A death in the family has limited and will limit my blogging and soccer watching over the next few days. But it won't prevent me from boldly predicting that Liverpool, not Chelsea, will win the Premiership.

FF

The Guardian's EPL preview is up.

FF

I don't know nearly enough to say which of the Big Three domestic leagues (England, Italy, Spain) is the "best." Yet when a notable in any of those leagues underperforms at a World Cup, some tout claims said league is overrated and pales in comparison to the remaining two. I've most often read this about EPL, but then again, I read more about the EPL than the other leagues.

I'd be curious to see how the Big Three have been represented in the semi-finalists at the WC and the Euro Championship since 1992.

FF

Liverpool 2-1 over Chelsea.

But Chelsea wasn't really trying, right Jose? Or was it that they weren't fit? Or is there another excuse that I missed?

FF

I predict Shevchenko will have a strong season. He is a killer who must be watched carefully at all times. He will have several multiple goal games against the weaker teams, who will fail to appreciate his ability to instantly make something out of nothing.

FF

Gerrard has looked reserved, but good. How anyone can contend that Lampard is Gerrard's equal is beyond my ability to understand.

FF

Bellamy to Crouch GOALLLLL!

FF

Shaun Wright-Phillips replacing Drogba.

FF

Bellamy on, for Garcia.

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Gerrard and Alonso coming on.

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Chelsea looks better in the second period. They're spending more time in Liverpool's half.

FF

Shevchenko GOALLLLLL! Nice lead pass from Lampard.

Chelsea's fortunate to be tied. They've been outplayed this half.

FF

Ballack pulls up injured. Shortly after he's substituted for Kalou.

FF

Two scraps so far. Lampard in one, and then Essien pushed Garcia's face.

FF

Liverpool GOALLLLLL! Riise with a screamer from five yards outside the box.

Ballack picked up a yellow card, unfairly, I think.

Chelsea looks clumsy.

Bellamy's not starting; Pennant is, though.

It looks like I don't know what the heck I'm talking about. The game begins at 9am Central, not 6:45, and Gerrard is on the bench.

I'm still excited about the game, which starts presently.

FF