydney.

The 34-year-old said: "Representing England has always been a dream of mine and I've been fortunate enough to have enjoyed some amazing highs throughout my Test career. I'm proud of the fact that I've always given my all for England but I feel that this is the right time to leave Test cricket having reached some very special achievements, none more satisfying that retaining the Ashes in Australia. I also feel now is the time to ensure some of the younger players are given an opportunity as we have a wealth of talent pushing for places. I still feel I have a huge amount to offer in terms of limited overs cricket and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to continue leading the Twenty20 squad and playing a significant role in England's ODI team."


From BBC Sport: Paul Collingwood retires with a healthy average of 40.56 - better than Mike Atherton, Alec Stewart, Nasser Hussain and Mike Gatting - and 4,259 Test runs. That puts him 29th in the all-time England list, between Mark Butcher and Robin Smith. He took some of the finest catches among cricketers of his generation, and if he does not bowl in the second innings he will remember his last ball in Test match cricket - it bowled Mike Hussey.


Collingwood stats

He will be remembered as one of the greatest fielders to have ever played the game, here is a selection of his best catches:

England close in on Number 2 ranking

This is what the rankings table would look like if England beat Australia 3-1 and India defeat South Africa 2-1.

England will become the number 2 test ranked team in the world if they beat Australia in Sydney twinned with an India win over South Africa in Cape Town.

An England win would mean a 3-1 series victory while India can secure a series win of their own.

Nani shows his class

Luis Nani once again showed his quality last night with an impressive performance against Stoke as he again displayed why he is one of the best players in the division but yet gets not half the praise he deserves.

He set up one with a pinpoint cross to Javier Hernandez before grabbing the winner thanks to a sublime left footed strike from 20 yards. His assist for the first goal means he now has more assists than anyone else in the league this season as well as five goals for himself.

When Nani came to United, it was in the prime of Ronaldo and he struggled to make much of an impact. He was known as a somebody who moaned all the time and was far too selfish, he still is now but to a far lesser extent.

It wasn't until nearly a year ago when he finally showcased his ability to be a world class player that brought him to the club in the first place.

The game was at Arsenal and was a key match for United in their quest to win a 19th League title. He put in a magical performance that stated just how much potential he has got. First, he produced a wonderful piece of skill to trick his way passed Cliche and Nasri before sweeping though Denilson and lifting the ball to the far post were Almunia could only palm into his own net.

Four minutes later he teed up Rooney for United's second and Nani had finally arrived.

Almost a year later he is one of the best player in the league and a crucial cog in United's title machine that has gone 25 league games unbeaten.

In my opinion he is the most underrated players in the league, his trickery and pace have caused panic to every defence he faces.

And at 24, Nani has the potential to go on and become on of the greatest players in the world.

Ashes man of the series

It's been a wonderful series of Ashes action, especially for England, and I've done a poll asking who has been man of the series:






Matches: 5
Innings: 7
Runs: 766
Average: 130















Matches: 5
Overs bowled: 195
wickets: 21
Average: 28

Captain: Done a fantastic job as captain to lead his side to first win in Australia for 24 years
Matches: 5
Innings: 7
Runs: 307
Average: 45












Matches: 5
Innings: 8
Runs: 558
Average: 72









Matches: 5
Innings: 7
Runs: 445
Average: 100

Collingwood's time is surely up

Paul Collingwood again failed with the bat on the 3rd morning of the 5th Ashes test despite perfect batting conditions and it must now mean the end for one of England's greatest test servants.

The Durham man, who will be 35 in May, was in desperate need of runs to silence the doubters but made a poor shot selection whilst on 13 to surely end what has been a hugely successful career.

With a very little chance of getting another bat in the game, it means he has scored 83 runs in six innings at an average of a very poor 14.

His England test career didn't really get going until the 2005 Ashes were he had to step in for the injured Simon Jones and play the last test. He contributed little to that game but it was just the start.

After 69 matches, Collingwood has a healthy average of 40.56 with ten hundreds, including a double century in Australia, and 20 half centuries but his recent poor form combined with the vast range of talented youngsters means time is surely up for the experienced stalwart, who has been a great servant to English cricket.

His bowling and fielding can play a big role too as well as the experience and cricketing knowledge he unquestionably adds to the team. But his main aim is to score runs and an average of below 20 for 2010 highlight his struggles that may see the end of his test career.

Collingwood will still play a valuable role in the one-day team, though, and he will continue to lead the 20/20 side but his test days are surely behind him.

The most obvious replacement for him would be the exciting Eoin Morgan who has impressed in the limited overs side of the game but also James Hildreth and Andrew Gale would be likely candidates.

Cook and Bell lead England dominance

Ian Bell celebrates his 12th hundred

Centuries from Alistair Cook and Ian Bell put England in a commanding position after day three of the fifth Ashes test in Sydney.

