This season's Premier League is looking more competitive and open than it has in many years. However, Sir Alex Ferguson envisages that it will come down to a two-horse race at the end.

The Manchester United manager currently sees his side sitting

On Saturday night, Russia defeated Slovenia 2-1 in the first leg of their World Cup Playoff, in Russia. Russia had gone 2-0 up, thanks to a double from Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, however Slovenia scored in the 88th minute with a goal from Nejc Pecnik, that has kept the Slovenians alive in the tie, especially with a crucial away goal.

At the Olympic Stadium, Greece drew 0-0 with Ukraine in the first leg of their World Cup playoff. Tomorrow night, the 2nd leg with take place at another Olympic Stadium, this time in Kyiv. It really should be a tough affair with it all to play for and a place in the tournament in South Africa. Sports retailers may

Ever since I started watching football many years ago now, when it came time for the World Cup, Spain were always considered a dangerous threat by many pundits that they would win the tournament, only to let everyone down time and time again. Spain are likely to have one of the best selling World Cup Jerseys in the tournament, but the best they have finished is 4th place in a World Cup and that was in 1950.

In the 2006 World Cup in Germany, I felt that Argentina had a fantastic team, were extremely good to watch and probably should have won the tournament on these facts, but ultimately, they lost to Germany on penalties in the Quarter Finals. This time around in South Africa, can they be considered as World Cup contenders?

On Saturday 14th November 2009, Portugal play Bosnia-Herzegovina in the first leg of their World Cup playoff. This is a really tough one to predict for me, as Portugal have really struggled in the group stage and Bosnia appear to have a strong side. Sports retailers will certainly be hoping for a Portuguese victory, as they are likely to be one of the best selling World Cup Jerseys likely to be among the best selling kits next summer.

On Saturday, 14th November 2009, Ireland play France in the first leg of their World Cup playoff. France are the bookies' favourites to win the two-legged affair, but Ireland certainly have more than a reasonable chance of booking their place for the tournament in South Africa. Sports retailers

The goalkeeping situation at Manchester United could be one predicament which is worrying Sir Alex Ferguson.

Despite Van der Sar still performing well for the Old Trafford outfit, he is almost 40 years old and may not be able to play for much longer.