BEING a Liverpool fan is a frustrating experience.

While Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea fans can look forward to the midweek Champions League semi-final matches, we Reds supporters are left twiddling our thumbs.

And after the roller-coaster eight goal classics against Chelsea and Arsenal in recent weeks, there is a sense that no matter how much Liverpool do, it's just not our year yet again on the trophy front.

Both matches brought up the best, and worst, that is Liverpool this season.

Penetrative, swift attacking by Fernando Torres and Co. backfired after pathetic, non-existent defending in those games that finished in 4-4 draws.

There's hope left in the Premier League title race, some of you say?

Mathematically, yes. But realistically Liverpool are looking at another disappointing season, one that will force us to bring up the pet topics "1990" and "Istanbul" all over again in conversations with fans of other clubs.

Leaders Manchester United are three points ahead with a game in hand and judging by their form against Spurs last Saturday when they came back from two goals down to put five past the Londoners, I'm not betting against them retaining the league title.

Liverpool have four league games left: against Newcastle, West Ham, West Brom and Spurs.

That's two teams in the top ten and two in the relegation dogfight, so there's a possibility Liverpool will drop points again.

The Red Devils have matches against Boro, Man City, Wigan, Arsenal and Hull City.

They could drop points against Arsenal and their Mancunian neighbours, but Alex Ferguson's team are also traditionally the strongest this time of year, and have the resources to cope with challenging both at home and in Europe.

Well, at least Liverpool's league form is better than last year, when they finished fourth with 76 points, 11 behind Man U.

With 74 points accumulated already, they should exceed last season's tally, pointing to a measure of improvement.

And hey, we have their friendly in Singapore against the Lions on July 26 to look forward to.