Resuming on 167-3, the tourists soon lost nightwatchman James Anderson for 7 before the out-of-form Paul Collingwood was the victim of Michael Beer's first test wicket.

But Cook and Bell put on 154 for the sixth wicket with the opener scoring 189 and Bell wading in with his first century of the series.

Both Cook and Bell fell before the close but a brisk 54* from Matt Prior made sure England remained in control on 488-7, a lead of 208.

It was a day that summed up the series the whole series with England's batsmen firmly on top against some average Australian bowling and now a 3-1 Ashes victory to the tourists looks imminent.

The day wasn't without it's controversial moments, though, as Phil Hughes and Bell were in the limelight for different reasons.

Hughes claimed a catch to dismiss Cook only for the TV replays to show that the ball had clearly bounced while Bell asked for a review when given out edged behind but the replays failed to spot any clear deviation and Bell was reprieved.

Phil Hughes claims a catch but replays shows the ball clearly bounced

However Snicko, which can't be used because of the time it takes to generate, clearly showed that the Worcestershire batsmen nicked the ball and therefore should have been given out.

But Bell remained and soon went on to score his 12th test hundred to help put his side in complete control of the final test.

Sydney - Day 3 preview

This could be Collingwood's last test innings after an atrocious series with the bat.

The first hour of this day could very well decide the result of this test match and wether the series will finish 2-2 or 3-1 to England.

Assuming night-watchman James Anderson gets out early then England need to survive it with no more wickets down and they can begin to push on. But if Australia get early wickets they will be very much in control of the game, especially considering the spin we're likely to see on day 4 and 5.

It's a big innings for next man in Paul Collingwood. Averaging a poor 15 this series with only 70 runs, he is in desperate need of runs to silence the doubters.

Alistair Cook will be hoping to push on and get a hundred to continue his fine series while Australia will be hoping for some reverse swing with the new ball still 32 overs away.

England's aim should be to get ahead after lunch and go on to get a lead of 80 plus.

The weather is good for the whole day so there shouldn't be any interruptions and I look forward to another fascinating day of Ashes action.

Cook passes 5,000 test runs

Cook's 61* has helped England to 167-3 at the close of day 2 of the 5th Ashes test in Sydney

Alisatiar Cook became the second youngest player in test history, behind the great Sachin Tendulkar, to pass 5,000 test runs on day two of the 5h Ashes test.

Averaging 46 in 65 test matches, Cook has been predicted by many to become the first Englishmen to pass 10,000 runs. His 61* in the Sydney test has helped England into a strong position and also meant he has now scored over 600 runs in this years Ashes series.

Before the tour of Australia begun, Cook was under immense pressure after a number of poor scores but he has responded to it brilliantly and is fast becoming an England great.

At just 26, the Essex opener has already had a wonderful career. He's scored 15 test match centuries, 25 fifties and has won the Ashes twice.

Also tipped to be future England captain, there's no doubt that Cook could become an English legend.

All to play for in Sydney

Andrew Strauss plays all around a straight one to put England one down

After three consecutive matches where one side has been completely dominant, the Sydney test is right in the balance at the end of day two.

England will feel that they have the edge having nearly got within a hundred for the loss of only three wickets but then again Australia will sense early wickets on day three morning to gain the upper hand.

The day started well for the tourists with James Anderson removing Brad Haddin before Paul Collingwood surprised everyone by taking the crucial wicket of Mike Hussey for 33.

Anderson then took two more in an over to have Australia on the ropes at 190-8 and then our favourite Australian Mitchell Johnson decided to have some fun. His quick-fire 50 along with 34 from Ben Hilfenhaus got their side up to a very competitive 280, much to the frustration of England.

But openers Andrew Strauss and Alistair Cook strode to the middle in confident mood and soon got England going with a flourish of boundaries. Strauss passed 50 at better then run-a-ball before he played all around a straight one from Hilfenhaus and was followed by Jonathon Trott for a duck as England threatened a collapse.

But Cook continued on his way along with Kevin Pieterson and it appeared England would be only two down at the close but KP did what KP does best. His rush of blood to the head means this game is on tenterhooks and with a decent forecast for the remaining three days, the tomorrow's first session will prove pivotal to wether the series finishes 3-1 or 2-2.

Kallis vs Tendulkar

Kallis stats                                                                                  Tendulkar stats

There have been so many great batsmen is the history of cricket but there are few, if any, better then Sachin Tendulkar and Jaques Kallis.

As I'm writing this now, the two are playing against each other and not doing to bad. Kallis scored his 39th century in a masterful 161 while the little master himself is currently 134* having passed his 51st test match hundred.

