Gary Newbon presents The Pieman's Blog

Sir Alex Ferguson takes gambles to win matches. His latest was vital. On Sunday with the club trailing Liverpool in the Premier League and Aston Villa in the match itself Sir Alex threw on a 17 year old substitute Italian Federico Macheda for his debut. His stunning winner three minutes into added time was the stuff dreams are made of. United are now one point ahead of Liverpool with a game in hand (v Portsmouth) and with 8 matches left (7 for Liverpool who appear to have an easier run in). This 3-2 win could be the result that actually makes the difference! United were without five very important players through suspension and injury. That's how big a result they pulled off. I have been tipping United all season. No change now. I also have big bets with two wealthy Aston Villa fans from last August. I said Villa were not ready yet to be in the top four. They have been closer than I expected but I will be proved right in the end and collect!

Liverpool have been more consistent in team selection. Like United they can score plenty of late goals. Liverpool have scored 8 times after 90 minutes this season - the latest in the 1-0 away win at West Ham from substitute Yossi Benayoun. Liverpool are scoring lots of goals at present and looking very confident. But I still think Chelsea can pip them to runner's up spot even if Liverpool have by far the easiest looking run in to the season of the top four clubs. And what a match on Wednesday in the regular European Champions League pairing of Liverpool at Chelsea. It’s the quarter-final first leg tie at Anfield. I do not know which club will get through over the two legs because it is always so tight with so few goals. But my money would just edge Chelsea. We will see!

Alan Shearer lost his first match as Newcastle's manager. He had 8 matches to save them from relegation. No surprise losing to Chelsea who have the best away record in the Premier League but a bad defensive mistake by Newcastle's Coloccini led to the first goal... and the Toon will need more than the Messiah to save them. Television pundits do not often make great first time managers! Newcastle need someone with proven experience right now. I think it is a daft gamble that will not work!

Fabio Capello is certainly the experienced choice for England. He has instilled discipline and fear in the England squad in the right way. The World Cup group six that England are topping with 100 % record after 5 matches is not very strong but the matches still have to be won. England at the half way mark will qualify for the finals in South Africa next year.

What of the others in the UK and Ireland? The Scots must ideally beat Norway away and Macedonia at home in the autumn to win a play-off place behind Holland in group 9. Wales have no chance now in group 4; Northern Ireland's home wins over Poland and Slovenia puts them top of Group 3 but Slovaki are just one point behind with two games in hand. So the Irish matches in both Poland and the Czech Republic are huge if the Irish are to stand a chance of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time since 1986.The Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 at leaders Italy in Group 8 thanks to a late, late goal by Robbie Keane. The Republic are now second, two points behind the World Champions. Difficult games in Bulgaria and Cyprus may settle the automatic issue.

Scotland and Rangers took action against Barry Ferguson and Alan McGregor. They were relegated to the Scotland subs bench after breaking a late-night drinking curfew but when both players gave V signs at the match to photographers when on the bench they were banned for life by Scotland and suspended for 2 weeks by their club Rangers. Well done, both club and country. Disgraceful behaviour by both players.