W D L GD Pts
24 11 3 +40 83 Rafa's 38 latest League games

In Rafa Benitez's last 38 games in the league, Liverpool have notched up a total of 83 points. This counts for sweet fuck all, as obviously, its what you get from the beginning of the season till the end of the season that counts. But it can be a good insight halfway through the season into the performance of the team currently and their form. Especially as we are reaching a period that we failed in last year (we can improve upon that figure of 83).

The upcoming games we had this time last season are

A 12.01.2008 D 1 - 1 Middlesbrough

H 21.01.2008 D 2 - 2 Aston Villa

A 30.01.2008 L 0 - 1 West Ham

Two draws and a loss. Therefore we can improve on the total of 83 with 3 points or above in the next 3 games.

At best, we can win the next 3 games and Rafa's last 38 league games would be at a total of 90 - a total that normally wins you the league. At worst, we win one game, draw one and lose the other one. That would have the total at 84 - just 3 shy of what Manchester United won the league with last year. That has us performing technically 3 points behind United. Which, considering that all I want this season is improvement and a title challenge would be pretty good and a move in the right direction. It might indicate that they will pip us to the post, but it shows that we are gathering points.

Considering the game we lost last year, West Ham, is the same fixture this season as Chelsea at home and we assume we lose to Chelsea- although I'd like to think with Torres back we could win, but for the sake of argument, lets say Anelka gets a brace and we lose.. it wouldn't be beyond the realms of possibilty to beat Stoke Away and Everton at Home (our next 2 games). That would leave us on a total of 86 - just one point behind United's final total last season.

The fact of the matter is, we are performing at a level that is good enough to have us in the title race and a run of wins from now, would really show our credentials IMO, despite people arguing about a lack of missed opportunities but this time we have finally made it count at the beginning of the season.

Disclaimer:
To anyone wanting to rubbish what I've just posted, its 1) Mainly for Slackk's benefit as I'd like him to see it and 2) I realise that its what you do between May and August that counts.

Finally, if anyone wants to add the same in for Chelsea/United or Arsenal I'd be interested to see and compare.