It's difficult to pinpoint who is the better. Kallis averages 56 and has scored 11, 677 runs in 144 matches while his Indian counterpart also averages 56 with 14532 runs in 176 games.

Remarkable stats for truly great players.

Tendulkar has more runs but he's played 32 matches more so to pick the best out of the two is pretty impossible.

They will both down in history as two of the greatest players to have ever played the game. Tendulkar will be remembered has an architect, he caresses the ball into the gaps and carefully constructs his innings while Kallis is more of a power play, scoring more runs through boundaries.

Who is better? Vote in my poll.

England totally dominant despite Johnson

More fine bowling from England's seamers put Australia in all kinds of trouble at lunch on day two of the 5th Ashes test in Sydney.

Resuming on 134-4, Australia struggled to cope with England's precise bowling and went into the interval on 230-8

After being the least impressive on day one, Jimmy Anderson stood out with some typically accurate swing bowling. His consistency of line and length was particularly good as he caused problems all morning, accounting for the wickets of Haddin, Smith and Siddle.

Paul Collingwood picked up the crucial breakthrough of the morning when had Mike Hussey out for 33, Hussey playing on from the last ball before the new one was taken.

It was another exceptional bowling display from England as they bided their time on the first morning before eventually taking wickets at regular intervals.

The run rate of just over 2 shows how much England caused their rivals to struggle and even though they got to 105-1, Australia have lost their last 7 wickets for 125

Day two began well for the tourists when Anderson had Haddin caught by Prior after he attempted a wild slash outside the off stump.

Hussey and Steve Smith denied England for a while before it was the unlikely source of Collingwood's trundlers that did for Hussey just when he was looking dangerous.

Collingwood then took the catch of Smith from Anderson before the Lancashire pacemen had Siddle on his way for just 2.

Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus frustrated England until lunch with an unbeaten partnership of 41 to give their team something to cheer about.

England will be desperate to break the pair as soon as possible after the break and get batting to put pressure back on the Australians. They will be hoping to get a large lead with the pitch looking as though it will spin on day 4 and 5.

Collingwood vs KP

Kp and Collingwood averages in the last 3 years against every team (Colly on left KP on right)

2008 v SA 58.00......46.50
2008/09 v India 42.66......49.66
2008/09 v WI 61.42......58.00
2009 v WI 68......24.5
2009 v Aus 27.77......38.25
2009/10 v SA 57.33......25.28
2009/10 v Bang 49.33......83.33
2010 v Bang DNP......46.00
2010 v Pak 19.83......23.33
2010/11 v Aus 14.00......64.80

Proof that Collingwood has played particularly well against many teams over the last 3 years. These are not stats they are real averages for the series played. They are placed against KP's for comparison. Interesting aren't they.

Lewis 9 Darter

Check out Lewis' 9 darter here:

Gameweek 22 preview

Premier League leaders Manchester United face a tricky task this week as they host a in-form Stoke City on Tuesday. Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra are doubts after picking up knocks in the win over West Brom on Saturday while Stoke welcome back Robert Huth after suspension.

The most anticipated game of the week is unquestionably at the Emirates where third-placed Arsenal entertain second-placed Manchester City. Following an impressive win over Birmingham, the hosts can overtake their opponents with a win but that will not be an easy task as City boast the best away record in the League while Arsenal have a poor home record for their standards.

The Emirates plays host to Arsenal versus Manchester City in a crucial clash at the top-of-the-table

Chelsea, who sit 16th in the form table after dropping more points against Aston Villa on Sunday, travel to bottom-of-the-table Wolves and the most in-form team in the league, Tottenham, visit Everton looking to record their fourth straight win.

Teams in the relegation zone, Birmingham and Fulham, play Blackpool and West Brom respectively and fellow strugglers face a trip to Bolton.

This week will again be an important stage in who will finish where at either ends if the table.

Premier League 2010/11 stats

Paul Collingwood Ponting catch

Paul Collingwood takes a stunning catch to remove Ricky Ponting in the 3rd Ashes test.

Is this the best catch ever?

Best catches

The top 5 best England catches:

Best 5 catches

Someone's not happy

This is an interview with the Saracens director of Rugby after a defeat. He isn't happy because he was in trouble at a press conference so he refused to do any interview but was forced to do one on here and this is what he did.

Ashes highlights

To watch highlights from any day of the ashes click here:

2010/11 Ashes highlights

Best goals of 2010

Now 2010 has come to end, here's a selection of the best goals from the year: Best Goals of 2010

More drama in the Championship

The Championship is probably the most exciting and most watchable league in the world. Anything can happen and no-one is certain who's going to finish where.

After another day of excitement and goals galore, QPR remain top despite conceding a late goal at home to Bristol City while Norwich also could only manage a draw at Middlesborough. Swansea made it a hat-trick of disappointments at the top of the league as they were defeated at Leicester.

