It’s time to back a few outsiders so let’s start at Anfield where the oddsmakers seem to be the only people bar Roy Hodgson not to realise how bad Liverpool actually are at the moment.

Torres and Gerrard were back in midweek but the Reds were still humbled at home by a Wolves team who were full value for their three points.

Torres, in particular, looks like a man whose heart isn’t in the club and Liverpool look a team to oppose at some decent prices.

Bolton are the visitors this Saturday and Owen Coyle’s men look overpriced at 5/1 with Totesport.

That price doesn’t take into account that Liverpool are a shadow of their former glories while Bolton are the most improved side in the league.

I’m more than happy to have a punt at 5s and profit from another miserable weekend for Hodgson who could be the next ex-Liverpool manager very early in the New Year.

The other great bet of the weekend comes on the other side of the world where England are a confident pick to win the fifth and final test to seal the series 3-1.

Australia are a beaten rabble while England will be determined to win the coveted urn rather than just retain it so the 6/4 on offer from Bet365 looks too good to miss.

The win will also seal our pre-tour tip for England to win the series at 15/8 which in hindsight looks like one of the bets of the year.

Here’s to a Happy New Year for everyone bar Liverpool and Australian cricket and we’ll hopefully keep the bookies on their toes throughout 2011.

Running Total for all bets to a £10 stake:   +£142.00