Then there’s the formation. Why are we sticking blindly to 4-2-3-1, when the main reason for its success last season, the Alonso – Gerrard – Torres combo, isn’t available? Ngog has come on well, and is showing signs of becoming a predator in the box, but he’s not strong enough yet to lead the line on his own for 90 minutes, as performances against Manchester City and Debrecen amply illustrate. Torres likes to prowl around and feed off the supporting cast, but Ngog, or Kuyt if played there, needs help up front. And playing two holding midfield players is unduly negative when stripped of Alonso’s forward probing, despite Mascherano’s excellent return to form in recent weeks.

It’s clear also that this abysmal run is having an effect on individuals. Poor Insua looks completely lost now, his concentration destroyed by a lack of confidence. Even experienced campaigners like Kuyt are showing the strain – he looks as if he’ll never score again. If only we had a new face to freshen up the team, a high-energy box-to-box player. Hang on – isn’t that Aquilani? Can someone tell me the exact set of circumstances in which he will be considered for more than 15 minutes action?

Let’s hope we try and shake things up a bit for Sunday, it’s time for change. At least then we can put down a marker for the inevitable Europa Cup clash later in the season. Wake me up when we get to the semis.