It's been another fascinating season is England's second tier. Who would have thought that Middlesborough, Sheff United and Ipswich would all be sitting in the bottom six going into the New Year while newly promoted Leeds and Norwich lay in the top four.

In the Premier League, you alway know what the top four or five are roughly going to be and what teams will struggle but the Championship, which may not be as higher quality, provides us with shocks, twists and entertainment every week.

And the quality isn't exactly poor either. If you take the example of the three teams that went up from last year in Blackpool, Newcastle and West Brom. All three are more then holding their own in the Premier League.

We might be halfway through the season but the Championship is harder to predict then it was at the start. QPR look good to be going up as they sit top but who will potentially join them is anybodies guess. Cardiff, Leeds, Swansea, Norwich and Watford are all separated by just four points.

Just like the Premier League, 2011 promises to be a enthralling year for the Championship.

England on top as Khawaja impresses

Another strong bowling performance from England gave them the narrow advantage on Day One of the 5th Ashes test in Sydney.

Australia closed on 134-4 with Mike Hussey still unbeaten after Graeme Swann took the wicket of Usman Khawaja the last ball before the rain fell.

It was some more consistent bowling from England that allowed them to get on top early on despite not taking any wickets.

Chris Tremlett yet again bowled with persistence on a good line and length without any reward while Tim Bresnan continued his impressive form.

James Anderson bowled indifferently as he seemed to struggle after turning his ankle in the first over and Swann didn't look like troubling the batsmen until he ousted Khawaja.

After a opening stand of 55, it looked as though Australia would go into lunch without loss but in the last over Phil Hughes couldn't resist a wide one from Tremlett and he edged to Collingwood at slip.

Khawaja and Watson then put on another 50 partnership before Bresnan had the later caught by Strauss at slip for 45. Once again Watson had got to 40 and got out, which will be a worrying sign for him and his country.

Meanwhile, Khawaja was looking comfortable and composed at the crease. Unlike his captain Clarke, who was clearly struggling and unsurprisingly perished when he slashed at a wide on from Bresnan and was snaffled by Anderson.

With rain on the way, Australia should have been happy to see out until it arrived but Khawaja top edged a sweep off Swann and was held by Trott before the rain came ending the day.

It was another good bowling performance from England as they troubled the Australian batsmen all day but some good patient batting from Hughes and Watson defied them until the stroke of lunch.

Australia continue to have issues over Watson, Hughes and Clarke but debutant Khawaja showed plenty of promise in a fluent 37.

England ended the day narrowly on top, however, with no more rain forecast for the rest of the match, the tourists will need to continue to bowl well to put themselves into a strong position.

The most exciting Premier League season ever?

As we pass the halfway mark of this extraordinary Premier League season, it's becoming ever more impossible to predict. In fact it was probably easier to make predictions back in August.

After another fascinating weekend of goals, incident and gripping last-minute drama, no-one has no idea who's going to finish where.

That wasn't the case five games in when Chelsea were already being named champions following some utterly dominant performances, a poor West Ham side looked to be going down and Liverpool fans were fearing the unthinkable.

Now we're heading into the New Year, I've given up on predicting anything. Chelsea incredibly lie outside the top four following six points from their last seven after dropping more points at home to Aston Villa, who are having a poor season themselves.

It's quite remarkable what has happened to the defending champions as their start to the season suggested they were on the way to back-to-back titles. Having beaten both West Brom and Wigan 6-0 in their first two games, people were fearing that this season's title race may be over by Christmas.

But it's turned out to be one of the most exciting ever and it's the city of Manchester that are currently in pole position. With United and City joint top, Arsenal two points back, Tottenham three further back and then Chelsea, it's impossible to predict what major city the Premier League title will be heading to this year

United must be the favourites having played the least amount of games and sitting top but with only two away wins all season and after a sloppy display at West Brom, it's no certainty that Sir Alex's men will win a record 19th title.

Will it be Manchester United's year once again?

Manchester City will fancy their chances with unlimited spending power and it's probably have their best chance to lift the trophy ever.

But Arsenal have spent the last seven years patiently waiting their chance at glory and will be desperate to win it again. A key factor in who might be United's main challengers will be dependant on the outcome between the crucial fixture between Arsenal and Manchester City this Wednesday.

Tottenham are undoubtedly the dark horses but their Champions League campaign may prove the pivotal reason why they may come up short and of course you can never rule out Chelsea no matter how bad they're currently playing.

The relegation battle isn't exactly dull either with the bottom eight teams separated by just four points with teams like Aston Villa, Everton and Birmingham all struggling.

One things is for sure, though, 2011 promises to be a thrilling year when it comes to the Premier League.