EVEN at this early stage of the campaign I like to think I've got a good idea of how the season is going to pan out.

This season has got me scratching my head though.

If the first game had me wishing us to the 40 point mark the two subsequent performances had me brushing down the passport for a European campaign.

Then along comes Saturday and it's the 40 points target again!

We all know the ups and downs of being a Rovers fan, it's a rollercoaster of a ride at the best of times but how can essentially the same bunch of players follow the quality performances against Fulham and Spurs with one as abject as the first half at Villa Park?

It's not like we were up against a side that will be challenging for honours either, Villa are average at best as were West Ham before them.

The tempo and fluency of the two home games were replaced by a team so lethargic it was like somebody had spiked the pre-match meal.

We looked hesitant in possession, ponderous at the back and lacking in confidence all over the pitch.

It was like we were the team without a win this season not Villa.

If we'd started well and put Villa on the back foot their crowd would have turned and things could have gone our way. As it was we lost the early battles, gave away the early goal, got their tails up and it was always going to be difficult after that.

I can't speak as to whether the players are lacking in confidence but if ever a player seemed to be lacking in it, it's Shefki Kuqi.

Supporters were pretty much divided when he signed and I'm pretty sure after his first few games that will still be the case. Yes, he was free and yes he does give his all but is that enough in this league?

I know the lone man up front is a difficult position to play and he is suffering more than most from Bellamy's absence but at this level you have to take your chances and he's missed a few already.

Compare this to Milan Baros at the other end who never looked like missing his on Saturday.

Don't get me wrong and think that I'm giving up on Kuqi already because I'm not.

Supporters will always warm to a player who gives his all and I think his physical presence and tireless running adds more to the team than certain other squad members.

In the cold light of day though, if a striker's not scoring he's not doing his job.

Maybe he just needs to bounce one in off his backside to get him off and running, I certainly hope so.

As for the rest of the season I really don't know how it's going to go. Is it possible that we have a problem away from home against teams in claret and blue?

I certainly don't want us drawing Burnley in one of the cups just in case.

I suppose if we don't qualify for Europe through our league position there's always the Fair Play League..