CHRISTMAS is still seven weeks away. But if you ask the managers of the four English clubs currently slugging it out in the Champions League, it's likely they'll say that Santa Claus has already stuffed their stockings.

How to argue with that?

With three matches played, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are leading their respective groups and, barring any drastic dip in form, they should be at the head of the procession into the first knockout round to be held in February.

Tomorrow morning (Singapore time), two English knights from the upper crust of the Premiership will cross swords with opposition from across the pond.

At the betting shop the other day, I suggested to a group of seasoned punters that Liverpool and Chelsea could inflict some serious damage on the Europeans.

I got two responses. One group was in agreement - even though they didn't see it as being all that easy. They saw Liverpool and Chelsea squeezing out narrow wins.

The other group felt I had it all wrong.

They see Atletico Madrid and Roma as being bruisers who could draw blood if the English clubs let down their guard.

Home advantage

They reckoned Italian club side Roma could push Luiz Felipe Scolari's blue-bloods all the way and, to back up their argument, they reminded me of the leg at Stamford Bridge last month when Roma held their own right until the 77th minute when John Terry broke Italian hearts with a header which bulged the back of the net.

They are now back at the Olympic Stadium where they normally play their better games.

The doubters also drew my attention to the fact that Roma are third on the table, with Chelsea topping the group, which means that Roma will throw caution to the wind.

They know they must gobble up some ground if they are to make the knockout phase - which has spots for only the top two in the group.

It was a sound argument with plenty of logic. What they forgot was Roma have this inferiority complex when they face English opponents - having lost their last three against English clubs.

So, and although Chelsea must travel - which is always a disadvantage - I reckon player for player, Chelsea will carry too much class for Roma and I'll have Scolari's men on the 1x2 ($1.98) and Roma on the 1/2 Goal ($1.25).

What about Liverpool?

Not surprising and given the fact that the Anfield outfit are second in the Premiership table - although level on points with Chelsea - all are in agreement that they will take all the points when Atletico come to visit.

What about the Fernando Torres factor? Because this is his former team, will he hold back his punches? No way.

Indeed, if he gets to start, I reckon Torres will be hungry to make up for lost time. He has been sidelined for too long and missed that glorious day in the sun when Liverpool stopped Chelsea's unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge.

He also missed the first leg against Atletico when Liverpool visited his old playground, the Vicente Caleron, where the two teams shared the points.

He will be itching for action and his former paymasters could suffer.

Yes, in the form they are in - and you can dismiss that loss at White Hart Lane - and with the match to be played at formidable Anfield, I suggest you take Torres (if he starts), Gerrard, Kuyt and company to win this tie.

Have them on the 1x2 where they are worth a decent $1.45. But, as a saver, have the visitors on the 1/2 Goal ($1.45). If you still have loose change lying around, play Home-Home ($2.25).

Then, sit back and enjoy the action of the Champions League.