Worst Transfer Scenarios for Arsenal, United, Liverpool, City, Chelsea, Spurs

On Monday, we did the dream scenarios. Today we head to the dark side.

What's the worst that could happen? In this slideshow, that's not a rhetorical question. The following six slides represent the worst-case scenarios that could happen this January for English football's Big Six: Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

The transfer window stays open for less than two more weeks. So, while these scenarios might only be nightmares right now, they could turn into reality soon.

Arsenal: No Fullbacks

As we told you on Monday, Arsenal is hurting for fullbacks. Bacary Sagna, Andre Santos and Kieran Gibbs are all injured. Even center back Thomas Vermaelen—who had been filling in at fullback—picked up an injury.

Vermaelen should be back for the game against Manchester United on Sunday, but Arsenal still need specialist fullbacks. Eric Abidal is apparently a no-go, so Arsenal might have to go with Plan B.

But even that would be better than nothing.

Manchester United: Paul Scholes as the Only Signing

Paul Scholes is back from beyond the grave and the little Ginger Wonder actually played well the other day.

However, let's be realistic here. Paul Scholes is 37, and 2012 Paul Scholes is not 2000 Paul Scholes. With Darren Fletcher out indefinitely, United still need midfielders, not just a 37-year-old emergency signing.

Liverpool: Overspending

Liverpool overspent on Andy Carroll last winter. Their worst nightmare this year would be a repeat.

Carroll could still turn it around and have success at Anfield, but his £35 fee was too much. Liverpool should avoid any deals this winter with steep pricetags.

According to this report, Liverpool could have Aston Villa's Darren Bent for an "attractive offer." That should send shudders down the spines of Liverpool fans.

According to this story, Spurs want £20 million for Jermain Defoe. Yikes.

Don't do it, Liverpool. If you must, try for someone less expensive.

Manchester City: Tevez Stays

Carlos Tevez needs to go. It doesn't matter where. The sooner the better.

If he doesn't leave, Tevez will only serve as a distraction for City down the stretch in the title run.

Chelsea: Not Trimming the Fat

Chelsea already signed defender Gary Cahill from Bolton Wanderers. That should ensure the Blues have a happy transfer season.

But if they want it to be even better, they need to trim some fat, especially in the attack. Nicolas Anelka is apparently already gone. Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou and even Fernando Torres have also been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge.

Clearly, Chelsea shouldn't sell all of them. But the sale of one or two would cut the wage bill (which would help finance summer deals) and serve as a starting point for manager Andre Villas-Boas' roster overhaul.

Spurs: Gomes Stays

QPR reportedly want to buy error-prone keeper Heurelho Gomes (can't imagine why). Spurs reportedly want to buy Newcastle's Tim Krul to replace him.

That would be a dream scenario. Gomes is out of favor at White Hart Lane and Krul has been outstanding this season.

Keeping Gomes wouldn't be harmful unless Brad Friedel and Carlo Cudicini both sustain injuries. Then it becomes a nightmare.